First, on behalf of the Officers and Members of the Valley of Philadelphia, we send out our thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed at the U.S. embassy in Libya. We are living in dangerous times and the peacefulness of our gentle Craft stands as a stalwart to the principle of Brotherly Love regardless of religious or political doctrine.
Now I have the unfortunate duty of announcing that this Saturday's bus trip to Nemours Mansion and Gardens has been cancelled due to lack of sufficient participation. Those who sent in checks for their fee for the trip will be reimbursed. Our Valley has traditionally run two bus trips each year, which have been enjoyable ventures for Valley members and their families, but in recent years our trips have become less then a popular attraction.
The Executive Committee is looking into an alternative activity for our members and their families. Once that is decided and approved, it will be announced. Stay tuned.
The 33rd Degree Members of the Valley have returned from the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council, which was held in Cleveland, Ohio this year. Valley Members, Matthew Dupee, Jeffrey Greene, William Kingsbury, John Lanckowski and Harry Rutter, were coroneted as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33rd Degree, Honorary Members of the Supreme Council. Congratulations again to them.
Now we turn our attention to next years session in Washington, DC. This will mark the 200th Anniversary of our Supreme Council, and we understand that exciting plans are place to make this a memorable event. Valley Brothers, Philip Janusz, MSA, James Rae, MSA and John Wagner will receive the 33rd Degree at that time. Congratulations to these Brothers on their nomination and election to be so honored.
Valley members interested in purchasing the Supreme Council's bicentennial membership jewel are reminded to keep an eye on the Council's web site, www.scottishritenmj.org for when the jewel will be available for purchase. This is the only way to get the jewel, unless you are a Candidate for the Scottish Rite Degrees between the 2012 Spring Class and the 2013 Fall Class. The jewels cost $25.
As our header says, we are on the threshold of our 2012 Fall Reunion which will begin on Friday, October 19, 2012 with the Fall Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection.
We have some changes to announce with this Reunion. Beginning on Friday, October 19, 2012 our dinners will now cost $20 per person and we will now charge $5 for a parking chaser. Also non-reserved dinners or those made past the reservation deadline will now cost $30 per person. Economic times have made these changes necessary. We apologize for any incovenience this may cause you, but these steps have to be taken if our Valley is to continue to operate in a fiscally responsible way. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Getting back to the Fall Special Communication, the evening will begin at 6PM with a buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall. The Communication opens at 7PM at which time the 4th Degree, Master Traveler (DVD), will be presented. The 14th Degree, Grand Elect Mason presented by the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection will follow.
If you plan to attend we ask that you get your dinner reservations in no later than the deadline of Wednesday, October 17th. Call 215-563-1814 or email to phila.aasr@juno.com to make your reservations.
If you don't know by now our 2012 Fall Class is named in honor of our Right Worshipful Grand Master, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33rd Degree. He will be with us on Friday, December 21, 2012. Make plans now to join with us to welcome him.
Our Family Picnic at the Cape May County Zoo on Saturday, September 29, 2012 is looking like it is going to be a great event. Tickets are still available if you wish to go. Send your check for $5 per person to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. The Zoo is open from 11AM until Dusk and our event will run throughout that time. The Zoo is free, but we will have our own reserved pavilion with a catered picnic with burgers, hot dogs, salads, sodas, and the usual picnic fixings. Bring your family and your lawn chairs and join us down the shore for what will be a great Valley Family event!
The Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center invite you to attend their annual "A Toast To Reading" benefit event on Friday, November 2, 2012 at the William Penn Inn, Rte 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM.
This year's benefit is held in memory of Ill. Thomas Hopkins, 33rd Degree, who was instrumental in developing this annual fund raiser and served as its Chairman from its inception. The event will also honor Special Guest, Philadelphia City Councilman, Dennis O'Brien. Councilman O'Brien was very instrumental in assisting our Center's Board in identifying the Philadelphia Academy Charter High School as the site for hosting the Center. He will be present at the event.
For more information on how to purchase tickets, call 215-563-1814.
While on the subject of the Center, the parents of the students are hosting a fund raising event at Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135, on Saturday, October 20, 2012. The event runs from 7-11PM. There will be food, beverages, entertainment and raffles. For more information on how to purchase tickets call 215-563-1814.
I know it's only September, but don't forget our Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner scheduled for Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia. For more information call 215-563-1814.
Well, you're reading this blog, which means you know that the Valley of Philadelphia is making use of the world of social media. But, did you know that we have other resources as well? We do! We have both a 'fan' and a 'group' page on Facebook, we have a page on Google+ and we have a Twitter page too (@PhilaScotRite). If you have an account on either of these social outlets, check us out and give us a 'like' or a 'follow.' Please be advised that our Facebook group is limited to members of the Valley of Philadelphia and their Ladies only. All others are welcome to 'like' our fan page to keep up to date on all that is happening.
That will do it for this edition. As always I pray that the Grand Architect watches over you and your families.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Steven Morrison, 33rd Degree
Valley Secreatary
