Jun 29, 2021 Newsletter #21

Hi Member, Summer is here! Long days, warmer weather, and outdoor activities are called for. Plan to enjoy getting out and about. Here are some summertime thoughts to enjoy. July is the month of… Severe Weather Safety Charitable Giving Roy’s Corner    July is the Month of… July will be here in just a few days, so don't forget about these items that we're asked to remember during the month of July.   National Grilling Month July is National Grilling Month, National Hot Dog Month and National Picnic Month. Get the idea that it’s a good time to get outside and enjoy a meal? Parathyroid Awareness Month It's always a good idea to monitor your health. The first June health issue we're highlighting is Parathyroid Awareness Month. Many may not be familiar with the importance of healthy parathyroid glands or the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Educate yourself today. Dry Eye Awareness Month When you see nature in bloom in July, it's time to remember Dry Eye Awareness Month. Keep aging eyes healthy, especially eyes of those over 50. Ultraviolet Safety Month With the longer days of summer comes more time outside. UV Safety Month reminds us to stay safe when we’re out in the sun. Make a Difference to Children Month Did you know that July is also Make a Difference to Children Month? Why not sponsor a charitable project for children with your council for an entry for the Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Memorial Award. Is there some other cause close to your heart you'd like other Arcanians to remember? Email us and we'll be happy to highlight it in our next newsletter.    Severe Weather Safety When we think of summer, we usually think of a hot, cloudless sky, an ice-cold drink, and maybe enjoying a grilled meal in the shade of a tree with a light breeze. But summer can also be filled with severe weather. Our ocean-bordering jurisdictions are too familiar with hurricanes, and our midwest jurisdictions are no strangers to severe thunderstorms and tornados. Heat waves in the west are setting records, too. Wherever you are or are traveling to, it's good to keep your safety in mind. There are useful guidelines on safety from organizations such as the National Weather Service or the Red Cross. Make yourself familiar with the basic safety tips, because you may not have time to learn if severe weather occurs quickly. Tornados Tornados are the most intense and damaging storms on Earth, with the potential of winds in excess of 300 mph. They have been tornados measuring more than 2.5 miles wide. In 1925, a tornado that started in Manitoba, Canada remained on the ground for more than 3.5 hours! Know the different levels of alerts.   Tornado Watch: Conditions are ripe for tornados to form in the watch area. Get prepared now in case the alert level is raised. Tornado Warning: Radar has indicated rotation and/or a tornado has been sighted. There is imminent danger to life or property. Seek shelter in the lowest floor available or an interior room. Tornado Emergency: In some areas, a third alert level has been added to describe a confirmed, destructive tornado that has already caused widespread damage or casualties. Take immediate shelter! Be prepared for flying debris, broken glass, and potential loss of power and other utilities for days. Protect yourselves--property can always be replaced.   Severe Thunderstorms Severe Thunderstorms can develop and move in quickly. Storm fronts can travel at more than 50 mph, with strong winds that can bring down power lines and heavy rain that can wash away roads. Lightning is a danger to anyone outside, and can even be dangerous inside. Lightning: When thunder roars, go indoors. If you see lighting and can hear thunder in less than 30 seconds, you are close enough that you can be struck by lightning. The typical lightning flash is about 300 million volts and 30,000 amps. Do not shower, bathe, or even wash your hands during a thunderstorm, as a lightning strike can travel through the pipes and the water. Avoid using electrical equipment and corded phones, as lightning can travel through power and phone lines. Stay away from windows and from concrete floors, as the metal rods in the concrete foundations can conduct electricity. Hail: The unstable air mix can produce hail an inch in diameter or as large as 6 inches. You don't want that being hurled at you at more than 50 mph! Be sure to get safely indoors. Winds: Wind gusts at 100 mph or greater can occur, which can overturn high profile vehicles, snap large tree limbs, and make everyday objects into projectiles. Stay away from windows that offer poor protection from such large debris. Flooding: Stay off the roads when flash flooding is possible. What looks like a shallow flowing puddle on the road may be strong enough to sweep you off the road. Never drive onto a flooded road. Seek shelter in a building above the projected flood line. Hurricanes Hurricanes are the most widespread weather event, with a well-organized storm spanning over 1,000 miles wide, and the strongest recorded sustained winds over 180 mph. Hurricanes form over water, and when they make landfall, they come with severe thunderstorms and tornados in addition to their storm surge, which can often be their most damaging aspect. Storm surges can cause widespread flooding and wipe away roadways and buildings. If your area is under a hurricane warning, mandatory evacuation orders can be issued. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, be sure to be ready: Evacuate? Be prepared with your plan to evacuate the area early enough to avoid the gridlock that can occur by waiting to "be sure" the hurricane will hit in your area. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Don't count on getting gas at the last minute. Planning to Shelter: If you plan to stay, be sure you are sheltering in a sturdy structure, and be prepared to live without power, gas, telephones, or the Internet for a long time. Practice going to a designated shelter away from damaging winds and floods. Consider if you need to shelter on higher ground before the hurricane arrives. Gather Emergency Supplies: Gather food, water, and medicine. Experts say at least a 3-day supply is needed, and in a form you can carry with you; a 2-week supply for staying in place; and a month's supply of medicine. Include back-up batteries and chargers. Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan so your loved ones can know that you are safe (or are in need!). Don't assume that the Internet, or phone service of any kind will be reliably available. Heat Waves Extreme, sustained heat waves can quickly deplete your body of the energy and fluids it needs. Be prepared, even when driving somewhere, because if your car breaks down, a simple trip can turn quickly dangerous. Stay hydrated: Drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related problems. Stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, or those with high amounts of sugar, which can act as diuretics. Eating with sufficient water intake can do wonders to help maintain your electrolytes. Prepare Emergency Supplies: Sustained heat waves can cause power demands that cause the power grid to fail. Be ready at home with an emergency supply of essentials such as water and shelf-stable foods in case of a lengthy power loss in your area. Cool your shelter: Weather-strip your doors and windows, and use drapes or shades to keep the interior of your home as cool as you can. Fire danger: Excessive heat can spark wildfires, which develop quickly and can be devastating. If you live in an area where wildfires occur, be sure to stay informed and have an evacuation plan ready. Being prepared for severe weather will help you if it occurs. If you know you're prepared, you can enjoy the summer without worries. We hope you never need your emergency plans, but we're glad you'll be prepared in case you need them.      Giving Knows No Season Has your council held a charitable activity recently? Summertime may provide some great opportunities for your council members: Collect non-perishable food for a donation to your local food depository Make a donation to an organization that helped one of your members Sponsor a clean-up activity in your area. Even better, reach out to a youth group and combine your efforts. Form a beautifying group to plant flowers or maintain already planted areas with your gardening skills, such as organizing a group to trim and maintain a cemetery that is in need of loving care These are just a few ideas for keeping your council active without meetings. Activities giving your council a chance to get together outdoors may be just the thing they are looking for. Don’t forget that many charitable projects qualify for the IFS program, where your council can earn a reimbursement of up to $1,000 each year.    Roy's Corner Are you looking for a special, easy treat this summer? Try this cookie recipe to enjoy a small flavor burst of summer.   Lemonade Cookies Combine 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 3 cups sifted flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 -- 6 oz can frozen lemonade, thawed (1/2 cup in mixture, 2 oz reserved) Bake on an ungreased pan, 8 minutes in a 400 degree oven. Brush remaining lemonade on tops of baked cookies and sprinkle with sugar. Do you have a favorite recipe to share? Send it to us and we'll post it in a future newsletter. Include a picture if you'd like to, or else Roy will just have to get his chef's hat on try the recipe out.

 

Jun 15, 2021 Newsletter #20

Hi Member, Highlights of this newsletter Scholarship & Grant Winners Announced Royal Arcanum Day French Mass with Josée Vachon Annual Council Reports Roy's Corner    Scholarship & Grant Winners Congratulations to the 2021 Scholarship and Grant winners! We wish the best for them as they finalize their career plans!   $10,000 Scholarship Kamil Tomaszkowicz, Sons of Poland Council #2016 Mia Messina, Integrity Council #586 $8,000 Scholarship Victoria Gauvin, Pawtucket Council #537 Morgan Whiteside, Catawba Council #2420 $5,000 Scholarship Alexander Holmes, Haut St. Jean Council # 59 Gianna Nader, Versatility Council #2501 $1,500 Scholarship Isabelle Atha, Independence Council #1998 Elissa Berger, Woodside Council#1358 Dominic Canton, Group Massachusetts #2000 Jenalyn Marie Evangelista, Group California #1999 Riley McAvoy, New Jersey Council #115A Amanda Noah, Group Massachusetts #2000 Victoria Snyder, Integrity Council #586 Anna N. Stawasz, Group New Hampshire #4800 Julia Torricella, Claremont Council #1655 Luke Whiteside, Catawba Council #2420 $750 Grant Jaesen Evangelista Roark McFadden, Bayonne Council #695 Matthew Noah Zarde Paddyfote $600 Grant Lauren Paulo, Alpha-Agassiz Council #1 Megan Winters, Merritt Council #1974 Thank you to all our applicants this year. The Royal Arcanum is proud of all applicants and is certain they will represent themselves and the Royal Arcanum's values of Virtue, Mercy, and Charity today and in the future.    Royal Arcanum Day June 23 is Royal Arcanum Day, celebrating the day in 1877 when our society was founded. Our website has an informative history page describing the background of our founding. Since our founding, the Royal Arcanum has prioritized involvement in our community, from social events to charitable project participation. We encourage our members to both celebrate together to joining hands to help the less fortunate. The coronavirus pandemic seems to weaken its grip on the world. As it wains and as Royal Arcanum Day approaches, it's a great time to reconnect with our members and to look around at those impacted by the pandemic. Has your council been able to meet yet? Have you participated in an International Fraternal Service Project or other community or charitable event lately? If not, why not make this year's Royal Arcanum Day special by planning a fraternal event soon.    French Mass with Josée Vachon Parlez-vous français? Royal Arcanum Domremy Council members and friends: Please help us spread the word. Those who speak French may be interested in attending a French Mass with Josée Vachon Mass Honoring St. Jean Baptiste, patron of Québec Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 12 noon Immaculate Conception Church 144 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, MA (Stair-free access on Fayette Street for handicap drop-off) Josée sings hymns in French starting at 11:30 am Please arrive before 11:30 am      Have You Filed Your Annual Council Report? All council reports are now due. Have your council secretaries filed yet? Note that the Supreme Council has waived the requirement for filing the list of elected officers with the annual report; the list of officers can be sent to the Home Office at a later time after councils have had the chance to meet and elect officers. Also, only one signature is required for the certification. If you have misplaced the council report, the Grand Council Report and Subordinate Council Report forms are available on our website.    Roy's Corner What are your council's plans for this summer? Roy knows that councils usually take a break during the summer months, but this past year has not been usual. If you have some plans, either for meetings, social gatherings, or charitable events, let us know and we'll be glad to share with all our members.

 

Jun 01, 2021 Newsletter #19

Hi Member, The unofficial start of summer is here! We wish all our members a safe and enjoyable summer. Days of Observance Annual Council Reports COVID Updates June is the Month    Days of Observance Yesterday was Memorial Day in the United States, so it's a perfect time to remind ourselves about the various holidays celebrated across our jurisdictions. National Flag of Canada Day At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It was in 1996 that National Flag of Canada Day was declared. Armed Forces Day (US) The third Saturday of May has been established as Armed Forces Day, to celebrate all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard, or on active duty, including the Coast Guard. It was created in 1949 by the Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate days that honored various branches of the military. Memorial Day (US) Celebrated as Decoration Day as far back as 1866 in New York and institutionalized in 1868 as a national observance, Memorial Day was established as a US Holiday in 1968 to honor service members who have died in military service to the nation. It is observed on the last Monday in May. Canadian Forces Day Canadian Forces Day is a holiday that celebrates the Canadian Armed Forces, their heritage, and their personnel. It is observed annually on the first Sunday in June. Although it is not a public holiday, it is marked with relevant events and activities across the country. Flag Day (US) Also called National Flag Day, this is a United States celebration honoring the national flag. It is observed on June 14, which commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. Canada Day Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain on On July 1, 1867. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. It is also celebrated together with Memorial Day in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Independence Day (US)  Independence Day, the Fourth of July, is the day celebrating the United States of America as a nation. It commemorates July 4th, 1776, when the United States of America proclaimed its independence from England by signing the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of independence in 1777, but, the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day" wasn't until 1791. Celebrations of Independence Day only became common after the War of 1812. It wasn't until 1870 that the U.S. Congress made Independence Day a holiday. Veteran's Day (US) and Remembrance Day (Canada) Armistice Day was set aside in 1919 in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. It became an official US Holiday in 1938 as a day to honor the men and women who have served in the military. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name Veterans Day in 1954. In the Uniform Holiday Act of 1968, the date was moved from November 11 to the fourth Monday of October but was reestablished to November 11 by President Gerald Ford in 1975. In Canada, it is often observed with public ceremonies and church services that often include the playing of “Last Post,” a reading of the fourth stanza of the poem “For the Fallen,” and two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. It is also known in both countries as Poppy Day for the artificial poppies that people wear and place at war memorials.    Annual Council Reports All council secretaries should have received a letter with the annual council reports. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the requirement for the election of officers has been waived, and only one signature is required for the certification. If you have misplaced the council report, the Grand Council Report and Subordinate Council Report forms are available on our website.    COVID Updates In the United States, the CDC says that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. In Canada, fully vaccinated people are still under restrictions. Canada has a three-pronged requirement to lift restrictions: local conditions, 75% of those eligible for vaccines having had at least 1 dose of vaccine, and 20% fully vaccinated with a second dose. These conditions are expected to begin to be met during the summer. The eased restrictions may include being allowed to sit on restaurant patios, gather in small groups outdoors, and enjoy activities like picnics, hiking, and camping. Travel for recreational reasons between the USA and Canada remains restricted. The situation is reviewed monthly around the 21st of the month. We are hoping the number of fully vaccinated people in both the USA and Canada reaches the levels required to allow free travel again.    June Events Men's Health Month June is International Men’s Health Month, which focuses on improving the health and lifestyles of men. This month encourages men to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease. International Men’s Health Week 2021 is June 14-20. National Adopt a Cat Month National Adopt a Cat Month is dedicated to our feline friends when considering a new pet.  It’s a time to learn how to prepare your home for a new kitten or adult cat, and how to know what kind of cat may be best for you. National Safety Month June is also National Safety Month and encourages everyone to consider the risks around the home and to improve their safety. It is an annual time to review your plans for emergencies in case of fires, tornados, earthquakes, or any other risk that may apply in your area. The safety of our members is always important! National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month With everyone beginning to plan their gardens, don't forget that June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Consider swapping out canned or frozen items for something fresh, maybe from your own garden or from a farmer's market. Time for something delicious and healthy, too!

 

May 18, 2021 Newsletter #18

Hi Member, Highlights of this newsletter Introducing a new Spirit of Service Program CDC Masking Guidelines Eased Home Office News Thanks for Being part of our Video Chat     Introducing Our Newest Program The Supreme Council is happy to introduce a new program: The Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Memorial Award This program is a tribute to Donald E. Ferry, Jr., who was a Home Office Customer Service Specialist with 29 years of service, and a member of the Supreme Council Junior Committee for 22 years. Donald passed away in November 2020 but his legacy of service to our Society will be carried forth in the fraternal work and fellowship shared by the Royal Arcanum Family. With allegiance to our founding attribute of Charity and his dedicated efforts for the success of the Society’s Junior Department and its programs, Donald’s willingness to create fraternal projects and lead by example was witnessed in the Royal Arcanum for over a quarter-century. This new program is a recognition and remembrance of the inspiring and selfless dedication Donald had for the Royal Arcanum. The program’s purpose is to “See a Need and Take the Lead” in support of a children’s charity or charitable program for the benefit of children. The program runs from June 1st, International Children's Day, through November 20th, Family Volunteer Day, and is open to subordinate councils that sponsor a volunteer activity for a children's charity or a charitable cause for the benefit of children. Each year one project will be selected as the winner by a panel of independent judges and the sponsoring Royal Arcanum council will receive a $500 award for its use. The full guidelines are in the program brochure, which along with the program application are on the Royal Arcanum website. We hope every council has a chance to engage in the program as we honor Donald and his legacy.     CDC Further Eases Masking Guidelines If you've been vaccinated, good news! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. This past Thursday, at a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, said “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities – large or small — without wearing a mask or physically distancing. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.” As a reminder, "fully vaccinated" are those who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose. The changes come as the number of Americans who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has topped 154 million, or more than 46% of the U.S. population. The aggressive campaign to get Americans vaccinated is paying off with lower numbers of new cases and fewer death rates. If you haven't yet been vaccinated, it's not too late. Vaccination appointments are much easier to get than they were even a few weeks ago, and many are accepting walk-ins. Some states and businesses are offering incentives to those who are not yet vaccinated. We are hoping the progress against this virus continues and that as our members achieve "fully vaccinated" status, we'll all soon begin to rejoin all of our normal council activities.    Home Office News The Royal Arcanum wishes long-time Home Office Associate Dough Kahn good luck after 21 years of service. He has been a fixture in the Home Office, working in supporting accounting, paid agent commissions, and many other critical but behind the scene roles. We appreciate his years of service to our councils and members, and thank him for his more than two decades of service!    Roy's Corner Thanks to members who tried out the new free Royal Arcanum Video Chat service! Our video gathering on May 13 was small, with only 5 members joining us. Connecting was quick and easy, but David and Joanne Covelli had a problem with granting microphone access, so they dropped off early. We are exploring answers to their issue and will provide additional instructions prior to our next gathering.

 

May 04, 2021 Newsletter #17

Hi Member, We hope the longer days and sunshine are providing you with opportunities to connect with your family and friends! Here are some thoughts as we begin May: Annual Reports May is a busy month! Don't forget about IFS projects CDC Easing Restrictions for Those Fully Vaccinated Product focus: 20 Pay Life Roy's Corner:  A Royal Arcanum Video Chat Gathering    Annual Reports for Councils Watch your mail! This month, we will be sending out reminders for the annual council reports. Council secretaries can get a jump on the reports by downloading the Grand Council Annual Report or the Subordinate Council Annual Report forms.    May is the Month for... Mental Health Awareness Month Millions of people suffer with mental illness. During May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness, strives to raise awareness about mental health. This year their theme is You Are Not Alone. ALS Awareness Month The Muscular Dystrophy Association dedicates the month of May to awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS. It is a disease of the parts of the nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement, where motor neurons are gradually lost, leaving muscles to become weak and non-functional. Their campaign to find a cure was announced on April 26 and extends through Lou Gehrig’s Day on June 2. Military Appreciation Month The U.S. Congress first designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives in the military. We honor all those who have served both in the U.S.A. and in Canada, to recognize the contributions made on behalf of us all.    IFS Reminder Councils, remember that your International Fraternal Service projects can earn you a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for donations or cost of projects. Spring is a typically slow time for charitable giving, but the organizations supported through your generosity is needed year-round. If you need an inspiration, consider the three very worthy organizations listed above for IFS project subjects. We look forward to seeing your project requests soon.    CDC Updates The CDC has issued new guidelines for fully vaccinated people (two weeks after both doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or two weeks after a single dose of Johnson & Johnson). Outdoor activities for those fully vaccinated is considered safe without masks, except for crowded, outdoor events like a live performance, parade, or sports event -- in those cases, they still recommend wearing a mask. This is in addition to the earlier guidelines for those fully vaccinated and indoor activities, from early March, and on travel from early April. Let's keep our fingers crossed that things keep getting better! Our Home Office continues to follow COVID-19 safety measures that were implemented last year.    Product Focus: 20 Pay Life Insurance Do you know anyone who lost their job and benefits due to the COVID pandemic? Perhaps their only life insurance was the coverage they received while employed. What a great reminder of the importance of whole life insurance policies. A great choice is the 20 Pay Life plan, where you pay a fixed amount for 20 years, and no payments afterwards. Like all whole life plans, Twenty Payment Life provides a living benefit, providing permanent protection while building cash value each year. Some key benefits are: Protection for life. Unlike term insurance, Whole Life doesn't expire or go down in value as long as the coverage is not cancelled due to non-payment or fraud Cash Value. The policy builds cash value, which can be borrowed against as a loan in accordance your policy Guaranteed Death Benefit – The amount your loved ones receive is guaranteed Level Premiums – The rate you pay for your policy will never increase Accidental Death Benefit – A rider is available providing for payment of double the amount of the basic certificate in case of accidental death Waiver of Premium – For a few pennies more, all premium payments are waived in case of permanent disability while your full benefits continue Dividend Participation – After two years of membership, the certificate participates in dividend distributions Certificate Loans – Loans are available on the security of the certificate for a sum equal to the cash value Fully Paid Up – Certificate is endorsed as fully paid-up for designated face amount at the end of 20 years We recommend you review coverage for yourself and for your family regularly. It's a great way to offer protection to your family and know that the Royal Arcanum reinvests their profits in your community. Contact your council's volunteer recommenders or the Home Office if you have any questions or would like to add or increase your protection, or want to sign up a new member.      Roy's Corner Roy is eager to try out the new Royal Arcanum Video Chat Service. There are a few differences from the Zoom video service, which make it much easier to use, but should be kept in mind. Only 16 connections are allowed – So far, we've not had 16 connections for our gatherings, so it shouldn't matter, but if you can't get in, this is likely why. Don't try out the link early – The video link is intended to be used on the day of the gathering, and using it early could result in the link expiring before our gathering. You can join a few minutes early if you like, then sit back and enjoy visiting. Grant access to your camera and microphone – The video chat service will ask for access to your camera and microphone, so don't forget to grant access to join the gathering. No telephone-only access – With the video chat service, there is no option to join in by telephone only for those without smart phone, tablet, or computer access. So, when will we next gather? Let's try next for next week: Thursday, May 13, at 6 PM Eastern / 5 PM Central / 3 PM Pacific Join by using this Link: Royal Arcanum Gathering Please add our gathering to your calendar and plan to join us!