Jul 27, 2021 Newsletter #23

Hi Member, We're more than halfway through the summer months, even if summer technically lasts until the autumnal equinox on September 22. We hope you're enjoying your summer and are getting ready for your normal council activities from here on in. Call for Letters of Support A Message for Past Scholarship Winners Manual for Council Officers & Members: Section A Roy's Summer Adventures    Urgent call for letter writing Last December, we asked you to send in letters of support of the Massachusetts legislation regarding investment restrictions for fraternal societies. That legislation, which was delayed last year due to the pandemic, has been progressing and we hope will soon be due for a hearing. Can you please write some letters again to help us with our investment options? Here is a sample letter to use as a template for your own letter of support. Freel free to modify the letter with your own words and send your signed letters to the Home Office. We will gather all the letters received and forward them to the Massachusetts legislature. If you need to email them, that will work, too. There are two sample letters below, one to each of the chairmen of the committee that is responsible for the Fraternal Investment Bill H1164. These letters can be personalized by you, but we'd ask that you keep the letters focused on Massachusetts, and stay away from mentioning any specific event not located in our Home Office state; that will have the greatest impact on our state legislators. Thank you for your help!   Dear Chairman Murphy, I’m writing you in hopes of getting house bill #H1164 “An Act relative to the investments by fraternal benefit societies” on the financial services committee calendar. As a member of the Royal Arcanum, I support this bill and would like you to support it, too. Our Executive Committee has explained to us how this bill is vital to Fraternal Benefit Societies domiciled within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They explained that due to the stipulations of the current law, we have been required to sell over $600,000 from within our stock investments in 2021, not because of additional stock investments but due to the increase in stock value due to gains in the stock market. Our investments are limited to purchases of bonds, which are only providing historically low yields. This bill seeks to update the investment restrictions for fraternal organizations by changing investment restrictions limiting fraternals from investing only 25% of excess surplus in the stock market to 10% of assets. This is in line with many other states in the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.    Fraternal organizations have a long and important history in supporting their members and the community in which they live. We make donations to those in need and charitable institutions, using funds derived from the yields in investments. By amending this outdated investment law, fraternal societies domiciled in Massachusetts will have the ability to at least sustain Investment revenue that is used to help fund the society's initiatives.  Due to the continued low interest rates on bonds, our revenue has been greatly impacted by our limited ability to invest outside of the bond market. I am a proud member of Royal Arcanum, which was founded in Boston in 1877, and I have been active in many charitable endeavors, such as supporting the Jimmy Fund walk -- an event actively supported by Royal Arcanum. That is just one example of the more than 639,000 hours of time volunteered by Fraternals within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2019. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Please replace with your name here     Dear Chairman Crighton, I’m writing you in hopes of getting house bill #H1164 “An Act relative to the investments by fraternal benefit societies” on the financial services committee calendar. As a member of the Royal Arcanum, I support this bill and would like you to support it, too. Our Executive Committee has explained to us how this bill is vital to Fraternal Benefit Societies domiciled within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They explained that due to the stipulations of the current law, we have been required to sell over $600,000 from within our stock investments in 2021, not because of additional stock investments but due to the increase in stock value due to gains in the stock market. Our investments are limited to purchases of bonds, which are only providing historically low yields. This bill seeks to update the investment restrictions for fraternal organizations by changing investment restrictions limiting fraternals from investing only 25% of excess surplus in the stock market to 10% of assets. This is in line with many other states in the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.    Fraternal organizations have a long and important history in supporting their members and the community in which they live. We make donations to those in need and charitable institutions, using funds derived from the yields in investments. By amending this outdated investment law, fraternal societies domiciled in Massachusetts will have the ability to at least sustain Investment revenue that is used to help fund the society's initiatives.  Due to the continued low interest rates on bonds, our revenue has been greatly impacted by our limited ability to invest outside of the bond market. I am a proud member of Royal Arcanum, which was founded in Boston in 1877, and I have been active in many charitable endeavors, such as supporting the Jimmy Fund walk -- an event actively supported by Royal Arcanum. That is just one example of the more than 639,000 hours of time volunteered by Fraternals within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2019. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Please replace with your name here      Reaching Out to Past Scholarship Winners We are looking to follow up with past scholarship winners. If you or your council has had a scholarship winner in the past, can you drop us a line with their contact information? We would like to follow up with these stellar Royal Arcanum members and hear how they are doing. Many, we know, have moved on from their parents' homes, so we have been unable to follow up with them. Please, send us an email with their contact information. Thank you!    Officer & Member Manual: Section A Last newsletter, we introduced the Manual for Council Officers and Members and provided an overview of this resource. We'll dive a bit deeper into it now, this time highlighting Section A, which covers some general information about the Royal Arcanum. Note that this article is not intended to replicate the information in the manual; it is highlighting the reference information that is available to councils and members. It also provides some updates for those who already have the June 2015 printing of the manual, as any printed information can become outdated over time. Contact Information The Home Office contact information matches the information provided at the bottom of this and every newsletter. Please note one update: the mail email contact for the Royal Arcanum is info@royalarcanum.com (the manual lists infor@royalarcanum.com, with an extra "R" before the "@" sign).   Fraternal History A short history of fraternals explains the reasons fraternals were formed, and what defines a fraternal benefit society. included in that history is the American Fraternal Alliance, of which the Royal Arcanum is the sole remaining founding member (when it was called the National Fraternal Congress of America). The AFA has moved their headquarters, and can best be reached from their website at https://fraternalalliance.org or their new address: American Fraternal Alliance PO Box 68700 Indianapolis, IN 46268-0700 A beautiful, brief history of the Royal Arcanum touches on key dates and changes, from its founding on June 23, 1877, through the acceptance of women as members in 1958. It goes on to describe the symbols and signs that are part of our society, and which are kept secret from non-initiated members. "Arcanum" is defined in the dictionary as "secret", after all. There is even a rendering of two of the Royal Arcanum's trademarked logos, noting that use of them requires authorization. Please contact the Home Office should you want to use the logos for your council.   Plans of Protection and Products The next few sections provide an overview of the value of Royal Arcanum membership and the States and Provinces where we are licensed. We have been growing, and the current list of places we are licensed is on our website. A brief note on the dividends paid on eligible certificates is followed by a list of the products offered, with a short description of each product, riders that may be available, and a discussion on certificate loans. As this information can change due to new regulations or filings, please see our website or contact the Home Office for the most up-to-date information.      Roy's Corner Has anyone taken vacations this summer? Any chance they brought Roy along for some vacation pictures? Drop us a line and we'll share his adventures in a future newsletter.

 

Jul 13, 2021 Newsletter #22

Hi Member, We hope you're enjoying the summer. Here are a few topics you might find interesting as you sip your iced tea in the shade: Home Office News Product Focus: Simplified Issue Member Highlight: Officer & Member Manual Save the Date for the Session    Home Office News Nick Benoit, our Chief Operations Officer, is pleased to announce that Home Office associate Travis Scofield has been promoted to the role of Claims Supervisor. Travis was hired in February of 2019, previously working for the John Hancock Insurance Company. His continuous strong performance handling many tasks within the operation has earned him this advance. If you happen to speak with him in calling the Home Office, be sure to congratulate him.    Product Focus: Simplified Life Simplified Issue Plan   What is Simplified Life Insurance? The Royal Arcanum Simplified Issue Plan is permanent whole life insurance for those aged 20 - 85 (may be limited in some states). Full underwriting is not required: there are only 7 medical questions, without a medical exam being required.   Benefits Once issued, premiums will never increase, and the death benefit will never decrease. Cash values accumulate over time. The full face amount is payable in the first year.   Face Amounts The minimum face amount is $2,500 for ages 20 - 85 (the maximum issue age for the state of Washington is age 65). The highest face amount is $50,000 for those through age 69. The maximum for ages 70 - 85 is $25,000.   Guaranteed Death Benefit Your chosen beneficiary will receive the full face amount of your policy as long as your premium payments are current.   Membership The insured will become a member of the Royal Arcanum and provide full membership benefits, including social functions, charitable event participation, and access to the Royal Perks program. Details are available here.   Convenient Payment Plans Premiums may be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Monthly payments can be paid with automatic checking account withdrawals with Check-o-matic or by credit card. This is a great way to become a member of the Royal Arcanum without the requirement of a medical exam. Please contact the home office to find out more about this or any of our other products.    Member Highlight: Officer & Member Manual The Home Office is always available to help you to make the most of your membership in the Royal Arcanum. Your Executive Committee has worked to create and maintain resources for your benefit and keep you informed of information that you may need as a member and as an officer in your council. Today we'll begin to explore one of those resources: the Manual for Council Officers and Members. This manual was created to provide information in an easily accessible manner to our members and officers, so they will be aware of the membership benefits, programs, awards, guidance for officers, and answer other questions that have been often asked. In future newsletters, we'll dig deeper into this valuable resource.   Purpose The Manual for Council Officers and Members was published in 2015 in response to our members and officers questions on the many benefits and procedures in the Royal Arcanum. Even members who have reached the level of a Supreme Council Officer have sometimes found themselves unaware of some of the rich history and plentiful benefits of Royal Arcanum membership. Members who are thinking about becoming first-time officers, or moving to a new office, are sometimes worried about the needs of the position and decline to run for office not out of a lack of desire to help their council, but out of a lack of confidence that they can adequately serve. This manual covers the few key responsibilities for each office, making the position more well known and hopefully a more attractive service option for our members.   Outline The manual is composed of four sections, each only a dozen or so pages long; the entire manual is only about 60 pages. Each section has a table of contents that outlines every topic in the section, and the manual has an index in the back. Forms are also included for changing your name, address, or beneficiary; a few other forms are also included. Some of these forms are also availableonline at our website.   Section A - General Information The first section provides general information about the Royal Arcanum, its history, contact information, symbols and signs used in our society, and information about membership and our products.   Section B - Programs & Procedures The Royal Arcanum has created and maintained many programs to help councils with their social and charitable activities. Some programs also provide financial awards to councils for participation. Programs are reviewed regularly by the Executive Committee and revised as needed, and new programs are created when circumstances indicate it will be a benefit to our membership. This section also describes procedures for writing reports, and working as a volunteer recommender (and how to earn recommender awards).   Section C - Age Related Items The Royal Arcanum is happy to accept members shortly after their birth, and has provisions for benefiting our members throughout their life. This section covers information about our Junior Department and programs designed for our pre-adult members, including our generous Scholarship and Grant programs. It also covers the conversation of members from Juniors to Adults, and programs to recognize members who have been Arcanians for 25 years and more.   Section D - Councils and Officers The final section describes awards to Subordinate and Grand Councils, Production Awards, restrictions on the use of production award money, a summary of the duties of officers, and common forms used by our members. As you can see, there's a vast amount of information packed into those 60 pages! We'll be exploring some of the key points of this manual and other resources we have available for you in the future so you can keep your council a fun and active place.    Save the Date for the Session Save the date for the Royal Arcanum Session on March 27 - 31, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland. Our pandemic-delayed Session will focus on our business and elections of new officers, but also includes the usual array of ceremonies, dinners, and area attractions. It's not too early to begin to think about attending, and consider running for Supreme Council offices that will help guide our Society into the post-pandemic times. The end of March in Annapolis historically has temperatures nearing 60 degrees. Future weather is a bit harder to predict these days, so it'll be best to check in on the predictions as the time gets closer. Expect sunrise just before 6 am, and sunset just before 6:30 pm, giving us more than 12 hours of sunlight. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

 

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!