Happy New Year!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Happy New Year! Lets hope that 2012 is a great year for each of you, your families and our Valley!

While I'm on the subject of "new," congratulations go out to the new Grand Lodge Officers and in particular our Most Wise Master, Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33, on his election and installation as Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Way to go Bob!

Despite the cold temperatures, Spring is just over the horizon and along with it is our 2012 Spring Reunion.

The Reunion begins with the Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection, on Friday evening, March 16th. The Degrees to be presented that night are the; 4th (DVD), 8th and 14th.

The Reunion continues on Friday, April 18, 2012. DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, will present the 16th and 18th Degrees respectively as part of the Spring Special Convocation and Special Assembly.

The Spring Reunion concludes on Friday, May 11, 2012, when Benjamin Franklin Consistory presents the 30th (Scottish Rite Passport ALERT!!!), 31st and 32nd Degrees.

As I've reported before the Class is named in memory of our late Illustrious Bro. Armando M. Duran, 33.

Lets all do our part to honor him with a large Class. He was the first line recommender of 33 Valley Members. It would be great to match his efforts and even better to have more.

SPECIAL CHALLENGE: To those 33 members who Armando recommended, why not honor the man who brought you to Scottish Rite by doing the same for another Brother. Can you think of a better way to say "Thank You?"

Also this Spring:

Don't forget that the Deadline for submitting applications for the Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship is Friday, March 16, 2012.

They've changed the eligibility requirements to apply for the Scholarship: Those now eligible are; a child of a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction or a member of DeMolay,. Rainbow or Job's Daughters who is a currently enrolled freshman, sopohmore, junior or senior of an accredited college or university, with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Please note that grandchildren are no longer eligible to apply.

To obtain an application, write to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

The Valley's Annual Officer's Training Conference will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue, in Northeast Philadelphia.

A Continental Breakfast will be served at 7:30 AM and the Conference begins at 8:30 AM. It is expected to conclude at noon.

All Elected and Appointed Officers are expected to attend. Valley Committee Members should plan to attend and any Valley Member is interested in becoming more active and involved is encouraged to attend.

See your December 2011 issue of The Double Eagle for a reservation coupon or call 215-563-1814.

Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix will again host the Valley's Annual Memorial Service on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Street.

The Service begins at 3:00 PM and a complimentary dinner will be served in the Church's social hall following. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! Please use the reservation coupon in the December Double Eagle or call 215-563-1814.

All Valley Elected and Appointed Officers should plan on attending the Service.

Our Family Life Chairman, Bro. Jim Rae, MSA is again working to put together a Valley Family Day at Campbell's Field. The event which features a catered picnic and some great minor league baseball action featuring the Camden River Sharks, has been a popular event in the Valley. Information will be available soon. Don't miss out!

Jim is also working on plans for an event at the Cape May County Zoo. Stay tuned.

Well that will do it for now. Again, Happy New Year everyone!

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary