Hi <<First Name>>,
Believe it or not, winter is more than half over already! If you have any winter plans you haven't started yet, now is the time to get after them.
Home Office News
Our website is a great resource for our brochures, program outlines, and forms. We'll review a few to help guide your navigation to find the things you need.
February is the Month of...
Awareness Days, Holidays, Observances, Fun Days, and Historical events are presented for this month.
Charitable Activities Highlights
2023 charitable activities keep rolling in! Remember to submit your council's 2023 IFS projects by the end of February, and get a start on your 2024 projects.
College News
New scholarship & grant applications are closed for this year but don't forget the next steps.
Inspirational Quote
This month's quote is from a famous orator born in February.
Upcoming Dates
Update your calendar with these important dates. |
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The Royal Arcanum website is a useful resource for finding late-breaking news, electronic copies of our past Bulletins, and many other items of interest for members and those thinking about becoming members. This time, we wanted to focus on our new brochure, our council programs, and forms used by councils and members. Timeline BrochureAs existing members, it can sometimes be overwhelming to remember all the products we offer, and what we might use to entice our family and friends to become Royal Arcanum members. We have recently updated our Timeline Brochure to make that easier. Finding the BrochureNavigate to our website at www.royalarcanum.com, and click on the word PRODUCTS on our home page's menu (or on a smartphone, click on the Navigation bar at the top, scroll to and click on the word Products.) The Timeline brochure is available as a full-sized chart just above the list of states where we're licensed. A direct link to the brochure is http://www.royalarcanum.com/brochures/TimelineBrochure-2023-final.pdf. What the Timeline Brochure provides This is a one-stop description that covers key benefits available to members and why the Royal Arcanum is a great choice for insurance and annuity products. The timeline shows the different products available based on age, with a short suggestion of the best reasons to choose a particular product. Go ahead and print out the brochure to carry around with you or to give to your friend or family member the next time you get together. Of course, if you need more information about any product, you can find individual product brochures on our Product Brochures page or by calling the Home Office. Program Outlines and FormsSince you're exploring our website, here's another great hint: Click on the word FORMS just to the right of the word PRODUCTS on the home page. Many useful forms are presented under the categories of Policyholder Forms, Fraternal/Council Forms, Privacy Forms, Junior Forms, and Scholarship Forms. Policyholder FormsThe most common forms you might need to help manage your existing policy can be found in this section. Important updates such as the Change of Address Form or the Change of Beneficiary Form can be found in this section. Fraternal/Council FormsCouncil Secretaries will love this section! It contains the links for the annual reports for Grand Councils and Subordinate Councils, but it also provides access to our Fraternal program outlines and forms. Deadlines are this month for completing a project for the Lorraine J. D'Emilio Legacy of Hope Award and for filing last year's Fraternalism in Action report. Familiarize yourself with the programs that can help the coffers of your council. Privacy FormsOur policy for Children's Online Privacy Protection can be found here, as well as a release form to allow us to use video, photos, or audio of minors under the age of 13. Junior FormsCouncils who will request Christmas Gifts for Juniors can find the request form here. Scholarship FormsApplications for our Scholarships and Grants are available from this page, too. Those applications are due each year by December 31st, so bookmark these links for next autumn's application window. Explore our website to find other useful information and forms to make managing your policies or your council easier than ever. |
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Awarenesses MONTH
Humpback Whale Awareness Month Humpback whales are impressively large marine mammals that have swum in the ocean's waters for millions of years. Their survival was threatened by overhunting, with an estimation that about 95% of the normal population was gone by 1985. Due to actions such as the moratorium on whale hunting, this beautiful species is beginning to recover and flourish again. February is named Humpback Whale Awareness Month because it is the month that whale-watching season kicks into full swing in Hawaii.
https://nationaldaycalendar.info/humpback-whale-awareness-month/ Low Vision Awareness Month There are estimated to be about 3 million Americans aged 40 and older who have low vision. That is, these individuals have difficulty seeing to perform everyday tasks, even with the use of glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Most of these are over 65, due largely to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or glaucoma. Use this month to learn the risks of low vision, preventative measures that may help, and the resources available to help sufferers regain independence through strategies and assistive devices. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/vision-rehabilitation-resources/low-vision-awareness-month National Bird Feeding Month February was declared, in 1994, to be National Bird Feeding Month, to celebrate the wild bird population and educate people about bird feeding and bird watching. Engage with the nature around us and provide some winter sustenance for our feathered friends this winter. https://www.nationalbirdfeedingmonth.com/ |
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WEEKS
Tinnitus Awareness Week
1st full week of February, February 3-9, 2024 Ringing in the New Year may have been exciting, but dealing with a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears is not. Tinnitus has many possible causes, including as a side effect of some medications. While there are no known cures, there are strategies to avoid it, treat it, and provide relief from it. It starts with seeing your hearing healthcare professional, and this is an ideal week to book an appointment. https://www.tinnitusweek.com/ Congenital Heart Defects Awareness WeekFebruary 7-14, 2024 Congenital Heart Defects occur in approximately 1% of births each year, with an estimated 1 million children and 1.4 million adults in the U.S. living with the condition. Medicine is advancing in treating the condition through surgeries and treatments to provide a better life and added longevity. Research continues to find the causes and find ways to reduce risks, such as better quality diets and avoiding exposure to pesticides for those who will be mothers. Many children's hospitals provide free care and are conducting research, and your contributions can help. https://mendedhearts.org/connect/get-involved/chd-awareness-week/ National Invasive Species Awareness WeekBegins on the last Monday of February, February 26 - March 1, 2024 Invasive species are any living organism that is not natural to the ecosystem. Because they have been transplanted into a new area, they can cause extensive damage and reproduce rapidly, destroying native flora and fauna in their wake. During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, find out how you can prevent unintended contamination of ecosystems and how to help control the threat in your neighborhood. https://www.nisaw.org/ |
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DAYS
World Day of the SickFebruary 11 The Catholic Church proclaimed February 11 World Day of the sick in 1992, which is the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. The day is intended to raise the awareness that those who are sick are our brothers and sisters, in the same spirit of the fraternalism of the Royal Arcanum, and to offer our prayers and sufferings for the good of the sick. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/20230110-giornata-malato.html International Epilepsy Day2nd Monday of February, February 12, 2024 Epilepsy is one of the oldest-known medical conditions. Also known as seizure disorder, it is the 4th most common neurological disorder. The condition causes electrical activity in the brain to briefly stop, which leads to seizures. International Epilepsy Day is intended to educate the general public about this condition and teach people how to provide better care for those living with the disorder. https://internationalepilepsyday.org/ World Encephalitis DayFebruary 22 Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a variety of viruses bacteria, fungi, or parasites, with symptoms that can include an alteration in consciousness, headache, fever, a stiff neck, and/or vomiting. Complications can be severe, including seizures, hallucinations, or less severe such as problems with hearing, memory, or speaking. World Encephalitis Day seeks to raise awareness of and improve the diagnosis and treatment of encephalitis. https://www.encephalitis.info/ |
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Holidays and Observances National Women Physicians Day - February 3, 2024
The U.S. saw its first female physician in 1847. Male physicians remain in the majority, but progress is being made: in 2017, for the first time, more women than men were students in medical schools. On February 3, we are called to observe National Women Physicians Day by thanking female doctors for their work, recognizing them on social media, or engaging in some other form of recognition - perhaps choosing a TV show or movie featuring women doctors. https://www.ama-assn.org/member-groups-sections/women-physicians/national-women-physicians-day-information
Chinese New Year, 2nd new moon after the winter solstice, February 10, 2024
This Saturday, the 16-day celebration of the Chinese New Year begins, ending the Year of the Rabbit and starting the Year of the Dragon. The years are named one of the animals in the Chinese zodiac following a repeating 12-year cycle celebrating the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The New Year celebration officially concludes on February 24 with the Lantern Festival.
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/
Mardi Gras - Day before Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2024
Mardi Gras is "Fat Tuesday" in French, so named for the practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the fasting of the Lenten season that begins the next day. It is the conclusion of the Carnival celebrations that began on or after the Feast of Epiphany. Different traditions mark the celebration throughout the world: masked celebrations are famous in Italy, particularly in Venice; Pączki, donut-like pastries traditionally made with lard, are consumed in Polish cultures; and the parade celebrations in New Orleans. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras |
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Fun Days National Dark Chocolate Day was February 1, one of many chocolate days that are celebrated. Dark chocolate is closer to the original way chocolate was consumed: as a bitter drink in Mesoamerica as early as 350 B.C. When it was introduced to Europe in the 1600s, it was commonly mixed with sugar and milk to form a more familiar milk chocolate. The first time a dark chocolate bar was introduced was around 1910. https://nationaldayfood.com/day/national-dark-chocolate-day/
Road rage and other examples of intolerant behavior seem to be everywhere today, which is why Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day is observed on February 7. This whimsical day encourages us to use all our fingers when we wave to our neighbor (not just one!) and to treat them with friendliness and respect.
https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/wave-all-your-fingers-at-your-neighbor-day At noon on February 20, celebrate National Hoodie Hoo Day by going outside, waving your hands above your head, and shouting "Hoodie-Hoo". It's supposed to help to scare away the winter. Does it work? We're not sure, but why risk it? https://www.thefactsite.com/hoodie-hoo-day/ |
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Historical Events February 1, 2003: Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated just 16 minutes before it was scheduled to land, due to damage caused during liftoff. February 3, 1821: Elizabeth Blackwell was born near Bristol, England. Her family moved to New York when she was a girl, and she went on to earn her MD from the Medical Institute of Geneva, New York, becoming the first female physician in the U.S. February 8, 1587: Mary Stuart, known as Mary, Queen of Scots, was beheaded for her part in a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. February 11, 660 BC.: Jimmu ascended to the throne to become the first Emperor of Japan. It is considered the founding date of the Japanese nation. February 12, 1809: Abraham Lincoln was born in Hardin County, Kentucky. On the same day, nearly 4,000 miles away, Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England. February 14, 1849: Photographer Mathew Brady snapped the oldest surviving photograph of a U.S. President, capturing James Polk in the White House. It is believed that President Harding was photographed in 1841, becoming the first president to ever be photographed, however, that photo has been lost. February 15, 1933: In Miami, Florida, newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt. The bullet went astray, striking and killing Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. February 21, 1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the first American launched into orbit, reaching 162 miles above the surface of the Earth in a flight that lasted just under 5 hours. February 24, 1582: Pope Gregory XIII announced a correction to the Julian calendar by dropping 10 days, declaring that the day after October 4, 1582, would be October 15. The calendar took time to gain in popularity and is still not universally followed. The United States adopted the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. February 26, 1846: World-famous American frontiersman "Buffalo Bill" Cody was born in Scott County, Indiana. He gained his moniker due to his claim that he killed over 4,000 buffalo in over 17 months. February 28, 1994: 45 years after its founding, NATO conducted its first combat action by shooting down 4 Bosnian Serb jets that flew into its no-fly zone. |
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Don't forget to submit any IFS projects completed in 2023 by February 29, 2024. If you're waiting for an acknowledgment letter that hasn't yet arrived, don't forget you can always use your bank's copy of the canceled check instead (available with online accounts at most banks). If anything is preventing you from having all the paperwork needed, please submit a request and let us know what is missing, and we'll work with you to get your council's reimbursement before the deadline.
Los Bomberos of Northern California Holiday Toy Drive
The Grand Council of California made the most of Christmas by shopping for gifts to donate to the Annual Holiday Toy Drive program sponsored by The Firefighters of Northern California. They are a nonprofit made up of firefighters of San Jose and their families, friends, and community members, dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community through charitable acts, educational support, fire recruitment, and outreach. They have sponsored the Christmas Toy Drive for nearly 40 years, and this year were able to help more than 350 families celebrate the holiday by having gifts to open on Christmas Day.
https://www.losbomberosofnortherncalifornia.com/
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Scholarship Follow-up Reminder Scholarship and grant applicants should be sure they are completing all the items on the checklist they received from the Home Office. The deadline to complete everything is March 31. Don't miss your chance to receive a scholarship or grant! If you haven't received your confirmation, please contact the Home Office at (888) 272-2686 as soon as possible. |
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“Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Mark your calendar with these important dates: - Fraternalism in Action report deadline: February 15, 2024
- Winter Bulletin Publication date: February 22, 2024
- Lorraine J. D'Emilio Legacy of Hope Projects end: February 29, 2024
- IFS submission deadline for 2023 projects: February 29, 2024
- Monthly Lend A Hand - Lift A Heart submission deadline: February 29, 2024
- Daylight Saving Time begins: March 10, 2024
- Spring begins: March 19, 2024
- Spring Bulletin article submission deadline: March 28, 2024
- Scholarship checklist items deadline: March 31, 2024
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