Oct 19, 2021
Newsletter #29

Hi Member,

The year is moving on, and we have some interesting and informative information for you in this edition.

October is the Month of...

October is best known for Halloween, but the spooky thing is that we forget how many other things this hard-working month is known for. Here's a small selection of things to know about the 10th month.

But if it's the tenth month, why October?

The early Roman calendar, which is thought to have been introduced around 750 BC, was a lunar calendar. This system only contained 10 months, and October was the eighth month in that cycle, which started in Martius, now known as March. Each month had 30 or 31 days and only totaled 304 days. So what happened to the other 60 or so days? They were nameless, and two lunar cycles in the winter were skipped. It was about 40 or 50 years later that another two months were introduced, but historians aren't sure if they were added to the end of the calendar or with one at the beginning and one at the end. In any case, the current calendar we all use was last updated by Pope Gregory in 1582 -- in October! Despite its current placement as the 10th month, the original name of October stuck. Explore the history of the calendar before and since Roman times.

ADHD Awareness Month

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults around the globe. Learn about ADHD and the latest on diagnosing and treating it.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

The American Humane Society has designated October as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. It's a great time to help a dog waiting to find a forever home from one of the more than 5,000 community animal shelters nationwide or the equally large group of rescue groups and animal sanctuaries. Now is the time to make a tail wag!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. This year, it is estimated that more than 40,000 women and 500 men will die from breast cancer. Knowing your family history and getting screened are two powerful ways to be aware and allow for early detection when survival rates are highest. Were you aware that the two greatest risks are simply being a woman, and getting older? Raise your awareness and help support efforts against this disease.

Italian American / Polish American Heritage Month

October is a month to celebrate the heritage of many different ethnic backgrounds. Two of them are Italian Americans and Polish Americans. Celebrate by appreciating the immigrants who made this country a melting pot of cultures.

Bat Appreciation Month

We love to see bats as decorations for Halloween, but do you know how they help the environment through their diet of invasive insects? Learn more about these little creatures and gain some respect for them beyond their ability to insight fear of vampires.

Notice: No 2022 Pocket Calendars

The change in weather might not have set in yet, but there's no doubt a new year is headed our way. We wanted to let you know that we will not be ordering pocket calendars for 2022.

We're taking a break from them for a few reasons. First, because there won't be any visitations before the end-of-March Session, calendars would all have to be mailed, and this increases the overall calendar cost. Waiting until the Session would mean missing the first quarter of the year, which would decrease the value of the calendars. Also, we have had a declining number of members interested in pocket calendars, as many are moving to use calendars on their smartphones. Ordering calendars in smaller quantities increases the per-calendar cost.

With just these three factors, it was decided to take a break for 2022 in pocket calendars. We wanted to let you know early so those who still use them can keep an eye out for one for themselves when shopping this autumn.

Calling for Scholarship Applications

Applications for our Royal Arcanum Scholarships and non-competitive grants are now being accepted. More than $60,000 in scholarships and over $8,000 in grants are available. Remind your eligible members that the initial applications must be in the Home Office by December 31, 2021. Don't let this opportunity for an award pass you by!

To apply, call 1-888-ARCANUM or visit http://royalarcanum.com/collegecareer.html.

Applications are due by December 31, 2021. Please include a photograph of yourself in your application that we can use for advertising winners.
After your application is received, you will hear back on the next steps required to be submitted. If you don't hear from them, follow up to make sure your application was received.
All components of the application must be submitted and completed by March 31, 2022.

Do you know of family or friends with children that are not yet members? Talk to them today about signing up so they can take advantage of this golden opportunity when they reach college age! It's just one of the many benefits of membership.

A Message from our Junior Director

One of the tasks that I enjoy most by being Junior Director is searching for and purchasing Christmas gifts for our juniors. Sometimes it is really a challenge because children today have so many toys, games, electronics, etc. It’s completely different from the time when we were growing up. We love to tell our children and grandchildren stories that begin with, "When I was your age..." Some of us were lucky if we received one toy because most of the time we would get clothes, shoes, and other necessities. Today's generation is easily spoiled by their parents and grandparents. As a grandmother, I love the thrill and excitement of seeing my grandchildren open presents and receive surprises.

As more Covid restrictions are being lifted, hopefully, more councils in our jurisdictions will be hosting parties for our youngest members. In November, Christmas gifts for juniors will be available from the home office for the appropriate age groups. Let your council officer download the form online or request them by calling the home office.

To our college students that would like to receive a care package at the beginning of the new year for the next semester, please send us your college or home address.

Wishing you all a safe Halloween and a peaceful and joyous Thanksgiving with your family. Take this holiday to remember to be thankful for all that we have.

Yours in V.M.C.
Errica Conforto

Tuesday, October 19, 2021