Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Orient of Washington - Valley of Everett THE RITE BULLETIN

Transcription

1 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Ill. Carl Smith, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I G. (360) Ill. Charrison Lochaby, 33 Secretary 220 Olympic Blvd Everett, WA (888) Orient of Washington - Valley of Everett Volume 22 July 2013 Issue 07 THE RITE BULLETIN From The Personal Representative Ill. Bro. Carl Smith, 33 In the January 2012 issue of the California Freemason there is an article written by Right Worshipful John L. Cooper III, the current Deputy Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of California, entitled How Does Your Garden Grow. This article not only applies to the whole of Freemasonry but especially to those of us in Scottish Rite. I repeat it here. In some respects, Freemasonry is like a beautiful garden. A garden is a living entity that brings beauty to the eye of the beholder. Some gardens are formal, with flower beds laid out with regularity, and whose charm lies in the order and symmetry thus displayed. Some gardens are informal, looking as if God had cast seeds to the earth in random order, but whose composite beauty when in bloom defies description. Freemasonry is like such a garden or rather, like a constellation of gardens, all presenting a different aspect to the eye of the Beholder. As with a formal garden, there are aspects of our fraternity that we cherish which are formal in nature. Our degrees, conferred with exactness of word and ceremony, convey the timeless lessons that all Masons learn as they pass through them. Our meetings impose the formality of respect for the presiding officer, and through him, respect for all Brethren present. We have the ancient teachings of Freemasonry enshrined in our degrees, which convey timeless truths to each generation. But Freemasonry also shares the exuberance of the wilder garden, where color and shape run riot. There is friendship, which knows no bounds of formality, but which spills over into a cascade of good deeds, done without hope of fee or reward. There is brotherly love, which constrains not only our relationships with one another, but inspires our commitment to our families, friends, and neighbors. It fills our idle hours with pleasure and under girds and supports our busier hours as wage earner, citizen, and perhaps, husband and father. We find in Freemasonry a deep sense of the beauty of life itself, and our ancient and honorable institution becomes the source of great personal satisfaction as the years roll by. To ask a Mason why he is a Mason is analogous to asking a gardener why he gardens. A gardener finds in his garden a sense of order and beauty, and an expectation of the unanticipated that only the Master Gardener can bring into being. Similarly, a Mason finds in his fraternity the peace and serenity of sincere friendship and brotherhood, a sense of order and harmony as set forth in the principles of Freemasonry, and the surprise of joy when Freemasonry opens to him a vista that he never knew existed. To explain why membership in this ancient brotherhood is so valuable to a Mason is easy. Just look around. PLEASE NOTE: On Friday, July 20 th, will be our tenth annual Tail-gate Party. It will be held in the parking lot of the Everett Masonic Center starting at 6:00 p.m. A great evening of feasting, fellowship, and fun is being planned under the direction of Brother Angel Corpus, 32 KCCH, so bring your family and friends. From the Almoner's desk Richard Morgan, 32º If you know of anyone who is ill, in a nursing home or hospital please let me know so I can send them a card or pay them a visit. May God bless you and be with you or me at: Morgiscold37@comcast.NET

2 As we enjoy the 4th of July Celebrations in the privacy of our homes or in a public setting or in a Lodge of Freemasons, have you ever wondered what happened to the original 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded From the Secretary By Charrison Lochaby, 33 by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! The members of the Valley of Everett extend to all the Brethren listed be July a very Happy Birthday Percy M. Aga Steve A Bernheim Edward F Boress Chester B Brown Kenneth M Cage Theodore C Christensen Kenneth V. Comley Paul D Coover Andre J. DeWald William C Harker Sr John D. Hart, Jr James R. Kemp Steve E. Martin John J Mathers Waldemar K Matysik David A. McCuistion James G Mills Walt M. Moody, Jr Joachim E. Mueller Lyle H Nelson Thomas J. Overton Andy B Owen Steven L. Peden Chris Pedersen Jr Wayne L Roberts Jerry H Sheller Scott F Slater

3 Part III of III The VA health care system is the largest single provider of health care in the United States. It has also been recognized by numerous surveys as being one of the best providers of health care as well. Not all veterans can receive care in the system. Eligibility requires either serviceconnected disability, receipt of Pension, special service recognition such as prisoner of war or Purple Heart or low income and less than $80,000 in assets. For all beneficiaries - not to include those who are means tested - all services are free and medications are $8.00 per month per medication regardless of what it is. Means tested veterans must pay a co-pay for services. There are no other out-ofpocket costs such as health care premiums. Help can also be provided with disability-required home renovation grants of $2,000 or $6,800, orthotics, prosthetics and in certain cases hearing aids. VA outpatient clinics are available in most communities. Approximately 8,400,000 individuals are enrolled in the health care system. Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) - also called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - is payable to eligible survivors of a military service member who died on active duty or whose death after service resulted from a service-connected injury or disease. It is also available due to improper treatment of the deceased veteran from VA healthcare or rehabilitation services. DIC is automatically granted to a surviving spouse for a veteran who was permanently and totally disabled for 10 years or more. DIC pays $1,215 a month in 2013 to a surviving spouse. Additional amounts are available if there are dependent children. A dependent child is one Masonic Outreach Services By Mary Craves-Hollands, Director who is 18 years old or younger or 23 years old or younger and enrolled fulltime in school or is an adult who became totally dependent prior to the age of 18. If the surviving spouse needs the aid and attendance of another person such as home care, assisted living or nursing home care, an additional $301 a month assistance benefit will be paid. This DIC with aid and attendance benefit is about $400 more a month than a surviving spouse can receive from Death Pension. This additional benefit is not automatic and most individuals receiving DIC do not even know it is available. An additional monthly benefit for being housebound is also available. Approximately 356,800 spouse survivors will receive DIC in 2013 and of those approximately 208,500 are age 65 and older. The majority of these are surviving spouses of veterans from the Vietnam era. Money is available for burial costs for veterans who were service disabled, receiving Pension or died under VA care. If the death was a result of service-connected disability, $2,000 is available. If the death was non-service related, and the veteran was receiving Pension or Compensation or was entitled to either of these, up to $700 is available for plot allowance and burial and funeral expenses. All veterans also receive free burial in State and Federal VA cemeteries. Under certain conditions, spouses and other family members can receive free burial in State and Federal VA cemeteries. All veterans are eligible for a grave marker (or equivalent monetary allowance), a flag for the coffin, a graveside honor guard and a letter from the President of the United States. Approximately 60,000 veterans will receive the burial allowance in 2013 and 33,000 will receive a burial plot. VA expects about 18,000 service-connected deaths in 2013 and claims for about 350,000 grave markers. About 500,000 flags will be given for burial. If you would like more information about any of these programs or would like help in applying, please feel free to contact Masonic Outreach Services at / Ext. 101 or mcraves-hollands@mrcwa.org. Valley of Everett Refrigerator card (Please cut out this card and place it on your Refrigerator as a reminder of upcoming Scottish Rite and other meetings, appointments or events) July 14 Executive Committee 2:00 PM July 20 Valley of Everett Annual Tail Gate Party Aug 11 Executive Committee 2:00 PM Aug 18 Take Me Out to the Ball Game Sep 9 Executive Committee - 2:00pm Sep 13 Lodge of Perfection Welcome Back to Lodge Sep 20 Consistory, Stated Meeting 29th Degree 6:30 PM Buffett 7:30PM Degree Sep 27 Kadosh 30th Degree 6:30 PM Buffett 7:30 Degree Notes:

4 All Aboard Skykomish Masonic Lodge August Adventure Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum In Elbe, Washington Ride the Train with your Family, Friends and Masonic Brothers Price Per Ticket at Group Rate/ BBQ Rate General $25.00 $43.00 Seniors (62 yrs) $22.00 $39.00 Kids (4 to 12) $20.00 $33.00 Under Age 4 Free Date: August 10, 2013 Time 3:30 PM With the option to Purchased Train Yard Museum BBQ Dinner Approx. Time for Ride 2 hr. Send your checks to VWB Karl Warren at th Street SW, Edmonds, WA to secure your seating and/or your catered meal. Questions call John This is our cost, not a money maker, But a family event

5 Rite Care By David Eagerly I have been the executive director of Rite Care of Washington for a little over a year and it has been an enriching experience. I have been impressed by the commitment of Scottish Rite Masons to help children to communicate. By supporting Rite Care Masons have made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children since Rite Care of Washington was founded in What began as a single clinic in Seattle has grown to a system offering speech therapy for children in nine locations in the Orient. Our newest program was recently established in the Everett Valley. Through the efforts of Bob Dearborn and others a child is receiving life-changing speech therapy right in Everett. This young boy would not otherwise get the treatment he needs to be successful in school and in life. Your contributions to RiteCare s annual fund support the Everett program. In time, with the increased participation of Masons in the Everett Valley, more children will be helped. There are 40,000 or more children, ages two through seven, in the Orient with a speech or language delay. These children either can t enunciate words, put words in the correct order or both. Many of these children live in the Everett Valley. The good news is that most children with a speech disorder can be helped by speech therapy. We know that treatment works! For most clients, to be effective the therapy must be intensive and ongoing for a period of time. Typically, at Rite Care we see children twice per week for eighteen months to two years or even longer. While this may seem like a long time, it is a small blip in the lifespan of a child. Therapy dramatically increases the likelihood that affected children will succeed in school, in social situations, in their chosen careers and in life generally. I am proud to be on this journey to build and expand Rite Care services in Washington. Thank you for being on this mission with me. David Eagerly, Executive Director Rite Care of Washington MASONIC LICENSE PLATE REPLACEMENT By Terry Grove, 32 Every seven years the Department of Licensing requires you to purchase new ones. The cost is $24. That creates a special problem for those of us with a Masonic license plate Kids Speak license plate. We already pay an extra $30 per year for the privilege of having that Square and Compasses plate on our car. Of course, $28 of that is a charitable deduction on our tax return if you itemize. So, when it comes time to replace your plates the state will tell you when with your renewal notice you have three options: 1. Give up the Kids Speak plate and opt for a standard replacement. You won t pay the $30 extra (nor get the $28 deduction) but you will have to pay the $24 plate replacement fee. 2. Get a replacement Kids Speak plate. You will pay the $30 special fee plus the $24 plate replacement fee. You will get a new license plate number. 3. Get a replacement Kids Speak plate with the same number you currently have. You will pay the $30 special fee plus a $24 plate replacement fee plus $20 to keep your old number. My choice was to keep the same numbers I have now. We hope you will choose to at least keep the Kids Speak plate and continue to advertise the fraternity As many of the Brethren are aware, the Valley of Everett participates in student scholarships for our Orient at two levels; The Valley of Everett sponsors one scholarship for the Mukilteo School District and one for the Everett School District. For some time, Brother David McCuistion, 32, KCCH, has administrated this program for our Valley. At the second level, a brother from each Valley, including Everett, is appointed to serve as a Director for the for Orient of Washington, Scottish Rite Foundation Scholarship Foundation Fund. Brother David, most ably served on this board as well. So most of us know that Brother David retired and move to Florida, an unfortunate loss for us, but a travelling man has got to do what he has got to do. With the our local scholarship effort and the State fund in need of a replacement director, Ill Carl Smith, our Personal Representative Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation By Greg Outman, 32 for the Valley of Everett, has appointed me to this position. I will honestly admit that I was not aware of any responsibilities for either position, but I am a quick study. That, along with the much needed assistance from Bother David, who remotely mentored me through the process and in very short order organized our local effort for Scholarships and with the much appreciated assistance of Brothers lames Hamlin 32, and Robert Dearborn, 32, KCCH, the Valley fulfilled it's duty by awarding Scholarships to two very deserving students at Cascade and Mariner High Schools. During this effort, I did receive a call from our Secretary, ILL Charrison Lochaby, who stated, "Did you know this appointed also comes with an appointment to the Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington?" "Well, no. What is that?" So, that appointment has already taken me to Olympia, for the scoring of applications at the state level, for undergrads, and the Ocean Shores Washington, for the Foundations Annual meeting. We did all the business that the 8 Million dollar fund required, and then proceeded to award some approximately $260,000 in scholarships to very well qualified undergrads. This event ended with an evening dinner and all of us writing checks for the "Celebration of the Craft" night Temple Restoration fund. (Yea, I was into the whole thing, and that's what Masons do) Most importantly, I'd like to point out that I fellowshipped with men of the most honorable stature, and ones who where entrusted with millions of dollars, without one dime ever coming up missing. That, was so truly Masonic, I the whole experience was humbling for me. So, what all this means is that this year, the duty is performed, and I look forward to my labors for this noble endeavor for next year.

6 Valley of Everett C O M I N G E V E N T S Annual Tail Gate Party Saturday, July 20, 2013 At the Everett Masonic Center Everett, Washington 6:30 PM Members, Ladies and Guest are Cordially invited to attend Take me out to the ballgame Sunday, August 18, 2013 At the Everett Memorial Stadium Everett, Washington 1:05 PM Game Everett Aqua Sox Versus Eugene Emeralds Cost $22.00 Per Person For ticket contact Bob Dearborn At or at Coug0990@aol.com

7 Valley of Everet t Calendar of Events Reserve Friday Evenings for your Scottish Rite July 14 Executive Committee 2:00 PM July 20 Valley of Everett Annual Tail Gate Party August 12 Executive Committee 2:00 PM August 18, 2013 Everett Scottish Rite Annual Take Me Out To The Ballgame Everett Memorial Stadium Sept 08 Executive Committee 2:00 PM Sept 13 Lodge of Perfection Welcome Back Night 6:30 Buffett Sept 20 Consistory Stated 29th Degree 6:30 PM Buffett, 7:30PM Meeting Sept 27 Kadosh 30th Degree 6:30PM Buffett, 7:30 PM Meeting DISTRICT EIGHT MASONIC HAPPENINGS July 2013 Date Day Time Lodge Event 2 Tuesday 6:30 PM Crystal 122 Stated Meeting Tuesday 7:00PM Sultan Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 6:00 PM Dinner 4 Thursday 10:00 AM Arlington 129 Fourth of July Parade 10 Wednesday 7:30 PM Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 17 Wednesday 7:30 PM Alpha 212 Stated Meeting Wednesday 7:30 PM Centennial 25 Stated Meeting 20 Saturday 12:00 PM Skykomish #259 12:00PM Lunch 2:00 PM Meeting 23 Tuesday 7:00PM Sultan Monroe 160 Stated Meeting 6:00 PM Dinner 24 Wednesday 7:30 PM Arlington 129 Stated Meeting 27 Thursday 6:30 PM Peninsular 95 6:30 PM Dinner Special Communication DISTRICT NINE MASONIC HAPPENINGS July 2013 Date Day Time Lodge Event 2 Tuesday 6:30 PM Mount Baker 36 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 9 Tuesday 6:30 PM Fidalgo 77 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 16 Tuesday 7:30 PM Whidby Island 15 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 18 Thursday 7:30 PM Garfield 41 6:30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 20 Saturday Whidby Island 15 Masonic Family Picnic 23 Tuesday 6:30 PM Langley :30 P M Dinner Stated Meeting 24 Wednesday 7:30 PM District 9 LAO Fidalgo Host Reg. Meeting Note: Brethren take the time to visit your local Blue Lodges and share with them the opportunities that are available to them in our valley

8 F&AM Scottish Rite Bodies 220 Olympic Blvd Everett, WA July Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage paid Mt Vernon, WA Permit No. 147 What is Scottish Rite? Although there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite serve to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge. A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32 Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The moral and ethical lessons will allow him to be constantly reminded of his duty to God, Family, Country, and Fellow Man. IN THIS ISSUE From the Personal Representative From the Secretary, 4th of July Calendar of Events Julys Birthdays Rite Care" By David Eagerly Valley of Everett Rite Care Program Masonic Outreach Services, Part three of there Veterans Affairs, Mary Craves-Holland, Director Valley of Everett Refrigerator Card Skykomish Lodge August adventure, All Aboard Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation by Greg Outman Masonic License Plate Renewal By Terry Grove Visit the Everett Valley web site. It is located at: DATES TO REMEMBER Annual Tailgate Party Saturday July 20, :30 PM At the Everett Masonic Center 234 Olympic Blvd Everett, Washington Members, Ladies and Guest are cordially invited to attend Sunday, August 18, 2013 Take me out to the Ball Game 1:05 PM At the Contact Bob Dearborn for tickets at or at Coug0990@aol.com Valley of Everett Contact List Carl Smith, 33º, Personal Rep of the S.G.I.G. Telephone: (360) Umpire@wavecable.com Charrison Lochaby, 33º, Secretary Telephone: clochaby@whidbey.com Richard Morgan, 32º Almoner Telephone: morgiscold37@comcast.net Kenneth Thompson, 32º, KCCH, Editor Telephone: Knthom32@Comcast.net