Hi Member,Welcome to Summer! As the temperatures go higher, the days will slowly get shorter. Summertime seems like an idyllic time of year, especially when the snow piles up in winter, so don't waste the precious days of summer now that they're here. Summer for us includes the 105th Supreme Council Session, ideas for fraternal gatherings, an update on our Summer project, and a not-summer-specific topic to think about while enjoying the relaxing summer days. |
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CDC reports that Annapolis, Maryland, which is in Ann Arundel County, is at a Low community level! They are also currently on a downward trend, which appears to be favorable for the timing of the Supreme Council Session, now only 54 days away. The Executive Committee continues to monitor the situation and is making plans to prepare for our Session with safety in mind. What can you do? The CDC recommends you stay up to date with your COVID-10 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. Those with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask, and they remind us that you may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. For those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, the CDC has additional protective recommendations. |
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Many of our councils take a break from meetings during the summer, but that doesn’t mean our fraternal events have to stop. Why not plan a fun summertime event with your council! Here are some quick ideas that your members can easily enjoy. Plan a picnicWho doesn’t enjoy a shady spot and a cold drink enjoying friends, food, and fun? Invite your friends and neighbors (members and non-members alike) to join together for a day in the warm weather. Kids will enjoy races and games, and it’s a great opportunity to talk about the Royal Arcanum. Make it a combination charitable event by having your members bring some non-perishable food for the local food pantry. Scavenger HuntThis activity is always a hit with our junior members at our Supreme Council Sessions and mini-vacations. Why not plan a scavenger hunt for your members? Adult members will enjoy trying to find things in the area. Members can take pictures of an obscure landmark or see how many different Royal Arcanum pens they can. Local businesses will be happy to have members get a receipt from their store or a takeout menu from their restaurant — and it allows you to talk about the Royal Arcanum in your local community. It’s fun for everyone. Parades and FestivalsDoes your local community sponsor a parade, a community block party, or a larger festival? There are a lot of great opportunities to get involved. They are usually looking for volunteers for different things, often with limited volunteer time so you can still enjoy the event. You can get more involved by signing up to march in the parade or even sponsoring a booth at a festival. You can even keep it purely fun — wear your Royal Arcanum hat, shirt, or pin and go as a group. Theme gatheringsPick any theme your members are interested in and ask everyone to bring a food or beverage related to the theme. Dressing up in keeping with the theme is a plus. This easy-to-arrange activity just needs an idea and a place to gather. Pick an idea and get started:
- Island Luau - island wear, tropical fruits, and luau music
- Wild West - jeans and cowboy hats, grilled meats, and lively music
- Underwater - Coral and aqua clothing, seafood, and of course drinks of all kinds
- Colors - Bold colors to wear, drink, and eat
These are just starters. Create your theme, get together with your Royal Arcanum friends, and have fun! |
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The unjust war in Ukraine is continuing, and the suffering it is causing is sadly continuing, too. Here's an update on the Ukraine Fraternal Project that provides some hope, an understanding of the needs, and what you can do to help. Phase 1 - Providing immediate help
The war is now into its fourth month, and the suffering it has been causing continues every day. It has been especially hard on the children, who have left behind their homes, and often their fathers, who are trying to save their country. The children will run and hide when they hear an ambulance or police siren, having become accustomed to seeking shelter when the warning sirens have sounded.
We're happy to report that to date we have collected and donated over $22,000to the Ukrainian Fraternal Project! A well-deserved thank-you goes out to all the councils, members, and friends who have contributed to help provide this much-needed help. Everything has been confirmed as received by those churches and organizations that are helping the Ukrainian refugees. Monies wired directly over have been securely received, and shipments, which typically take about 10 days to clear customs, are confirmed by emails, texts, or phone calls. Every dollar matters and everything you have given has been used to provide for the families in need.
No, not refugees: they refer to them as their Ukrainian guests, and what a powerful image that portrays. The families who have had to flee their homes and seek safety are welcomed as guests and treated as guests by their hosts. Sometimes their guests will return home during periods of safety, to reconnect with their homeland and see what can be salvaged. 95% of them become returning guests since it isn't safe for them to remain in Ukraine.
We're proud to say that all donations that are sent over to help have been brand new, not used items. Specific needs are requests -- sometimes towels for all their Ukrainian guests or clothing, or recently, for a washing machine to help lauder the clothing for a converted Parish Center that is now a guesthouse. Your donations are making a difference in everyday lives!
Phase 2 - Our Summer Project
Our Summer Project is a Newborn and Toddler Shower for the many young children who are forced to be away from home. We're collecting clothing for children, targeting sizes 6 months to 4T, and will be shipping them after our Session directly to those hosting the guests from Ukraine. If you're able to bring new clothing to the Session, know that it will be sent very shortly afterward to those who have been forced to flee their homes.
In addition to the Shower, the "Share Some Sunshine" facet of the project focused on monetary donations. For a five-dollar contribution, you can reserve a sunflower that will be sent along with gifts and donations to the child guests from Ukraine. This gesture of sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, has become a worldwide symbol of support for Ukrainians against their Russian invaders. You can make your donation to honor someone or as a thinking-of-you gesture. Please contact our Fraternal Director Cindy Macon to make a donation and Share Some Sunshine.
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Life events can be fun, exciting, scary, and exhausting. There are often many details to take care of, and when they're finished, we can feel like it's time to take a deep breath and relax. There's one item, though, that is often skipped in the list of things to do - how the events have changed your insurance needs.
Have any of these life events happened to you recently? Perhaps they've occurred elsewhere in your family, or among your friends? Direct them to us to be sure these life changes are matched by any needs to change their insurance protection.
Change in marital status
Your new family status may need changes to your existing policies (think of a change in the amount of coverage, payment method, or beneficiaries) or call for new coverage.
Parenthood - each time!
Welcoming new children into your family is a moment of great joy! Don't forget that our Royal Arcanum policies are the least expensive for newborns, and can with significant additional benefits, such as eligibility for scholarships or grants in the future.
Homeownership
Buying a home is likely the single most expensive purchase of your life; selling your home may be the single greatest income event of your life. It's a great time to remember to be sure you're covered so your family keeps their roof over their heads, or if selling, to consider an annuity with a guaranteed return -- especially during these trying times in the economy. Changing jobs
Insurance coverage is often a benefit provided by employers. But in many cases, leaving a job means leaving that insurance behind. New jobs may not provide coverage, may provide less coverage, or may have a waiting period before its available. Don't be caught uninsured.
Retirement
Congratulations on your retirement! Don't forget that, like changing jobs, it may mean your work-provided insurance is no longer covering you. If it is offered, it may be an excessive term policy at a time you might be better served by a whole life policy. Perhaps it's time to consider an annuity?
Whatever life events you experience, be sure your needs are met. Review your insurance, and if you need a change, contact us today.
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Don't forget the upcoming deadlines: - Bulletin article deadline: July 8
- Nominations deadline: July 15
- Session reservation deadline: July 15
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