Our Holiday Celebration Dinner and Looking toward 2012

Dear Brethren and Friends:

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. Now comes the hustle and bustle of the Holiday shopping season. Today being, "Cyber Monday," I have to tell you that has been my way of shopping for the past few years. I know a lot of folks are nervous about putting their credit card or bank information out there for fear of hackers and I can understand their fear, but most reputable sites are protected and the one plus I can vouch for is; NO STANDING IN LONG CHECKOUT LINES!

Just to let everyone know, our Family Life event, "Christmas in Hershey," is SOLD OUT. Congratulations go out to our Family Life Chairman, Bro. James C. Rae, 32, MSA on yet another successful event. Way to go Bro. Jim!

By now you should have received your December issue of The Double Eagle which lays out all the information regarding the Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner, scheduled for Friday evening, December 16, 2011 at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast Hotel, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway at US Route 1 in Trevose, PA.

The evening begins at 6PM with the Social Hour featuring a cash bar and the Ladies Auxiliary's Silent and "Chinese Auctions to benefit our Children's Dyslexia Center.

The Radisson's Continental Buffet will be served at 7PM. The buffet includes: Arugula Salad with Figs, Red Onions and Bacon in Port Wine Vinaigrette, Garden Salad with Choice of Light or Regular Dressing, Marinated Roasted Vegetables, Grilled Beef Tenderloins in Red Wine Sauce, Pan Seared Flounder with Roasted Peppers in a Tomato Vinaigrette, Rigatoni with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake and Cheesecake, Assorted Soft Drinks and Bottled Water, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Tazo Tea.

Following dinner, keyboardist, Craig Satchell will entertain us with his selection of Holiday and Traditional favorites.

It is rumored that we will have a visitor from the "Far Northern Masonic Jurisdiction" with us there as well.

The cost per person is $20. You are encouraged to invite a Master Mason guest and his lady to come along, the cost of their dinners is $25 per person. If he chooses to petition our 2012 Spring Class, he will receive a $5 credit toward his $150 initiation fee. Make your checks payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," and send it to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. Be sure to put "Holiday Celebration" on your Check's Memo line. The DEADLINE for ticket purchases is Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

I cannot stress this enough. This is a prepaid event. This means there will be NO tickets available and NO tickets sold at the door. This is our Valley's Holiday Celebration, which means our usual dedicated group of Brethren who volunteer to act as Stewards at our Reunions will be inside enjoying the evening and not working. If you do not purchase tickets in advance, don't just show up at the Radisson, as you will not be admitted. No exceptions! Tickets will be collected before dinner is served.

Take Notice and Govern Yourself Accordingly.

Looking forward to 2012:

We are proud and honored to announce that our 2012 Spring Class has been named in memory of our Illustrious Brother, Armando M. Duran, 33, Past Thrice Potent Master.

The Spring Reunion will begin on with the Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection on Friday, March 16, 2012. The Degrees to be presented that evening are the 4th, Master Travler (DVD Format), the 14th, Grand Elect Mason, plus one other Lodge of Perfection Degree to be announced.

The Reunion continues on Friday, April 20, 2012 with Special Convocation of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and the Special Assembly of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix. The 16th Degree, Prince of Jerusalem and the 18th Degree, Knight of Rose Croix will be presented.

The Spring Reunion will conclude on Friday, May 11, 2012 with the Special Rendezvous of Benjamin Franklin Consistory. The Degrees to be presented that evening are, the 30th, Grand Inspector, the 31st, Knight Aspirant and the 32nd, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

Any Valley Brother who was fortunate enough to know our late Illustrious Brother, Armando, will tell you how flattered he would have been with this honor. He was a great Scottish Rite Mason and a Brother and Friend to all whom he came in contact with. His sudden passing left a void in our Valley that will be felt for many years to come.

As Armando was one of our most successful new member recruiters, lets honor our Illustrious Brother's memory, his service to our Valley, and his accomplishments by making this one of our largest Classes ever.

Also during the Spring:

Applications are accepted for the Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship. There have been some changes made to the eligibilty for the Scholarship:

The following criteria are used to determine the eligibilty of applicants for the program:

• A currently enrolled freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at an accredited college or university.
• A Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
• A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. (Freshman scholarships will be distributed after an acceptable GPA is submitted, following the first semester.)
• A child of a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
• A member of a youth organization (DeMolay, Rainbow, Job's Daughters) sponsored by the Masonic fraternity in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Applications must be obtained by writing to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

Please note that the above eligibility requirements were received AFTER the December issue of The Double Eagle had gone to print. They will be reprinted in the next issue.

On Saturday, April 14, 2012 our Officer Education Committee will again present the Valley's Annual Officer's Training Conference at the Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia.

All Elected and Appointed Officers who will serve the Valley during the 2012-13 Scottish Rite year are expected to attend. Valley Committee members should plan to attend. Any Valley member desirous of getting involved, whether it be as an Officer, Cast member, or serving on a Committee are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The day begins with a Continental Breakfast being served at 7:30 AM. The Conference will begin at 8:30 AM and will conclude by noon.

We have been told that our training program is one of the best in the Northern Jurisdiction. Plenty of good and useful information is distributed at the Conference and it is worth your time.

Interested? A registration coupon is available in the December Double Eagle, or you call the Scottish Rite Office at 215-563-1814 for more information or to register to attend.

At 3 PM on Sunday, April 29, 2012, the Valley will hold its Annual Memorial Service at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Street in South Philadelphia.

A complimentary dinner will follow the Service, but you must have a prior reservation. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated. RSVP the Scottish Rite Office by Wednesday, April 25, 2012. A reservation coupon is available in the December Double Eagle too!

Well that will do it for this edition. If you are planning on attending the Holiday Celebration Dinner, get your check in NOW!

Enjoy the Holiday Season. May the Grand Architect continue watch over each of you and your families.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven A. Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Some Updates for You

Brethren and Friends:

Hope this edition finds you well and preparing for a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families.

Some news items for you:

Tomorrow, Saturday, 19 November 2011, at the Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in NE Philadelphia there will be a pancake breakfast to benefit the DeMolay. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, orange juice, $5 for adults and $3 for kids. It begins at 7:00 AM and runs until 1:00 PM. Always a great event and it supports a great cause. Come on out and enjoy a delicious breakfast and feel good about it too! Rumor has it that pancakes are a great "stomach stretcher" too. Just in time for a pre-Thanksgiving workout!

Don't forget our Holiday Celebration Dinner on Friday, December 16, 2011 (Thanks again Bro. Rob!) at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast Hotel, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway at US Route 1 in Trevose, PA.

The evening begins with the Social Hour at 6PM, featuring two cash bars, and the Valley Ladies "Chinese" and Silent Auctions to benefit the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia. The Radisson's delicious Continental Buffet follows at 7PM. After dinner Keyboardist, Craig Satchell will entertain us with his Holiday music selections.

I've heard that a "Special Guest" from the "Far Northern Masonic Jurisdiction" will be joining us as well.

BRETHREN TAKE NOTICE & GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY: This is a prepaid event. This means that there will be NO tickets sold at the door. Tickets are $20 per person and are available NOW from the Scottish Rite Office. Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies" and send it to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

The December issue of The Double Eagle will have a coupon in it for you send in to order your tickets as well. The DEADLINE for ticket purchases is Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This was too late for press time and is not in the Double Eagle, but, if you wish to invite a Master Mason friend and his lady to come along with you to the Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner, they are welcome to come for $25 per person. If he decides to petition our Valley for the 2012 Spring Class, he will receive a $5 credit toward his $150 petition fee. But, as this is a prepaid event you must have his ticket order in by the December 14, 2011 DEADLINE.

This is going to be a great night and we want everyone to enjoy it, but, remember there will be NO tickets available or sold at the door. If you just show up, you will be turned away. Don't let this happen to you!

Mark your 2012 Calendar now with these important dates:

Our Spring 2012 Reunion begins on Friday, March 16, 2012 with the Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection. The 4th Degree, Master Traveler (DVD Format) and the 14th Degree, Grand Elect Mason will be presented as will one other Lodge of Perfection Degree to be announced.

The Reunion continues on Friday, April 20, 2012 with the Special Convocation of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and the Special Assembly of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix. The 16th Degree, Prince of Jerusalem and the 18th Degree, Knight of Rose Croix will be conferred.

The Spring 2012 Reunion concludes on Friday, May 11, 2012. That evening Benjamin Franklin Consistory will present the 30th Degree, Grand Inspector (Yes, this is an offical, SCOTTISH RITE PASSPORT ALERT!), the 31st Degree, Knight Aspirant and the 32nd Degree, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

Also this Spring:

Saturday, April 14, 2012 is the date for the Valley's Annual Officer's Training Conference. As always the Conference will be held at the Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in NE Philadelphia. All Valley Officers, Officer Candidates both Elected and Appointed, and Valley Committee Members are expected to attend. Any Valley member who is interested in taking an active role in the Valley as either an Officer, Committee member or even in a Degree Cast are welcome and encouraged to attend. A lot of great information is dispersed at the Conference and it is worth your time! The doors will open at 7:30 AM and Continental Breakfast will be served. The Conference kicks off at 8:30 AM. A registration coupon is in the December Double Eagle.

Our Valley's Annual Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the historic, Gloria Dei (Old Swede's Church). The ecumenical service will begin at 3 PM with a complimentary dinner following in the Church's Social Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend this important Valley function, but we need a headcount for the dinner, so like every year, RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! A registration coupon for this event will also be available beginning with the December Double Eagle.

We still have a few tickets available for the Valley's Family Life event, "Christmas in Hershey." The promotion runs from November 18th through December 31st at Hershey Park. We do not a particular day for this program, so you have the freedom to choose which day works for you and your family. Tickets are nice priced at $5 per person which also includes $5 worth of "Chocolate Bucks" good for purchases in the Park's many shops. These tickets are first come, first served. Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies" and send it to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. Be sure to put "Hershey" on your check's memo line.

We still have plenty of 2012 Calendar Books available in the Scottish Rite Office. Do you need one? Give me a call at 215-563-1814 and I'll get one out to you.

Well that will do it for this edition. I want to wish everyone of you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving. The Scottish Rite Office will be closed on Friday, November 25th as that is a Masonic Temple Holiday. As a matter of fact, My family and I will be at Christmas in Hershey that day!

May the Grand Architect continue to watch over all of you, until we meet again. Don't forget to say a prayer for our troops this Holiday Season. They are one important reason to be thankful for all you have!

See you tomorrow at Pancake Day!

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven A. Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Post Reunion thoughts, updates, etc.

Dear Brethren and Friends:

We had a fantastic turnout on Friday, November 4th to welcome our Right Worshipful Grand Master, Ill. Thomas K. Sturgeon 33, and our State Deputy, Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33. Russ has been our Active for a few years now, this was his first official visit to the Valley of Philadelphia as State Deputy. It was a special night having both with us. Also visiting us that evening was our Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer and Active Member of the Supreme Council, Ill. Jeffrey W. Coy, 33. We hope all three enjoyed their visit with us.

Congratulations once more go out to Ill. Leonard R. Bezar, 33 on receiving his 33rd Degree Jewel and Crown and to Bros. Paul J. Mandelaro and James C. Rae, 32, MSA on receiving their Meritorious Service Jewels and their red MSA Caps. Also congratulations and thank you to Ill. Carl D. Homan, 33 on his recognition for his many years of dedicated leadership and service to our Valley.

Our Degree Casts did an excellent job on the conferrals of the 27th, 31st, and 32nd Degrees. We had a number of new faces in the Degree Casts which is always a great thing. The 27th Degree has a large cast and it was great to see so many Brethren taking part. We are expecting to present the 30th Degree during the Spring 2012 Reunion. It too has a large Cast. It would be nice to see  some more "first timers" take part. If you're interested call the Scottish Rite Office and I'll get your name out to the Director of Work, Ill. David T. Reppert, 33, MSA.

Speaking of Illustrious Brother Dave, this coming Spring Reunion will be his swan song. Work and School commitments are going to take up his time, so Dave has announced his "retirement" for the time being. Special thanks go out to Ill. Robert J. Burns, 33, who will take over this most important role in our Valley.

Illustrious Bro. Reppert's loss will also be felt in our Degree Casts. Dave is known for taking large parts and sometimes 2 or 3 parts in the course of one evening. We are truly going to need some Brethren to step up to the challenge. I take parts from time to time as my duties as Valley Secretary will allow, and I can tell you this - the Degree Casts have a great time working together at the rehearsals and on the floor the evening of the conferral. Come on, step up and volunteer to get involved, I promise, you won't regret it.

Okay so the Fall Reunion is over. Now what's next for the Valley of Philadelphia?

Well, we still have tickets available for our next Family Life event, "Christmas in Hershey" The promotion runs from November 18th through December 31st at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA. We do not have a particular day like we had in the past. You pick the day that's best for you and go have a great day with your family.

Tickets cost $5 per person and include $5 worth of "Chocolate Bucks," for you to spend in the Park's shops.

Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," and mail to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

Our next "EVENT" in the Valley is our Holiday Celebration Dinner on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast, 2400 Old Lincoln Hwy at US Route 1, Trevose, PA.

The evening begins with the Social Hour at 6PM featuring two cash bars. There will also be "Chinese" and Silent Auctions held to benefit the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia.

The delicious Continental Buffet dinner will be served at 7PM. After dinner keyboardist, Craig Satchell will entertain us with his holiday music selections.

Okay, now here comes the IMPORTANT PART: This is a pre-pay event. Which means NO tickets will be available or sold at the event. All tickets for the Holiday Celebration Dinner must be purchased by Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from the Scottish Rite Office. The cost per person is $20. The December issue of THE DOUBLE EAGLE, will include a coupon for you to clip out and send in to get your tickets, or you can send your check in now. Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," and send it to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107-2520. Please be sure to put "Holiday Dinner" on your check's memo line.

We want every Valley member and their lady to enjoy this event, but if you do not have pre-paid tickets, DO NOT embarass yourself by just showing up at the Radisson Hotel. You will NOT be admitted. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Just a note to let everyone know, the Scottish Rite Office will be closed this Friday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of my fellow Veterans for their service to our Country.

Well that will do it for this edition. Get your check in for the Holiday Celebration Dinner! REMEMBER-No ticket, No admittance!

Our Spring 2012 Reunion begins on Friday, March 16, 2012. Start talking your Master Mason friends NOW!

I want to wish each and everyone of you a most joyous Thanksgiving.  I pray the Grand Architect watches over you and yours until the next time we meet.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary