December 2015 - DC Scottish Rite

Scottish Rite Progress
scottish rite of freemasonry, valley of washington, orient of the district of columbia
volume 9 no. 6 | december 2015
HAPPY
HOLIDAYS
and
peace
in the new year
sgig’s Message: “The True Spirit of the Season”
I
warmly extend Christmas, Hanukkah and Holiday
greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all the
members of our Valley. This festive winter season
— celebrated by many be it for one, eight or twelve
days — is traditionally a time of joy and goodwill. It
is the season for families, friends and our Fraternity
to gather together, count and be thankful for all our
blessings, and share in a holiday spirit of good cheer
that moves us to love and encourage one another.
well our communities. At all times, but particularly
during this holiday season, please be mindful of
our Brethren who are sick, elderly, infirm or living
alone. Fortunately, our Valley has six Brethren who
admirably perform this outreach service throughout
the year: Tim Houston, 32° serves as Chairman of our
Visitation and Sick Committee. He is ably assisted by
John Garrison, 33°; Elio Grandi, 32° KCCH; Jamil
Gabro, 32°; Jack Campbell, 32°; and Patrick Hyde,
32°. I ask you to consider helping with their efforts by
making a simple phone call, a visit or sharing in some
way. Should you know of any Brother in need of our
caring attention, please contact our office.
Perhaps it was Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas
Carol” that helped to create our current concept
of the holiday season as a time when the hardness
Illustrious Leonard Proden, 33°
of the marketplace and life’s challenges are put
SGIG in the District of Columbia
aside in favor of light and hope and charity. In a
Cultivate the true spirit of the season, whether you
spirit that can be both secular and religious, we should take the
observe Advent, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice or Christmas. Thank
you for your continued support of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. 
opportunity to remember those less fortunate in our Fraternity as
contact us at 202-232-8155 | visit us online at dcsr.org
Ken Fuller: DC’s Grand Master for 2016
R
became a Knight Mason in Universal Council
No.70 in 2011. In 2015 he was inducted into the
KYCH. He is a 32° KCCH and a life member of
the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. Ken
has received the Chevalier Degree and is an
active member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.
He presently serves the Order of DeMolay as a
Deputy Member of the International Supreme
Council. He is a member of St. Simeon Stylites
Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine and the
Royal Order of Scotland. Brother Fuller is also a
member of Frederick-Franklin Lodge No.14 in
Plainville, Connecticut and of Lee Council No.25
in Collinsville, CT.
ev. Kenneth David Fuller was born in
New Britain, Connecticut on December
1, 1946 to Kenneth E. and Eleanor Seeds
Fuller of Plainville, Connecticut. He attended
Plainville Schools and graduated from Plainville
High School in 1965. While in High School he
was a member of the Plainville Chapter Order of
DeMolay, becoming Master Councilor in 1964.
Brother Fuller was raised to the Sublime Degree of
Master Mason on September of 1998 in William
R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No.7 and
was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason
in October of that year in William R. Singleton
Chapter No.4 RAM serving as High Priest in
He graduated from Davidson College in 1969,
2003. In January of 1999 he received the orders of
having studied in Montpellier, France during his
Templary. He is a past commander of Washington
junior year, and working on a kibbutz in Israel in
Commandery No.1 (2001) and has served as
Kenneth D. Fuller, 32° KCCH
the summer of 1968. He graduated from Harvard
Recorder of Washington and Marvin E. Fowler
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons
Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Commanderies (2003/2004 to 2009). He served as
Washington, DC
in 1972 and was immediately called to his first
Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of
pastorate at the Williamstown (Mass.) Congregational Parish, where
the District of Columbia in 2003/4. He was the Master of William R.
he was ordained in the United Church of Christ in October of that
Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge in 2005 and was elected Junior Grand
year. He has since served churches of his denomination in Vermont,
Steward in 2006 and was subsequently elected to be advanced, until as
Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. He was called as Pastor and
Junior Grand Deacon he was called to a church in Connecticut.
Teacher of the Cleveland Park Congregational United Church of Christ
He is a Knight Preceptor, a member of INRI Tabernacle XXXVII Holy
in May of 1994. In 2009 he was called by the Avon Congregational
Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest, a recipient of the Knight Templar
Church and moved to Connecticut to become its Pastor and Teacher in
Cross of Honor and a member of Washington and Lee York Rite College.
September of that year. On May 31st of the year 2011, he retired from that
He is a member of Washington Council No.1 Cryptic Masons. Ken
pastorate and moved with his wife Susan Burnside Love to Frederick,
Maryland. In July of 2014 he was called to be the part-time Pastor of
Christ Reformed UCC in Cavetown, Maryland. MWB Fuller served as
the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of DC and Grand Recorder of
the Grand Commandery from March of 2012 to March of 2015. In 2013
he served as the Master of La France Lodge No. 93. In 2015 he served
SGIG’s Message: “The True Spirit of the Season” 1
as Illustrious Master of Washington Council No.1, Cryptic Masons
and is presently the Grand Captain General of the Grand Council of
Ken Fuller: DC’s Grand Master for 2016
2
Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia. Having served as a board
DC Scottish Rite Fall 2015 Reunion Class
2
member and officer of several non-profit housing and nutrition services
as well as a director of child neglect and abuse prevention services in
DCSR Institutes Charles and Eleanor Iversen
3
Massachusetts, New Hampshire Maine and DC, he served as President
Scholarship at AU
of the Board of Directors of United Church Home, Inc of Silver Spring.
New Members Share Their Perspective
4
MD and on the Board of Directors of Ring Lake Ranch in Dubois,
Wyoming. He was Secretary and earned the award of a distinguished
Save the Date: 2016 Installation of Officers
5
officer of the Bangor, Maine Noontime Kiwanis Club. He is a fellow of
In and About the Temple
5
the College of Preachers of the National Cathedral. He was married
to Susan B. Love in 2004. He is the father of Jonathan Fuller (Janet
Is Your Card Valid?
5
Mocarsky) and Martha Fuller Stahl (Bill) and has two grandchildren,
Valley of Washington Presents Scholarships and 6
Eva and Waylon Stahl. He is an avid fly fisherman and hunter. A hiker
Community Service Awards
and canoeist, Ken enjoys traveling in the Rocky Mountain states and
in Europe and the Caribbean. He is a student of history and literature,
VMAP Update: 2015 Effort Takes Valley Onward 7
with a particular interest in the Civil War. Ken was elected Senior
and Upward
Grand Deacon in 2011 and progressed through the various chairs of the
In Memoriam
7
Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, until elected Grand Master for
2016 in November of 2015. He is to be installed as the Grand Master of
Scottish Rite Calendar – December 2015
8
Masons of Washington, DC on December 12, 2015. 
In This Issue
through March 2016
Your Good Health Tip
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8
scottish rite progress | volume 9 no. 6 | december 2015
DC Scottish Rite Fall 2015 Reunion Class
Front Row, L to R: Charles Wagner, 33°; William Rule, 33°, Director of Work; Mark Wright, 33°; Luke Young, 33°; Paul Barry, 33°, Deputy, United
Supreme Council – PHA; Leonard Proden, 33°, SGIG of Washington, DC; Charles Iversen, 33°, SGIG Emeritus; Carroll Collins, 33°, General Secretary;
Sergio Aleman Soto, Class President; Chetin Durak, Class Secretary; Walter Hoenes, 33°. Row 2: Raul Ampudia; Daniel Portnoy; Wuilder Aguero;
Dominador Carreon; Adam Lenfenstey; Anand Trivedi; Jeffrey Johnson; Sesinando Basilio. Row 3: Oscar Viera; Yoel Gittleson; Kyle Jacobs; Joshua
Graves; George Ayache; Jules Daniel Bangue Mbiake; Ronald Emile; Richard Mendez, 32° KCCH, KSA. Row 4: Robb Mitchell, 32° KCCH, KSA; Scott
Jacobs; Jossif Ezekilov; Linzie Oliver; Shannon Scott; Neil Revollo; Aaron Almada; Michael Erickson; Earl Dale. Row 5: Dalontee Edgerton; Jesse
Ouellette; Ryan Cibula; Nikola Agatic; Anthony Barnum; Ionnis Sartantopoulos; Omar Lorenzo; Christopher Tessone; James Decker; David Lauer.
T
DCSR Institutes Charles and Eleanor Iversen Scholarship at AU
he DC Scottish Rite is proud to announce the
establishment of The Charles and Eleanor
Iversen Scottish Rite Scholarship at American
University’s School of International Service. It has
been created to honor the Masonic service and contributions of our SGIG Emeritus, Ill. Charles Soren
Iversen, 33°, memorialize Charles’ wife and helpmate of more than seven decades, Eleanor DeSale
Iversen, and advance the mission of the School. The
Scholarship has been instituted under the auspices of
the DCSR Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, and
is an endowed for life subsidy for graduate students
who are pursuing a degree in the School of International Service, and who demonstrate financial need.
About Charles and Eleanor Iversen
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orient of the District of
Columbia from 1989-2000, and Grand Master of Masons of the District
of Columbia in 1990, Charles has been an active leader of the Masonic
community in the nation’s capital for many years,
and his contributions to our Craft are unsurpassed.
During his years of Masonic leadership, Freemasonry
and the Scottish Rite in Washington, D.C. flourished
under the banner of universality. As Grand Master,
Charles launched the first Universal Brotherhood
Celebration in 1990, to honor the rich diversity that
we continue to commemorate today in the District of
Columbia, as an annual multi-day event.
Eleanor, who had thrived as “First Lady” during
Charles’ tenure in leadership positions, passed away
on April 2, 2015, at the age of 91. Two months later,
in June 2015, while Charles was still mourning her
passage, Scottish Rite Masons marked the 25th
anniversary of his greatest contribution to Freemasonry in Washington DC, the introduction of the Universal Brotherhood Celebration, an act of historic and lasting significance to the
Craft and the Scottish Rite in particular. 
Please visit the DCSR homepage at dcsr.org to learn more and to contribute to the
Charles and Eleanor Iverson Scholarship as a part of your charitable giving.
contact us at 202-232-8155 | visit us online at dcsr.org
~3~
New Members Share Their Perspectives
A
DC Masons I knew from various Grand Lodge functions were Scottish Rite
Masons, and I could see that the Valley was very active, including activities
just for brothers as well as community and family events.
(1) How long have you been a Mason and what is your
Mother Lodge / current Blue Lodge?
(4) What was your initial impression of the Scottish Rite? t the Valley’s November 6th and 7th 2015 Fall Reunion, nearly three
dozen Master Masons were made new Masters of Royal Secret. In this
space, we introduce four new members: Brothers Sergio E. AlemánSoto (class president), Anand Trivedi, Chris Tessone, and Jesse Ouellette.
We learn a little about them and get their impressions of the Scottish Rite.
Sergio: I have been a Mason for the past six years. I was initiated on May 5,
2009 at Evolution Lodge No. 25, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. My current
Blue Lodge is Naval Lodge No. 4, Washington, D.C.
Anand: I have been a Mason for six years. My Mother Lodge is St. John’s
No. 11, but also hold membership in Naval Lodge No. 4.
Chris: I was entered, passed, and raised in
Fraternity Lodge No. 54 in Washington, DC,
in 2014.
Jesse: My answer to this question piggy-backs off of the last. I see the
Scottish Rite as an avenue in accomplishing my Masonic mission.
Sergio: My first impression of the Scottish Rite was an organization with
professionalism who have the ability to deliver lectures with a high level of
educational content. Anand: My mouth was agape at each of the degrees. Learning what we
learned was eye-opening. Also, I can see that there is a large amount of
work put in.
Chris: The degrees felt like a whirlwind, but
even during the Reunion weekend, a number
of experiences and phrases from the ritual
stuck in my head. As I started to talk with more
experienced Scottish Rite Masons and read A
Bridge to Light, I could see more of the philosophical framework that supports the degrees
and the larger work of the Scottish Rite. So my
initial impression is that I have a lifetime of
wisdom to learn ahead of me.
Jesse: I have been a Mason since 2012. My
Mother Lodge is Scotia No. 634 in New York
City. My current Blue Lodge is William R.
Singleton – Hope - Lebanon Lodge No. 7.
(2) Why did you become a Mason? Sergio: I became a Mason because I like the
foundations of tradition, discipline, values,
beliefs, knowledge, and service which reflects
my own character and ideas of honor, service,
and faith. Sergio E. Alemán-Soto, 32°,
class president
Anand: In my life there were three men that I
looked up to who, in each case, I later found out
was a Mason. Three times couldn’t be a coincidence, so I asked Bro. Michael Case to be one.
Chris: I became a Mason to seek out the
company of like-minded men interested
in building community and improving
themselves.
Jesse: The core values of Freemasonic teaching
resonated with my personal beliefs. Moreover,
I thought and continue to think that Masonry
is a steward of much more ancient esoteric Christopher A. Tessone, 32°
knowledge (light). My life’s goal is to educate
myself as deeply as possible and to use the knowledge I gain to better my
fellow man by appropriate means.
(3) Why did you join the Scottish Rite, and what are you
hoping to achieve with this new Light in Masonry?
Sergio: I joined the Scottish Rite because I was initiated in the Scottish
Rite, and I hope to achieve more knowledge and guidance to improve
myself and service to others. Anand: I waited until I served my Blue Lodge and finished out my journey
to the Oriental Chair, but I’ve always known that I wanted to continue to
learn. I look forward to learning more about the degrees and how they
apply to me as a citizen of the world.
Chris: Scottish Rite felt like a logical next step to me after becoming a
Master Mason and serving my Lodge for a time. I saw that a lot of great
Anand A. Trivedi, 32°
Jesse: The Scottish Rite surprised me with its
diversity in membership (geographically and
otherwise). The further education in Masonic
ritual and its meaning were eye opening and
much of it I did not anticipate.
(5) How does the Scottish Rite
differ from your Blue Lodge
experience?
Sergio: I found that the Scottish Rite requires
more attention to detail in studies and participation in the Lodge. Anand: I honestly don’t know. Not yet at least.
Chris: Scottish Rite definitely seems to be
more intently focused on education, which I
Jesse A. Ouellette, 32°
appreciate. It is also much larger in terms of the
attendance at events and even ordinary lodge
meetings than my Blue Lodge. I love having my small “home” Blue Lodge,
but it’s also incredible to come out on a Tuesday night and find 80-100 men
who are already busy with their Blue Lodges and other appendant bodies
turning out for Scottish Rite.
Anand: The Scottish Rite appears to be more dedicated to education and
Masonic philosophy. My Blue Lodge has infrequent programs on Masonic
philosophy but, like most Blue Lodges, is primarily focused on more
mundane (yet important) work.
(6) In what way do you intend to involve yourself in the
Scottish Rite community?
Sergio: I intend to be involved in the Scottish Rite community by participating in all possible events in accordance to my own capabilities and time
availability. Anand: I will first participate by showing up. I will do so as the New Year
continued on next page
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scottish rite progress | volume 9 no. 6 | december 2015
In and About the Temple
SAVE THE DATE
for the
2016 Installation
of Officers
FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016
Friends and family welcome
Is Your Card Valid?
If your Scottish Rite membership card is not sporting the current
year’s validation sticker, perhaps you have not yet paid your dues.
Please remember that your timely payment of dues signifies your
dedication as a Scottish Rite Mason, and is critical in supporting
the Rite’s mission and smooth operation. Please remember that
dues are payable in advance and should be submitted prior to the
start of the dues year. For instance, 2016 dues are to be paid NO
LATER THAN December 31, 2015. So, take a second to look at
your card. Is it valid and up to date? Do you still owe dues? If
you have already paid
your dues for this
year – thank you! If
you are an Endowed
Life Member (ELM) –
better yet! Please note
that the ELM rate,
currently $1300, will
be $1900 beginning
2016
January 1, 2016.
New Members Share Their Perspectives
W
elcome to our new members
from the Fall Reunion Class!
Please don’t be shy about getting
involved, we are always looking for a few
good men. See what aspects of our Scottish
Rite activities are of specific interest to you
or match your particular skill set, ask your
mentor to point you to the person in charge
of that undertaking, and go for it!
As mentioned in the last issue of the
Progress, we have now moved the Almoners’
Carroll J. Collins, 33°
Fund under the DCSR Foundation, thereby
General Secretary
making your contributions thereto tax
deductible. A good way to take advantage of this deduction is to consider
consolidating your weekly contributions into an annual one, and writing
a check. We have a number of members that currently use this method of
contribution, which we acknowledge to you in writing, noting your contribution, as documentary evidence for the IRS.
The recent Reunion brought to light a few areas of confusion regarding
petitions, fees and dues. As a result, I would like to offer the following
points of clarification:
• The only valid petition form is the one on the DCSR website
(currently undergoing revision);
• The petition fee is the amount indicated on that form;
• The annual dues amount for 2016 is $95.00, and the Endowed Life
Membership (ELM) is twenty times the annual, or $1,900.00.
• There is no special deal that waives the petition fee if an ELM is
purchased at the time of the Reunion, they are separate items to be
paid accordingly;
• The ELM may still be paid in installments, but must be paid if full
within the calendar year in which it is initiated.
Please take a look at the photo collection that was recently mounted on the
wall outside the SGIG’s office. It is an assemblage of portraits of the past
leaders of our Valley that complements those already in place in the lobby
and auditorium foyer, and spans a time period from 1897 until the present
day. The astute among you will notice a gap in the years, but that is a story
for another issue!
This will be our last issue prior to the winter break, so please be safe during
that time, ‘cause we want to see you back here on January 19th! 
continued from page 4
begins as these last several weeks of 2015 will be quite busy. I have learned
over the years not to overload myself with too much too quickly, but to
slowly ramp up. With new responsibilities at work and taking on the role of
Secretary at St. John’s Lodge, I know that I can only do so much within the
length of my cable tow.
Chris: I’d like to be involved in ritual, education/research, and DCSR’s
philanthropic work.
Jesse: To participate in the education to the furthest reach of my Cable
Tow, to involve myself in the ritual, and to join the K.S.A. 
contact us at 202-232-8155 | visit us online at dcsr.org
~5~
Valley of Washington Presents Scholarships and Community Service Awards
On Tuesday, November 24th, the Valley held its annual program to recognize the recipients of DC Scottish Rite Scholarships and present
several Outstanding Community Service Awards. Many of the 22 students receiving scholarships, along with their parents, were welcomed
by Ill. Fred Evans, 33°, chairman of the scholarship committee, and invited to speak about their degree pursuits and how the financial
assistance provided by the DC Scottish Rite Foundation made a difference in achieving their academic goals. Committee member Tim
Miller, 32°, who is Associate Dean of Students at the George Washington University, introduced his boss and the keynote speaker, Dr.
Peter Konwerski, Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs at George Washington. In his remarks, Dr. Konwerski spoke about scholarship and service being synonymous and how one may use the value of education to move toward a career and calling to make a
difference, give back, and contribute to elevation of humanity. He also addressed the long partnership and history of support between
the Scottish Rite and George Washington. After entertainment provided by The Capitol G’s, a Georgetown University a cappella group,
Robert B. Heffelfinger III, 32° KCCH and George E. Perez, 32°, of the Knights of St. Andrew recognized five individuals for outstanding
community service. KSA and Scholarship Committee co-chairman A. Michael Goddard, 32° served as the master of ceremonies for the
event which was preceded by a sumptuous reception in the Refectory.
2015 – 2016 Scottish Rite Scholarship Recipients
Scholarships are for area residents who study at the undergraduate or graduate school level in any location. The grant of any scholarship funds is dependent upon
many conditions, among which are the following: availability of funds, number of applicants, financial need of applicant, scholastic standing and ability of applicant,
purpose and use of funds requested, comparison of criteria when related to other applicants and other considerations. The deadline for applications is June 30 of
each year. A total of approximately $55,000 is awarded annually to deserving students.
Bryce D. Andrukitis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Maryland
Jurgen H. Bautista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Madison University
Tara Benesch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of California – Berkeley
Giancarlo Jose Garcia Bracamonte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NOVA Community College
Sarah L. Bridegum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Madison University
Devin J. Browne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Maryland – Eastern Shore
Jesle Choi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Tech
Brady W. Cusack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towson University
Youssouf Diallo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgetown University
Christine M. Galligan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Commonwealth University
Maria M. Hitchcock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mount St. Mary’s University
Evan W. Kenty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salisbury University
Edward M. Kerrick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catholic University of America
Jaqueline I. Lopez-Boggio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Tech
Hunter D. Mohler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Amy Y. Moscoso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montgomery College
Marlene Chacon P. Paucar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Maryland
Erin N. Paxton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coastal Carolina University
Farah M. Raschid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Queens University of Charlotte
Vanessa Rodriguez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montgomery College
Maria A. Rossi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Tech
Infinity J. Willner. . . . . . . . . . . . . Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
Knights of St. Andrew’s 2015 Community Service Honorees
This Award was created in 2013 by the Valley of Washington’s Knights of St. Andrew to recognize individuals, faculty, staff, students and community partners in
the District of Columbia who are involved in outstanding community service. A monetary award of $2000 will go to each recipient selected from nominations
submitted by various educational institutions, service organizations, social service resources, and public service organizations. Recipients are selected based on
their work to improve community in our Nation’s Capital, particularly in the areas of, but not limited to - education, health, economic development, social services,
and arts and culture.
Barbara Ioanes – Woodley Park Community Association (WPCA)
Peter Sacco – Calvary Women’s Services
Ms. Patricia “Pat” O’Shea – Everybody Wins! DC
Pongobinath “Gopi” Sivashanmugam – N Street Village
Barbara has been serving the interests and residents of Woodley Park in
numerous capacities since 1975. Among the myriad of issues facing her
neighborhood, she is most proud of her leadership involving: the rebuilding
and keeping Oyster School in Woodley Park; having suicide prevention bars
added to the Duke Ellington Bridge; historic preservation; and maintaining
solid communications with the Director of the National Zoo.
For decades Pat O’Shea worked for the Washington Post supporting
Executive Editor Len Downie. While Pat has volunteered with a number
of different organizations including the Arts Club of Washington, DC, St.
Thomas Apostle Church and a number of other organizations her longest
commitment has been to “Everybody Wins! DC.” This program was started
in 1995 by US Senators and their staff members taking time to read to
children in DC Public Schools.
Peter, a 2015 graduate of the George Washington University, where he studied
human services and business administration, regularly volunteers with Calvary
Women’s Services helping as an overnight volunteer, and working on other
projects for the center. In 2012, Peter was appointed by Mayor Gray in 2012 as
a commissioner on the DC Commission on National and Community Service,
which oversees DC’s federally-allocated state AmeriCorps funding.
Born and raised in India, Gopi passionately believes that while ignorance is the
root cause for all social injustice, education can overcome social injustice and
make the world a better place. He actively mentors juniors in college to help
them overcome personal and emotional stress and problems. He also sponsors
scholarships for college students and books for libraries lacking funding.
However, his service locally is incredibly impressive, he leads the DC Office in
Volunteer hours logging more than 200 in the past fiscal year, and is well on his
way to breaking that record this year.
Mark Reichardt – IONA Senior Services
Mark serves on the executive board of St. Thomas Apostle Young Adults. In
that role he organizes volunteers to help with the liturgy and participates in a
number of different volunteer efforts including outreach to people with disabilities through STAY Care, So Others May Eat and IONA Senior Services.
~6~
scottish rite progress | volume 9 no. 6 | december 2015
VMAP Update: 2015 Effort Takes Valley Onward and Upward
V
MAP is designed to provide every Scottish Rite candidate, member
and leader in our Valley with a useful working tool for planning
and promoting a well-rounded series of activities to engage and
involve every member in the life and work of our Valley. As we come to
the conclusion of the inaugural year of VMAP we reflect upon what the
Valley has been able to accomplish by implementing the programs and
requirements of this very worthwhile program.
Under the guidance of outstanding leadership and
excellent participation by our members, the Valley
successfully conducted two very successful Reunions
during the year. The Spring 2015 Class immediately
showed their commitment to our Valley by organizing
and holding a fundraiser that not only benefited our
Scottish Rite Foundation but also brought together
current members and potential new members. Prior to
our Fall Reunion, the Valley hosted an Open House for
prospective members and their families which peaked
the interest of many who submitted petitions and are
now our newest Scottish Rite Brothers from the Fall
Class. At our Fall Reunion, the Spring 2015 Class were
presented with their 14th Degree Rings. Following the
Reunion, the new class enjoyed fellowship
with our Valley leaders, Reunion participants and our members during a Feast of
the Consistory.
Our Valley continues to thrive in the area of Philanthropy and Public
Image. In November, to celebrate American Education Week, the Valley
held our annual Education and Community Service Awards Program to
recognize those who were awarded scholarships from the Valley and to
honor several individuals for their outstanding achievements in service
to the DC community. Our Scottish Rite Center for Child Language
Disorders continues its outstanding work and the
members of our Valley are helping to make Christmas
special for the children who utilize the Center’s services
by sponsoring a Rite Care Christmas Gift Drive. During
the year our Valley again sponsored our D.C. Scottish
Rite Golf Tournament, a Ladies’ Tea, fielded a Tough
Mudder team and continued to provide outstanding
speakers and programs including a continued
relationship with the PEN/Faulkner Foundation which
has come to our Valley and presented forums and
discussions on a variety of subjects.
Bradley D. Andrukitis, 32° KCCH
VMAP Chairman
As Masonic Education is an integral part
of the Scottish Rite and VMAP, we continue
to offer programs to benefit our members and our
candidates. Our newly made Scottish Rite Masons were
presented with copies of A Bridge to Light and Morals and Dogma
and encouraged to pursue further Light in Masonry by enrolling in
the Master Craftsman courses taught by Walter Benesch 32° KCCH and/
or the College of Philosophy taught by Ill. Pierre Gaugard 33°. These
programs are open to all Scottish Rite Masons. These are just some of the
opportunities for Masonic Education in addition to presentations which
are made at our Valley’s stated as well as special communications.
Our Valley KCCH Club, under the direction of co-chairmen Marlon
Curtis 32° KCCH and Teddy Karefa-Smart 32° KCCH, has been instrumental in Membership Engagement and Membership Retention. In the
Fall, the KCCH Club Members reached out to all of our 80 and older
Members in an effort to follow up with these Brothers who may not be
able to attend our communications and events as much as they used to.
Many of these calls were very rewarding for the KCCH Brothers as well
as the phone call recipients. In some cases we found that something as
simple as a ride is all that the Brother needed to have him back at an
event with his Brothers. In addition, our Valley Mentoring Program is an
area that encompasses many of the VMAP achievements including New
Member Engagement, Recruitment, Education and Reunion Experience.
Each of our Red Cap Mentors was assigned one or more candidates at
our Fall Reunion and will mentor them throughout the year. The responsibilities of the mentors include not only an introduction of our newly
made Scottish Rite Brethren to our Valley and its members but to find
out their areas of interest and inform them of all the different aspects of
the Scottish Rite and the many ways they can become and stay involved
in our Valley.
By participating in and implementing the programs
and activities of VMAP we have been able to make our
Valley stronger, more successful, and have provided an
enhanced Scottish Rite experience and value for our
Members. Please continue to send us your
ideas to further benefit our Valley by using
VMAP. We are looking forward to the new
requirements and goals that may be added
to VMAP 2016.
For more information and to become empowered
as a VMAP team member, contact Bradley D. “Brad”
Andrukitis, 32° KCCH, at [email protected].
For general information and resources about VMAP, and to sign up
for the VMAP Working Tools e-newsletter, go to scottishrite.org/vmap/.

Those things that survive us – our works, our words, our
immortal thoughts, our influences and the effects of our
good deeds, are more to the world that survives than are
we ourselves.
Name/Degree
Date Joined Scottish Rite
Date of Death
William C. Beall, 32°. . . . . . . . . . . 10/18/1966. . . . . . . . . . . . 09/30/2015
Howard M. Bender, 32° . . . . . . . . 03/06/1956. . . . . . . . . . . . 09/28/2015
Willie J. Broughton, 32° . . . . . . . . 03/19/1963. . . . . . . . . . . . 04/10/2015
Irving Fleishman, 32°. . . . . . . . . . 10/02/1956. . . . . . . . . . . . 11/06/2015
Ronald W. Gates, 32°. . . . . . . . . . . 04/10/1987. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/13/2015
Louis E. Kent, 32°. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/18/1960. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/13/2015
Donald C. McMillen, 32°. . . . . . . 04/24/1982. . . . . . . . . . . . 08/25/2015
Frantisek Silnicky, 32°. . . . . . . . . . 05/21/1993. . . . . . . . . . . . 07/08/2015
Wade O. Smith Sr, 32°. . . . . . . . . . 10/24/1970. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/07/2015
William C. Yowell Jr, 32°. . . . . . . . 04/26/1975. . . . . . . . . . . . 07/15/2015
contact us at 202-232-8155 | visit us online at dcsr.org
~7~
Scottish Rite Calendar
Staying Well-Hydrated During
Wintertime December 2015 through March 2016
December 2015
1
Mithras Lodge of Perfection
Meeting at the House of the Temple
1733 16th Street NW
7:30 PM
8
Being Nixon: A Man Divided
An Evening with Author Evan Thomas
(Courtesy of PEN/Faulkner Foundation)
7:30 PM
15
Robert de Bruce Council of Kadosh
7:30 PM
16
BEGIN HOLIDAY RECESS
Winter Recess – No Meetings from December 16, 2015 until
January 19, 2016
25
christmas DAY (HOLIDAY – Office Closed)
DCSR OFFICES CLOSED – Dec. 24th – Jan 3rd
January 2016
1
New Year’s day (HOLIDAY – Office Closed)
Cold weather can make your
skin dry and flaky and can
make drinking water seem like
a chore. The thing to remember
is that a dehydrated body may
be more susceptible in winter
to fatigue, colds and flu.
It’s been reported that a 2%
drop in body water can cause
small but critical shrinkage
of the brain. This can impair
neuromuscular coordination,
decrease concentration, and
slow thinking. Dehydration
can also reduce endurance, decrease strength, cause cramping
and slow muscular response. Also, for anyone doing any
physical work or exercising, water is extremely important to the
joints. Because the synovial fluid contains water, if you become
dehydrated less synovial fluid is available to protect the joints.
18
Martin Luther King, Jr. DAY (HOLIDAY – Office Closed)
19
Mithras Lodge of Perfection and Evangelist Chapter of
Rose Croix 2016 Elections ~ Joint Meeting
7:30 PM
26
Robert de Bruce Council of Kadosh and Albert Pike
Consistory 2016 Elections ~ Joint Meeting
7:30 PM
Lastly, don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water, because
that is the first sign of dehydration! Believe it or not, your urine
will tell you if are hydrated. If the color of your urine is clear
or light-colored, it means you’re well hydrated. Dark yellow or
amber colored urine usually signals dehydration.
February 2016
2
Mithras Lodge of Perfection
7:30 PM
Tips for Staying Healthy and Hydrated:
6
INSTALLATION OF 2016 SCOTTISH RITE
OFFICERS
Installation Ceremony – 6:00 PM Catered Buffet & Raw Bar – 7:30 PM
6:00 PM
If it’s hard for you to drink water during the colder months, try
keeping water at room temperature. You won’t feel as chilled
after drinking it.
9
Evangelist Chapter of Rose Croix
7:30 PM
16
Robert de Bruce Council of Kadosh
7:30 PM
23
Albert Pike Consistory
7:30 PM
Make your water taste better – Try infusing it with fresh fruit
(lemon slices, berries, cucumber slices or a splash of organic
juice) and keep a full pitcher handy in the fridge.
Keep a bottle of water at your desk so you remember to drink
water throughout the day and refill it often.
March 2016
1
Mithras Lodge of Perfection
7:30 PM
8
Evangelist Chapter of Rose Croix
7:30 PM
15
REMEMBRANCE & RENEWAL PROGRAM
Dinner – 6:00 PM Ceremony – 7:30 PM
6:00 PM
22
Albert Pike Consistory
7:30 PM
29
FIFTH TUESDAY OPEN HOUSE FOR
PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
Dinner – 6:00 PM Program – 7:00 PM
7:30 PM
DC Scottish Rite Temple
2800 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Tel: 202-232-8155 Fax: 202-483-8169
Website: dcsr.org
Eat plenty of fruits and veggies – Apples are made up of about
84 percent water, while tomatoes are 94 percent water.
Drink a glass of water after each trip to the restroom.
Sports drinks should be limited to use when training for more
than 60 minutes of an intense nature. A sports drink can help to
replace lost electrolytes, but they are often high in calories from
sugar content, so they should be used sparingly, especially if you
are trying to lose weight.
Reduce your caffeine consumption as it can cause you to urinate
more often. The same can also be said for alcohol consumption.
The above information was obtained from the Hi-Health Living Healthy
Everyday Blog (www.hihealth.com) and is shared as a courtesy to the
members of the DC Scottish Rite.
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© Scottish Rite of the District of Columbia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Orient of the District of Columbia, Valley of Washington