Royal Arcanum News and Events

 

Dec 14, 2021 Newsletter #33

Hi Member, The holiday season is in full swing! Here are a few year-end tidbits to start your day. December is the month of... Less than a month to apply for Scholarships Keeping Councils Active Christmas Greetings    December is the Month of... The last month of the year is certainly a busy month. That's not just for holiday celebrations! Look at all the things that call December their month. December's Numbers Game December was originally the last month in the calendar, but the tenth month, and so the name December. But that's not the only numbers jumble for this month: It originally only had 30 days. Around 700 BC, when the winter months of January and February were added, December's days were changed -- shortening it by one day, leaving it with only 29 days. It wasn't until the Julian calendar was introduced that it gained back that day with interest, giving it 31 days.   Bill of Rights Day December 15 is known as Bill of Rights Day, which commemorates the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the constitution on December 15, 1791. The celebration of this event was first officially recognized in 1941.   Wright Brothers Day Time flies, but what did it do before the invention of the airplane? That and other aviation trivia can be discussed on December 17, Wright Brothers Day. On that day in 1903, Orville Wright flew their plane for about 12 seconds, covering 120 feet. His brother Wilburalso flew the plane that day, for an astonishing 852 feet and 59 seconds.   Winter Solstice December 21 will be the shortest amount of daylight in the northern hemisphere. The solstice will occur at 10:59 A.M. EST, and it marks the astronomical first day of winter. As the days begin to lengthen, the coldest weather of the year sets in. So bundle up, but enjoy the extra sunshine.   National Handwashing Awareness Week National Influenza Vaccination Week Both of these important health awareness weeks have just passed, but if you missed them, don't ignore them. National Handwashing Awareness Week was December 1 - 7, and National Influenza Vaccination Week was December 5 - 11. Both contribute to a healthier you and make things healthier for those around you.      Less Than a Month to Apply for Scholarships The 2022 Royal Arcanum Scholarship Application window closes in less than a month! Eligible members have many opportunities to win scholarships or grant money, but only if their application arrives on time. Call today at 1-888-ARCANUM or visit our website to begin the application process. Initial applications are due by December 31, 2021. Please include a photograph of yourself with your application; we will use it in the Bulletin to advertise winners. Once your application is received, you will be contacted on the next steps required; the initial application is not the final step in the process. If you don't hear from them, be sure to follow up to make sure your application was received. Since the application must be received before the end of the year, be sure to apply now! The remaining components of the application process must be submitted and completed by March 31, 2022.    Keeping Councils Active As the colder weather moves in, it may be harder for your council to stay active. We all long for the "before" times, and thanks to all we've learned, we should be able to get back to staying connected. Even with the new omicron variant spreading, we now know the successes and limitations of social distancing, masking, handwashing, and vaccines. We've also learned of the differences when gathering with those we don't live with: how viruses spread differently based on indoor or outdoor activity and who is part of the gathering. For our councils, this can mean a return to something closer to pre-pandemic times. For those lucky enough to be in warmer weather climates, meeting somewhere in the open air -- or with good air exchange, such as with open windows -- the risk of infections is reduced greatly. For colder climate areas, meeting indoors in winter is a must, but risks can still be minimized. Are all your members vaccinated and exercising safe practices? Meeting in person may be viable. Is your meeting space isolated from nonmembers? Perhaps using a restaurant that has a private room, with wait staff that masks, is a reasonable option. Perhaps one of your members can host a meeting at their house? These and other creative ideas can help our councils stay connected. Don't forget to try whatever works. Perhaps only small groups meet together at one time. Telephone, text, or email each other to keep in touch. The Royal Arcanum Video Chat tool is another great, free option. How is your council staying connected? Let us know and share a few stories or pictures to inspire other members. For example, Members of Medora Council #1648 recently found a way to reimagine with annual Christmas gathering. Last year, it was canceled out of an abundance of caution. This year, one member, Juanita Glassi, generously volunteered to host at her house. Attending members brought appetizers and desserts to share, and acting Regent Barabra Mugnolo brought a selection of Christmas-themed gifts to raffle off. It was the first in-person Medora gathering since before the pandemic began. While not all members were able to attend, and the typical full dinner party with restaurant wait staff didn't happen, the smaller fully vaccinated group was delighted to join together again.      Have a Merry Christmas! Sending you the best wishes for a very Merry Christmas season! We are happy you are our members and look forward to sharing our fraternal activities with you all again next year! Send us pictures of your celebrations so we can share them in future newsletters and on Facebook! Don't forget to include release forms for any minors under age 13 that do not have a form already on file with the Home Office.