The Five Senses. May - June Ralph W. Smith. Jr., 33. AlexandriaScottishRite.org

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1 AlexandriaScottishRite.org May - June 2012 The Five Senses Ralph W. Smith. Jr., 33 In the Degree of Fellowcraft we are told about the five senses of human nature hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. But in the Blue Lodge, and certainly in the Scottish Rite, we learn to look beyond the obvious and try to grasp what the various Masonic symbols really stand for and what we can learn from them. As we grow in Masonry, not only do we develop a deeper understanding of the symbols, but also a better understanding of ourselves and how we might live a more meaningful life. We should be less confident when we are dealing with others. We may think that we understand what they are thinking, doing, and experiencing, but our senses often mislead us, and our grasp of their situation may be more tenuous and uncertain than we would think. This can even happen with those closest to us. Let me give you two examples, which interestingly are focused on the senses. A father who thought his son was mentally challenged joined a father-son youth program, and during one of the meetings, when the speaker had turned away to look at the other side of the room, his son reached up and tugged at the speaker s arm so he would face him. It turned out that the lad was reading lips, and he apparently had been doing this at home. The reason he appeared somewhat slow, was that he frequently could not respond when a family member was not looking directly at him when speaking. The father was dumbfounded when he learned of his son s problem, but following the acquisition of a hearing aid, the boy assumed a normal life, earned a Bachelor of Science degree, found a job with significant responsibility and became a respected member of his community. The parents of a little girl about six were notified by her school that they should come in for a consultation regarding the child s eyesight, since in a slide show of animals she identified a giraffe as a broom! How could it be that the parents had not discovered this on their own? She had seemed to be quite normal. But when they thought about it, they recalled that when drawing in her coloring book she would lay her head on her arm and, with her eyes close to the page, could color the pictures in a way one would expect. When asked if she saw the shape of a cloud or see a robin, they simply accepted her reply, whether positive or negative. A trip to the optometrist revealed that she was legally blind, about 20/1200. Her parents broke into tears when, after receiving glasses, she saw them in focus for the first time, and announced they were beautiful. She could not wait until she was old enough for contact lenses, and later as a young woman when she had laser surgery, her father accompanied her to the procedure and heard her cry aloud I can see, I can see. Tears again ran down his cheeks. If parents could misread the situation with their own children, we should be rather humble about the assumptions we make about our members. We often assume that the new Scottish Rite Mason has really understood what we are teaching in the 29 Degrees, and is well on his way to becoming an active and engaged member of our Valley, but this is not always the case. So what are we to take away from these two examples and the cautions I have expressed? Well, I would leave you with two thoughts. First, we need to personally reach out and mentor our new Brethren. After all, it is not just the Degrees which are central to our Fraternity; it is the relationships we develop. It is not enough to focus on the philosophy, the symbolism, and the moral lessons, important as they are. We need to go further and develop the personal ties that really bind us together, and form the basis for the friendships that make Freemasonry a band of Brothers. Second, when we think of our five senses, we can better appreciate the efforts of the Scottish Rite, through its RiteCare Childhood Language Disorder program to assist children to overcome their handicap. I can talk about this for a long time, but nothing will make the point more clearly than if you and your wife and friends would come with us to visit the David Kruger Summer Clinic at James Madison University. And in that regard, perhaps you also can understand why we are now engaged in building a Valley Scholarship Program to provide opportunities for those children who might otherwise not be able to afford college or trade school, and would miss out on the life-long benefits this educational training can provide.

2 Personal Representative s Message Edmund Cohen, 33 - Personal Representative of the SGIG in Alexandria Dear Brethren: There are many beautiful and elaborate aprons and other impressive regalia in Freemasonry, and particularly in the Scottish Rite, but perhaps nothing as plain and unassuming as the white leather apron we receive at initiation. After we are raised, we will not have occasion to wear it again during our lifetime. We should, of course, inform our loved ones where our apron is kept, and that we will need it at our funeral. But this plain, white leather apron is not something that should remain hidden in a closet during the period between our raising and our death. It has an important purpose during our lives. We should regularly take a look at our apron and honestly assess our character and the quality of our actions against the white and unblemished state of the apron. An honest assessment may reveal that we have some work to do to build our moral and spiritual temple to the exacting specifications of the Master Builder. This is not surprising. We are exposed daily to the coarsening influences of a popular culture that admires argumentative, aggressive, and even violent behavior. The social media is all too tolerant of rudeness and vulgarity, while elegance and sophistication is scorned and chivalry is ridiculed. Masonic culture is quite different. Courtesy, consideration, and a fundamental sense of fairness and decency are highly prized and encouraged. Thus, we are aided in building our character by regular attendance at Masonic functions, by associating with our more learned Brethren, and by emulating our Masonic mentors and role models. There is another aspect of our popular culture that hinders our moral and spiritual development. And that is the tyranny of technology. It is, of course, important that we increase in knowledge, skill, and expertise throughout our lives. But we need to recognize that often the more labor-saving devices we purchase, the less time we seem to have; and the more we begin using technology that is supposed to simplify our lives, the more complicated things seem to get. The distinctions between home and work are eroding, and we are expected to be on call and available all the time. We are expected to act more quickly which means making decisions without having all the facts and without time to think things through. We find that we have to run faster and faster just to keep up. Our days are full but we are not happier. Masonic culture again is quite different. We value work and pay attention to family responsibilities, but we stress the importance of balance and the need for equilibrium. We offer a change of pace and a break from the routine. Our meeting rooms are a place where the stresses of the day can be left behind and where friendship, fellowship, and thoughtful discussion can be enjoyed in an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. Through these discussions and a study of Masonic symbolism and philosophy, we grow morally and spiritually. The Alexandria Valley encourages your participation in four key events that represent a meaningful break from our everyday routine. The first comes right before our Valley meeting on Friday, May 11, when we will have our Ladies and Widows dinner. In addition to a great speaker (Ill. Brent Morris) and a good meal, it is an opportunity for our ladies to fellowship together and for us to take the opportunity to remind our ladies how much we love and appreciate them, and to remind our widows that they have not been forgotten. The second event comes before our Valley meeting on Friday, June 8, when we again have a good speaker and meal to recognize a number of the outstanding teachers in our area. This is part of our community outreach and very much in keeping with the value the Scottish Rite places on education. The third event, on Saturday, June 23, is our Friends and Family dinner and silent auction. There is a reception, dinner, music, and lots of laughs, but a serious purpose as well, which is to raise money for charity. And the final event, on Monday, July 9, is our visit to James Madison University to observe the David Kruger Scottish Rite Summer Speech and Language Clinic. We get to see how our RiteCare dollars are put to work and our pride competes with our tears as we experience firsthand the challenges faced by young children with serious language disorders, and see how we are helping these children to overcome the problems they must confront. There are times, as we go through life, when we may wonder if we are simply going through the motions, and doing the minimal necessary to get by; when with only a little more effort we could really make a difference. When we attend these four Scottish Rite events in May and June, we will feel we are making a difference: honoring our ladies, recognizing our great teachers, honing our charitable instincts, and standing by children who really need our support. I hope you will be able to join with me and my wife Gwen at each of these wonderful events. God Bless. Ed Cohen PersonalRepresentative@AlexandriaScottishRite.org Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 2

3 Master of Kadosh s Message Donald G. Phillips KCCH - Master of Kadosh, Consistory Family Events at the Alexandria Scottish Rite Brethren, With each spring Mother Nature brings a renewal of hope. In that spirit, the Alexandria Consistory sponsors three Valley events for you and your family. The first one is a dinner on Friday, May 11th at 6 p.m. when we honor our ladies and the widows of our departed Brethren. I look forward to having you and your lady join my wife Stacey and me at the dinner. Please call our Secretary at with your reservations. I also would note that as Master Masons we took on an obligation to take care of the widows. As a small part of that obligation, the Valley invites our widows to be our guests at the dinner. It would be great if you would help us by personally contacting a widow and perhaps providing transportation to and from the dinner. The Consistory also partners with the Valley Education Committee to sponsor the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award on Friday, June 8. This is a community outreach program, and we hope you and your lady will attend the dinner where we will be honoring three very special teachers. These teachers, their principals, and guests, often return to their schools and talk about their experience at the Alexandria Scottish Rite and with you, my Brethren. Please support this event. The third event which the Consistory promotes is our RiteCare program to help children with language disorders. You and your lady should plan to travel with us to the David Kruger Scottish Rite Summer Speech and Language Clinic at James Madison University to witness how our contributions are put to work providing critical help to kids who really need our support. I am confident that you and your lady will enjoy these three very worthwhile family events. Donald Phillips MasterofKadoshConsistory@AlexandriaScottishRite.org Biography of Donald G. Phillips Donald Phillips was born in Alexandria and was raised in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. Being the middle of a five sibling family, he was always on the move with sports, camping, and other family outings. After high school Brother Phillips worked for the county parks and recreation system in the maintenance department. In 1979 he married Stacey Henderson of Alexandria and went to work for Washington Gas Light Company in the Service Department for twenty-five years. He still works in the gas industry but for the private sector. Brother Phillips was raised in Henry Knox Field Lodge No. 349 in He also joined Occoquan Lodge No. 310 and became Worshipful Master in He is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and served as Worthy Grand Patron in for the Grand Chapter of Virginia. He joined the Alexandria Scottish Rite in 1992, and was a member of the Ted Weber state-wide conferral in Richmond. He was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander Court of Honour in He is in the cast of the 32nd Degree. Brother Phillips enjoys Masonic ritual, traveling around Virginia and exploring its history, and spending time with his personal family and his extended Masonic family. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 3

4 From The Secretary s Corner David C. Morris, 33 - Secretary of all Four Bodies Web Event Here is something new on our calendar. From 6 p.m. until midnight on May 19, 2012, the Supreme Council will be having a web-a-thon to raise money for the restoration of the House of the Temple. 50% of the net proceeds will be given to the Orient and/or Valley. This tribute to Freemasonry will include entertainment, celebrities, humor, and educational programming and be hosted by comedian, Ill. Norm Crosby, 33. The broadcast will be on the web site and donations can be made by phone, or by texting. The goal is to raise one million dollars that night. Even if you only have a few minutes, sign on and check it out! Welcome to the Spring Class of The Spring Class had a different road to travel because, for the first time in a number of years, the Degrees were given in Richmond, VA, as part of a state-wide reunion. We now have 21 new Masters of the Royal Secret. Please come out to the May meeting and get to know our new Brethren and make them feel welcome in our Valley. Caps and Rings We hope to have the Caps, Cap boxes, Rings, and Patents for our Spring Reunion Class available at the June meeting. Dave Morris Secretary@AlexandriaScottishRite.org Congratulations to the first members to complete a program this year! Master Craftsman Program Master Craftsman I Carsie A. Bozeman Richard O. Hurt Master Craftsman Program Study Groups Update from Roger Peak, KCCH Several Brethren enrolled in and completed the Scottish Rite s Master Craftsman Program Part I. A few Brethren enjoyed the first part so much that they enrolled in and completed Part II. While some like to study alone, others are enjoying participating in the Part I study group that began last December. They are interested in continuing the study group for Part II. Ill. Norman Hoff, 33 o, and I would like to accommodate the request to have two study groups; one for Part I and a second for Part II. A new Part I study group will begin in November 2012 and meet on Mondays. The Part II study group will begin in June and meet on Thursdays. Both study groups will meet about every 4 weeks. The Part I Study Group will be open to any Scottish Rite Mason, including those who have started Part I and not yet completed it. The Part II Study Group will be open to any Alexandria Valley Scottish Rite Mason who has completed Part I or who is in the middle of completing Part II. When you register for the Master Craftsman Program Part I, you will receive the first quiz and the Scottish Rite Ritual: Monitor and Guide, a $65.00 book. The cost of both the Program and the book is only $40.00 and are available from the Valley Secretary. For more information, contact Roger W. Peak, KCCH, Study Group Leader, at OhioPeak@gmail.com; Ill. Norman Hoff, 33, Chair, Education and Americanism Committee, at Norm.Hoff@verizon.net; or Ill. Dave Morris, 33 Secretary, at Secretary@AlexandriaScottishRite.org. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 4

5 Alexandria Notices Valley Donor Program Sick and Distressed On a number of occasions we learn much too late that one of our Brethren, his spouse, or a member of his family is ill. Sometimes there is a death and we fail to learn of that as well. This is distressing to the Valley and, indeed, often distressing to the Brother or his family when no one calls and there are no cards. But if we don t know, we can t respond. So the bottom line is, if you or a family member is sick, remember to call or the Chair of our Sick and Distress Committee, Ill. John Shroeder, ( ) (CmdrShroeder@aol.com) or our Valley Secretary, Ill. Dave Morris, ( ) (secretary@alexandriascottishrite.org). And, given that when serious illness or other problems occur, the individual dealing with the crisis often is on overload with too much to do or think about, if you hear that one of our Scottish Rite Brethren or his family is having a problem, please take the initiative to contact Ill. Brothers Shroeder or Morris and let us know! Sign up for the e-bulletin. For some time now we have been posting the Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin on our website ( alexandriascottishrite.org). It is found in two places: right at the top of the home page, along with the previous Bulletin, and also on the Bulletin tab found on the left side of the home page. In the Bulletin tab you can find all of the Bulletins going back to January There are two advantages of the electronic version of the Bulletin. It is posted even before the print version gets to the printer, and thus is available to you much sooner than when it gets mailed out. Second, the electronic version of the Bulletin is in color. The advantage to the Valley is that the electronic version costs us nothing. The cost of printing, addressing, and mailing the Bulletin is about $2, per issue. And this is for a black and white version; it would be quite a bit more expensive if we wanted to have the printed version in color. Write a Feature Article for the Bulletin In the last issue we had a great article from our last class speaker, Brother James Cudney; in this issue we have a feature article by Ill. Ralph Smith. The Bulletin is produced every other month and we would like to have a feature article 1-2 pages in length on Masonic, and particularly Scottish Rite, history, philosophy, symbolism, traditions, etc. We would encourage you to submit an article for possible publication in the Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin. To do so, please our Personal Respresentative, Ill. Ed Cohen at PersonalRepresentative@AlexandriaScottishRite.com. Upcoming Election of Clubs Officers At the April meetings, the Presidents appointed Nominating Committees to recommend at the May meetings a slate of officers for the year Elections and brief installations will be held at the June meetings. We like to have as many as possible from the Alexandria area attend all Club meetings, but particularly the ones in June as a show of support for each club as it sets out on a new year. The schedule for May, June, and July meetings appears on page 8. Where reservations are required, call Ill. Walter Downs, , or Ill. Dave Smith, , by the Friday before each meeting. We ll be glad to arrange car pools if desired. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 5

6 Save the Past, Protect the Future Brother Allen Beckner, Chairman, Philanthropic Committee of the Alexandria Scottish Rite. Dear Brethren, In the last issue of the Bulletin, we introduced our Save the Past, Protect the Future fundraising effort. In short, our Alexandria Valley has embarked upon an endeavor of epic proportion with the goal of raising $1,000,000 over five years to be split between the Valley Scholarship Fund and House of the Temple Restoration Fund (HOT). Brother Howard Sobel is leading our Valley Scholarship Fund and Ill. Matt Szramoski is leading the HOT campaign. Each has an extensive background and successful track record in achieving major fundraising goals. Brother Sobel has personally issued a challenge to 250 brethren to contribute $1,000 over the next five years to the Valley Scholarship Fund. If accepted, this will immediately raise $250,000 half of the scholarship fund s goal. Brother Sobel says he will make the first contribution and asks a simple question, Who is next? A contribution of only $200 a year, over the next five years, will enable us to provide assistance to qualified candidates sooner. I also call your attention to the Web Event on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 6 p.m. to midnight sponsored by the Supreme Council, professionally produced by the Carlin Company, and hosted by Ill. Norm Crosby, 33. All you need to do is log onto the Supreme Council website at to view the entertainment and educational programming. I hope you will mention this to your friends and to your Blue Lodge Brethren. I am sure you will enjoy the celebrities and the humor, and you also will learn a great deal about the Scottish Rite and the House of the Temple. Any donations by members of the Alexandria Valley made online or called in during the Web Event will be divided equally between the HOT Restoration Fund and our Valley Scholarship program. And don t forget to review the Contribution Pledge Form sent out with the March-April Bulletin. Some of us can give a lot, some very little, but every member of the Valley can and should play a part in this important charitable project. Allen Beckner Biography of Allen Breckner Brother Allen Beckner graduated from George Mason University with a BA in English and later completed multiple degrees in Advanced Financial Planning from the American College. Possessing more than 25 years in the banking, insurance and securities business, Brother Beckner is a Board-certified Financial Planner, a licensed Insurance Agent, a Registered General Securities Principal, a Registered Investment Advisor, and a Registered Employee Benefits Consultant. Brother Beckner is dedicated to the Masonic Fraternity. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in December 2007 at the Elmer Timberman Lodge No. 54. In August 2008 he became a Royal Arch Mason at Annandale No. 77. In November 2008, Brother Beckner became a Kena Shriner and later a member of the Kena Yacht Club. In August 2010 he received the Orders of the Temple and is currently Senior Warden of Arlington Commandery No. 29. He recently accepted a position on the Finance Committee of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia. Brother Beckner was a member of the Spring 2008 Reunion class and since then has been quite active in the Valley. Encouraged by Illustrious Brother Firestone, Brother Beckner has been a cast member in the 9/10, 15, 18, 21, 29 and 32nd degrees. He is a Master Craftsman, having completed both the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman I and Master Craftsman II programs. He currently serves as the Assistant Expert in the Alexandria Lodge of Perfection, is a member of the Valley Finance Committee and is the Chair of the Philanthropic Committee. Brother Beckner was selected as the 2012 Scottish Rite Fellow from the Alexandria Valley. He has been a Rotarian of the Bailey s Crossroads Rotary Club since April 2007 and is the Vice President Elect of that Club for the term July 2012 June As a Certified Financial Planner, Brother Beckner operates his own financial planning firm in Annandale, Virginia. He resides with his wife Linda in Arlington, Virginia. They have two children: Katherine who is the newest officer in the Vienna Police Department, and Michael who is an Industrial Systems and Engineering senior at Virginia Tech. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 6

7 Reflections of a Scottish Rite Fellow Brother Allen Beckner Dear Brethren, One always hopes for the best when one goes to a conference; some are worth the time, some not. And so I approached the Scottish Rite leadership conference with some trepidation, not really knowing what to expect. Well, it exceeded all expectations and I would recommend that each of you do your best to attend the next one. There were seminars that gave us insights into Valley operations, from financial management to public relations, from membership to strategic planning. There also were sessions on developing effective websites, and learning how to use Twitter and Facebook. In fact, there were many more subjects than time, so we all had to choose which sessions to attend. It was useful, it was enlightening, and it was fun. I also appreciated the general sessions where we were inspired and motivated. But I had a special experience at the conference. As the 2012 Alexandria Scottish Rite Fellow, I represented our Valley and joined with Fellows from other Valleys. I was deeply moved by the time I spent with Scottish Rite Fellows from other Valleys and other Orients, and recall particular conversations with Brethren from Key West, Galveston, and Juneau. Last time there had been a Southern Jurisdictionwide leadership conference, and with a large group of Fellows from Valleys across the country, the experience was somewhat diluted. But this time there were three conferences one in San Diego, one in St. Louis, and one in Baltimore, so a smaller group of us were able to more personally interact with Ill. Ronald Seale, the Sovereign Grand Commander. The experience was fantastic, and I benefited greatly from the time I spent listening and learning from him. The experience was rather intense; there was no blather or happy talk. Rather, there was a focus on the essence of Freemasonry and what it means to be a Master Mason and a Master of the Royal Secret. I can tell you that the 2 ½ hours with SGC Seale absolutely cemented my reasons for becoming a Mason and a Scottish Rite Mason. In the most humble and gentle way, Commander Seale showed us that life must be in equilibrium and balance. This does not happen automatically or by osmosis. It requires that we take the time to reflect and think upon the light that we have received in Masonry, and from the perspective of the additional degrees we have received to return back to being an Entered Apprentice and learning the valuable lessons of the compass and square. He noted that receiving the 32nd degree was quite different from understanding what it meant. Indeed, understanding not just the 32nd degree, but all degrees from the 4th 32nd required study and introspection, and it may very well take a lifetime of study and reflection to understand the truths being revealed, but there was great value in the effort. Beyond the philosophic, there was the practical. Commander Seale had us develop a new Scottish Rite Valley, and we walked through the steps of deciding what our purpose was; what it should cost to join, and what the annual dues should be; how we should conduct meetings and events; and what we needed to offer to promote diversity and active participation in both membership growth and retention. In short, Commander Seale wanted us to consider what it was that makes a Brother stay engaged in all facets of the Scottish Rite experience. He suggested that a large part of the answer was in the relationship of our fraternity to a Brother and his family! He quoted Kurt Russell from the movie Backdraft, saying to his fellow fireman who was about to fall to his death, but was being held onto by Kurt, You go, We go! The point must be with respect to our Scottish Rite Brothers and family, no matter what the problem or crisis being faced, You go, We go! I look forward to talking with you further about my experience at the conference, but let me end by first thanking you for the great privilege of being selected to be a Fellow and attending the Conference; and second, pledging that I will continue to work diligently for the Valley and work even harder to live up to the title of Master Mason. Allen Beckner, 32nd 2012 Scottish Rite Fellow Alexandria Valley Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 7

8 Friends and Family Dinner and Auction John A. Light, KCCH - Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Dear Brethren: Your support and attendance at the Alexandria Scottish Rite Valley s Friends and Family Dinner and Auction on Saturday, June 23, 2012, 5:30 p.m. is essentially necessary to make it a success. There are a number of ways you can help. First, see if you have any Masonic or other items that you could donate for the auction. We are looking for items in various price ranges but not junk. Your donations would be a tax deductible contribution. Get in touch with our Secretary Ill. Dave Morris or Brother Ben Browning to donate or for more information. Second, you can make a cash contribution to the event and your name will be listed in the program as an underwriter. Again the full amount of your donation is tax deductible. Third, you can purchase one or more tickets for you and your lady and perhaps a friend. Individual tickets are $50.00 ($20 of which is tax deductible) and include the reception, meal, entertainment, and auction. If you have a group coming with you, you can reserve an entire table for 8 for $400 ($160 of which is tax deductible). Finally, if you wish to provide additional support for the event, $200 will purchase two tickets, and your name will be listed in program as a Sponsor. ($138 of your Sponsor ticket is tax deductible). I think I can guarantee you that you will have a wonderful evening with family and friends and even make new friends. And you may leave the auction with some treasures to bring home and enjoy. All money over the cost of the event will be divided between the Valley Scholarship Program and the House of the Temple Restoration Fund. To sum it up, you will enjoy great fellowship and be doing your part to help two very worthwhile Scottish Rite charities. Make your reservations right now. Ladies Appreciation and Widows Recognition Dinner Dear Brethren: I am asking for your support for our Ladies Appreciation and Widows Recognition Dinner on May 11th at 6 p.m. I very much hope you and your lady can attend the dinner. In addition, you might consider bringing one of our Alexandria Scottish Rite widows. I am sure she would appreciate the invitation, and I am sure our departed Brother would be grateful. As you know the cost per person of our pre-meeting dinners is only $8.00 because it is partly subsidized by the Valley. We are planning a great meal, at a great price, and we will have a great speaker. Our speaker is Ill. Brent Morris 33 o Grand Cross, and editor of the Scottish Rite Journal. We also will have a couple of little gifts for the ladies. Your presence will mean a great deal and I thank you so much for your support. Please call or your reservations to our Secretary, Ill. Dave Morris, so we can plan the number of meals we need. He can be reached at (703) or (703) ; his address is Secretary@AlexandriaScottishRite.org. Sincerely and Fraternally, Edmund Cohen Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 8

9 ALEXANDRIA SCOTTISH RITE FRIENDS DINNER (SRFD) Saturday, June 23, 2012, 5:30 PM Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple 1430 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA ***** PARTICIPATION FORM ***** 1. Yes, I will attend the SRFD on June 23. Please send me dinner tickets at $50 each. $20 of each ticket price is tax deductible. 2. Yes, I will attend the SRFD: however, I wish to reserve a Table in my name so I may invite my relatives, friends, and non-scottish Rite Masons as my guests. Table Reservation: $400 includes eight (8) dinner tickets. $160 of the ticket price is tax deductible. I will be listed in the program as a Table Sponsor. 3. Yes, I want to be a SRFD Sponsor. Enclosed is my check for $200. By serving as a Sponsor, I will receive two (2) dinner tickets and be listed in the program as a Sponsor. $138 of my Sponsor ticket is tax deductible. Please list my Sponsor name or business in the program as: 4. Yes, I want to help underwrite the expenses of the SRFD. Enclosed is my check for $. I will be listed in the program as an Underwriter. The full amount I have donated as an underwriter is tax deductible. My donation will be used to pay for the cost of auction items, dinner expenses, etc. This will increase the profitability of the SRFD and allow more funds to be used by our charities. 5. Yes, I want to donate the following items for the auction. I want to donate. Please contact me by phone: or to make arrangements for the donation. I will receive a tax deduction based on the donated value of the items and will be listed in the program as a Donor. ********************************************************************* No. of $50 each = $ No. of Tables $400 each = $ Sponsor $200 each = $ Underwriting Donation $ Total Enclosed $ Name: Phone: Address: Please make your check payable to Alexandria Scottish Rite, indicate SRFD on the check and mail with this form by June 12, 2012 to: Alexandria Scottish Rite P.O. Box 175 Alexandria, VA Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin May - Jun 2012 Page 9

10 SCOTTISH RITE BULLETIN of the Valley of Alexandria, Orient of Virginia Matthew R Grizzard, Editor Editor@AlexandriaScottishRite.org All Scottish Rite Members whose names appear in this Bulletin are of the Thirty-second Degree, unless otherwise indicated. The Secretary of the Four Coordinate Bodies: Illustrious David C. Morris, 33 The Assistant Secretary: Illustrious David H. Smith Sr., 33 The Treasurer: Illustrious Roy M. (Marty) Heaster, 33 The mailing address is: P.O. Box 175, Alexandria, VA Office Phone: (703) Fax Number: (703) The Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple is located at 1430 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please notify the Secretary immediately of any change of address, phone number or address. This is very important so that you may receive The Scottish Rite Journal and other publications and correspondence without delay. THE SCOTTISH RITE CREED Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal. ILLUSTRIOUS RONALD A. SEALE, 33 Sovereign Grand Commander ILLUSTRIOUS JAMES D. COLE, 33 Grand Treasurer General and SGIG in the Orient of Virginia ILLUSTRIOUS EDMUND COHEN, 33 Personal Representative of the SGIG in Alexandria ILLUSTRIOUS WALTER SCOTT DOWNS, 33, GC Secretary Emeritus STATED MEETINGS Alexandria Lodge of Perfection Second Friday of each month O.M. NEIL MARPLE, KCCH Venerable Master Alexandria Chapter of Rose Croix Second Friday January, March, May, November JOHN A. LIGHT, KCCH Wise Master Alexandria Council of Kadosh Second Friday January, March, May, November JAMES D. BAKER, KCCH Commander Alexandria Consistory Second Friday March, June, September, December DONALD G. PHILLIPS, KCCH Master of Kadosh Scottish Rite Bulletin ALEXANDRIA SCOTTISH RITE BODIES Post Office Box 175 Alexandria, Virginia Return Service Requested Upcoming Events May 2012 May 10 7:30 p.m. Master Craftsman I Study Group Review Quiz 5 May 11 6:00 p.m. Ladies Appreciation and Widows Recognition Dinner (Reservations required by May 7) Council of Kadosh, Chapter of Rose Croix & Lodge of Perfection May 19 6:00 p.m. - Midnight Celebration of the Craft A Web Event (See the Secretary s Corner for info) May 21 6:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Club Meeting in The Plains (Reservations required by, May 18) May 23 6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Valley Club Butcher Block Restaurant, Stephens City (Reservations not required) June 2012 June 7 7:30 p.m. Master Craftsman I Study Group Review Quiz 6 (the last quiz) June 8 6:00 p.m. Teachers Recognition Dinner (Reservations required by June 4) Consistory & Lodge of Perfection June 18 6:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Club Meeting in Culpeper (Reservations required by June 15) June 2012 (continued) NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MERRIFIELD, VA PERMIT No June 23 5:30 p.m. Friends and Family Dinner and Silent Auction (Reservations requested by June 15) June 27 6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Valley Club Woodstock (Reservations required by June 22) July 2012 July 9 9:00 a.m. Visit to James Madison University Dave Kruger RiteCare Clinic July 13 6:00 p.m. Executive Council Meeting Lodge of Perfection 7:30 p.m. Refreshments 9:00 p.m. July 16 6:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Club Meeting in The Plains (Reservations required by July 13) July 25 6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Valley Club Butcher Block Restaurant, Stephens City (Reservations not required) July 28 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Annual Valley Family Picnic Open to All Reservations Required by July 25 CLUBS For more detailed information on the Clubs meetings please see page 5