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VALLEY OF CLEVELAND January, February, March 2017 ISSUE VOL. 9 NO. 1

SCOTTISH RITE NEWS

Cleveland to Host 6 Valley Degree Day

The Valley of Cleveland will host the 6th Bi-Annual 6 Valley Degree Day on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Registration will be from 8:00 am until 9:00 am with coffee and donuts served in the Exhibition Hall. We will show the 4th DVD at 8:45 in the Gold Room for any candidates present. Ill. Philip R. Elliott, Jr., 33°, the Active Member of Supreme Council representing the Valley of Youngstown, will open all six Valleys at 9:30 am in the auditorium. The schedule of Degrees to be presented is as follows: 11° at 9:30 am in the auditorium - Valley of Cleveland; 7° at 10:30 am in the DeMolay Room – Valley of Cambridge; 16° at 11:30 am in the auditorium – Valley of Steubenville; 8° at 1:30 pm in the DeMolay Room – Valley of Youngstown; 19° at 2:20 pm in the auditorium – Valley of Canton; 5° at 3:10 pm in the DeMolay Room – Valley of Akron. We fully expect to be finished with all Degrees by 4:00 pm when Ill. Donald R. Heldman, 33°, Active Member of Supreme Council representing the Valley of Cambridge will close all the Valleys. A catered lunch will be served at 12:30 pm in the Exhibition Hall and you must purchase your ticket in advance (tickets are $10.00 each and will not be available at the door). Each of the 6 Valleys has lunch tickets for sale through the Secretary’s office.

The 4 Valley Conference was started in the 1950’s with the officers of the Valleys of Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown meeting twice each year in September and March to discuss various issues and ideas, as well as to spend some time socializing with officers of other Ohio Valleys. The Degree Day idea was discussed as some of the smaller Valleys were struggling to confer some of our Degrees with large casts. At the time, all Valleys were required to confer each of the 29 Degrees at least once every seven years. With some of the Valleys, that task was monumental. As a result, we decided to go to the Deputy for Ohio with our idea of a Degree Day with the four Valleys consolidated, and each Valley receiving “credit” for having conferred each Degree. The Supreme Council agreed, and the Degree Day was born.

That first Degree Day was an outstanding event with over 500 Scottish Rite members in attendance. Each Valley conferred one Degree, and the work was very well done. Following the success of the first Degree Day, the Conference decided to hold the event bi-annually. Since that time, the event has rotated between the Valley of Cleveland and the Valley of Canton. Over the years, the Valleys of Cambridge and Steubenville have joined our officer conference, and the 4 Valleys have become the 6 Valleys.

We hope you will be able to attend this outstanding event. A coupon to purchase a lunch ticket is located on page 7 of this publication.

Ill. Robert R. Childers Honored at Fall Reunion

The Valley named the Fall Reunion Class held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 in honor of Ill. Robert R. Childers, 33°. November 12, 2016 was also the first ever All Scottish Rite Day, where all the Valleys in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and many from the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, held the 32° on that date.

Here in Cleveland, rather than just holding the 32nd Degree, we planned an entire Reunion. The Reunion opened promptly at 9:00 am, and during the course of the day, candidates witnessed the 4th, 15th, 19th, 26th, and the new 32nd Degree. A catered luncheon was held at 12:30 pm, and Ill. Bro. Childers addressed the Class immediately following lunch.

We were pleased to be able to recognize such a dedicated Mason at this Reunion. If you see Bob, please offer him your congratulations on having a Reunion Class named in his honor.

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32°

Presiding Officers

Ill. Ross R. Black, II, 33° Thrice Potent Master

Eliadah Lodge of Perfection

Johnny F. Manis, 32° Sovereign Prince

Bahurim Council Princes of Jerusalem

Robert D. Berteau, 32° Most Wise Master

Ariel Chapter Rose Croix

David R. Hildebrandt, 32° Commander-in-Chief Lake Erie Consistory

Januaty, February, March 2017

Issue Vol. 9 No. 1

Board of Trustees

Ill. Jeffrey J. Black, 33° Chairman

Theodore D. Cutts, 33° Elect Vice Chairman

Thomas E. Lindsey, 32° Treasurer

Ill. Alan W. Jones, 33° Secretary

Ill. Robert J. Homoly, Jr., 33° Ill. Edwin A. Strauss, Jr., 33°

John E. Kohler, 32° And the Presiding Officers

Deputy’s Representative

Ill. Bradford A. Goebel, 33°

The Scottish Rite News is now edited and published by the Secretary, Ill. Alan W. Jones, 33°, from the Valley Office.

Cleveland Masonic and Performance Arts Center 3615 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115 Phone: 216-432-2370 Fax: 216-391-3159 Email: secretary@aasrcleveland.org

It is the policy of the Valley of Cleveland to ensure that all programs of the Valley are made available to our members and guests. All rooms are now handicap accessible as are main lobby restrooms. If you have a special need while attending a Valley program, please call the Valley office, and every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Providing programs that emphasize: inspiration,

convenience and enjoyment.

Society News

Ashtabula: The Ashtabula Society will hold breakfast meetings on the following dates: Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Mary’s Diner; Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Pasta Oven; and on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Harts Grove Temple. We hope you will be able to attend one of our upcoming meetings.

Cuyahoga: The next meeting of the Cuyahoga Society will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 7:00 pm at 3615 Euclid. We hope you will be able to join us at this dinner meeting.

Lake/Geauga: The Lake/Geauga Society will hold dinner meetings on the following dates: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Morley Library in Painesville; Wednesday, February 15, 2017 and Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (these locations TBD). Please check upcoming editions of the Reflections for the locations of these dinners. We hope to see you at one of these events.

Lorain: The Lorain Society will hold its first dinner meeting of 2017 on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Oberlin United Methodist Church. All Lorain Society meetings begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please come and join with us in fellowship.

Medina: The next meeting of the Medina Society will be on Saturday, March 11, 2017 starting at 6:30 pm (location has yet to be determined). Please check upcoming editions of the Reflections for the location of this dinner.

Hospitaler's Report

The list of Members still battling medical issues would include: Illustrious Brothers Joseph R. Bako, Glenn L. Beaver and John L. Sperber, and Sublime Princes Henry Mack, MS, Jerry J. Brove, Joseph A. Kraws, Marcus A. Hyre, David G. Weimer, Stanley D. Leff, Neil T. Van Uum, Donald R. Jameson, Timothy M. Forte and S. Thomas Repp, II, all of whom have either spent time recently in the hospital or are recovering from recent hospital stays. Please keep these Members in your prayers.

In Memoriam

The Valley was notified during the fourth quarter of 2016 that the following members had been called by the Grand Architect of the Universe. May they rest in peace: Donald R. Arndt, George W. Baker Jr., Clarence J. Banks, Ronald J. Bayer, Charles F. Bierer Jr., Kenneth A. Delaat, 33°, Norman W. Engel, Milford G. Farley, George T. Fehlner, Joseph Feuer, Duane C. Foor, Floyd B. Garrett, Harry A. Gill Jr., Richard J. Glass, Richard J. Gray, George W. Grisdale III, George Holy, James S. Kostas, Martin J. Kovalik, Neil G. Kuhn, Robert K. Logan, Delbert M. Mclaughlin, Harold C. Messner, Jesse C. Nobles, Robert C. Park, Robert D. Phillips, Edward J. Podmore, Robert L .Stiene and Robert E. Trushel.

Valley Scholarships

It is that time of year again: time to apply for the Valley of Cleveland’s Scholarships. Applications are only available online at the Valley website (aasrcleveland.org) beginning on January 1, 2017. There are three different scholarships available:

Ross and Joyce Black Scholarship awarded to incoming college freshmen who are members of the Valley, their children or grandchildren, or are members of Masonic Youth organizations;

Abbott Scholarship awarded to upperclassmen who are members of the Valley, their children or members of Masonic Youth Organizations; and

James Medical Scholarship awarded to medical students who are Masons, or their children.

All scholarship applications must be received in the Valley office on or before March 31, 2017. Good luck!

Valley Attends Old Stone Church for Family Life Week

For over a quarter century now, the Valley of Cleveland has attended Old Stone Church the Sunday after the Fall Reunion as part of our Family Life Week celebration. Rev. Dr. R. Mark Giuliano (who is also a Mason) and all the members of Old Stone have always been welcoming and accommodating. Every year, they permit three of our members to take part in the service, and often times the sermon has a Family Life theme.

As a result of this event, for the past decade we have also received a Resolution for Recognition from the City of Cleveland’s City Council commemorating this event, presented to us by Councilman Polensek’s office and displayed in the photo taken at the church that day.

Please mark your calendar now to join us next year on the Sunday, November 19, 2017, as we once again attend Old Stone Church and participate in their services.

Valley Holds Holiday Party with Al Koran Shrine

This year, the Valley of Cleveland held its annual Holiday Party in conjunction with Al Koran Shrine. Many of you may be aware that for the last couple of years, the Valley of Cleveland and Al Koran Shrine began “partnering” with each other on some events. For the last two years, we have invited the Shrine to join us at our Annual Golf Outing as well as our Winterfest events. This year we expanded that partnership with the Valley traveling to Broadview Heights to attend the Shrine Holiday Party.

The event was held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 and there were well over 200 in attendance. Children and adults alike were entertained by clowns, a mime and a “one man band” playing holiday music, with karaoke available for the kids. There was face painting and balloon animals, and even a miniature pony present for everyone to pet. A lunch and beverages were provided, and of course Santa arrived with a gift for every child 12 years old and under. Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time, and we hope you will make plans to join us at next year’s combined Holiday Party.

Winterfest 2017

Once again in 2017, the Valley of Cleveland will partner with Al Koran Shrine and W.R.T.O.S. as we host our 2nd Winterfest in the auditorium on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The event will begin at 5:30 pm with appetizers, followed by dinner at 6:15 pm. Entertainment for the evening will once again be provided by Mr. Jay Spencer from the Canton area who will perform two short comedy movies: Laurel and Hardy’s “Liberty” and Buster Keaton’s “One Week”, separated by a short intermission. Jay performs at the Canton Palace during Saturday matinees, as well as playing a number of silent movie selections.

This event is open to members and guests. Dress will be jacket and tie for men. Everyone in attendance will receive a souvenir wine glass to commemorate this event. The cost is $35 per person. Please complete the coupon on page 7 of this publication and send it to the Valley office no later than February 17, 2017. The Officers of Lake Erie Consistory are hosting the event, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Happy NewB

“Reflections” By: Ill. Jeffrey J. Black, 33°

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season.

I would like to first congratulate Ill. Robert R. Childers, 33° for whom our Fall Reunion Class was named. It was an honor well deserved. I would also like to offer my congratulations to Ill. Thomas C. Anderson, 33°, in whose honor the Presiding Officers have decided to name the Spring Reunion Class. If you should see either of these distinguished Masons, please offer your congratulations as well.

The Valley of Cleveland has some major events on the calendar to start 2017. On Saturday, January 28, 2017, the Valley will host the 6th bi-annual 6 Valley Degree Day. We will be joined by the Valleys of Akron, Cambridge, Canton, Steubenville and Youngstown. Each Valley will do a single Degree, and we will also show the 4th Degree DVD to anyone wishing to start their Scottish Rite Journey that day. The Degrees to be conferred (in order) are: the 11°, 7°, 16°, 8°, 19°, and 5°. There will be a catered lunch served that day and a coupon to purchase tickets appears on page 7 of this publication.

In February, we will once again have a Winterfest, with dinner in the auditorium and 2 short silent movies. Cost of the dinner is $35.00, and includes the movies as well as a commemorative wine glass for everyone in attendance. Some of our other upcoming events include:

Saturday, January 7, 2017 – Ashtabula Society Breakfast (Mary’s Diner) Wednesday, January 18, 2017 – Lake Geauga Society (Morley Library) Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 6 Valley Degree Day (auditorium and DeMolay Room) Saturday, February 4, 2017 – Learning Center Soup or Bowl (Berea Temple) Monday, February 6, 2017 – 23° (DeMolay Room following Four Coordinate Bodies) Wednesday, February 15, 2017 – Lake/Geauga Society (TBD) Saturday, February 25, 2017 – Winterfest (auditorium) Thursday, March 2, 2017 – Lorain Society (Oberlin UMC) Saturday, March 4, 2017 – Ashtabula Society Breakfast (Harts Grove Temple) Monday, March 6, 2017 – 14° (auditorium – no Four Coordinate Bodies Meeting) Thursday, March 9, 2017 – Cuyahoga Society (3615 Euclid) Saturday, March 11, 2017 – Medina Society (TBD) Wednesday, March 15, 2017 – Lake/Geauga Society (TBD)

Please remember: there is no Four Bodies Meeting in January. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Membership By: Ill. Edwin A. Strauss, Jr., 33°

It is my sincere hope that the holiday season was everything that you and your family wanted, and then some. As we turn the page again and enter the year of 2017 may we all be blessed with good health, happiness and prosperity. In the New Year we shall be given challenges and opportunities. In Masonry and in the Scottish Rite, we need more good men to become members. In our degree work we hear “the time is now!” and it is my brethren.

We need to initiate new members to fill our ranks so that this beautiful fraternity, based upon brotherly love, relief and truth shall continue. We have more opportunities now than ever before to bring new members into the Scottish Rite.

We no longer have to wait for a Reunion to start a man on his Scottish Rite journey. Coming up on January 28th, 2017, the Valley of Cleveland will host the 6 Valley Degree Day. It is a perfect time to bring in a new member. In February we will exemplify the 23rd degree and in March the 14th degree, both on our normal business meeting night. New candidates can start their journey on both occasions but we ask that you inform the office of your intent and we shall show them the 4th Degree DVD prior to the meeting. Please do your part to make our future bright and to show men more light in Masonry. Finally, I also hope that we can all find peace in this New Year.

Great Food at the 2016 “Ethnic” Dinner

The Valley of Cleveland held its annual “Ethnic” Dinner on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Das Schnitzel Haus on Pearl Road in Parma. The owners of the restaurant were very gracious, providing us a private room free of charge, and regularly checking to see if we had everything we needed and that we were enjoying the food.

The meal started with appetizers consisting of potato pancakes, sauerkraut balls and sweet sausage. Then the entrees were served, with those attending choosing from five different meal selections, all followed by strudel for dessert. All in attendance agreed that everything we were served was absolutely delicious and was served at the proper temperature.

The “Ethnic” Dinner has been a very popular event for a number of years now. We hope you will make plans next year to join us for a fine meal. Please check upcoming editions of the Scottish Rite News for the location, time and date of our next “Ethnic” Dinner.

Feast of the Paschal Lamb Scheduled for April 9, 2017

The Most Wise Master of Ariel Chapter Rose Croix, Sublime Prince Robert D. Berteau, along with the Officers of Ariel Chapter will present the Feast of the Paschal Lamb on Sunday, April 8, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. This beautiful ceremony, observed on Palm Sunday, will once again be held in the auditorium. As has become the “tradition”, our Ladies’ Association will enhance our fellowship by providing light refreshments following the presentation.

The Feast is the only official Scottish Rite ceremony open to the public, so please make plans to bring your ladies, families and friends to join with the Rose Croix Officers and the members of the Valley of Cleveland in witnessing this beautiful ceremony.

Learning Center Holds Soup (or) Bowl Party

Once again, the “Friends of the Cleveland Learning Center” will host the Soup (or) Bowl fundraiser at the Berea Masonic Temple on Saturday, February 4, 2017, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and children over 12 (in advance; tickets purchased at the door are $12.00); $5.00 for children 6 – 12; and children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased from any Board or Friends member, at the Learning Center, or by completing the coupon on page 7 of this publication. During the meal, there will be both a silent and Chinese auction, again to support the Center.

Everyone purchasing a meal will receive three tickets to use on a hotdog or a bowl of chili or soup. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1.00.

Please plan to attend and help support our Learning Center. Remember, 100% of the proceeds of this event go directly to our Center. We are counting on your support.

Spring Class Named in Honor of Ill. Thomas C. Anderson

The Presiding Officers have named the April 22, 2017 Spring Reunion Class in honor of Ill. Thomas C. Anderson, 33°, Past Sovereign Prince of Bahurim Council Princes of Jerusalem.

At this Reunion, we will confer the 4th Degree, the 18th Degree and the new 32nd Degree, along with two others yet to be selected. We hope you will help to honor Tom by asking a Mason from your Lodge to join us in the Valley of Cleveland that day. Congratulations Tom for receiving this well-deserved honor! Would you like to receive the Scottish Rite News via email? Just send an email

to aasrnews@aasrcleveland.org and we will add you to our email list.

Sights and Scenes……...

The Valley Officers serving as readers with Rev. Dr. R. Mark Giuliano The Ill. Robert R. Childers, 33° Class at the 2016 Fall Reunion

2016 “Ethnic” Dinner at Das Schnitzel Haus Valley’s 2016 Holiday Party in conjunction with Al Koran Shrine

Karaoke at the 2016 Holiday Party

Just the person all the kids have been waiting for…

Stancato’s Restaurant

Stancato’s Restaurant

Winterfest 2017 Dinner and Two Silent Movies

Saturday, February 25, 2017 5:30 pm

AASR (auditorium) 3615 Euclid Cleveland, OH 44115 PH# 216-432-2370 NAME:_______________________________

Please make reservations for______ @ $35.00 each Please send checks payable to:

AASR 3615 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115

Total enclosed____________

Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope

Deadline for reservations: February 17, 2017

ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE

Learning Center’s “Soup (or) Bowl Party” Saturday, February 4, 2017 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Berea Masonic Temple 366 Eastland Rd. Berea, OH

NAME:_____________________________________

Please send me _______adult tickets at $10.00 each and _______children’s tickets (6 - 12 years old) at $5.00 each

Children 5 and under are free

Please mail and make checks payable to: Cleveland Masonic Learning Center

3615 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 Total enclosed: ________

Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope

Deadline for reservations: January 27, 2017

The Importance of Charitable Giving BY: Sublime Prince Thomas E. Lindsey, Treasurer

Several years ago, the Valley Trustees saw the need to provide to the members of the Valley the opportunity to donate to the maintenance of our historical building by establishing a Foundation under I.R.S. Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation that was established was to accept donations to the following:

1) The 32° Masonic Learning Center; 2) Historical Buildings (our Temple at 3615 Euclid qualifies); 3) Other 501(c)(3) foundations.

The cost of operating and maintaining our building increases each year. Currently, this cost is exceeding our incoming revenue by over $200,000 per year. We depend upon charitable giving as an important part of our revenue stream.

There are a number of opportunities to reduce taxes by the giving of gifts to the Valley’s Foundation. While tax savings rarely ranks as the primary motivation for making charitable gifts, favorable tax treatment can help make your gifts more financially beneficial to you at tax time. For example, if you give $1,000 and are in the 28% tax bracket, your tax liability would be reduced by $280. Making your gift in a form other than cash may make it possible to increase your gift while realizing even greater tax savings. The Valley is happy to provide any donor of material goods with a letter acknowledging the donation and referencing our 501(c)(3).

Call the Valley and speak to Tom Lindsey about using gifts as a method to increase your tax savings. He will be pleased to assist you.

6 Valley Reunion Lunch Saturday, January 28, 2017 12:30 pm

NAME________________________________________ Please send me __________tickets @ $10.00 each for lunch MAIL AND MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Total enclosed_________ AASR Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope 3615 Euclid Avenue Deadline for reservations: January 20, 2017 Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Calendar of Events

JANUARY 1/1/17 Holiday (building closed) 1/2/17 Holiday observed (building closed) 1/7/17 Ashtabula Society Breakfast (Mary’s Diner) 1/9/17 Board of Trustees meeting (Krekus Room) 1/18/17 Lake/Geauga Society (Morley Library) 1/28/17 6 Valley Degree Day (auditorium/DeMolay) FEBRUARY 2/4/17 L. C. Soup (or) Bowl Party (Berea Temple) 2/4/17 Ashtabula Society (Pasta Oven) 2/6/17 Board of Trustees Meeting (Krekus Room) 2/6/17 Four Coordinate Bodies (DeMolay Room) 2/6/17 23° (DeMolay Room) 2/15/17 Lake/Geauga Society (TBD) 2/25/17 Winterfest (auditorium) MARCH 3/2/17 Lorain Society (Oberlin UMC) 3/4/17 Ashtabula Society Breakfast (Harts Grove Temple) 3/6/17 Board of Trustees meeting (Krekus Room) 3/6/17 14° (auditorium) 3/9/17 Cuyahoga Society (3615 Eucild) 3/11/17 Medina Society (TBD) 3/15/17 Lake/Geauga Society (TBD)

The Board of Trustees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Cleveland 3615 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2527

Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

CLEVELAND, OHIO PERMIT NO. 760

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