Dear Brethren and Friends:

Woke up this morning to a blinking alarm clock. Two things learned from that. One, power obviously went out. Two, I need to replace the back up batteries!

This ice storm is causing delays throughout the area, so needless to say, although open today, the Scottish Rite Office will open late.

Be safe out there as you travel to where you need to be today. This stuff will be out of here by the end of the day, but right now there are trees and wires coming down.

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Well, I don't know what it's doing where you are but, here in Glenside it's been snowing for quite a while and we have lots of heavy wet snow on the ground and it's coming down fast and serious! See what I did there? I avoided that whole copyright infringement thing! Even on a Super Bowl Monday! Or should that be a 'Super Blowout Monday?'

Last night I received word from Valley Brother and Associate Membership Coordinator, Dan Scheetz, that this evening's "Scottish Rite Night" at West Chester Lodge No. 322 has been postponed until this date next month. If you had planned to visit along with Bro. Dan this evening, get this new date on your calendar. Of course I will post a reminder on this page next month.

Following the old policy, if the publics and parochials are closed, so is the Valley office today.

Take it easy if you have to go out. The talking heads are calling this a 'heart attack snow' which means, because it is wet and heavy shoveling can be hazardous. Please take your time shoveling, push it, don't lift it, take frequent breaks, or pay that kid down the street. Yes, I'm talking to YOU, Bro. Rich Jones, MSA!

Okay winter, give us a break already!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Okay so you're waking up and seeing a dusting of snow on your cars, sidewalks and streets. Well, guess what?

Tonight's 4th Degree Cast Prep meeting is STILL ON!! We've got a great meeting planned to assist this group of dedicated new Scottish Rite Masons with their next Scottish Rite adventure.

To our 'older and seasoned' members, we may need a few fill-ins and standbys. If you're able, come on out, no doubt we'll have a spot for you too....

Parking is in the Convention Center Parking Facility 1324 Arch Street. Coat and Tie is the dress code. Everything starts at 7PM in Gothic Hall. No, we're not serving dinner.

See you there!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning, good Monday everyone!

Today and today only we're actually going to see temperatures ABOVE freezing! Perfect weather for Candidate hunting! What's that? You didn't know it was Candidate Season? Well, it is and as always there's no limit!

Petitions are always available. I can mail you some. I can leave them with the Temple guards, or you can download one or more at the Valley's website (www.philascottishrite.org)....

This Wednesday evening is the orientation meeting for our 4th Degree Cast. We're going to supply you with a script, a part in the Degree and of course, lots and LOTS of information!

Enjoy this one day respite of above freezing temps!

4th Cast Prep Meeting Rescheduled

Dear Brethren and Friends:

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE: For the Brethren involved in the 4th Degree Cast: Due to the cancellation of last evening's Prep Meeting, I have rescheduled the meeting to take place on Wednesday, 29 January 2014 at the Masonic Temple. I will be sending a letter out TODAY to all who originally volunteered. Standbys and Fill-ins again are welcome to attend. If you are not currently expected to be a part of the Cast, please give this some consideration, no doubt we will need you.

The meeting will begin at 7PM in Gothic Hall. Parking will in the Convention Center Parking Facility, 1324 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Dress for the meeting is Coat and Tie.

IF, Mother Nature should step in again and try to interfere in the proceedings with yet another bout of inclement weather, please check either the Valley's Facebook group, "Valley of Philadelphia, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Members Only!" and my blog, "Across My Desk, the Web Edition ( http://philascottishrite.blogspot.com/) for updates.

IF there is to be a cancellation, that information will posted on the Facebook group page and on the blog. Please do not just show up! We have these pages for information of this type. USE THEM!

Thank you for your continued interest and support of the Valley of Philadelphia and its activities!

Any questions, concerns or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at 215-563-1814.

Friendly Reminder

Dear Brethren and Friends:

JUST A REMINDER: This evening's 4th Degree Cast Prep meeting is cancelled. If you know of a Brother who is not a part of this group who was planning to attend, please let him know.

The meeting will be rescheduled and a notice will be sent to all those who volunteered. It will also be posted here for anyone else who wishes to participate.

As of right now, tomorrow evening's Executive Committee meeting is still on. If that should change, I will send an email out to the members of the Committee and the Invited Guests.

Be safe out there. If you're shoveling, take your time, push the snow, don't lift, bend your knees, and take frequent breaks!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE: To all those that were scheduled to participate in tomorrow evening's (Wednesday, 22 January) 4th Degree Cast Prep Meeting, the meeting is cancelled.

Due to the winter storm and the expectation of below zero temperatures and high winds, the City of Philadelphia is closed tomorrow with the exception of essential personnel only. To comply with that order from the Philadelphia Emergency Management Office and for your safety, we are cancelling this meeting.

It will be rescheduled and as soon as that date is known you will be notified.

Thank you for your continued interest and support of the Valley and its activities.