Across My Desk, The Web Edition

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?