USS New Jersey

On Saturday, May 15th, a group of brothers of the Valley boarded a bus, at 2:30 AM, and headed for Camden New Jersey. The reason was that the Valleys of New Jersey had arranged to confer the 23rd Degree on the fantail of the Battleship New Jersey. The USS New Jersey, BB-62, is now a museum and permanently docked across from Philadelphia in Camden, New Jersey. The cast for the degree did an excellent job. As part of the degree, one brother was chosen by lottery to fire one of the 5 inch guns three times. As it turned out our brother Sy Kopen was chosen for the honor and had a great time.
After the degree the brothers were able to have lunch on the ship and to tour it. Everyone had a great time. We left Camden at 3:30 PM and arrived in Rochester at 9:30 PM. A long but very enjoyable day

Reunion Banquet

The annual Valley of Rochester Reunion Banquet honoring the Ill.'. Rodney Rittenhouse, 33° class was held at the Penfield Country Club courtesy of Brother Don Osborn, 32°. The dinner and fellowship was superb. This was the first Reunion Banquet that also honore Ill.'. Stephen Whittaker, 33°, Active Member of Supreme Council. We were pleased to have him in attendance. A good portion of the class with their partners were present. This was the retiring banquet for our Commander-in-Chief Ill.'. Mike Morris, 33°. The election of officers will be on May 20th.

More Celebration

Ill. Brother Stephen Whittaker, 33° Active Member of Supreme Council has been selected by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island as its official representative to the Grand Lodge of New York. Brother Whittaker's Lodge presented him with his commission and apron at their second meeting in April. The District Deputy Grand Master for the Monroe District, the R.W. Derek VanHouten was present for the presentation.