Tuesday, February 3, 2026

 

February 03, 2026
Newsletter #90

Hi Member,


”Tails” of Love


Caring for pets during the cold winter months


February: A Month of Service, Love, and Reflection


Finding inspiration in our shortest month


Recipe: Strawberry Sippin’ Soda


Celebrate love with a delicious drink for the whole family


Charitable Activities Highlights

Read about the latest charitable activities 
 

College News

Next steps for grant and scholarship applicants

Inspirational Quote

Keep yourself inspired!

Upcoming Dates

Keep these important dates in your calendar.
 

   Tails of Love


This month, as temperatures dip and snow and ice cover our roadways and sidewalks, we are  reminded of all the furry friends who may be stranded outside in the bitter cold.  Volunteer groups in many communities fervently labor to care for the animals and try to get them to safety in shelters.


Animals can be loyal, loving companions to individuals and families.  If you are able, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or humane society.  Funds can be used for urgent veterinary care, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and more.  If you care to shop, pet food, treats, milk replacement, collars, and small toys are routinely needed, as well as paper products.  Consider saving your gently used towels and blankets and contributing them, too.


Animals bring us much joy, so this Valentine’s Day, let’s hope there will be many “Tails” of Love to share, with a surge in adoptions and the welcoming of a shelter/rescue pet by families everywhere.


Cynthia A. Macon
Chairperson of the Executive Committee
 


   February: A Month of Service, Love, and Reflection


February may be the shortest month of the year, but it carries powerful meaning and important opportunities for reflection, service, and unity. This month, we recognize Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month—each reminding us of values that align closely with the mission of the Royal Arcanum.


Presidents’ Day encourages us to reflect on leadership, civic duty, and the responsibility we all share in strengthening our communities. As members of the Royal Arcanum, leadership is not defined by title, but by action—serving others, supporting one another, and setting an example through integrity and compassion.


Valentine’s Day, often associated with romance, also serves as a reminder of the broader importance of love, kindness, and connection. Whether through acts of charity, supporting a fellow member, or simply checking in on someone in need, February is a perfect time to put fraternity into action.


Throughout the month, we also honor Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the profound contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history. It is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion—values that strengthen our Order and our society as a whole.


As we move through February, let us take inspiration from these observances by leading with compassion, serving with purpose, and supporting one another as brothers and sisters of the Royal Arcanum.


Maria Bettina DiBartolo
Sitting Past Supreme Regent
 


   Recipe: Strawberry Sippin’ Soda


Enjoy this refreshing drink for Valentine’s Day!  It’s easy to make and delicious!


INGREDIENTS


1cup strawberries, hulled and thickly sliced

1⁄2 cup lemonade or 1/2 cup pink lemonade

1⁄2 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage, chilled


DIRECTIONS


1. In a blender, place strawberries and lemonade. Cover and process on high until smooth, about 1 minute.

2. Pour mixture into a tall glass. Add soda and, with a long spoon, stir gently. Serve immediately.


   Charitable Activities Highlights

 


Harrisburg Council #499

Harrisburg Council celebrated the end of the year through five different 

charitable donations.


Alzheimer’s Association


The Alzheimer’s Association works to find an end to Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. They are active in advocating risk reduction, early detection, and maximizing quality care and support for those afflicted with Alzheimer's.


https://www.alz.org


Caitlin’s Smiles


Caitlin's Smiles works with children with life-threatening or chronic conditions, giving them a way to express their creativity and add joy and smiles to their lives.

https://caitlins-smiles.org/



Furry Friends Network


Furry Friends Network is dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted dogs and cats by providing necessary medical treatment, spay/neuter surgeries, and foster and adoption services.


https://www.furryfriendsnetwork.org/



Ronald McDonald House Charities


Ronald McDonald House Charities, or RMHC, provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.


https://rmhc.org/



Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania


Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania works to facilitate independence, enrich the quality of life, and empower individuals who are visually impaired or otherwise disabled through prevention, employment, and educational awareness programs.


https://vrocp.org/



Claremont Council #1655

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry of

Church of St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus


The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a worldwide effort to help the needy with food, clothing, burial of indigents, and summer camping for children. Claremont Council members supported this society through a donation at the Church of St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus.

https://sttheresachurchbronx.org/stvincent-de-paul



New York Grand Council

Calvary Hospital


Calvary Hospital cares for the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of adult patients with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Their family-centric approach to care is geared to reduce the stress and concerns of family members of patients in addition to serving the needs of their patients.


https://www.calvaryhospital.org/


   College News

 

Reminder to complete Scholarship To-Do List

 

For those who applied for scholarships: Don’t forget to complete your to-do checklist from the Home Office. The deadline is March 31, and that will be here sooner than you think! All items must be completed to be qualified to receive a scholarship or grant.


If you haven’t received your checklist or have misplaced it, please contact the Home Office at 888-272-2686 right away.

  

   Inspirational Quote

 

“Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be returned.”


―    Steve Maraboli
 

   Upcoming dates

 

Mark your calendar with these important dates:
 

  • Fraternalism in Action report deadline: February 15, 2026

  • Winter Bulletin Publication Date: February 17, 2026

  • Lorraine J. D'Emilio Legacy of Hope Projects end: February 28, 2026

  • IFS submission deadline for 2025 projects: February 28, 2026

  • Monthly Lend A Hand - Lift A Heart submission deadline: February 28, 2026

  • Daylight Saving Time begins: March 8, 2026

  • Spring begins: March 20, 2026

  • Scholarship and Grant checklist items deadline: March 31, 2026

 

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