A Few Updates For You

Dear Brethren and Friends:

As always I hope this update finds you well.

I received word this morning that Bro. Bill Fairman, 32° is undergoing chemotherapy. Bro. Bill is long time active Valley member and a consistent Candidate recommender.

If you wish to send him a card or note, please contact me in the Scottish Rite Office for his information.

Please keep our Brother in your thoughts and prayers.

2012 SPRING CLASS PETITION COUNT UPDATE: We now have 6 petitions for the Class. Keep them coming in! Remember we have a goal of  33 Candidates for this Class. Can we make it happen? Yes, we can!

Bro. Jim Rae, 32°, MSA has announced a new update to our Valley Family Day at Campbell’s Field on Sunday, June 3, 2012, a River Sharks baseball cap with “Valley of Philadelphia” on the back!

Tickets will be available soon in the Scottish Rite Office and the March 2012 issue of The Double Eagle will have an order form.

Same as last year, the tickets will cost $12 for persons ages 13 and up and $6 for folks 12 and under. For an additional $10 per ticket you can get the River Sharks-Valley of Philadelphia cap to wear to the game!

This will be our third year having the picnic/baseball game with the River Sharks. The last two years have sold out, and with this new update, tickets will no doubt be in demand. Don’t be left out! Watch your March Double Eagle for ordering information!

Well that’s all I have for now. Do me a favor will you? Tell your friends about “Across My Desk-the web edition.” Lets get the word out about how great it is to be a member of the Scottish Rite and the Valley of Philadelphia!

Please continue to remember Ill. Charles H. Myers, 33° and Bro. William Fairman, 32° in your prayers. God Bless them both.

May the Grand Architect continue to watch over all of you and your families.

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33°

Valley Secretary

Thinking Spring in January!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Well, I hope the new year is treating you well so far. Hey, how can we complain we’re SNOW FREE!

Our Sovereign Prince, Bro. Steve Bradley, 32° has announced the Valley’s Spring bus trip. It will be on Sunday, March 25, 2012 and is headed to the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City.

All Valley members, their Ladies and Master Mason friends are welcome to participate in this outing. The buses, that’s right there’s two of them scheduled, will depart from LuLu Shriners, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting and Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in NE Philadelphia at 9:00 A.M.

The cost per person (18 and older please and be sure to have a photo id with you) is $25 with the Casino giving you back $30 (read-FREE MONEY!!!). The buses will depart for home at 4:00 P.M.

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 “Casino Trip” and your boarding location on your check’s memo line.

I received an update regarding the Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarships. According to our Deputy, Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33°, grandchildren are eligible to apply for the Scholarship if, the grandfather (who must be a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Jurisdiction) can claim the grandchild as a full dependent.

Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship applications are available by writing (yes, your email is sufficient) to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520 or by email to phila.aasr@juno.com The Deadline for submitting applications is Friday, March 16, 2012.

Do you know what else happens on Friday, March 16^th? That’s right our Spring Reunion begins!  We have a LOT of WORK to do! As of today we have a grand total of 5 candidates for that Class.  I spoke to a few of the guys in my Lodge last week and I’ve got petitions coming in, which I need to follow up on.

Remember our Spring Class Honoree is our late Brother, Ill. Armando M. Duran, 33°. Armando was the first line signer for 33 Valley Members. We need to match his effort at the very least.  To best his 33 would be a spectacular tribute to our Brother’s memory. Lets get to work guys.  Five candidates is not acceptable, we can and have done better.

How about a challenge? Lets see if the Lodge of Perfection Line is truly greater than the Rose Croix Line as they proclaim. Can the 14° recommend more Candidates than the 18°? Or how about the Council Line challenging both the 14° and 18°? Don’t forget the Consistory. They have more Officers than the other three lines but can they get more Candidates?

As you know by now I always say it’s not a “successful” Class unless we have 20 or more Candidates, well with only 5 right now the task lies in front of us. Pick up your working tools Brethren and get the job done.

Valley Officers both Elected and Appointed as well as Committee Members are reminded to put the Annual Officers Training Conference on your calendar.  This year’s Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April  14, 2012 at the Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in NE Philadelphia. Please visit http://www.philascottishrite.org/announceofficer_training.htm for more information.

Any Valley member that is desirous of getting more actively involved in the Valley are welcome and encouraged to attend the Conference. Call the Scottish Rite Office to register your attendance.

Don’t forget our Annual Memorial Service on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the historic Gloria Dei (Old Swede’s ) Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Streets in South Philadelphia.

The Service held to memorialize our Valley Brethren lost during the past year, is one of the most important events on our annual calendar. All Valley Officers, Elected and Appointed should plan to be there.

As always a complimentary dinner will follow the Service in the Church’s social hall. Reservations are required for the dinner. Be sure to call 215-563-1814 to reserve your dinners.

Tickets will be available soon for the Valley’s Family Day at Campbell’s Field. Once again we will have the picnic section of the ballpark for a great day of Atlantic League Baseball action featuring the Camden River Sharks vs the Somerset Patriots. Please click on over to http://www.philascottishrite.org/announcefamily_life.htm for more information.

Get these dates on your calendar now:

Friday, March 16^th-Spring Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection. 4° (DVD),8° and 14° presented

Sunday, March 25^th-Showboat Casino –Atlantic City Bus Trip

Saturday, April 14^th-Annual Officer’s Training Conference, Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue, NE Philadelphia

Friday, April 20^th-DeJoinville Council Princes of Jerusalem, Spring Special Convocation, Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, Spring Special Assembly. 16° & 18° presented

Sunday, April 29^th-Annual Memorial Service, Gloria Dei Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Street

Friday, May 11^th-Spring Special Rendezvous, Benjamin Franklin Consistory, 30° (Scottish Rite Passport ALERT!), 31° and 32° presented.

Friday, May 18^th-Annual Meeting of the Scottish Rite Bodies, recognition of our 50-year members, Election and Installation of Officers for Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection, DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem & Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, plus 1 Trustee and 1 At-Large Member (33°) of the Executive Committee.

Sunday, June 3^rd-Valley of Philadelphia Family Day at Campell’s Field, Camden River Sharks vs  Somerset Patriots.

Well that will do it for this edition. May the Grand Architect continue to watch over all of you and your families.

Don’t forget to keep the prayers coming for Ill. Charles H. Myers. 33°.

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33°

Valley Secretary

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

It's beginning to look a lot like. . .

Brethren and Friends:

WOW! If you missed the Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner last Friday evening, you missed a fantastic night. The meal was very good, the fellowship with the Brethren, Ladies and Children's Dyslexia Center Staff was great. From the comments I received at the event and in the days following, everyone had an enjoyable evening. With the Auctions, some nice money was raised to support the efforts of the Children's Dyslexia Center too. Thanks to everyone who participated!

I received some sad news yesterday. Our Past Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Charles H. Myers, 33, has been sent home from the hospital and placed in hospice care. Illustrious Bro. Chuck and Lady Shirley have been dedicated members of our Valley and Ladies Auxiliary respectively. Chuck is a  great Masonic leader, he has served our Valley and his Lodge to the highest of standards. Please keep both him and Shirley in your prayers during this most difficult time.

Our Jewish Brethren and their families are currently celebrating Hanukkah or "the Festival of Lights," to them we say, "Happy Hanukkah and best wishes of the Season!"

Even though we're in the midst of the Christmas/Hanukkah/New Year Season, believe it or not our 2012 Spring Reunion is right around the corner.

Our Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Raymond G. Brown, 33, has announced that our Spring Class will be named in memory of Ill. Armando M. Duran, 33. This is a great way to honor our late beloved Brother.

Armando was supposed to receive his 33rd Degree this past August in Chicago, he received it posthumously in February when he died. It is the tradition of the Valley's 33rd Degree Members to call the nominees and congratulate them on the day they are elected to receive the Degree. When we called Armando, I think I was almost as excited for him as he was about receiving the news. I will never forget the joy in his voice. He couldn't believe that anyone would have ever considered him for the honor. In speaking with him that evening I assured him that everything he had done in the fraternity was noticed and that he was making an impact in our Valley. To have him pass away so suddenly seemed so unfair. I know that the Lord has His reasons for things that we are not intended to know, but I cannot help but think that although Armando missed his 33rd Degree conferral, naming this Class in his memory is probably the best way to honor him. Remembering his happy response to the news of his impending 33rd Degree, I know our Brother is beside himself in Heaven over this news.

Petitions have already started to come in for this Class and that's good news. As you know, I always say I don't think we have a "successful" Class until we have at least 20 petitions, well, I'm going to amend that for this Class. For this Class I would like to see 35 or more Candidates. Why? Well besides the fact that Armando was a friend of mine and I truly want this Class to honor his memory in the best way possible, Armando was the first line recommender of 33 Valley members. So we'll need 33 Candidates to match our Illustrious Brother's efforts, plus two additional Candidates, one to replace ourselves and one for the continued growth of the Valley.

All of us who had the pleasure of knowing our Illustrious Brother knew a fine man and a great Scottish Rite Mason. His sudden and unexpected loss left a void in our Valley and a hurt in our hearts that is still needs time to heal. Let each of us go forward with a determined effort to insure that this Class not only deserves to be named in his memory, but honors that memory as well.

Our State Deputy, Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33 has asked me to take on the duty of web master of the Council of Deliberation. As web master of the Valley's web site (http://www.philascottishrite.org/) I don't mind telling folks that I am a novice at building web sites, when Russ asked me build a new site for the COD, I was both shocked and flattered. The current site, http://www.pa32nddegreemasons.com/ will be coming down on the first of the year and the new site http://www.pacod.us/ will take its place. The new site is currently online if you wish you give it a glance. It is not official yet, as Illustrious Brother Russ is still giving it the look over to see if he wants any changes or additions. Trying to remain humble, I think that this is a fine honor for our Valley and I hope that my efforts do all of us justice. I am proud to be a Scottish Rite Mason and prouder still to be a member of the Valley of Philadelphia.
 
The Masonic Temple will be closing early tomorrow, and I will be on vacation until Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

I want to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas or a Happy Hanukkah and of course a healthy and Happy New Year.

May the Grand Architect shine His blessings down on all of you and your families in this coming new year.

God Bless Illustrious Bro. Chuck.

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

Brethren and Friends: Well it is finally here. Tonight is our Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner. 152 Brethren, Ladies and Children's Dyslexia Center staff purchased tickets to attend this event. It should be a great night. The evening begins at 6 PM with the Social Hour, during which you will have the opportunity to bid on some wonderful items donated by local vendors and the gift baskets created by the Valley Ladies as part of the Silent Auction to benefit our Children's Dyslexia Center. Special thanks goes out to Bro. Jerry Boardman on all his hard work in procuring the many items for this evening's Auction. Bro. Jerry recently transferred into our Valley from the Valley of Reading, and he got to right work. We are not only glad to have him but fortunate as well. Welcome again Bro. Jerry!

A buffet dinner will be served at 7 PM. Following dinner keyboardist, Craig Satchell will entertain us with his selection of standard and holiday favorites.

A visitor from the "Far Northern Jurisdiction" will also join us to award the Auction winners with their prizes.

Our Deputy, Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33 and Lady, Faye are also attending.

REMINDER: If you did not purchase tickets to the event, you cannot purchase them at the door. Sorry, but this Celebration is for every member of the Valley to enjoy, which means no one will be "working" it. There will be no stewards table selling tickets at the door. The reservation of 152 has been called in to the hotel. This represents the tickets sold for the event. If you do not have tickets, please do not just show up and expect to be seated. You have had due and timely notice of the event and its deadline. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

If you purchased tickets, I'll see you there this evening.

If you did not purchase tickets or weren't planning to attend, let me wish you at this time a very Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas and of course a very Happy and Healthy New Year! I pray the Grand Architect blesses all of you and your families this coming year.

Peace.

Sincerely fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary

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