The Communicator May/June 2015

Volume 62, No. 03

May ~ June 2015

Achievement Project

VMAP

Rosicrucians

Grand Comm.

pg 5

pg 8

pg 14

Page 2

Scottish Rite Communicator Valley of Seattle

www.seattle-scottishrite.org

SCOTTISH RITE OFFICERS Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander

Ill. Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° S:.G:.I:.G:., Orient of Washington Ill. Sat Tashiro, 33° Personal Rep. of S:.G:.I:.G:. stashiro@comcast.net Ill. Greg Goodrich, 33° General Secretary Communicator Editor secretary@seattle-scottishrite.org Ill. Norman Miller, 33° Treasurer Ill. George A. Lofthus, 33° Almoner

PRESIDING OFFICERS Ian Hyde, 32° Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection Dantes LaHens, 32° Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Glen Huff, 32° Commander, Council of Kadosh Scott Young, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:.

Master, Consistory

Seattle Scottish Rite Center 1207 N 152nd St Seattle, WA 98133-6213 206 324-3330 voice 206 324-3332 fax Brian Lorton Building Manager brian@seattle-scottishrite.org Lorna Schack Administrative Assistant lorna@seattle-scottishrite.org

The Communicator (USPS 485-660) is published by the Valley of Seattle, A&A Scottish Rite, 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213, for the benefit of its members, bimonthly and is mailed as a non-profit publication to all members of the Valley of Seattle and to specified other interested parties. $2.00 per member is assessed for the publication of The Communicator. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, Washington and at additional mailing offices.

The material contained within this publication is intended for the education and enjoyment of the members of the Masonic Fraternity and all material published becomes the property of Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite. Postmaster: Send address changes to — The Communicator at 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213.

House of the temple

T

he Supreme Council will be celebrating the One-hundredth anniversary of the House of The Temple on August 22nd through 25th. There will be several brethren from our Valley and other Valleys in Washington making the journey to the District of Columbia for this historic event. Registration is now open and we hope you will consider joining us there.

T

he Supreme Council have already begun laying the groundwork for a festive day full of merriment, brotherhood, and history. If you are interested in attending you need to register on-line at the Supreme Council’s website. www.scottishrite.org

News from the Personal Representative

Page 3

W

ith this issue, we will be at the midpoint of this calendar year. There is truism in the words in our Masonic work - How quickly the sands of time flow, in a moment they are gone. The class of 2015 received their 4th and 14th degrees in early April. The 18th degree is scheduled for June 6, starting at 1 PM. We have a class of 10 this year and hope to increase this number in the coming years.

As stated in previous articles in the Communicator, we are striving to serve as the University of Freemasonry and to provide, to the Blue Lodge Masons, more light into the esoteric as well as meaning of ethics, and morality in our daily lives.

We need the continuing assistance of our Scottish Rite brethren in spreading the word of such activities, and encouraging our fellow Master Masons, who are not yet members of our Scottish Rite, to consider joining us.

I

n the coming weeks we will be having a speaker, Dr. Guillermo De Los Reyes from the University of Houston, prior to our stated meeting in May, on the subject of L’Enfant and Freemasonry. He is the author of many books on Masonry. Be sure to put this on your schedule. The evening will be open to all Masons and guests. The members of the Seattle Valley will have a brief business meeting at the conclusion of the talk.

Y

ou are also reminded that we will have our Grand Commander, Illustrious Ronald Seale, at a special meeting, hosted by the Seattle Valley at the Scottish Rite in Shoreline on June 4, starting at 6 PM for a dinner and a brief program. Reservations are necessary. Our SGIG, Illustrious Al Jorgensen, was instrumental in creating this opportunity for all Scottish Rite Masons in the Orient to meet and hear inspiring words from our Grand Commander.

As stated in previous month, communications is important to our ultimate success as a valley. If you have any Masonic friends, who may wish to receive the Communicator by email, please contact the office, with their names and addresses. Many of our events are open to Masons, non-Masons and guests.

T

he efforts to develop two outlying clubs in our Valley continues. We met again with Scottish Rite members in South King County in late January and similar members in the Eastside. Brother Kyle Grafstrom has become the focal point for the South King County Scottish Rite Club (SKCSRC), the Eastside Scottish Rite Club will continue with the guidance of Brother Brian Thomas, KCCH and Brother Dean Markley, Recorder, with positive results as we pursue the possibility of clubs in these areas, thereby adding value to their membership in our valley.

The difficulties of traveling on a weekday late afternoon is well understood.

Brethren living in South King Country, in the area of Renton, Kent, West Seattle, etc. are urged to contact Brother Kyle, while those living in Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, etc. should contact Brother Brian Thomas.

T

his is a reminder that we will be going dark June, July and August, resuming our stated meetings in September.

Fraternally, Sat Tashiro, 33° Personal Representative of the S:.G:.I:.G:.

Page 4

M

ay is upon us and we have already had a great start to the year. A new class of Scottish Rite Masons are making their way through the degrees and the Master Craftsman Program. I am always excited when we have a new class start their journey. I recall the feeling I had when I started that journey and how proud I was to receive my 14th degree ring so many years ago. We were still in the old Broadway building and right after I received my 32nd degree I volunteered to participate in the next class. I was charged with operating the light boards up in the balcony and I recall having wonderful conversations with Ill. Bro. Norman Miller as he would play the old Organ we had in the auditorium. It was usually just the two of us looking down as the degrees were being presented. I will never forget that experience and I hope that our new brethren will take the opportunity after they receive their 32nd degree to jump right in and take part in our degrees too. Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit (Whom virtue unites, death shall not separate).

O

ur May stated meeting will be of great interest to those history buffs out there. Dr. Guillermo De Los Reyes, Associate Professor at the University of Houston will be speaking about L’enfant and Freemasonry. He is not a Mason so this would be a great time to bring a non-mason or even your partner. Dr. Los Reyes will also ship a box of books that he will sell and sign after the meeting. We do need your reservations so please call or e-mail the office and sign up ASAP. For more info see the flyer on page 7.

L

astly, Our Sovereign Grand Commander will be in town on June 4th. This is a rare opportunity to meet him and his wife in person. The event is sponsored by the Orient of Washington and hosted by our Valley. We have a limited number of seats available for this special dinner and we have already sold over 70 tickets. Brethren, don’t wait on this one. Get your tickets now before we sell out, we are almost at capacity. For more info see the flyer on page 14. See you at the May stated meeting!

Fraternally, Greg Goodrich, 33° General Secretary

Page 5

Will you accept the Challenge?

T

he Valley of Seattle is engaged in the Supreme Council’s Valley Membership Achievement Program or VMAP. Among several items the program is meant to engage, membership is a major priority. As with any organization, we need members to survive and grow. The Supreme Council is awarding those brethren that bring in either a new member or is able to reinstate an old member by gifting you a beautiful Challenge Coin to any brother that assists in this endeavour. The coin is 1.75� round and is a proud reminder of your contribution towards our Valley’s growth.

A

s your Secretary, I am here to assist you in this endeavour. Once you have identified a brother that is either interested in joining the Scottish Rite (new member) or coming back to Scottish Rite (reinstatement), I will mail them or you a membership packet for the interested brother. In addition, if you are the first line signer on two petitions this year, you will receive an additional gift of a custom Seattle Scottish Rite Jacket. For more information on the program please call the Valley office or send an e-mail to the General Secretary. Will you accept the challenge?

Membership coin from the Supreme Council given to all first line signers for new or returning members.

Helping Children Communicate. This is the objective of Rite Care. In Seattle we have two speech pathologists who serve 25 children from ages 2-7 with speech difficulties. Both Jackie Brown, director of the Seattle Clinic, and Barbara McKague have been helping these children to speak for over 30 years, with many stories of successes. We continue to need your support! Although the Scottish Rite Masons of the Orient contribute, through their dues, to the support of Rite Care, the need is many times more than the current assessment.

Support the fund-raisers for Rite Care. We will have just completed the 2015 Beer Fest, the third annual fund raiser, and will be seeking your help as we go forth in other fund-raising efforts this year.

The service is provided at no cost to these young children and their parents. Some volunteer their monies and time depending upon their abilities. Please visit our website www.ritecarewa.org for further details. We are a 501(c)3 not for profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible.

Page 6

My Scottish Rite Membership Card I hold in my hand a little plastic card It is of no intrinsic worth, not a bond, not a check or receipt for valuables, yet it is my most priceless possession.

It is my membership card in the Valley of Seattle.

It tells me that I have entered into a spiritual kinship with my fellow Masons to practice charity in word and deed; to forgive and forget the faults of my brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry and the sick, and to be fair and just to all mankind.

It tells me that no matter where I may travel in the world, I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails among brothers and friends.

It tells me that should I ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune through no fault of my own, the hands of every Mason on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities.

And finally, it tells me that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made, there will be gathered around my lifeless body, friends and brothers who will recall to mind my virtues, though they be but few, and will forget my faults, though they may be many.

It tells me that, and a great deal more, this little card, and makes me proud yet humble, that I can possess this passport into a society of friends and brothers that are numbered in the millions.

Page 7

Associate Professor at the University of Houston and author of several books.

All are welcome Social Hour 5:30 p.m. ~ Dinner 6:30 p.m. ~ Lecture 7:30 p.m.

Dinner Reservations Are Required ~ $15.00 To register visit www.scottishritemason.org or for more information contact the Seattle office 1207 N 152nd St., Shoreline, WA Ph: 206.324.3330

Page 8

I

by: Dr. William Wynn Westcott (1886)

t is well at certain times to consider our status as Rosicrucians, and to remind ourselves of the origin of the Society to which we belong, to notice how far we moderns have strayed from the original paths laid down by our Founder, C.R., and to take a note of the kindred Societies of Rosicrucians which are now in being, so far as we know of them.

With regard to past history we must not be suprised that extant published records are very scanty, for the purpose of the Rosicrucians was to be unknown to the people among whom they Lived. Some few notable persons only appear to have had the right to function as recognised members of the Rosicrucian Colleges, for instance, Michael Maier the German student of Alchemy who died in 1662, and Dr. Robert Fludd of London and Bearstead near Maidstone who died in 1637.

The Star of Rosicrucianism is now once more in the ascendant and our Society has made rapid strides in the past ten years. It is curious to note that waves of interest in occult and mystical subjects, seem to sweep over a nation at intervals; periods of Rosicrucian enlightenment alternate with other periods of materialistic dogmatism.

We must remember that Rosicrucianism itself was “no new thing” but only a revival of still earlier forms of Initiation, and was a lineal descendant of the Philosophies of the Chaldean Magi, of the Egyptian priests, of the NeoPlatonists, of the Hermetists of Alexandria of the Jewish Kabalists and of Christian Kabalists such as Raymond Lully and Pic de Mirandola.

T

he nominal Founder of our Society--Christian Rosencreuz, did not invent, at least in our modern sense of the word, the doctrines he promulgated, and which we should now study. It is narrated that he journeyed to Arabia, to Palestine, to Egypt and to Spain, and in the seats of learning in those countries he found and collected the mystic lore, which was made anew by him into a code of doctrine and knowledge. On his return from these foreign travels he settled in Germany, founded a Collegium, selected certain friends and transformed them into enthusiastic pupils, and giving his new Society his own name, he laid the foundation of that scheme of Mystical Philosophy, which we are now here to perpetuate and carry into practice: let us remember that he died in the year 1484, that is so far back as the reign of our King Richard the Third.

The fratres of the original Collegium, who met in the “Domus Sanctus Spiritus,” or “ House of the Holy Spirit,” were learned men, earnest students and public benefactors. Their rules were: That none of the members should profess any art except to relieve the sick and that gratis; each one should wear the ordinary dress of the country, and should attend on Corpus Christi day at a general Convocation every year, whenever possible to do so; each one should seek a suitable pupil to succeed him: that the secret mark of each one should be C.R or R.C., and that the Society should remain secret for 100 years.

As time went on the purposes and duties of the fratres became altered, the cure of the sick especially was taken over by the development of the medical profession.

Page 9 About 1710, one Sigmund Richter, using the motto of “Sincerus Renatus,” published at Breslau his work called “The perfect and true preparation of the Philosophical Stone according to the secret of the Brotherboods of the Golden and Rosy Cross.” In this volume we find a series of 52 rules for the guidance of Rosicrucian members; these rules are such as were likely to lead to useful and orderly lives.

Again, about 1785, there was published at Altona in Germany a most important volume of coloured theosophical plates with eludicatory words and phrases and several essays on Rosicrucian subjects: its title was “Geheime Figuren der Rosenkreuzer”; it was in two portions. An English translation of some part of this work was published in 1888 by Franz Hartmann, a German Theosophist.

W

e catch a further glimpse of the purposes of the Rosicrucians at a later date, from a curious little tract relating to a French branch of the Society, which relates the Reception of Dr. Sigismund Bacstrom in the Mauritius--French colony--by the Comte de Chazal in 1794. I cannot say where the original MS. now is, but our copy was made by the secretary of the well-known Rosicrucian and crystal-gazer Frederick Hockley, who died in 1885. Bacstrom signed his pledge to fourteen promises;--to piety and sobriety, to keep the secrecy of his admission, to preserve the secret knowledge, to choose suitable successors, to carry on the great work, to give aid and charity privately, to share discoveries with his fellows, to avoid politics, to help strangers, and to show gratitude to those who had led to his reception; etc.

During a recent visit to East Africa I met in Natal a Mauritius born doctor whose wife was a Miss de Chazal, a native of Mauritius; among her ancestors about I780-90 there was this M. de Chazal who was an eccentric genius and was considered to possess curious arts; he also became a notable Swedenborgian and held classes of mystical philosophy. The name is many times mentioned in a French history of Mauritius which was lent to me by Dr. Dumat of Durban. At the time of the French Revolution it would be natural for our count de Chazal to drop his title, as did many of the French nobility.

The aim of our own Society at the present day is to afford mutual aid and encouragement in working out the great problems of Life, and in discovering the Secrets of Nature; to facilitate the study of the system of Philosophy founded upon the Kabalah and the doctrines of Hermes Trismegistus, which was inculcated by the original Fratres Rosae Crucis. of Germany, A.D. 1450; and to investigate the meaning and symbolism of all that now remains of the wisdom, art and literature of the Ancient World.

T

he Rosicrucian Societies of Anglia, Scotia and the United States, alike Masonic bodies, are by no means the only descendants of the original Collegium, for in Germany, and Austria there are other Rosicrucian Colleges of more direct descent than our own, which are not fettered by any of the limitations which Freemasonry has imposed upon us, and some of these, although not composed of many members, include students who understand many curious phenomena, which our Zelators have not studied. The German Rosicrucians keep their Colleges and membership entirely secret, they print no transactions nor even any notices, and it is almost impossible to identify any member.

The German groups of Rosicrucians now existing are much more immersed in mystic and occult lore than ourselves; they endeavour to extend the human faculties beyond the material toward the ethereal, astral and spiritual worlds: at the present time I understand that they use no formulated Ritual, but German Colleges have experienced a notable revival and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner are considered as giving an introduction of their system of occult Theosophy. Several of Steiner’s volumes are now available in English translations, such are his “Initiation and its Results,” “The Gates of Knowledge,” and “Way of Initiation.” They are well worthy of study.

The Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia, as well as the Societas Rosicruciana in the U.S.A. were branches from the same Rosicrucian source and sprang from a rejuvenation by Frater Robert Wentworth Little of that lapsed Rosicrucian College in England which is mentioned by Godfrey Higgins in his notable work “The Anacalypsis,” or “An attempt to withdraw the Veil of the Isis of Sais,” which was published in 1836; he remarks that he did not join

Page 10 the old College there referred to.

About fifty years earlier a certain eminent Jew named Falk, or Dr. Falcon, lived in London (a reference to whom will be found in the “Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry” by Kenneth Mackenzie) and was of high repute as a teacher of the kabalah and of other studies of a Rosicrucian character; he was indeed said to have magical powers. Falk could not have fully affiliated to any Rosicrucian College because he was a strict Jew of the Jews, and the members of all true Rosicrucian Colleges have always been Christians, but perhaps not of an orthodox type, for there was a tendencv in the teachings toward Gnostic ideals. Mackenzie classes Dr. Falk among the Rosicrucians of eminence, and certainly told me he had first hand evidence of his connection with the Society; manv Christian students adopted a modification of the old Jewish kabalah, so perhaps some Jews have been allied to the Christian Rosicrucians.

O

ur own Magus Frater R. W. Little surrounded himself with several other notable Rosicrucian students, of whom I may mention the late Supreme Magus in Anglia, Dr. William Robert Woodman, a learned Kabalist and Hebrew scholar; W.J. Hughan, the great Masonic historian; William Carpenter, editor of Calmet’s “Dictionary of the Bible”; Alphonse Constant, better known as “Eliphaz Levi,” who gave Fratres Little and Kenneth Mackenzie much assistance, and was in return elected an honorary member of the Metropolitan College in 1873.

Our Society unfortunately lost Frater Little at a very early age. Frater H. C. Levander, too, a Professor at University College, London, was a learned member; and took great interest in the mystic lore of the Society.

The late Lord Lytton, the author of “Zanoni” and “The Strange Story,” who was in 1871 Grand Patron of our Society, took very great interest in this form of Philosophy, although he never reached the highest degree of knowledge; for public reasons he once made a disavowal of his membership of the Rosicrucians, but he had been admitted as a Frater of the German Rosicrucian College at Frankfort on the Main; that Coliege was closed after 1850.

Among the Fratres who have recently been ornaments to our Colleges, I may draw attention to the lately deceased and quaintly cultured John Yarker of Didsbury; to our late Adept of York, T. B. Whytehead, who was famous as an antiquarian: to Frater Fendelow of the Newcastle College, who was the author of a learned and suggestive Rosicrucian Lecture: to Frater F. F. Schnitger, who made deep researches into the French and German Rosicrucian Treatises: to Samuel Liddell Mathers, the translator of portions of the Hebrew “Zohar,” and to Frederick Holland, the author of “The Temple Rebuilt,” and “The Shekinah Revealed.” Another deceased Frater of eminence was Benjamin Cox of Weston-super-Mare, and with him I naturally couple the greater name of Frater Major F. G. Irwin, who, however has now also gone to a Temple far away.

Among the learned juniors of our Society, I may name Fratres Dr. Vaughan Bateson, Thomas Henry Pattinson, the Rev. C. E. Wright, Sir John A. Cockburn, W. J. Songhurst, Herbert Burrows, A. Cadbury Jones, W. Wonnacott, Dr. Wm Hammond, Dr. B. J. Edwards, and Dr. W. C. Blaker.

Our Colleges need not languish for want of subjects of study; the narrative of the foundation of our Society is singularly suggestive of points for future investigation. The German “Fama Fraternitatis” of 1614, in an English translation by Thomas Vaughan of 1652, presents you with the History of Christian Rosenkreuz: its companion tract the “Confessio Fraternitatis” gives you a slight insight into the views of the Rosicrucians of a date a hundred years later. The “Chymische Hochzeit” or “Chemical Wedding” by C.R., and the “Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians” by F. Hartman, are tractates of Rosicrucian Allegory which will well repay, not only perusal, but deep study; while the elucidation of the whole set of Medieval Divinatory Sciences, Astrology, Geomancy, etc, are suitable themes for lectures in your College For such as can understand medieval Latin a most interesting work is the “Oedipus Aegyptiacus” of Athanasius Kircher. It is desirable that our students should make themselves acquainted with the Ancient Mysteries of Egypt, of Greece and of Rome. The basis of the Western occultism of

Page 11 medieval Europe is the Kabalah of the medieval Hebrew Rabbis, to which I have published “An Introduction.”

This philosophy, although at first sight barbarous and crude, yet will be found, when one has grown familiar with the nomenclature, to be a concrete, coherent and far-reaching scheme of Theology, cosmology, ethics and metaphysics, serving to throw light on many obscure Biblical passages and to suggest original views of the meaning of most of the allegorical descriptions found in the Old Testament. A copy of a very curious old Kabalistic picture from a Syriac Gospel with a descriptive essay by Dr. Carnegie Dickson, a notable Scotch Rosicrucian Adept, has just been given to our Library.

T

he works of the great Rosicrucian Kabalist, Eliphaz Levi, are, to those who read French with ease, a mine of mystic lore, full of fine imagery, and replete with magical formulas. His “Histoire de la Magie” is a storehouse of information relating to the Secret Sciences and Secret Fraternities of all times and among many nations, while in English the two volumes of the new edition of Heckethorn’s “Secret Societies” should he read as an introduction to deeper personal research.

The work of Franz Hartmann, named “Magic, White and Black,” I can recommend to serious enquirers, for it elucidates the real aims of the Higher Magic, with which alone we are concerned, and it clears away many misconceptions which exist in the minds of the uninitiated.

To such as desire to follow more closely the Old Testament religious element, I should advise a perusal of the Commentaries of Dr. Allen Barnes on “Daniel” and “The Book of Revelation,” and the symbolical descriptions of the book of Ezekiel. On the Christian aspect I recommend “The Perfect Way,” or “The Finding of Christ,” by the late Dr. A. Kingsford; in this volume will be found worked out the broader scheme of Christian teaching which is so apt to be obscured by sectarian forms of worship. The tenets of this work are closely approximate to those of the earliest of the followers of Christian Rosencreuz, whose name was probably a mystic title, motto or synonym, and not a family cognomen:- “Christian” referring to the general theological tendency, and “Rosenkreuz” to the Cross of Suffering whose explanation and key may need a Rose or secret explanation.

There is one doctrine for the learned, and a simpler formula for those who are unable to bear it yet, even as the new testament itself tells us, of the Great Master who taught his immediate disciples the true keys, but to others he spake only in parables,--”and without a parable spake he not unto them.”

S

uch, my Fratres, are suitable subjects for the attention of your members, but there are many allied topics which might form suitable centres of interest and instruction, for example the whole range of church architecture as crystalised symbolism, the dogmas of the Gnostics, the several systems of philosophy of the Hindoos, the paralleiism between Rosicrucian doctrine and Eastern Theosophy, for which read Max Heindel’s “Rosicrucian Cosmo Conception,” and that enticing subject, the origin and meaning of the 22 Trumps or symbolic designs of the “Tarocchi” or pack of Tarot cards, which Eliphaz Levi says form a group of keys which will unlock every secret of Theology and Cosmology. For such as are interested in the Alchemy of the past I recommend a perusal of “A Suggestive Enquiry into the Hermetic Mystery” 1850, by an anonymous author, and E. A. Hitchcock’s “Remarks on Alchemy and the Alchemists,” 1857. And, lastly, we may make researches into that most interesting problem-Did Speculative Masonry arise from the Rosicrucians? I am to understand that the German Rosicrucians say that before the Masonic revival of 1717 these were identical in Europe.

Let us not forget, that not only as Rosicrucians, but even as Freemasons, we are pledged, not only to Brotherhood and Benevolence, but also to look below the surface of things, and to seek and to search out the hidden secrets of Nature and of Science. Let us bear in mind that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but that deeper study reveals the roots of knowledge, as well as increases our store of information. Let us not, with folded arms, float with the tide of indolence, but ever strive after increase of that true knowledge which is wisdom and remember that “to labour is to pray,” or as the Latin motto has it, “Laborare est Orare,” for the day is coming to each one of us when no man can work, and the value of the work of each man will be tried in the balance of justice, and if we have done well we shall gain a rich reward.

Page 12

Washington Masonic Charities

Masonic Support with Senior Housing Options Part 1 of 2 Washington Masonic Charities provides services that assist Masons, their wives and widows through the stages of aging. Our goal is to assist you in making decisions that are best for you.

Did you know that our trained staff do home visits? After the visit we can provide information and resources to assist you with your housing needs and housing goals.

This article is part 1 of 2 on housing options as we age. The source of this information comes from Helpguide. org. Helpguide.org is a nonprofit resource whose information is unbiased and reliable. In this article we will cover the first three housing options listed here in bold. The following publication will cover the remaining three housing options.

Housing Options (Common or growing in the Northwest) - - - - - -

Aging in Place The Village Concept Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) Independent Living Assisted Living Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Facility – SNF)

The earlier you assess your current needs and how those needs may evolve over time, the more choices and control you’ll have. By learning about the different types of senior housing available, you can make the choice that’s right for you and ensure you enjoy a happy, healthy, and fulfilling home environment as you age.

What are your senior housing options?

In general, the different types of senior housing vary according to the amount of care provided for activities of daily living and for medical care. When researching a senior housing option, make sure it covers your required level of care and that you understand exactly what the facilities offer and the costs involved.

Senior housing option 1: Aging in place Staying at home as you age has the advantage of keeping you in a familiar place where you know your neighbors and the community. There is a wide range of home care services that can help you maintain your independence within the comfort of your own home, from in-home care to day care. You may also be able to make home repairs or modifications to make your life easier and safer, such as installing a wheelchair ramp, widening doorways, adding grab bars and bathtub railings, or installing an emergency response system.

Staying at home may be a good option if: • You have a close network of nearby family, friends, and neighbors • Transportation is easily accessible, including alternate transportation to driving • Your neighborhood is safe • Your home can be modified to reflect your changing needs • Home and yard maintenance is not overwhelming • Your physical and medical needs do not require a high level of care • You have a gregarious personality and are willing and able to reach out for social support • You fall within the geographical confines of an integrated community, such as a “village” or NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community)

Page 13 Aging in place is a less effective senior housing option once your mobility is limited. Being unable to leave your home frequently and socialize with others can lead to isolation, loneliness, and depression. So, even if you select to age in place today, it’s important to have a plan for the future when your needs may change and staying at home may no longer be the best option.

Senior housing option 2: The Village concept The Village solution to aging in place is a relatively new concept, enabling active seniors to remain in their own homes without having to rely on family and friends. Members of a “village” can access specialized programs and services, such as transportation to the grocery store, home health care, or help with household chores, as well as a network of social activities with other village members.

Senior housing option 3: Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) Like the village concept, Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) enable seniors to stay in their own homes and access local services, volunteer programs, and social activities, but tend to exist in lower income areas. A NORC may be as small as a single urban high rise, or it may spread out over a larger suburban area. Also known as Senior Housing Assistance Group – SHAG housing.

Washington Masonic Charities believes in educating you and empowering you to make decisions that are best for you. Give us a call.

Byron Cregeur, Masonic Community Outreach Director 253-442-2505, ext. 404

2015 Junior Grand Warden Candidate Daylight Lodge No. 232 has put together excellent video interviews of the 2015 Junior Grand Warden Candidates. Please visit their website to view the videos to aid in your decision when voting at Grand Lodge in June.

http://daylightmasons.org/jgw-candidate-forum-2015 DUES REMINDER Brethren, just a friendly reminder to send in your membership fee for 2015 if you have not already done so. Dues payments were payable

by January 1st. Thank you for your continued membership and loyalty!

Page 14

Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction and his wife, Saundra.

Hosted by the Seattle Scottish Rite 1207 N 152nd St., Shoreline, WA 98133 Dinner Reservations Are Required, Limited Seating ~ $10.00 6:30pm Social ~ 7:30pm Plated Dinner ~ 8:15pm Entertainment & Remarks To register visit www.scottishritemason.org or for more information contact the Seattle Scottish Rite office at: 206.324.3330

Page 15

Messages Happy Birthday!

Congratulations from all your Scottish Rite brethren to our members over 90 who have reached a very important birthday!

May

June

Jerome Wachsmuth 5/25/1921 Raymond Barclay 6/23/1915 Roger Miller 6/7/1918 Douglas Crosby 5/1/1923 Abe Ashcanase 6/24/1919 James Stansell 5/19/1923 Donald Manion 6/8/1920 Martin Grossmann 5/24/1923 Richard Margerum 6/17/1920 Kenneth Thompson 6/9/1921 Harry Reynolds 5/28/1923 Joe Peha 6/10/1921 Roland Hoefer 6/7/1922 Robert Lowe 5/15/1924 George Harruff 6/4/1923 John Kraft 5/3/1925 Douglas Edlich 6/18/1923 Roland Scott 6/27/1923 Samuel Boren 5/18/1925 John Swafford 6/17/1924 Alfred Bartol 6/19/1924 Robert Maag 6/1/1925 Arthur Phelps 6/3/1925 Raymond Barclay 6/23/1915

Lodge of Sorrow Our brethren lie before us, overtaken by that relentless fate which, sooner or later, is to overtake us all..

Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit

Edward Star Baker 3-15-2015 Bert Butterworth 3-11-2015 Clifford W. Davidson 2-18-2015 John Grosso 2-28-2015 Jack Hopkins 3-10-2015 John Mahoney, 33째 3-15-2015 Harold F. Stanley 3-23-2015

Page 16 Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 1207 N 152nd Street Shoreline, WA 98133-6247

May 2015

Periodicals Postage Paid USPS 485-660

Schedule of Events www.seattle-scottishrite.org

Saturday May 2nd

9:00 am

Executive Council

Tuesday May 19th

6:30 pm

Stated Meeting (Guest: Dr. Los Reyes)

10:00 am

Eastside SR Club (Lakeside Lodge - Bellevue)

Thursday June 4th

6:30 pm

Grand Commander Seale Dinner (tickets required)

Saturday June 6th

9:00 am

ExCo / 18th degree - 2015 class at 1:00 pm

Saturday June 27th

9:00 am

SOTAR - (Guest: Dr. Jonathan Young)

Saturday May 23rd

June 2015

No Stated meetings in June, July & August

Scottish Rite Members Lounge (Great friends. Great Chats. Great Drinks.)

After all stated meetings stop in the membership lounge for further fellowship. Have a glass of wine or a pint of fresh poured draught.

Come in and see what’s on tap!

This is a great place to catch up with members after meetings, discuss ritual and enjoy the fellowship and all that the Seattle Scottish Rite has to offer.