Valley By-Laws Updated-Important!

Brethren: Our Valley's By-Laws have been in need of an update for some time now.

In the past year our By-Laws Committee Chairman, Bro. Leonard Altieri, 32° has taken on the task of reviewing, revising and re-writing a new full code.

As he progressed through the project, drafts were presented to the voting members of the Valley's Executive Committee for their review and approval.

The final draft was presented at the September Executive Committee meeting and approved by the Committee at our October meeting.

The final approved draft of the new full code of by-laws is available for your inspection in the Scottish Rite Office. This full code will be voted on by the Valley at our 17 March Spring Reunion meeting.

If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding the proposed new full code, please direct your questions to either Bro. Altieri or myself. Thank you.

On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief and my fellow voting members, I would like to thank Bro. Leonard for his fantastic work on this project.

Scottish Rite Day Reservations Closed

Dear Brethren: 

Just to let everyone know we've cut off accepting reservations to the Scottish Rite Day event.

The Commander-in-Chief expressed concern with the way reservations were being made that there wouldn't be seats for any of our new Brethren that will become Scottish Rite Masons through the One Day Masonic Journey; and while National Scottish Rite Day does belong to all Scottish Rite Masons across the country, the Candidates are the focus of the event and we have to provide opportunity for them to attend.

I'm sorry that we cannot accommodate everyone. Thank you all for your continued interest and participation in our Valley and its programs.

Don't forget our 'Christmas in Hershey Family Life Event, ' tickets are in! Also, be sure to get your check in for the Valley's Annual Holiday Party happening on Saturday, 17 December at the Heritage Ballroom in Holmes, PA. That's going to be a very fun evening!

Our National Scottish Rite Day Observation

Brethren: 

Our Commander-in-Chief notified me yesterday that he has decided to make our event on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Yardley Country Club, 1010 Reading Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania, free for all Valley members that wish to attend. However, as of this posting only 173 of the 200 seats in the room remain. This is a first come, first served program.

The evening will begin with a cash bar Social Hour from 5 to 6 PM. A buffet dinner wll follow at 7PM with this menu: Stuffed Flounder, Beef Short Ribs, Veal Marsala, Portobello Ravioli, Sauteed Zucchini and a pastry assortment for dessert.

DJ entertainment will be provided.

If you wish to attend please call 215-563-1814. I will make two reservations for you from this notification, for you and your significant other. Please do not say, 'and include Jim, Bob and Joe and their Ladies too.' As this is a first come, first served event, if a Brother and his Lady wish to attend, he must contact me. No Exceptions.

This evening has been published in THE DOUBLE EAGLE and I've posted the flyer to the Valley Facebook group. If you've ordered tickets I will make your reservation and return your check to you as long as seats remain. 3 Brethren have already sent in checks and their reservations have been honored and they are in the count. Your ticket fee will be returned to you.

As reservations are made I will keep you updated as to how many seats remain.

Thank you for your anticipated and expected cooperation

Our Latest Fall Class Count and What Else is Happening

Good Friday Morning everyone!

I went to Lodge last night and came home with 5 petitions for the One Day Masonic Journey. That gets us up to 31. I had 'promises' from two other Brothers who will petition at the event. In the mean time I received emails from Ill. Rick Freedman and Bro. Lou Eggert letting me know to expect more. The Valley of Pittsburgh is leading the pack right now with 101 petitions. Now I don't know if we'll get that many, but the challenge is out there. Lets get at it!

I spoke with our Trustees Chairman, Valley Bro. Rick Santella in regards to his Dad and our Brother, Americo D. Santella's surgery yesterday. He came through it well and Rick wanted me to let you all know that he smiled when Rick let him know that we were all praying for him. Brotherhood in action! Please keep our Brother in your prayers and thoughts as he faces a lengthy recovery time.

Don't forget the Feast of Tishri. One of the Candidates from my Lodge also purchased a ticket. He's very excited about it and you should be too! This is going to be a fantastic evening of fellowship and Freemasonry. I had a Brother last night ask me why it cost so much? I told him that not only are you receiving a great meal, it is also a fundraiser for our Valley. We have to make something on it, don't we? Not sure if he's going to buy a ticket or not, but I left him thinking about it.

The Feast happens on Friday, 30 September at Twining Hall at the Trevose Fire Company. Very nice place too and the food is tremendous! The address is 4900 Street Road in Trevose. The evening begins with a cash bar Social Hour at 6 PM with 15 different butlered hors d'oeuvres. Yes, I said 15! How many times have you seen that? A delicious buffet dinner will be served at 7PM featuring a carving station. After dinner we will have the ceremonial portion of the evening, explaining the traditional means of the Feast, accompanied by toasts. Everyone will receive a souvenir toast glass. Following that, our Keynote Speaker, our own, Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33° RWPGM and Active Member of the Supreme Council will offer us a few words of wisdom.

We have the hall until 11 PM although our activity will probably only last until around 9 or 9:30, so once we're done, we'll reopen the cash bar and there will be cigars for those that enjoy them. An outdoor party tent will be set up for the cigar loving Brethren to fellowship in.

Yes, this has been advertised as a Black Tie event and we'd like to see as many of you possible attired that way, but, business suits are acceptable and welcome for those that might not have a tux. We do not want to exclude anyone who wishes to attend. Tickets cost $65 per person and Tables of 10 are available for purchase. Ticket sales are going great but we still have plenty of seats for those that are lollygagging. Come on already! Don't miss this!

The very next day, Saturday, 1 October, at the Cannstatter is our first ever Double Eagle Car Show! Cannstatter is located at 9130 Academy Road, in NE Philadelphia. The show begins at 10 AM and runs until 2 PM. It's only $5 to get in and if you have a car to show, it's $20. This is also a fundraising event for our Valley. Please give it your support as well. If you wish to show a car or have a vendor table at the event, please get in touch with our Chairman, Valley Brother, Tim Curran at doubleeaglecarshow@gmail.com or by calling 267-495-9855.Tim will be glad to fill you in on all the particulars needed to participate. While the Feast of Tishri is a Masons only event, the Double Eagle Car Show is open to the entire family!

I won't ruin the surprise now, but watch your October issue of THE DOUBLE EAGLE for information regarding our event to celebrate National Scottish Rite Day on Saturday, 12 November.

Well, I have 5 petitions to process among my other duties here in the office, have a great Friday everyone and an even better weekend ahead!

The Feast of Tishri, a spectacular evening of Masonic fellowship and heritage

Dear Brethren and Friends:  

On Friday, September 30, 2016, the Valley of Philadelphia will observe its first ever 'Feast of Tishri' event. The gathering will happen at Twining Hall at the Trevose Fire Company, 4900 Street Road, Trevose, PA. Tickets are $65  per person and must be purchased in advance. This is a 'Brethren only' event and ALL MASONS are welcome.

The Feast of Tishri is a celebration commemorating the dedication of the Temple by King Solomon (II Chronicles 7:8-10). There is a ceremonial portion to the evening's program in which toasts are offered. Everyone attending will receive a souvenir wine glass, designed exclusively for the Feast. It will be from this glass that participants will take their toasts.

Our evening will begin at 6PM with a cash bar Social Hour featuring butlered hors d'oeuvres. A buffet dinner will follow at 7PM.

After dinner the ceremonial portion of the Feast will be observed, featuring traditional presentations and toasts offered. After the ceremonies our Keynote Speaker for the evening will be the Valley of Philadelphia's own, Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33°, RWPGM and Active Member of the Supreme Council.

Twining Hall has been reserved until 11 PM, so, following the program the bar will be reopened and cigars will be available for those that wish to imbibe. The hall itself is smoke free, a party tent will be set up outside for those that wish to enjoy the fellowship with a cigar.

This is a Black Tie event, however; if a Brother wishing to attend doesn't own a tuxedo, business suits are acceptable and welcome. 

Tables can be reserved for up to 10 people. Lodges and other Masonic Bodies are welcome and encouraged to purchase a table. The deadline for ticket purchases is Monday, September 26, 2016.

This is going to be an evening of classic and unique Masonic fellowship with some of our rich Masonic heritage thrown in.

If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please call 215-563-1814. If you wish to purchase a ticket, tickets or a table, please make your check payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies' and send it to, Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520, before Monday, September 26, 2016.

Good Morning everyone and welcome to the first day of Summer!

Now just because it’s Summer and most of our Masonic activity has gone, ‘dark’ doesn’t mean that we’re totally quiet. Far from it!

We have the Annual Convocation of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation coming up on 9 July at the Valley Forge Casino Resort. Now, for those of you who’ve never attended the Annual Convocation before or are not a member of the Council; you are of course welcome and encouraged to attend. The 8 June deadline has past for reservations for the luncheon and banquet, if you didn’t get yours in on time, yes it is too late for that now, but it is not too late for you to attend the meeting itself on Saturday afternoon on the 9^th. The meeting begins at 1:30 PM and will last until approximately 4:30 PM. The dress code for the meeting is business suit or sport coat and tie. We sit in groups by Valley.

Now in past years the Valley of Philadelphia has had a row or maybe two rows of Brethren attending. In recent years, we’ve seen that grow to two and half to three rows of Brethren attending the Annual Convocation at Hershey (formerly) and at Seven Springs (next year by the way). It’s great to see that many Valley Brethren supporting not only our Valley, but Scottish Rite in Pennsylvania.

With this year’s Convocation being held in Valley Forge, I expect that we might have one of the largest delegations present. Personally, I would love to see us have as many attending as Allentown, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Reading some day. I think this year might our best chance yet. Will we do it? We’ll find out on the 9^th of July.

For those that did pay to attend the Banquet and Luncheon, you will want to arrive at the hotel in the morning on July 9^th. When you get there you will go to the ‘Ask Me’ table, which this year will be staffed by our very own, Ill. James C. Rae, 33° MSA and Bro. Thomas H. Wible, 32° MSA. They will have your tickets for both events. If you get to the hotel between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, be sure to stop by the Council’s Hospitality Room. Bro. Norman R. Greene III, 32° MSA and myself are your gracious hosts during that time period and based on recent years, we could sure use the company. A lot of folks have just had breakfast at that time of the morning and they’re usually not interested in cookies, potato chips, pretzels, sodas and the like. But stop by any way, Norm and I will have some good conversation for you.

On the 30^th of July, we will again gather in the picnic grove at the Cannstatter Volkfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road in NE Philadelphia for the Valley’s Annual Family Summer Picnic. Cannstatter is located right off the Academy Road exit of I-95. Our picnic is on from 12 to 5PM and lunch and dinner are served. The cost per person of for tickets is $15 for those ages 13 and up and $10 for those 12 and under. Master Masons, WHO ARE NOT SCOTTISH RITE MASONS AND MEMBERS OF THE VALLEY OF PHILADELPHIA, are welcome to attend for free. They are welcome to bring their families along for the admission fee. Talk to the Lodge Brother and invite him to come along. We’ll have games and activities for everyone, or you can just enjoy the day anyway you’d like. Tickets must be purchased in advance! Get yours by sending in your check to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. Don’t miss out on the picnic, it’s always a fun day. Our Sovereign Prince, Ill. Harry Rutter, 33° and the other Officers of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem, 16°, hope to see YOU and your family there!

So that’s what’s happening this Summer. Hopefully we’ll see you at both events.

Don’t forget the Double Eagle Car Show on Saturday, October 1^st at the Cannstatter. The event runs 10 AM to 2 PM. If it rains, we’ll see you on Saturday, October 8^th. If you have a custom or classic car, and you want to enter in the show, it will cost you $20, if you want to come and see the cars, the cost to get in is only $5. There will be music, food, games, and trophies for the cars.

Special thanks goes out to Bro. Timothy J. Curran Jr., 32° for putting this thing together. This is a fund raising event for YOUR Valley Brethren. Your support of it is appreciated and vital to its success. Spread the word and please plan to attend. Tim’s calling it the Double Eagle Car Show this year, I told him if we have one next year, we’ll have to change the name to the Double Eagle Classic. Imagine that on a trophy; ‘Double Eagle Classic – Best in Show.’ Cool huh? Please support our show and thanks again to Bro. Tim for his vision.

Sometime later this week, I will have a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT regarding another fund raising event for the Valley that will take place this September. I promise you, you will not want to miss it!

Our Fall Reunion will begin as part of the Grand Lodge’s One Day Masonic Journey on Saturday, 29 October at LuLu Shriners. We will present our work that day via DVD. All Master Masons are welcome to join our Valley that day for the price of our annual dues, $99. Spread the word!

The Fall Class will be named in honor of our Right Worshipful Grand Master, Ill. Raymond T. Dietz, 33°. We will invite all the one day Class members to attend a Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection and a Special Assembly of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, on Friday, 11 November here at the Grand Lodge, when those two Bodies will present their signature Degrees. The Right Worshipful Grand Master will be here to welcome those new Brethren to our Valley and to Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

Plan now to attend our Valley’s Holiday Party on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Heritage Ballrooms, 2107 MacDade Boulevard in Holmes, PA. The cost per person is $30. The evening will include a Social Hour at 6PM with a delicious buffet dinner following at 7PM. DJ Bill Scheivert is back to rock the place again this year, so be ready to hit the dance floor after dinner! Beat the holiday rush and send your check in now. There is a flyer for the event in the May issue of The Double Eagle, or you can download one from the Valley’s website by visiting, http://www.philascottishrite.org/announcements.html

I’ve ordered our 2017 Dues Billing from the Supreme Council. Which means once they are run you will receive your bill in the mail. Please be sure to include your billing statement with your check when paying your dues. Make your dues check and any check you make out to the Valley for any purpose, payable to, ‘Scottish Rite Bodies.’ Please be patient, we are one 107 Valleys that the Supreme Council will be running billing for. I promise I won’t suspend anyone, well, at least not until this time next year and only if you’re two years behind in dues. Believe me, I don’t enjoy having to do that.

Well, it’s the first day of Summer and they’re calling for it to be in the 90’s. Stay cool, stay hydrated and check on the elderly. Ill. G. Kent Hackney, 33°, are you okay? Have a great day!

Good Morning everyone and I say 'Good Morning' in my most sincere attitude as I am about to change the subject to something that some folks find, unsettling; dues.

Yes, that time is soon to be upon us. It is my plan to order our dues run from the Supreme Council very soon. For our new members, the Valley's fiscal year runs from 8/1 to 7/31 and I usually bill you for dues in mid to late June/early July, depending on where we fall in the queue up at Supreme Council. As always, PLEASE WAIT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR BILL FOR DUES PRIOR TO PAYING YOUR DUES. And if you're one of us who takes advantage of electronic banking, please make sure your 9-digit member number is on your check. This is the number on your dues card. If you're still not sure, call me. Thank You.

Now to those that have not paid their dues for 2015 & 2016: Prior to ordering our dues run I will have no choice but to suspend you from the Valley. We gave you the time required by the Supreme Council Constitution. I contacted you by letter. Our Retention Committee contacted you. Nothing more can be said. Once you are suspended, you will no longer be a Scottish Rite Mason. If you wish to come back after that, you will be required to pay two years dues.

For those that haven't paid their 2016 dues yet: Your bill will be for two years worth of dues. Which means you will be on our suspension list next year. You have time to pay your dues and avoid that situation even if you do it by installments. I would rather you send a dollar a day before suspending you. Seriously. If you're having financial difficulties but want to remain a Scottish Rite Mason, I want to help you make that happen. Please note that we can no longer remit dues. It's simply not affordable for the Valley to continue that practice. But. we can work out a payment plan that works for you (within limits). Call me at 215-563-1814 and lets discuss it.

Again, I have to order our dues run from the Supreme Council and they have 107 Valleys to run dues for. We'll be set into their queue and when our time comes they will run and mail out our dues billing. Please be patient. Also, please remember to return your bill with your check!

Now see? That wasn't so painful to discuss, was it?

Good Morning everyone!

I don't know about you, but I am sure happy to see the sunshine this morning. I read once that prolonged exposure to cold, cloudy skies and rain can lead to depression. I never took much stock in that but after last week's gray day after gray day, seeing the sunshine this morning, I have to admit, I feel a bit more optimistic. So who knows?

This coming Thursday, 12 May, is the reservation deadline for our Annual Meeting, next Friday, 20 May. Yes, it's almost here. To those of you that have made your reservations, Thank you! To those that haven't but plan to attend the meeting, lets get them in soon.

To our Spring Class mentors, have you checked with your charges yet to see if they're coming to the Annual? This is their first 'official' meeting as a 32° Mason and attendance at the Annual might foster the attitude of being an active attendee at future Valley functions. Not to mention as a new Scottish Rite Mason and Valley member, this is a great opportunity for them to observe and learn how our Valley conducts its election, installation and budget approval. Encourage active involvement. Get them started off right. Call him/them. Get them out to the Annual.

To those elected and appointed Officer Candidates, the uniform of the day for the Annual Meeting is tuxedo (short coat) or dark suit for those that do not have a tux. Guards (14°), Satraps (16°) and Acolytes (18°), will join their respective lines for the installation ceremony.

Your wife, lady or significant other will be welcomed into Gothic Hall to witness your installation, as will any friend you wish to bring along. Just remember, they'll need a dinner reservation!

I've had a number of questions regarding the tickets for this Saturday's Family Life event, '1776' at the Media Theater. We hadn't received the tickets, which is why you haven't received yours yet. Our Family Life Chairman, Ill. James Rae, 33° MSA had the tickets mailed to his home this weekend. He's dropping them off to me this morning and they will go into the mail as soon as I receive them. I've had a few requests for aisle seats. I do not have a seating chart for the theater, and as such I have no way of knowing what seats you'll receive. Thank you to all who purchased tickets for your continued support of our Family Life activities.

While I'm on the subject of family activities, don't forget our Annual Valley Family Summer Picnic in the picnic grove at Cannstatter's, 9130 Academy Road in NE Philadelphia. This year's picnic happens on Saturday, 30 July. The cost per person is $15 (ages 13 and up) and $10 (for 12 and under) . Lunch and Dinner will be served. The event runs from 12PM until 5PM and there will games and activities for all to enjoy all day. Tickets are available NOW and we have plenty. Also, your Master Mason friends (non-Scottish Rite) are welcome to come for FREE! No tickets will be available the day of the picnic. They must be purchased in advance. Get yours soon!

Our Fall 2016 Class has been named in honor of our Right Worshipful Grand Master, Ill. Raymond T. Dietz, 33°. This Class will receive their work as part of the One Day Masonic Journey at LuLu Shriners on Saturday, 29 October. We've waived our initiation fee for this Clas, which means your Candidate will be able to become a Scottish Rite Mason for the cost of our dues only, $99.

I've had a few Brethren volunteer to be a part of the team at LuLu that day. We have a full group, but no doubt our Membership Committee will be looking for mentors for this expected large Class. Stay tuned for calls for volunteers for that most important role.

We will welcome our Fall Class members here to the Temple on Friday, 11 November at which time Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection and Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, will present their signature Degrees. The Right Worshipful Grand Master will be with us that evening as well.

Spread the word. Get a Candidate.

Well, Jim just arrived with the '1776' tickets. I'd better get them in the mail.

Have a great Monday everyone and an even better week ahead!

The Valley's Annual Memorial Service is Today!

Good Morning! Today is the Valley's Annual Memorial Service, hosted by the Most Wise Master, Ill. John Lanckowski, 33° and the other Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, 18°.

The Service will begin at 3PM at The Church of our Savior, 821 Homestead Road, Jenkintown, PA.

Our Valley Prior and Assistant Grand Prior of the Supreme Council, The Reverend and Illustrious William D. Hartman, 33° will again offer the message as we memorialize the 49 Brethren we've lost over the past year.

Every member of the Valley of Philadelphia is welcome to attend the Service and you're welcome to bring your family along as well.

Following the Service, a complimentary dinner will be served in the dining room of the Jenkintown Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road, Jenkintown. The Temple is directly across the street from the Church.

There two lighted cross walks, one north of the church and one south on Old York Road, we ask that everyone please use these when crossing over to the Temple. We're in no hurry to begin filling the program for next year's Service.

If you did not make a reservation for the dinner, I am sorry, we cannot accommodate you today, but you're still welcome to attend the Service.

The dress code for the Brethren today is coat and tie or business suit. The Officers of Kilwinning Chapter should be in tuxedo.

Brethren Please Take Notice: 

I spoke with Amy, the Temple Caterer on Friday when she called to get our count. I gave her the number I have right now, but told her I would call her back on first thing Tuesday morning as our deadline is Monday. She told me at that time that I would have to call her Monday morning as she cannot go past Monday afternoon with the staffing service she uses to get people to serve the tables.

So, if you haven't called in to 215-563-1814, clicked 'Going' (for our Facebook group members) or sent an email reservation in to phila.aasr@juno.com yet for Friday's dinner, please do so NOW.

Unfortunately, I will have to call her in the morning with what will be our final count. As per our Commander-in-Chief's directive, if you do not have a reserved ticket we will turn you away from dinner.

The clock is ticking, get your reservation in today. Please pass the word. After I call Amy in the morning, I will accept no more reservations.

Thank you both your understanding and your cooperation.

Good Morning everyone and welcome to Friday!

This coming Monday is our Dinner Reservation Deadline for next Friday's visit by the Sovereign Grand Commander. If I do not have you on the list when I close the office on Monday, YOU WILL NOT BE JOINING US FOR DINNER ON FRIDAY NIGHT! No ifs, ands or buts. If you haven't called, emailed or clicked 'Going' (through our Valley Facebook group) yet and you plan to join to us, get it done TODAY!

Next Wednesday, 6 April is the final rehearsal for the 32°. Ill. Daniel Martin, 33°, Degree Master has told me that attendance at the rehearsals so far hasn't been that great. He's asking everyone to be try to be there on Wednesday. This is the Cast that will present the Degree in front of our Sovereign Grand Commander. Our best effort needs to be there! Although this is a Ceremonial Cast rehearsal, Illustrious Bro. Dan is asking that Allegory Cast members try to attend as well. Also Honor Guard members should be there too. Ill. Bud Garvey, 33°, our Valley's 'Protocol Czar' will also be there to rehearse the reception of Scottish Rite/Masonic Dignitaries.

We have a big week ahead, with the Reunion on Friday night and then the Annual Officer's Training on Saturday. The Conference will be held again this year at the Jenkintown Masonic Temple. All Elected and Appointed Officers are expected to attend. Our Commander-in-Chief has stated that Officer Line advancement will be weighed by your attendance at the Conference. He reiterated that last night at the Executive Committee meeting. The Conference begins with Breakfast served at 7:30 AM by Valley Bro. Joseph Rocchi, thanks again Joe! The Conference kicks off at 8:30 and we'll have you out of there by noon. If you plan to come and haven't registered yet, please do so by today. I have to get the materials together and I need to know how many packets to make up. Thank you.

Well, that will do it for now. Have a great R.E.D. Friday everyone and an even better week ahead!

Good Morning Everyone! I know it's the Monday after a long holiday weekend, it's raining, I get it, but hey, we've got to get on with it.

Our 32° Allegory (Knights, Tempters, etc) Cast rehearses this evening in Gothic Hall. The rehearsal begins promptly at 7PM, parking is in the Convention Center Facility, 1324 Arch Street and as always a business suit or a sport coat and tie gets you in the building.

I don't want to say the pressure is on, but this Cast, will be the Cast that confers the Degree in front of the Sovereign Grand Commander. Have a great rehearsal guys!

Exactly one week from today is our Dinner Reservation Deadline. Due to the expected crowd with the Commander's visit, our Commander-in-Chief has ordered that anyone who does not have a prior reservation will be turned away from dinner on 8 April. So, if you haven't gotten your reservation in yet, lets get that done today, If you know of any Brethren that are planning on coming down, please let them know that they must have their reservation in by Monday, 4 April. Absolutely NO tickets will be sold at the door without a prior reservation. No exceptions.

The 32° Ceremonial (Commander-in-Chief and the floor officers) Cast will rehearse this Wednesday night, 30 March at 7PM in Gothic Hall and again the same parking and dress code rules apply!

With Commander's visit we're also going to need an Honor Guard. If you're able and want to be a part of that, we'd love to have you. The dress code for Honor Guard is short coat tuxedo. If you're going to volunteer for the Honor Guard, making the rehearsal on Wednesdays, 30 March and 6 April would be helpful and a good idea. Thank you to all who volunteer for this most important duty!

If you haven't signed up yet for our Annual Officer's Conference, time is winding down. The Conference is Saturday, 9 April at the Jenkintown Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road. The doors open at 7:30 AM, breakfast will be served and we kick off everything at 8:30 AM. This is 'Year 3' of our 3 year agenda and we've added some new content to that. We'll have you out of there and home to your family by noon. All elected Officers are expected to attend and our Commander-in-Chief has made it clear to the Members of the Officer Selection Committee that Officer Line advancement will be weighed by attendance at the Conference. All appointed Officers are expected to attend. Valley Committee members should plan to attend, and as always ANY Valley Brother that is interested in getting further involved in our Valley is welcome and encouraged to be there! Sign up today!

Tickets are still available for our next GREAT Family Life event, '1776' at the Media Theater on Saturday, 14 May at 2PM. I do not have the tickets in hand yet as the theater will not send them out while they have another show in production, but once I have them I will get them out to everyone who has ordered them so far. If you plan to go send your check into the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. Make your check payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies' and the tickets cost $15 per person. No, we do not take credit cards and no we will not reserve tickets over the phone.

We'll that'll do it for now. Have a great Monday everyone. Stay dry!

Good Morning everyone and welcome to Monday! How about those Panth, I mean, Broncos?

Last night a friend of mine posted on his wall that he knew he was getting old because his 'Super Bowl Party' consisted of three cans of beer and a pint of ice cream. I think I might feel older then, as mine consisted of two ginger ales.

This is the week before our Reunion, but things kick off this evening with the first rehearsal of our 4°. They get started at 7PM in Gothic Hall. Parking is at the Convention Center Parking Facility, 1324 Arch Street. Remember Brethren the Auto Show is in town which means parking is always limited. You might want to try and get down a bit earlier. Our validation coupons are good from 3PM until midnight. And, as always, the dress code for the Temple, is business suit or coat and tie.

Our 26° Cast rehearses this Wednesday evening and the same rules and warnings apply. We've already had two rehearsals off site for this Cast and I can tell you this, my Cast mates and I are looking forward to putting forward our very best work.

This coming Thursday is two deadlines. Our Dinner Reservation Deadline and our Candidate Deadline. As of right now we have 16 petitions in hand. Our Membership Team has two 'Scottish Rite Nights' this week, so we have a chance for at least a few more petitions. But, we sure could use your efforts with your Masonic friends to bring more Brethren to our Valley. We can do this!

This Saturday night is our Valentine's Dinner and Dance! I'll still sell you tickets if you want to go. $100 per couple gets you a delcious buffet meal, open bar and live music to enjoy. We're going to have a great night. Don't miss it!

So there you have it. It's Deadline Week and it's Monday. Lets make it a week of success. Have a great day everyone and an even better week ahead!

What's Happening?

Good Morning everyone and welcome to Thursday! I know you're busy getting your bread, milk and TP in advance of the approaching storm, so I won't keep you too long. . .

As you know our Spring Reunion begins NEXT MONTH. Yes you read that right, our Reunion begins on Friday, February 19, 2016. No, I'm not kidding. Four of the five Casts have their scripts and are learning their parts as I type this. Well, in between the all important bread, milk and tp shopping that is, but they're doing it. We're getting ready. BUT, yes, there it is the ever dreaded, but. But, we need some help from YOU. Yes, you!

We currently have 10 Candidates for the Class. Not bad, but we can do better. Please everyone. Take a minute and think of a Brother you know not to be a Scottish Rite Mason. Won't you talk with him? It only takes a few minutes of your time to tell him all about YOUR Valley and how much YOU enjoy being a Scottish Rite Mason. Tell him about how our Degrees have enlightened you and have improved your outlook on life. Tell him about the euphoric feeling you have after attending one of our Reunions. Tell him about all the new and truly great friends you've made through the Valley. Tell him about the great time you had last Summer at Seven Springs (if you were there of course) when you attended the PA COD Annual Convocation. Tell him about how Scottish Rite fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members. Tell him all that and anything you can think of! Get a Candidate!

You don't just have to talk to that new member of the Lodge either. There are many Brothers who've been Masons for years, decades even, that have never gone no farther than the Lodge. Speaking from personal experience, when we get one of those Brothers in the Valley they always remark how much they enjoyed their experience as a Candidate and how they wished that they would have joined years ago. Don't let regret befall your old Lodge Brother, tell him about what's out there waiting for him to explore! Get a Candidate!

While we're on the subject of our Spring Class and Candidates, we're still looking for Mentors. If you're interested please let us know. Ill. Jeffrey Greene, 33°, our First Lt. Commander is looking for Brothers to add to the team.

As you know, our Scottish Rite fraternity has a charity and that charity is the Children's Dyslexia Centers. We have one here in the region, started by this Valley, at the Philadelphia Academy Charter High School, 1700 Tomlinson Road, in NE Philadelphia. The Center does wonderful work teaching kids affected by Dyslexia to read and succeed. But, it costs money to perform this miracle. The Center Board of Governors raises money through various projects and they have one coming up on Friday, February 5th and it's a "Designer Bag Bingo Night." It is exactly what it sounds like, you play bingo, and you can win a handbag, all while helping the Center help the kids.  If you are able and available, go on out and support this event. My Mrs. will be there, just like she is every time they have it. I hope she wins this year. The whining, the whimpering, but that's another story.

Hey, don't forget our Valentines Dinner and Dance on Saturday night, February 13th at the Canstatter. This was an event that used to be hosted annually by our former Bucks County Scottish Rite Club. It was held at the Buck Hotel and we used to have a very crowded room full of Valley Members not only from Bucks County; but, Philadelphia, Delco and Montgomery Counties as well. It was always a great night and was 'THE' event of the Valley's year.

So, we've brought it back. But so far surprisingly, it's not doing too well. We may have to cancel it and that is very dismaying. If you've responded on our event page and haven't sent in your money yet, please do. We have about two weeks remaining to the deadline and if we don't get our numbers up this past formerly very popular and successful Valley event will just pass quietly away.

It looks and sounds to be a great night. We have a four hour open bar, a delicious buffet dinner and LIVE music to entertain you. Not to mention you'll be surrounded by the very BEST Scottish Rite Masons and their Ladies in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It's $50 per person to go which is a bargain for the Saturday night before Valentine's Day believe me.

Come on. Ask your wife. Ladies tell your husband. You don't want to miss this and if we have to cancel, it could impact planning of future social events in our Valley. That would be a shame. I always enjoying socializing with the Brethren and Ladies of this Valley and I know you probably do too. Any questions, give me a call in the Valley Office at 215-563-1814.

If haven't noticed yet, our Annual Officers Training Conference is scheduled a bit earlier than usual this year. It's happening on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Jenkintown Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road. The Conference is open to ANY Valley member who interested in getting more active and involved in the Valley. Don't have a job or role in the Valley right now? Come to the Conference, you'll go home with one if you want one!  There will be a registration form in the February DOUBLE EAGLE.

Our Family Life Chairman, Ill. James Rae, 33° MSA is always looking for great ideas for programs for you and the family. And, his Spring offering is no exception.

The musical '1776' playing at the Media Theater, 104 E. State Street, Media, PA. Our show is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 2PM. Tickets are only $15 per person. There was a flyer in the December DOUBLE EAGLE and there will be one in the February, March and April issues too.

Hey, don't forget our Commander-in-Chief's trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto this August! Don't have vacation plans yet? This just might be the trip you want to do! Check your latest DOUBLE EAGLE or the very next one for the flyer.

Well, I know you're busy, so I'll close for now. PLEASE give our Valentine's party some thought. Get a Candidate. Have a great Thursday. And remember bend at the knees and take frequent breaks, while shoveling!