February 1, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS
_______________________________________

FEBRUARY E-BOARD ZOOM
The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:00pm via Zoom.
All VOTM members are welcome to attend.
To join the meeting, click here

_______________________________________

FEBRUARY REUNION
Thursday, February 12, 2026
111 Merrimack Street, Haverhill

• 5:30pm: Social Period

• 6:00pm: Dinner

• 6:45pm: Lodge of Perfection Full Form Opening
  Conduct any necessary business, including voting on proposed amendments to the Valley’s Rules & Regulation, followed by a video presentation of the 14°

• Dinner: Lisa Blackburn’s famous Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie - $25
  Reservations are required
  email: Bro. Jay Rivera, 32° or Ill. James Fergola, 33°, MSA, HGA

BONUS
Join us for a Thursday Night at the Rite watch party during collation for the 11°, Sublime Master Elected

***IMPORTANT***
Dinner Reservations Policy Change

Beginning in February, the Valley Of The Merrimack will be implementing a change to how dinner reservations are handled for our Reunions.

In the past, VOTM Officers have had standing dinner reservations. Unfortunately, when reservations are not canceled in advance, it becomes difficult to accurately estimate attendance and food quantities. This has led to ordering more meals than needed and increased costs to the Valley.

Going forward, all members—including Officers—will be required to make a dinner reservation if they wish to attend dinner at a Valley Reunion. Standing reservations will no longer be in effect.

Members who do not have a dinner reservation are still welcome to attend the Reunion. However, those with reservations will be served first. If food remains after reserved meals have been served, unreserved attendees may join dinner at that time.

To help offset the added cost of last-minute meals, any member who did not make a reservation but still dines will be assessed a $10 surcharge in addition to the regular dinner cost for that evening.

This change is intended to better manage catering costs while continuing to accommodate all who wish to join us for dinner. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to be good stewards of the Valley’s resources.

SERVICE EVENTS

• American Red Cross Blood Drive

  • Saturday, February 14

  • 9:00am to 2:00pm

  • Christ Church, Andover

  • To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org

• Sacred Hearts Food Pantry

  • Date TBD

FAMILY LIFE EVENT
Japanese Dinner & Sake Tasting

Several members of the Valley and their guests enjoyed a Japanese Cuisine and Sake Tasting at Moontone restaurant in Andover.

photos by: Bro. Michael Pitcher, 32°

2026 ABBOTT SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Abbott Scholarship. The scholarship helps students who are connected to the fraternity to continue their education at an accredited institution of higher education.

Ill∴ Leon M. Abbott, whom the scholarship is named after, was a member of the Valley of Boston, the Thrice Potent Master of Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection from 1904 to 1906, and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction from 1921 to 1932.

Our scholarships are investments in the future of both our country and fraternity. Students are eligible if they meet the following criteria:

A Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is in good standing

A student directly related (bloodline or by legal means) to a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction or a member of a youth organization sponsored by the Masonic fraternity in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is:

A high school senior, currently accepted at an accredited trade school who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.

Applicants should send them to the secretary of their sponsor’s home valley (where they hold their 4°).

Email Ill. George Kopps, 33°, MSA, for more information.

Thursday Night at the Rite is Back!

TNR returns with Season 7. This year the NMJ has added online, in-depth educational discussions on most Degrees broadcasted. This is a great opportunity to see Degrees and learn more about the messages behind them.

Visit the Member Center on the NMJ website to learn more.

• Feb 12: 11th Degree, Sublime Master Elected

• Feb 19: 11° online discussion

• Feb 26: 15th Degree, Knight of the East

• Mar 12: 22nd Degree, Prince of Libanus

• Mar 19: 22° online discussion

• Mar 26: 29th Degree: Knight of St. Andrew

BLUE ENVELOPE APPEAL

The Blue Envelope Appeal is the Scottish Rite, NMJ’s oldest Jurisdiction-wide fundraising appeal. For decades, Scottish Rite Masons have supported these charitable efforts of the fraternity.

For more information, click here.

DEGREE WORKERS WANTED

If you would like to participate in our upcoming degrees, please contact Illustrious Jim Sullivan or Illustrious John Torrisi who will be very happy to hear from you. We need actors (speaking and non-speaking), and lighting, sound, and stage assistants. No experience is necessary. It’s a great way to become more active in the Valley — and to make some really great friends.

FROM THE VALLEY SENESCHAL

There have been many requests for VOTM nameplates. We’d like to place one order with Bro. LaPlante. Email our Seneschal, Bro. Michael Pitcher, II, 32°, with your preference. The cost of the nameplate is $10.

___________________________________

The Valley of The Merrimack has adopted its own signature bow tie, so you can now proudly, but discreetly, proclaim your membership our Valley.

Have a look. Here's the link.

A four-in-hand tie and pocket squares in our blue and green striped pattern are also available.

One member writes: “I ordered a tie and it came from Australia in 5 days! $49 including shipping. Nice tie for any occasion, not just Valley functions.”

How do I get one? Order direct on line from OTAA.

IN OUR LODGES

Cochichewick Lodge hosts family breakfasts on the Second Sunday of the Month, July and August excepted.

Saint Matthew’s Lodge holds family breakfasts on the Third Sunday of the Month, July and August excepted.

Wamesit Lodge holds family breakfasts on the Fourth Sunday of the month, July and August excepted.

Get the latest details about upcoming events at valleyofthemerrimack.org

Valley of The Merrimack Upcoming Events is edited by Frederick N. Nowell, 33°, MSA & Daniel Burns, 32°, MSA