Hi Member,
Happy New Year, everyone! Let's start the year off with a quick newsletter to get us going this January.
Home Office News
Interest rates are dropping elsewhere, but Royal Arcanum annuities will continue paying 4% through 2024 for new and existing annuities.
January is the Month of...
Awareness Days, Holidays, Observances, Fun Days, and Historical events are presented for January.
Charitable Activities Highlights
A record-breaking month of projects has arrived, read all about our members' generosity.
College News
New scholarship & grant applications are closed for this year but don't forget the next steps.
Inspirational Quote
This month's quote reflects on time.
Upcoming Dates
Update your calendar with these important dates |
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Great news! Our deferred annuity products will continue to earn a 4% rate of return effective from the first of this year. All new and existing annuities will benefit from this interest rate.
New annuities will have their guaranteed rate of return set at 3%. This is an increase from the previous 2.5% guaranteed rate of return and reflects the treasury rate formula that we adhere to. Existing annuity contracts will continue to have the guaranteed rate of return that was set when it was issued.
Our annuity products are still a great investment. They have no fees, either, although there is a surrender charge if you withdraw funds in excess of 10% per year within the first six years of the annuity. There is no surrender charge after six years. Also, the IRS imposes penalties on early withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts, so check with your tax advisor before annuitizing or withdrawing your annuity before age 59 1/2.
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Awarenesses MONTH
National Codependency Awareness Month This January is the time to help those in codependent relationships. A codependent relationship is one where one of the participants feels the need to be dependent on or controlled by the other. The codependent individual will try to make up for the abuse they are exposed to by suppressing their own needs and ignoring their feelings. They constantly seek acceptance, and any criticism can trigger a reaction. If you suspect a friend or family member is struggling with codependency, help them to seek therapy and support them in their struggles.
https://www.gatehousetreatment.com/blog/national-codependency-awareness/ National Personal Trainer Awareness Month Raise your awareness of the importance of personal training in helping to achieve fitness goals. Their expertise in exercise, nutrition, and other wellness topics makes them an important aspect of a customized fitness plan. Honor their hard work and dedication this month. https://www.scottosisters.com/features/national-personal-trainer-awareness-month Receding Gums Awareness Month Did you know that oral health is a key element of overall health? One key aspect of oral health is avoiding receding gums. It can be caused by several things including over-brushing your teeth, gum disease, and aging, but there are treatments and procedures available to help. Educate yourself and see your dentist regularly to maintain healthy gums and a healthy body. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession |
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WEEKSNational Obesity Awareness Week2nd Wednesday through 3rd Tuesday of January, January 10-16, 2024 In 1997, the World Health Organization recognized obesity as a global epidemic. National Obesity Awareness Week is a response to the health issues that it can cause and looks for us to take actionable steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Small changes can make a big difference, from prioritizing fitness to adopting healthy eating habits to seeking help to change. Educate yourself, spread awareness of the help available, and become healthier this week. https://www.healthassured.org/blog/obesity-awareness-week-2024/ National Silent Record Week1st week of January - January 1-7, 2024 Embrace peace and quiet during the first week of the year during National Silent Record Week. Yes, some records are completely silent, intended to allow your mind to appreciate the beauty of silence, the first of which dates back to 1917. Seek out the absence of noise this week and enjoy the peace that silence can give. https://www.nonstopcelebrations.com/weeks/jan/celebrate-silent-record-week-january-1-7/ World Kiwanis Week6 days starting January 21, January 21-26, 2024 On January 21, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan, Kiwanis International was founded as The Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers, but the name was changed to Kiwanis a year later. Their primary mission is to mold children into exceptional adults and offer programs and sponsor projects to offer services to their community. The name was borrowed from the Algonquian Native American Language, where the word roughly translates to "we build". World Kiwanis Week celebrates the Kiwanis clubs that exist in nearly 80 nations worldwide. https://www.birthdayanswers.com/holidays/world-kiwanis-week/ |
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DAYS
World Braille DayJanuary 4 January 4 marks the birthday of Louis Braille, creator of the Braille writing system. It was instituted in 2019 to celebrate the awareness of the importance of braille for the communication of visually impaired people, and how it helps them achieve the same standard of human rights enjoyed by everyone. https://www.un.org/en/observances/braille-day/background Law Enforcement Appreciation DayJanuary 9 Created in 2015, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is intended to express gratitude to law enforcement officers throughout the country. The work of officers is difficult and can demand they make split-second, life-changing choices as they work to keep the peace and uphold the law. Honor them on this day for their work and dedication. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2023/01/09/leo-day-2023/ International Day of EducationJanuary 24 Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December of 2018, the International Day of Education was created to help campaign for better education reforms throughout the world and to improve access to education as a basic human right. It honors those to provide scholarships to help gain access to education regardless of financial circumstances. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/education |
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Holidays and Observances World Peace Day - January 1, 2024
Beginning in 1967, a World Day of Peace was announced by Pope Paul VI. It has been celebrated regularly since then, calling for peace throughout the world and encouraging everyone to do their part in pursuing peace. It wasn't until 1981 that the United Nations took up the same call, setting aside September 21 as an International Day of Peace. Celebrate peace both days and every day throughout the year. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/world-day-of-peace Orthodox Christmas - January 7, 2024
In 1582, Pope Gregory created the Gregorian Calendar to correct some errors found in the then-used Julian Calendar. It was adopted by most of the Christian world in 1752, but not by all, and so some, known as Orthodox Christians, stuck with the Julian Calendar. The date difference between the two calendars has grown to 13 days, making Orthodox Christmas fall on January 7 in the commonly used Gregorian calendar. Merry Christmas! https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/why-celebrate-christmas-january Tu Bishvat, The New Year for Trees - 15th of Shevat, January 25, 2024
In the book of Leviticus, the prohibition on eating the fruit of trees during the first three years after they are planted led to the concept of trees having a birthday. The 15th day of the month of Shevat was chosen as the birthday of all trees. It is often celebrated by eating fruit and to celebrate environmental awareness programs. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tu-bishvat-ideas-beliefs/ |
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Fun Days National Hat Day is January 15 and celebrates the article of clothing that is documented to go back to at least 3,000 BC -- although there are artifacts as old as 30,000 years that may depict the wearing of hats. Don your favorite fedora, bowler, beanie, or baseball hat, and celebrate. https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/at-the-history-center-hats-off-celebrating-headwear-national-hat-day/
In 1926, author A.A. Milne published stories about the Hundred Acre Wood, Christopher Robin, and his beloved Pooh Bear. Winnie The Pooh Day is observed on January 18, Milne's birthday. Revisit the classic stories and remember how to see the world through the eyes of children.
https://people.com/books/winnie-the-pooh-day-book-history/ Hunker down and enjoy a cup of steaming, rich, sweet deliciousness and celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31. Wrap yourself in a blanket and thumb your nose at the winter weather while contemplating the important choices of the day: with or without marshmallows? https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/national-hot-chocolate-day-fun-facts-about-hot-chocolate/ar-AA16XAPH |
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Historical Events January 1, 1892: New arrivals to America were first greeted at Ellis Island. It was the primary port of entry on the Eastern Seaboard until its closing in 1954. January 2, 1960: U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy, announced his intention to seek the office of President of the United States. January 4, 1790: President George Washington delivered the first State of the Union address. January 5, 1972.: President Richard Nixon signed a bill approving the funding to develop and build a space shuttle at NASA. January 10, 1878: An amendment to the Constitution was introduced in Congress to grant women the right to vote. The amendment took 42 years to pass, in 1920. January 11, 1755: Future 1st Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton was born on an island in the British West Indies. January 15, 69: The successor of Emperor Nero, Emperor Servius Sulpicius Galba, was assassinated in the Roman Forum. January 16, 1547: Russia's first Czar was crowned when Ivan the Terrible crowned himself. His reign was marked by terrorizing the nobility and executing thousands. January 20, 1981: At the age of 69, Ronald Reagan became the then-oldest president to take office. January 24, 1895: Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii was forced to abdicate, putting an end to the Hawaiian monarchy. The U.S. annexed the territory until 1959 when it became the 50th state in the Union. January 27, 1756: Musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria. He went on to create over 600 compositions, beginning at age 5 and lasting until his death at age 35. January 28, 1915: The U.S. Coast Guard was founded by an Act of Congress, combining the Life Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service. |
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Our members have been particularly busy spreading cheer this past month! We have no less than 9 different IFS projects to report on! Thank you to all our charitable members, and remember, any council that completed their charitable project before the end of last year can still report their project until the end of February and still receive their eligible reimbursements. And of course, the 2024 donation season is open, we look forward to receiving and approving your IFS projects this year.
Felician School for Exceptional Children
The Grand Council of New Jersey chose as their project to support the Felician School for Exceptional Children in Lodi, as they have since it was founded in 1971. The Felician School cares for youngsters with special needs and helps them to live independent and productive lives.
http://www.fsec.org
Calvary Hospital
The Grand Council of New York threw its support to the Calvary Hospital, which provides hospice and palliative care for those with terminal diseases. Calvary Hospital has been serving the community since its founding as The Women of Calvary in 1899.
https://www.calvaryhospital.org/
Mansfield Food Pantry
The Grand Council of Massachusetts provided a donation to the Mansfield Food Pantry, which provides free food to Mansfield residents in need. They provide shelf-stable items like pasta, rice, soups, fruits, and vegetables, serving more than 350 households a year.
http://mansfieldfoodpantry.org
New England Hemophilia Association
The New England Hemophilia Association was also a target of the generosity of the Grand Council of Massachusetts. The NEHA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with bleeding disorders and their families.
https://www.newenglandhemophilia.org/
Plymouth Area Coalition
Alpha-Agassiz Council #1 joined their efforts with the staff at the Home Office to provide Christmas gifts for a sponsored family through the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless. The Coalition works to nurture and empower families and individuals seeking assistance with their basic needs by providing them with shelter, food, and resources needed to help them reach independence.
https://plymouthareacoalition.org/
Friends of Silver Springs State Park
Medora Council #1648 donated to the Friends of Silver Springs State Park, a citizen support organization that works to protect Park resources and raise community involvement.
https://www.thefriendsofsilversprings.org/
Maryville Academy
The Maryville Academy also received a donation from Medora Council #1648. Maryville Academy is a childcare organization that works to help children reach their fullest potential intellectually, spiritually, morally, and emotionally.
https://maryvilleacademy.org/
The New York Institute for Special Education
Claremont Council #1655 made the New York Institute for Special Education one of their IFS projects. The NYISE has been serving children with special needs since 1831.
https://www.nyise.org/
Thanksgiving Food Drive of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
In the spirit of the season, Claremont Council #1655 donated to the Thanksgiving Food Drive at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The food drive is an annual tradition to share with the needy in the community so they can share the joy of Thanksgiving.
https://ourladymtcarmelbx.org/ |
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Next Steps for Scholarship & Grant Applicants Scholarship and grant applicants, thank you for your application. Now is the time to work to complete your paperwork, before the March 31 deadline.
Each applicant should have received a confirmation of their application from the Home Office, along with a checklist of items needed to be completed. If you haven't received your confirmation, please contact the Home Office at (888) 272-2686 as soon as possible. |
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“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Mark your calendar with these important dates: - IFS Program for 2024 begins: January 1, 2024
- Fraternalism in Action for 2024 begins: January 1, 2024
- Winter Bulletin Article Submission deadline: January 15, 2024
- Monthly Lend A Hand - Lift A Heart submission deadline: January 31, 2024
- 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 28, 2024
- IFS submission deadline for 2023 projects: February 28, 2024
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