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Scottish Scottish Rite Degree Day – New Class

Group Picture showing RWB Robert E. Staight (center) with candidates and Valley Officers

Scottish Rite Degree Day honoring Right Worshipful Brother Robert E Staight was held on Saturday, March 19 at the Mansfield Masonic Complex. There were seven new candidates who started their journey in Scottish Rite by witnessing the conferral of the 4o, 14o, 18o, and the 16o with over 90 Brethren in attendance.

The Brethren were treated to a unique presentation of the 16o with everyone becoming a participant during the lunch period. This was a new experience for everyone and was enjoyed by all. It was a nice way of completing a very enjoyable morning on a nice sunny day. Congratulations to RWB Mike Cecil and Ill. Bill Reed, 33o for coordinating this activity for the brethren of Mansfield and the Valley of Canton along with all who participated in the degree work. The new candidates are: Kevin Childress; Brian Hanner; Thomas Stortz; Shane Adkins; Tyson Berkey; Kristopher Welch; Samuel Kinkade.

ON THE · Trestle Board • Reservation Forms •

INSIDE · Membership Column • Secretary's Column • More •

April, 2011

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FROM OUR SECRETARY

Brethren, Spring has finally arrived in Ohio, and we hope warmer weather is coming with it. One way to warm our spirits is to take part in the activities planned by the Valley of Canton to provide

inspirational and enjoyable events for our members

The month of March brought the brethren together for our quarterly dinner meeting at the Canton Masonic Temple, that featured an interesting program by historian Richard McElroy concerning Bro. William McKinley’s military service. And, on Saturday March 19, candidates and members joined together at the Mansfield Masonic Complex to honor Bro. Robert E. Staight and observe excellent conferrals of the 4th, 14th, 16th and 18th degrees. The month of April promises more exciting events in the Valley of Canton.

Cast members are rehearsing and stage crew personnel are working hard to make the portrayal of degrees at the Spring Reunion as impressive as possible. The Reunion on April 7, 8 and 9, honors Ill. James E. Duitch, 33°, and will feature the food, camaraderie and outstanding ritual work we’ve all come to expect from Scottish Rite. What we need more than anything else, however, is participation by the brethren. We need to see our brethren in the audience in the Cathedral Room, talking with each other in the Scottish Rite Parlor, and conversing with their guests and brethren at the lunch on Saturday. And don’t forget the Afterglow at the McKinley Grand Hotel on Saturday afternoon! The Saturday lunch at the Temple and Afterglow at the McKinley Grand are excellent opportunities for brethren and their guests to get together and have a good time while welcoming new Scottish Rite Masons and thanking Ill. Bro. Duitch for his contributions to Freemasonry. These events are free of charge, but reservations are required. Details about making reservations appear elsewhere in this issue of the Chronicle.

Brethren, the Officers and Trustees of your Valley are working hard to develop Inspirational, Convenient and Enjoyable activities for all of our members. For these efforts to succeed, all of us must participate! Let’s concentrate on making suggestions to the Officers as to enjoyable events and work at getting as many brethren as possible to come out and attend. And let’s make sure that each of us has an ample supply of those handy pocket petitions to distribute to those Master Masons seeking additional light in Masonry.

(Continued on page 8)

MEMBERSHIP WHAT’S IT WORTH??? Do you value your membership in an organization that upholds the right of every man to worship a supreme being? We are not required to adhere to a specific doctrine or creed. We are encouraged to seek

out moral and ethical truths that we can apply to our daily lives and not be bound by specific ideology that is contrary to our understanding of right and wrong.

Do you value your membership in an organization that believes in truly caring about each other? Ideally we should be intricately involved with each other’s lives. We should know when a brother is in need of a shoulder to cry on. We should know when a brother needs some financial assistance or physically needs a helping hand. We should all be able to truly enjoy our brother’s successes and lend a helping hand when they are in need.

Do you value your membership in an organization that demands integrity and truth from each of its initiates? With all the games that are played out in our personal and professional associations, isn’t it gratifying to know that we can be honest and truthful in our conversations with our brothers, and that we can openly disagree, yet still peacefully enjoy each other’s company.

In addition to the esoteric benefits of membership in Scottish Rite, we have opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of fantastic programs, wonderful meals shared in the company of some of the best men in the world, and activities that allow us to broaden our knowledge and have fun with our friends and families.

If you believe as I do that the Scottish Rite is one of the greatest fraternities in the world, and that the value of your membership is unsurpassed in the benefits you gain, then you have to share your enthusiasm with as many friends as you can. Get a petition in their hands and tell them how their lives can be richer by joining the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton. See you soon. Tom White Membership Chairman [email protected]

A.A.S.R. VALLEY OF CANTON James R. Filliez, 33o, Active For Ohio

James G. Fidler, 33o, Executive Secretary

        Mailing Address:                      Publication Staff:          A.A.S.R. – Valley of Canton                         Bill Rodgers, Editor          Masonic Temple         Phone: 330‐833‐7236          836 Market Avenue North        [email protected]          Canton, Ohio 44702          Phone: 330‐455‐2321 or 1‐877‐444‐4592          FAX: 330‐455‐7370           E‐mail: [email protected]          Web Page: cantonfreemasons.com 

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APRIL

Thur., Fri., Sat., Apr. 7, 8, & 9 – 231st Spring Reunion Ill. James E. Duitch, 330 Class

Thur., Apr. 14 -7:30 PM AASR Stated Meeting

Fri., April 22 – GOOD FRIDAY

Sun., April 24 - EASTER

MAY

Thu., May 12 – 7:30 PM Annual Meeting Election of Officers

Sat., May 14 – 6:30 PM AASR Valley of Canton Awards Dinner Sat., May 21-6:30 PM 21st. District Grand Master’s Reception at Tadmor Temple

IMPORTANT DATES

Thur., Fri., Sat., Apr. 7, 8, & 9 – 231st Reunion Honoring Ill. James E. Duitch, 330

Thur., Apr. 14 -7:30PM AASR Stated Meeting

Thur., May 12-7:30PM AASR Annual Meeting Election and Installation of Officers

Sat., May 14-6:30PM AASR Awards Dinner

Sat., May 21-6:30PM 21st District Grand Master’s Reception at Tadmor Temple Shrine in Akron

Fri.,& Sat., June 3&4-Ohio Council of Deliberation Meets in Cleveland, Ohio

Thur., June 9-6:30PM Dinner followed by AASR Quarterly Meeting

Thur., June 23-6:30PM AASR Scholarship Dinner

Thur., July 14-7:30PM AASR Stated Meeting

Fri., July 22 Teddy Bear Open Golf Outing

Sat., July 30- 4th Annual AASR Car Show at Canton Masonic Temple

Thur., Aug. 11-7:30PM AASR Stated Meeting

Sun., Mon., & Tue., Aug. 28,29,& 30-Supreme Council In Chicago, Illinois

Thur., Sept. 8-6:30PM Dinner followed by AASR Quarterly Meeting

Thur., Oct. 13-7:30PM AASR Stated Meeting

231st Class Reunion Ill James E. Duitch 330

The 231st Reunion of  the Valley of Canton,  to be held on April7, 8 and 9, 2011, gives all of our members  the opportunity  to  say  thank  you  to  one  of  our  most beloved  and  revered  Masons.  Ill.  Bro.  Jim  Duitch  personifies  the  tenets of  Freemasonry.  Jim has  shown himself  to  be  a  tireless  worker  on  behalf  of Wm.  H. Hoover Lodge 770, the Order of Eastern Star, the Grand Lodge  of  Ohio,  and  Scottish  Rite  for  many  years, bringing an attitude of professionalism, compassionate concern  for  others,  a  vibrant  sense  of  humor,  and  a spirit of Masonic charity to every task he undertakes. He has been a mentor to many  in the Masonic community and is a friend to everyone who comes into contact with him. Jim and his lovely wife, Janet, brighten every event they attend and always make others feel welcome.  

Brethren  who  attend  the  Spring  Reunion  will  have  a chance  to  greet  Jim  Duitch  and  thank  him  for  his service.    And  those  who  are  fortunate  enough  to  be candidates  in  the  Ill.  James E. Duitch,33° Class will  see firsthand how we all benefit from our friendship with a man who  epitomizes  the  principles  of  Brotherly  Love, Relief and Truth. 

Once again we are emphasizing the need to make a reservation if you are planning to attend the dinner on Friday, lunch and afterglow on Saturday. See page 7 for coupon.

Thursday, April 7, 2011 6:00 PM– Candidates Meet with Tom White 8:00PM – 4th Degree Conferral

Friday, April 8, 2011 6:00PM - Candidates Report 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 16th Degree with Dinner 8:00 PM – 8th Degree

Saturday, April 9, 2011 8:00AM Candidates Report - Coffee and Doughnuts 9:00AM - 17th Degree 10:15AM - 31st Degree 11:30AM 32nd Degree 12:00PM – Lunch Afterglow – McKinley Grand Hotel

A note on the April meeting  

The speaker for the April program will be the noted outdoor writer Ed Moody. He will be talking about Turkey and Deer Hunting. This should be a very interesting and informative program. Plan on being at the April meeting.

TRESTLEBOARD

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Time Management and the Job Search By Monica Rose Gwin The Employment Source

When you are doing a job search, it is easy to quickly become unorganized and inefficient. You may feel enthusiastic one day and, the next day, you aren’t sure where to begin. The way to combat your job search distractions is to create a plan to manage your time.

According to Resource Center Manager Amy Miller, the first and most basic thing is to use a calendar. “A lot of people don’t use a calendar and can miss application deadlines, appointments etc. It just takes a minute to write things down, and it will give you structure to get moving each day,” states Miller.

Next, make sure that you are setting goals for yourself. Of course, the ultimate goal is to get a job, but you need to have small goals for yourself to make sure you stay motivated. You can set daily and weekly goals. Goals can be things like researching a new company, making follow-up phone calls, and making a networking contact. Set up “to do” lists to help you reach your goals. Miller emphasizes that you have to set goals and then create a plan to get there.

Miller also advises that you should set up a routine that is similar to a work day. Get up just as you would for work, shower and dress nicely then start your search. If you sleep in, stay in your pajamas and don’t shower, it makes you feel less productive and doesn’t do much to motivate you.

Another important factor in managing your time is setting up a space for your job search that is quiet and free of distractions. If you are working in a room with the television blaring and a lot of interruptions, it is difficult to concentrate.

“It is important to give yourself down time too,” states Miller. “You have to job search, but you also have to take care of yourself. Get active, exercise, and remember to take a step back,” she emphasizes.

To hear more of Amy’s job search tips tune in Mondays on WHBC 94.1 at 6:40 a.m. and on WJER 1450 AM at 3:15 p.m.

TEDDY BEAR OPEN

Save this date: July 22, 2011 Location TBD

Teams are needed along with Individual and Corporate Sponsors, so start planning now.

Further information to arrive in future copies of the Chronicle; keep your eyes peeled.

Greetings from the Children’s Dyslexia Center

12 Children are on the Wait List 28 Children are being tutored 13 Certified Tutors 3 Scholars in Training The Director and Administrative Assistant are also Certified Tutors

The book sale is set up on the balcony of the ballroom. Feel

free to browse the new supply that has been donated this year. New books are always being donated, and we are grateful for the donations. The books are reasonably priced at $1.00 and $2.00.

A display case has been donated to the Center. The case will be in the main lobby. The Board of Governors will display items they have for sale.

Reminder: Save the date! The Mother Daughter Banquet will be Tuesday, May 10. The theme this year is “With a Spring in my Step and a Song in My Heart”, and we will “Dance Into Spring”. Be prepared for great entertainment. Tickets will be available in April. Everyone is invited. Bring friends, relatives and neighbors. Call the Center to make your reservations. (330-456-6373) The Center is open from 1:00 to 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Any other time, leave a message and we will get back to you.

The Center will be closed the last two weeks of April for spring break.

Wish List: Postage Stamps Copy Paper Letter size envelopes Gift Certificates to book stores Gift Certificates to teacher stores Gift Certificates to Office Max Wet Wipes to clean tables Boxes of Tissues Hand Sanitizer Donations of used books for the Book Sale

Carol Jones Director 330-456-6373

Name three science fiction movies. Do any of them, in your opinion, accurately show how our future will be? What’s the one movie you could watch over and over again?

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SPOT LIGHT ON THE LEARNING CENTER

I am writing today with so much gratitude in my heart for the Masonic Learning Center. My son, Chase, has attended the program from September, 2008, with hopes of graduating in June of this year.

This is a journey that began for us as early as Chase’s preschool years. This was a little boy who, at 18 months old, could recite the entire alphabet and count to 20. His vocal abilities were also very advanced for his age. When he entered preschool, they would give the kids “alphabet homework” (one letter per week). Chase was unable to recognize this letter after spending the week practicing them. This carried on into kindergarten. We would work on letter sounds, sight words, and some spelling. It was terribly difficult for him. We knew that something was not right. My husband is dyslexic, and with lots of reading and research on the subject, we knew that this was a very good possibility.

So where do you go to get help? My mother-in-law read an article in the newspaper about the Masonic Learning Center and shared it with us. I inquired immediately; Chase’s testing from his school district was sent to the Center. He was accepted into the program and put on a waiting list for a year.

Finally we had hope and a sense of direction. There had been a lot of tears and feelings of frustration along the way for us…not knowing who to turn to for help. When we met with Carol Jones (Director of the Center) and Ethel Grace Katoll (Chase’s tutor), our hearts were put at ease. We knew that he would be getting the best with the Orton-Gillingham Program used at the Center.

Chase is now nearing graduation from the program in June of this year. He has really improved so much with his reading abilities and being able to decode words. This has given him much more confidence and has built his self-esteem. He is such a gifted young man, and as we always tell him: “The sky is the limit”. With the “tools” that the Center has given him, Chase will excel!!

We don’t know where we would be without the Masonic Learning Center. We feel so blessed and are grateful for everything they have done for us and all Dyslexic children. Thank you, Masons, Carol Jones, Miss Ethel, and the rest of the staff at the Center. You are all Angels in disguise!!!!

Sincerely, Jacqueline Tynan and Family

What will happen on July 30th?

Reserve this day, mark your calendar? Plan on having fun that day! Bring the family, it’s a free event

My name is Ethel Grace Katoll. I am the daughter of Clarence L. Muntz, a former 32 degree Mason and the mother of John David Katoll who was a KYCH. I am active in Nazir Caldron, Social Order of the Beauceant and currently serve as Worthy Matron of Legacy Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star as well as the church. When I am not busy in these activities, I enjoy reading, knitting, sewing and other handwork activities. I also take care of my son's orphaned cat.

I received my Bachelor of General Studies Degree in 2005 from Kent State University. In 2008, I completed the initial training to be a tutor here at the Learning Center. I volunteer, through the Foster Grandparent Program, at Dellroy Elementary School. I really enjoy working with the children here and in the school.

Ethel Grace Katoll

Chase Tynan If any lift of mine may ease The burden of another, God give me love and care and strength To help my ailing brother.

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WEST VIRGINIA NIGHT Clinton Lodge #47

Brethren, Clinton Lodge #47 of Massillon will hold its annual West Virginia Night on Monday April 25, 2011, at 6:00 PM. The menu for the evening will be ham, Pinto beans, potatoes, corn bread and, of course, delicious West Virginia ramps. Desserts will be pie, cake, coffee, tea and Mountain Dew.

The meal will be served cafeteria style. Dress for the evening is casual, and anyone attired with a tie will be fined $10.00 and the tie removed. After dinner we will enjoy blue grass music from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

The price for this elegant evening is a goodwill donation that will be used for local charities and the Grand Lodge Special Olympics fund. The brethren at Clinton Lodge #47 are looking forward to seeing you on Monday, April 25 at 6:00 PM

TWENTY-FIRST MASONIC DISTRICT’S

2011 GRAND MASTER’S RECEPTION

The 21st Masonic District will host Most Worshipful Grand Master Bradford A. Goebel and his lady Kathy, along with Grand Lodge Officers and their ladies, at its 2011 Grand Master’s Reception that will be held on Saturday May 21. at the Tadmor Temple Shrine in Akron starting promptly at 6:30 PM.

Tickets for this year’s reception are again only $15.00 per ticket. Each lodge in the District has received 8 tickets. Tables of 8 will be reserved, and location in the hall will be based on a received basis. Additional tickets are available from RWB Thomas G. Hutchins or one of the 21st District DDGMs.

Most Worshipful Grand Master Bradford A. Goebel

ELECTION and INSTALLATION of OFFICERS To take place on May 12, 2011

At our Annual Meeting which will be held on Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 PM, a new slate of officers will be elected and installed to serve The Valley of Canton.

Let us all attend this very special meeting and show our support and appreciation to the hard working officers of the Valley Of Canton.

SERVICE AWARDS DINNER To be held May 14, 2011

On Saturday May 14, The Valley Of Canton will recognize those members who have contributed to the success of the Valley over many years with a dinner in their honor beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please plan on attending this event by making your reservation early. Send reservation form or call the office at 330-455-2321. The meal for each awardee and a guest is free. Cost for all others is $10.00 per person.

Deadline for Reservations is May 9, 2011.

(See page 7 for reservation coupon)

March Program

Bro. Glenn Greenamyer and Bro. Rich McElroy

The program at the March stated meeting featured Brother Rich McElroy, a member of Wm. McKinley Lodge #431 in Canton. Bro. McElroy is an instructor at Mount Union University and the resident historian at the William McKinley Museum in Canton. He was introduced by Bro. Glenn Greenamyer, who advised the Brethren the topic was going to be President McKinley’s military service during the Civil War.

Bro. McElroy has written a number of books on William McKinley and brought a few with him for sale. He autographed the books that were purchased.

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Brethren – Your Help Is STILL Needed!

Several weeks ago, I asked the brethren some questions. As a result, some brothers have contacted me and I am grateful for their volunteering. Maybe you recall reading the article, but forgot to respond immediately and then time just slipped away. Well, things haven’t changed a great deal and I still have some questions for you. Do you enjoy music? (Most of us do.) Do you love to sing? (Come on, admit it – you sound pretty good in the shower!) Do you have a willing spirit to help? (That should be a gimme – you’re a Mason.) Then you are a brother I am looking for. I will be directing the 22˚, known as the Prince of Libanus, musical edition - also referred to as the Singing Degree. The script calls for about 6 people, but I would like to see about twelve or more become a part of this cast. If you can read music, it would be of a benefit, but it is not required. The songs are written for two, three, and four part harmonies; so I need tenors, baritones, and basses. Arrangements will be made to provide all cast members with a means to help you learn the various songs. And even if you believe you can’t sing, there are some speaking parts as well. Along with singers and speaking parts, I also need one instrumentalist that reads music and can play a piano / keyboard. I have an idea I would like to try, and an instrumentalist would be essential. If you are willing to help me and the AASR brotherhood by taking an active part in this degree, contact me. Remember, there are speaking parts that I can give to non-singers ,and you can help in this degree work as well. This is not a degree that is often conferred. Therefore, I would like to assemble a cast now, get the scripts into your hands ASAP (along with some training aids), and be prepared for when our time comes. You may contact me at 330-497-9652 or [email protected] . The Valley of Canton is known for its excellent degree work. I want to contribute to that tradition, and I’m sure you do too. One last question …. are you willing to help? Only you can answer. Fraternally ---- Rick L. Miller

231ST REUNION – SPRING CLASS RESERVATION

Please make reservations in my name for:

NAME___________________________________________

  Friday night dinner_______ (Masons only)   Saturday lunch ________#attending   Saturday Afterglow __________#attending 

Reservation Deadline is April 4, 2011

You may phone your reservation to the Valley Office at 330-455-2321 or mail to: A.A.S.R. Valley of Canton

836 Market Ave. North Canton, Ohio 44702

The Pie Connection

For those Brethren who attend the monthly meetings, there is a special treat, The Pie Connection. This treat does not occur at every meeting; one never knows when it will happen.

What is the Pie Connection? Bro. Bob Habony brings a several of his delicious homemade pies and gives them out randomly by picking a number from the sign-in sheet, and whoever’s name is by the number gets a pie. So when you sign in please make it legible.

Bro. Habony picking a pie

OK, whose name is this by number 45

AWARDS BANQUET Saturday May 14, 2011

Please reserve ________dinners at $10.00 each

NAME_________________________________

Reservation deadline is May 9, 2011

You may phone your reservation to the Valley Office at 330-455-2321 or mail to:

A.A.S.R. Valley of Canton 836 Market Ave. North Canton, Ohio 44702

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(Secretary Continued)

Those who join Scottish Rite at the Spring Reunion will have the opportunity to meet with their brethren again at our Stated Meeting at 7:30PM on Thursday, April 14. This meeting features a program by noted outdoor sportsman and writer Bro. Ed Moody. Let’s demonstrate why Scottish Rite is the “Fraternity of Choice” by attending this meeting and supporting the many activities planned for the benefit of our members. Hope to see all of you soon.

James G. Fidler, 33°, Executive Secretary

WINE TASTING

The Central Stark Club is having a wine tasting event Saturday April 2 at 2:00 PM at the Grape and Granary located at 985 Home Ave., Akron, Ohio. Cost is $15.00 per person which includes tasting a variety of custom wines, cheese, crackers and breads along with a take home bottle. There are only 30 spots available, reservations are required, so make them early so you will not be left out. Reservation need to be made with Rodney Anderson at 330-875-7179 or at [email protected]. They can also be made at www.grapeandgranary.com referencing the Central Stark Club.

Quarterly March Dinner

RESERVATIONS DID YOU MAKE ONE?

If not, please make your reservation today for the special event you plan on attending. We want to share a meal with you but we can only do this if you make your reservation on time.

When you mail in the coupon or call please include your name. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Scottish Rite Degree Day

Help from the Shriners at registration

Morning Fellowship with coffee and donuts

The mornings host RWB Mike Cecil

How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

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Scottish Rite Degree Day

Seven new Scottish Rite Masons

Fellowship at lunch

Thrice Potent Master David L Detchon and RWB Robert E. Staight, 32o

RWB Robert E. Staight, 32o addressing the group

The Officers of A.A.S.R. Valley of Canton

RWB Robert E. Staight, 32o With plaque honoring his day

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The following article is by Mark Bennett, historian at a Freemasons lodge in Asheville, N.C.

Despite the impression given by books such as author Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol, and movies like National Treasure, the Masons are not a clandestine group.

"We're not a secret society," Bennett says. "We're a society with a few secrets." In an effort to boost flagging membership across the USA, an increasing number of Masonic lodges, like other fraternal service groups, are abandoning secretive ways and inviting the public in to see what the organization is really all about.

There are fewer Masons today — by nearly a million — than there were in 1941 as the country came out of the Great Depression, says Richard Fletcher, executive secretary of the Masonic Service Association of North America. There are an estimated 3 million members worldwide and 1.5 million in the USA, he says, compared with more than 4 million members in the USA in 1959.

Why? Blame the Baby Boomers, Fletcher says. "We had what I call the '60s syndrome," he says. "That was the whole concept of the generation. You turned against anything that was mainstream."

In 2005, the association produced a report called "It's About Time," which encouraged lodges to invite the community in, Fletcher says. But most didn't start opening their doors until Masons in Massachusetts saw successes in 2009 with the policy, he says.

Since then, a growing number have opened their doors:

In Asheville, Mount Hermon Masonic Lodge 118 allows prospective members to dine with members before official meetings to learn more about Masonry. The effort has paid off. Seven years ago, the lodge was struggling with low attendance and now has about 500 members, says John Burchfield, the local district deputy grand lecturer.

In Ellwood City, Pa., three lodges in 37th Masonic District held open houses in August

In New Hampshire, Freemasons held statewide events in March and October. "It was very well received in New Hampshire," says Nashua, N.H., Rising Sun lodge member Bob Porter. The Nashua lodge got 30 new members, Porter says.

Tough times The Mason decline is mirrored by other fraternities. Amos McCallum, a chairman of the past national presidents of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, says his group has 900,000 members, down from 1.6 million in 1980.

Membership in Rotary clubs has dropped nearly 42,000 since 1995 in the USA to 360,790 last year, says Rotary spokeswoman Elizabeth Minelli.

Some civic clubs say they are starting to see an uptick. Lions Club International reported 20,000 new members last year after decades of decline. It has 1.35 million worldwide, says spokesman Dane La Joye.

Reaching out to women has been key, La Joye says. "Women are the fastest-growing segment of our membership today," he says.

Freemasonry dates to stonemason guilds in the Middle Ages, according to the national association's website. Its exact origins are unclear. In 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of England, according to the association. Women are not allowed to join, and the policy is not up for debate, Fletcher says.

Masons nationally give nearly $1.5 million a day to charities, the association says. The best known is the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Freemasonry promotes individual freedom, the right of people to worship as they choose, democratic government and public education, Fletcher says.

Debunking myths

Masons have long been the target of conspiracy theorists and today are tackling the myths through the service association's website and the open-door policy at local lodges, Fletcher says. The fraternity denies being part of a "one-world order" or controlling the United States government, he says. That theory has centered on the Great Seal of the United States and its "eye in the pyramid" design. The all-seeing eye icon is used in Masonry but, the organization says, the image on the seal and the back of the $1 bill have nothing to do with Masons.

Masons also dispute other claims, including that every U.S. president was a Mason. President Obama is not. President Ford was the most recent president who was, according to the association.

The Internet and the rise of online social networks may have something to do with a rise in membership, Fletcher says. "Freemasonry is a social network," he says. "It always has been."

We missed you at the last meeting. The program was informative. The Ice Cream was cold and the friendship was warm. Won’t you join us for our next meeting on April 14th?

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Valley of Canton Scottish Rite Family Day

with the

Akron Aeros

Friday, JULY 29th at 6:00 PM Includes (All You Can Eat Picnic Buffet)

Game Time 7:05 PM, Fireworks after the Game

COST: $25.00 per person. See website for on-line payment MENU: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Chicken, Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese, Potato Chips, Watermelon, Cookies

Drinks- Iced Tea/Pink Lemonade/Water

Brethren bring the kids and grandkids out for a great day at the Ball Game!

Let’s have some family fun!

Gates open at 6:00 PM, be there when the gates open so that we can eat before the game.

Call Bob Broad (330-484-9307) Or Dave Newkirk (330-880-5126)

for Reservations. Please make Reservations and Payment

by July 9th.

In Memoriam

If tears could build a stairway and memories build a lane I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. Our family chain is broken and nothing seem the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

The Grand Architect of the Universe has received the following into His presence: With sympathy and sorrow, we share in the loss of our brothers.

Denver R. Frey Dennis L. Hile, Jr. Stanley R. Jones Harold E. Ricosky Clyde L. Webb William M. Graham James E. Huff Robert L. Kruger Earl Smith John L. Harbin William W. Johnstone Dale F. Morris Clifford F. Toalston

The following have been reported as ill or distressed: Robert W. Alexander Homer Draher Don Hurless Richard Manos Kenneth O. Sampsel George W Williams Charles Allen James Fugatt Daniel F Iceman,33° Ross F. Martin James Selig Earl Woodhull Wayne R. Arbogast Carl E. Garnes David Johnson, JR Donald L. Miller William J. Severn James D. Wrana Ed Baines Carl Gartner Donald Jones, 33° Ned B. Miner, MSA Frederic S. Shaheen Harold D. Young Ronald L. Barnhart, MSA Neil Garver Robert L. Jordan Gerald H. Moore Verl M. Shearer, 33o Lewis E. Beaver, MSA Wendell Graening Paul A. Kliner Dale F. Moss Owen Schumacker Alfred M. Biller Robert P. Greenwood Kenneth Klotz Glen Motts Earl E. Smith Gordon Broome  Paul E. Griffin Chris Krabill DonC.Nixon Glenn E. Snyder Millard Bush Harry H Hamilton Robert Kruger Paul Pahoundis David Spurrier Ronald W. Caswell Wade Hartzell Harold L. Kump Donald E. Perry, 33o William H. Sollie William Caswell Willis Haughton Louis Lautzenheiser Robert Rainey Patrick Supples Jack Corns Richard Hiles Thomas D. Lilly,33o Nick Resanovich Paul Triplet Beecher Cogar  Clark C. Hoehn John McCalman Karl Rice Rev. Raymond Tucker James F Doane Robert A Hole Reid McLeod Ernest Riddle William G. Weimer Jim Duitch, 33o Ray Hull Wilbur McWilliams James Rose Wendell Wilber

Brethren! Please inform the Valley office of any death, illness or change of status.