March 07, 2023 Newsletter #57

Hi Member, March brings ever-lengthening days, and the Vernal equinox on March 20 will bring an equal amount of daylight and darkness. It may not feel like it when, on March 12, Daylight Saving Time begins, but the additional sunlight will turn this hemisphere to thoughts of gardening and the new life breaking forth from its winter hibernation. What a great time to make plans about coming out of our own winter dens. Annuities We make the case for why this may be the time to consider the value of having an annuity in your financial portfolio. Our 4% rate of return is just one reason. March is the Month of Our March theme focuses on National Women’s Day, We tried to focus on awarenesses, observances, and historical dates that tie into the importance women have in our lives. Charitable Activities Highlights IFS Projects continue year-round. Charitable spotlights on our members' fraternal generosity continues. College News College plans are solidifying, don’t miss the important dates in the timeline for graduating seniors. Inspirational Quote Focus on your future with this month’s quote Upcoming Dates Update your calendar with these important dates    A case for Annuities The Royal Arcanum is currently providing a 4% return on your annuity, both for new and existing contracts. New annuities can be opened with as little as $500. New and existing annuities can have funds of $100 or more added at any time, and the full value of the annuity will grow at the rate of return, which is currently 4%. We’ve mentioned this a few times now, but you might be asking, why should I invest in an annuity? Here are a few things that you might want to consider.   Protection of your Principal Any savvy investor knows that investing in the stock & bond markets has a history of providing a long-term return higher than rates offered on annuities. But there’s an important restriction here: long-term. Last year, the stock market returns were more than a 19% loss, and the bond market lost more than 13%. A fixed annuity, the kind the Royal Arcanum offers, doesn’t put your investment at risk, so your investment will always grow. In return for the protection of your principal, the return is lower than the possible gains in the market. Investment specialists will tell you it’s wise to keep a portion of your net worth out of the market.   Guaranteed Retirement Income Stream In the past, company pensions provided a regular income stream for retirement, but few companies offer pensions. We’ve all heard that without action, the current payouts of the Social Security system won’t be able to continue, and cuts in benefits would be required. And if you’re thinking about early retirement, you need to have a stream of income before you even file for Social Security benefits. An annuity can help in all these cases, providing a guaranteed stream of income throughout your retirement or, for a shorter term if that makes sense for your situation — for example, if you want to delay claiming Social Security until you turn 70, but don’t want to work until you’re 70.   Tax-deferred Growth Your annuity can be funded with pre-tax dollars and can grow tax-deferred through the rate of return. You won’t owe taxes on the money until you start receiving payments, much like a 401(k) account. This can be advantageous, as many retirees find that their tax bracket is lower during retirement than when they’re working, resulting in overall savings. Your annuity can also be set up using post-tax dollars (money you have already paid taxes on). Like a pre-tax annuity, the returns can be deferred until payments on your annuity start. Only the untaxed gains are taxable. We suggest you work with your tax professional to decide the right option for your situation.   Legacy Protection By naming beneficiaries, you can pass your annuity’s value after you die without needing to go through probate court. This doesn’t mean that the money passes tax-free, as insurance policies are, but it does simplify the process greatly, and our experts will help your heirs to discuss the options that your beneficiaries have with regard to your specific annuity.   No Fees Many financial sites warn of the expenses of annuities based on the fees involved. Royal Arcanum annuities have no fees, providing your investment remains with us for a full six years. Pro-rated charges apply if you withdraw your money before the required term of the contract, but once that term is passed, there are zero fees.   Bottom Line Diversification of your funds is the key to a successful retirement. Annuities can be an important part of your financial security and help make your retirement financially secure.      March is the month of...     Awarenesses   Women's History Month Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. It grew out of a weeklong celebration in the school district of Sonoma, California that started in 1978. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week in 1980, growing to a monthlong celebration beginning in 1987.   National Reading Month Celebrated the month of Dr. Suess’s birthday on March 2, the importance of reading and the power of learning through reading has a long history. Back in 1634, Anne Hutchinson formed the first women’s book club to discuss weekly sermons. National Reading Month was first celebrated in March in 1994.   Developmental Disability Awareness Month   Historically, those with developmental disabilities were treated poorly. That changed during the social reforms of the 19th century when advocates such as Dorothy Dix became leaders in respecting the human rights of people with disabilities. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was finally designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.   World Water Day   March 22 is designated by the United Nations as World Water Day and calls for focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and managing sustainable freshwater resources. It was first proposed in 1992 and first celebrated in 1993. Globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours each day collecting the water their families need to survive, keeping them from spending time on opportunities to earn an income or go to school, linking the issue of sustainable freshwater and gender equality.   Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month is observed every year in March. It has its roots in the 1948 founding of the National Hemophilia Foundation by Robert and Betty J. Henry after their son was diagnosed with this bleeding disorder. In March of 1986, President Ronald Reagan declared March Hemophilia Awareness Month. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated it Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month to raise awareness of all inheritable blood and bleeding disorders.   Holidays and Observances International Women of Color Day is March 1 each year. First observed in 1991, it was organized by Suzanne Brooks. International Women of Color Day has roots that reach back to at least 1985 to honor women of color and work toward ending the racism plus sexism they have endured.   March 4 is World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation. It was first started in 2009 as a global movement to end human trafficking. More than one million people are thought to be exploited annually, most being women and children. The primary goal of the movement is to unite the world to end all forms of sexual exploitation.   Women in Construction Week is celebrated March 5 - 11, to highlight the contributions of women in the industry. The theme this year is Many Paths, One Mission, and it celebrates the different journeys women have taken toward the goal of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry.   National Dentist’s Day is March 6, celebrating the men and women who work for our dental health and encouraging those who may have avoided going to the dentist to come in for a checkup.   International Women’s Day on March 8 is the global day celebrating the many achievements of women and supporting action against gender inequality. Inequity occurs in nearly every aspect of life. For example,  while women make up close to half the world's population, 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men. Embrace equality to create a gender equal world.   Harriet Tubman Day is celebrated on March 10, commemorating the former slave who fought to free other slaves. It has been a national holiday in the U.S. since 1990. She was one of the most famous "conductors" of the Underground Railroad.   International Day of Women Judges is also on March 10, observed to promote equal and complete participation of women at all levels of the judiciary. The United Nations resolution creating it was adopted in April, 2021.   Certified Nurses Day is on March 19. It was created in 2008 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and they chose March 19 because it was the birthdate of Dr. Margretta Madden Styles, a pioneer in the area of nursing certification.   March 21 is World Social Work Day and is celebrated annually on the third Tuesday in March. America’s history includes the awarding in 1931 of social work pioneer Jane Addams with a Nobel Peace Prize, one of the first women to receive the honor. Celebrating this day provides an opportunity to acknowledge how communities can make powerful actions that lead to inclusive social transformation.   Fun Days   World Compliment Day is March 1, thanks to Dutch founder Hans Poortvliet Old Stuff Day on March 2 is a day to clean out your closets, garages, and other places of clutter in your lives I Want You to be Happy Day is on March 3, and is a great time to brighten someone’s day with a simple act of kindness Napping Day on March 13 is when you can recover from springing forward during yesterday’s time change Everything You Think is Wrong Day is March 15, even if you think it isn’t, and it’s a day to help people realize they aren’t always right Everything You Do is Right Day on March 16 reminds us that despite yesterday’s celebration, everything is going to be all right. Awkward Moments Day is observed on March 18, so you can laugh off any unfortunate actions on your part Let’s Laugh Day on March 19 is a time to giggle through a 24-hour joke-fest World Storytelling Day happens annually on March 20, celebrating the art of storytelling National Common Courtesy Day reminds us on March 21 that simple things can make a difference in others’ lives International Goof Off Day makes March 22 a day to find time to unwind and enjoy yourself  Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30 encourages us to put on some comfy shoes and take a healthy walk in nature Historical Events   This month's historical events highlight women in our history.   March 3, 1913: A women’s suffrage march in Washington, D.C., was attacked while police stood by March 4, 1933: Newly elected president Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first inaugural address. His cabinet included the first woman to be appointed to a Cabinet post: Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor March 10, 1903: Claire Boothe Luce was born in New York City. She went on to become a playwright, serve in the House of Representatives from 1943 to 1947, and became the first woman appointed as U.S. Ambassador to a major country (Italy). March 12, 1993: Janet Reno is sworn in as the first female Attorney General of the United States March 12, 1994: The Church of England ordained 32 women as its first female priests March 14, 1833: Lucy Hobbs was born in New York State. In 1866, she was the first woman to receive her degree from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. March 22, 1972: The Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by the U.S. Senate and sent to the states for ratification. It was only ratified by 35 states, failing to reach the required 38 states by the extended deadline that was set for June 1982. March 25, 1911: A fire inside a New York City garment factory killed 123 low-paid young women, along with 23 men March 31, 1776: Future First Lady Abigail Adams pens a plea to the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.”    Charitable Activities Highlights   Wounded Warriors Project In 2003, a small, grassroots effort began to provide simple care and comfort items to the wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Wounded Warriors Project has evolved to include programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care. They also engage in advocacy efforts to improve the lives of warriors and their families. Mattatuck Council #713 chose to support the Wounded Warriors Project for their IFS project.      College News   Last call   Scholarship applicants are reminded that the deadline for completing the next steps of their Scholarship application is March 31.  Double check the required items in the list you should have received from the Home Office, and immediately contact us at (888) 272-2686 if you lost or did not receive your list of next steps. And best of luck to all our applicants!   College-bound season continues   Keep an eye out for your college admissions decisions. Each school has its own timeline of issuing acceptances, and the final admission letters should be wrapped up soon. But don’t get too caught up in next year’s dreams: be sure to prepare for your AP test and final exams to end your senior year on a high note.    Inspirational quotes   “Whether you are sixteen or sixty, the rest of your life is ahead of you. You cannot change one moment of your past, but you can change your whole future. Now is your time.” ―     Matthew Kelly      Upcoming dates   Mark your calendar with these important dates: Daylight Saving Time begins: March 12, 2023 Spring begins! Vernal equinox: March 20, 2023 Bulletin article submission deadline: March 28, 2023 Scholarship checklist items deadline: March 31, 2023 Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023

 

February 07, 2023 Newsletter #56

Hi Member, February is the shortest month of the year, but there's no shortage of activities from the Royal Arcanum. In Memory of William J. Wire We offer a short tribute to Bill Wire, our Past Supreme Regent and friend who passed away at the end of January. From the Supreme Regent Our Supreme Regent offers a quick and impactful suggestion for all Councils and Grand Councils. February is the Month of February may be the shortest month, but it still holds more than its share on the topics of awarenesses, observances, fun facts, and history. Charitable Activities Highlights Our members have been busy! Here's a list of some of the charitable activities they've been involved in. College News To be eligible for scholarships and grants, scholarship applicants must complete the remaining items on their checklist. Inspirational Quote Inspiration for us all. Upcoming Dates Update your calendar with these important dates.    In Memory of William J. Wire   With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to our Past Supreme Regent, Past Chairman of the Executive Committee, and our friend, William J. Wire. Bill was a member of the Royal Arcanum for more than 57 years, joining in March 1965. His commitment to our society and the principles of our organization led him to go through the chairs in his council, Medora #1648, and continue through chairs of the Grand Council of Illinois.  In 2008, he was elected as Supreme Regent at the 99th Supreme Council Session and was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee following the 100th Supreme Council Session. He was awarded his Legion of Honor, the 90th member in Royal Arcanum history to achieve this distinction. Throughout it all, his wife Florence was lovingly by his side, encouraging and supporting him in all his endeavors. Bill will be missed by those lucky enough to know him. He passed from this life on January 26, 2023. May he rest in eternal peace.      From the Supreme Regent   A Project for All Councils Supreme Regent Maria DiBartolo suggests a simple project for all Councils and Grand Councils to help out their communities. She invites all councils to collect cereal boxes at their next gathering. Breakfast cereals are one of the most requested items at most food pantries. They are easy to acquire, not too heavy to transport, and are welcome contributions that provide a healthy breakfast to the needy. Her suggestion is simple: Sponsor a collection of cereal boxes from your members and friends of your council, or even make a monetary contribution toward boxes of cereal. Then, select the charitable organization of your choice in your area that you think would most benefit from the donation. And of course, take a picture and write a bulletin article. This is an example of how quick and easy it is to show the fraternal spirit of the Royal Arcanum, and can be used as a model for many future charitable projects for our councils.        February is the month of...     Awarenesses   African American History Month February hosts an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Gerald Ford first recognized February as Black History Month in 1976, expanding the week-long celebration that was begun in 1926 by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).   National Cancer Prevention Month National Cancer Prevention month is focused on helping everyone understand the screening habits, healthy choices, and other lifestyle changes that can lower the risk for several types of cancer. While there’s no sure way to prevent cancer, you can help reduce your risk by eating right, staying active, not smoking, and getting screened.   Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month is a unified effort among Jewish organizations across North America and beyond, to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions and those who love them. Begun in 2009, February has been dedicated to recognizing people with disabilities and ensuring that they and their families are included in Jewish communities around the world, striving to meet the needs of the community and support uniting, empowering, and bringing all of us together.   National Cat Health Month National Cat Health Month encourages cat parents to focus on their cat’s physical and emotional well-being, and educate themselves on signs of unhealthy behavior or illness. Take this month to prioritize your cat's health and take part in the many activities that focus on your cat's health.   Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month was founded in 2002 by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.). Rabbits are the third most common pet found at area animal shelters and they need loving homes. They can be great companions! Why not consider adopting a rabbit?   Holidays and Observances World Cancer Day is February 4th, an internationally observed day marked to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The primary goal of World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer.   Safer Internet Day is observed on February 7, an international education and awareness-raising effort, celebrated in over 100 countries. It’s a day to bring communities together to discuss the challenges families face navigating the digital world and empowers them to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively.   National Donor Day focuses on five points of life: organs, tissues, marrow, platelets, and blood. Many health groups use this day to sponsor blood and marrow drives and organ/tissue sign-ups. National Donor Day was started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and its partner, the United Auto Workers. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and many nonprofit health groups.   Random Acts of Kindness Day was initiated in 1995 in Denver, Colorado by a nonprofit organization called The Random Acts Of Kindness Foundation. The idea behind it is to make the world a better place by spreading a little light around and making kindness a part of our everyday lives.   Word Day of Social Justice was established by the United Nations as an international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections. February 20 was chosen by the General Assembly, and adopted on 26 November 2007, with observance of the World Day of Social Justice beginning in 2009.     Fun Days February has a LOT of dedicated days to food items, so let's get ready to set our plates! February 2 is The Day of the Crêpe in France and is associated with the Catholic feast of Candlemas. On this day households all over France make crêpes. This is because it is believed that crêpes symbolize prosperity. February 3 is Carrot Cake Day, an annual celebration thought to have started in the Middle Ages to combat the high price of sugar by using carrots as a natural sweetener. Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is February 4, the first Saturday in February. It is thought that the unofficial holiday was first created in the 1960s by Florence Rappaport in Rochester, New York as a way to entertain her children on a cold and snowy morning. Also celebrated on the 4th is Stuffed Mushroom Day. Assuming, that is, that you have an appetite after breakfast. February 5 is Chocolate Fondue Day, an excuse, if one is needed, to enjoy some gooey chocolate.  Bagel and Lox Day is February 9. This holiday's origins are unknown, but it's also often known as National Bagel Day or Bagel Day. In 2018, Thomas', a division of Bimbo Bakeries USA, decided to move the date of National Bagel Day from February 9 to January 15 to avoid competing with National Pizza Day. But we say why not celebrate both? Don't Cry Over Spilled Mik Day is February 11, an annual reminder that nothing good ever comes out of holding on to regrets. February 15 is Gumdrop Day. Treat yourself to a bowlful of this colorful, chewy, and delicious candy.  The United States National Confectioners Association has declared that Chocolate Mint Day be observed on February 19. For their sake, do your part. International Dog Biscuit Day is on February 23, so your furry friend can have fun celebrating this month, too. February 24 is Tortilla Chip Day. Tortilla chips were first popularized as a way to reuse misshapen tortillas by Rebecca Webb Carranza whose family owned the El Zarape Tortilla Factory in the 1940s. If you're low on iron, you might consider celebrating World Sword Swallowers Day on February 25, but we remind you that this is a day for professionals only. It was created by the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI) in 2008. February 26 is Pistachio Day. It encourages people to add pistachios to their daily diets and take advantage of their health benefits. Historical Events This month has an amazing constitutional history when more than 1/5 of the amendments were adopted. It is second only to December, which saw twice as many (including the famous first ten, the Bill of Rights). February 3, 1870:  The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, which guarantees the rights of citizens to vote, regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. February 3, 1913:  This day of the month also saw the ratification of the 16th Amendment, which grants Congress the authority to collect income taxes. February 6, 1788:  Massachusetts became the 6th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, which would go on to replace the Articles of Confederation. February 6, 1933:  145 years to the day after the Massachusetts ratification of the Constitution, the 20th Amendment was adopted, which set the date of the Presidential Inauguration to be January 20; and set the official opening of Congress as January 3. February 7, 1795:  The 11th Amendment of the Constitution was ratified. It prohibited federal lawsuits against individual states. February 10, 1967:   The procedures clarifying presidential succession in the event of the disability of a sitting president were set by the ratification of the 25th Amendment. February 25, 1950:   Ratification of the 22nd Amendment occurred, limiting the president to a maximum of two elected terms, and a maximum of 10 years in office.      Charitable Activities Highlights   New England Hemophilia Association Founded in 1957, The New England Hemophilia Association (NEHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of all persons with bleeding disorders and their families through education, support, and advocacy in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  The Grand Council of Massachusetts renewed its long-term support of this organization with an IFS project in December.   Ukraine Fraternal Project Medora Council #1648 is the latest council to provide a donation to the Ukraine Fraternal Project through an IFS Project. The Fraternal Department has been able to provide 100% of the funds donated by Medora and the many other councils and members who supported this project through their contacts in Poland. The funds directly help the ongoing needs of the Ukraine people who are suffering the effects of an unjust war.   Pan-Mass Challenge for Dana-Farber Alpha-Agassiz Council #1 threw its support to The Pan-Mass Challenge, a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research. This was the first IFS Project from Alpha-Agassiz supporting the PMC, but represents a continued and long-established support of the Dana-Farber Institute.   Year-End IFS Reminder All 2022 IFS Projects must be submitted no later than February 28, 2023. These are projects where the donation was completed in the 2022 calendar year. Projects completed in 2023 can be submitted immediately.      College News   Reminder of Next Steps for Scholarship Applicants Scholarship applicants need to be sure all items on their checklist are completed and all documents before the deadline of March 31. If a confirmation of the application and a checklist of to-do items were never received from the Home Office, please contact us immediately by calling (888) 272-2686 or sending us an email to ensure your application has been received.      Inspirational quotes   “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” ―     Mother Teresa    Upcoming dates   Mark your calendar with these important dates: 2022 Fraternalism in Action reports deadline: February 15, 2023 The Lorraine J. D'Emilio Legacy of Home projects run from September 1 to February 28 2022 IFS submission deadline: February 28, 2023 Bulletin article submission deadline: March 28, 2023 Scholarship checklist items deadline: March 31, 2023 Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023

 

January 03, 2023 Newsletter #55

Hi Member, Happy New Year! As we welcome 2023, let's resolve to make this year another fantastic trip around the sun. The Royal Arcanum is here for you, to help ensure your financial future for you and your family, to help you connect to your family, friends, and community, and to make the world a little better each day. Reminders for the New Year Each year, as we turn the page on our calendars, it's a good time to remember to check to see if there are any items we might have forgotten during the holiday rush. We have a small selection of reminders to check off on your list. January is the Month of Let's check in on the awareness, observances, fun facts, and history that January brings to us. Charitable Activities Highlights Let's take a peek at a few charitable activities our members have been busy with. College News The scholarship application deadline has passed, but for those who applied, please keep an eye on your next deadline. Inspirational Quote January's quote to inspire us for 2023. Upcoming Dates Update your calendar with these important dates.    Reminders for the New Year   Annuities are currently earning 4% The Royal Arcanum is currently offering a 4% rate for their annuities, both for existing and new contracts. New annuities can be opened with as little as $500. Why not invest in your future today? Link into the Royal Arcanum Connect to the Royal Arcanum on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network. LinkedIn is a great place to connect to both businesses and to professionals using connections made through their free service. Follow our page today!   Share your council's Christmas party activities The deadline for submissions for the next Bulletin is on January 15. There's still time to send in your pictures and articles for that issue, which will highlight the Christmas activities and parties throughout our jurisdictions. Submit your article soon!   Annual Reminders   Make one of your new year's resolutions to ensure your policies are in order.  Beneficiaries: Do you need to update your beneficiaries? Do you remember who they are? The Royal Arcanum is required by law to pay beneficiaries (or the estate of predeceased beneficiaries). Be sure your beneficiaries are up to date. Contact information: Have you moved or changed your phone number or email address? Be sure to keep the Royal Arcanum informed of your contact changes so we can keep you up to date with all the latest news. Banking changes? If you have or are planning to change your bank account, be sure to update your auto-payment information so your CHECK-O-MATIC payments stay up to date.    January is the month of...     Awarenesses   Cervical Health Awareness Month January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month by the United States Congress. Make this a chance to share information about how women can protect themselves from HPV and cervical cancer through screenings and vaccinations.   Glaucoma Awareness Month Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. It has no early symptoms, leading to half of those suffering from it to be unaware they have it. Glaucoma Awareness Month hopes to encourage more people, especially those over 60 or those with a family history, to get a comprehensive eye exam. While there's no cure, early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.   Poverty Awareness Month National Poverty in America Month is a month-long focus aimed to raise awareness of poverty in America. In 2021, nearly 38 million people fell below the official poverty rate: That's 11.6% of everyone in the United States! In the last 60 years, the United States' poverty rate has remained above 10%. Let's work to bring the numbers down!   National Stalking Awareness Month The president has declared this month National Stalking Awareness Month, We must all be aware of the violating nature of stalking and its warning signs to help safeguard the victims of stalking in all its forms. Help to relieve the fear, stress, and anxiety endured by those who are being stalked.   Holidays and Observances New Year's Day is has been celebrated on January 1st in the current modern Gregorian calendar. Celebrating the start of a new year reaches back at least four millennia, and is accompanied by many traditions around the world, from making resolutions to running around the block with a suitcase to jumping off chairs at the stroke of midnight. This is the most celebrated holiday in the world!   Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrates the influential civil rights leader best known for his work on racial equality in the United States. It is celebrated this year on January 16, the third Monday of January, which is close to his actual birthday of January 15, 1929.   International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27 and is set aside to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. Approximately 1/3 of the Jewish people were murdered along with other minorities considered undesirable by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945.   Fun Days National Thank God It's Monday Day is celebrated on January 2. Who celebrates this may be one of the world's greatest mysteries. January 3 is J.R.R. Tolkien Day. Celebrate by wearing a ring on all of your nine fingers. Bubble Bath Day is on January 8. Relax and enjoy! January 12 is Stick to Your New Year's Resolution Day...if it isn't already too late. Make Your Dream Come True Day is January 13, presumably available to those who successfully celebrated the previous day. Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day is January 17. This isn't a suggestion, just noting the day. January 19 is National Good Memory Day. Remember when you had New Year's Resolutions that you kept? Compliment Day is on January 24. We're impressed that you remembered it. Inspire Your Heart With Art Day on January 31. Find beauty in the world around you! Historical Events January 1, 1863:    The Emancipation Proclamation officially freed the slaves in all states rebelling against the Union. It wasn't until December 18, 1865, that the 13th Amendment was adopted and officially abolished slavery throughout the United States. January 3, 1924:    The sarcophagus of Tutankhamen was discovered by Howard Carter January 4, 1809:    Louis Braille was born, who invented a reading system for the blind January 5, 1925:    Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming was inaugurated as the first female governor in the United States January 6, 1412:    Joan of Arc was born in Domrémy, France January 17, 1773:    The ship Resolution, under the command of Captain James Cook, because the first vessel to cross the Antarctic Circle January 23, 1849:    Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female doctor in America January 24, 1848:    Gold was accidentally discovered during the construction of Sutter's sawmill near Coloma, California January 27, 1945:    The Russian Army liberated the Auschwitz Death Camp near Krakow, Poland      Charitable Activities Highlights   Ukraine Toddler Fraternal Project The Illinois Grand Council completed its IFS project supporting the Ukraine Toddler Fraternal Project. Their donation joined the many councils and members who supported this project at the Session in Annapolis, helping the ongoing needs of the children suffering from the war. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is still less than a year old, and each day adds more to the unjust suffering of the people, especially the children.   Children of Promise, NYC Sharon Content founded Children of Promise, NYC, in 2009, due to her concern about the lack of support offered to young people who experience parental incarceration. It is the first and only after-school program and summer day camp in NYC specifically designed to meet the needs, interests, and concerns of children left behind by a parent serving time in prison. The Grand Council of New York supported their mission with an IFS project, helping to support children of incarcerated parents in leading healthy and productive lives.   Calvary Hospital Claremont Council #1655 made a donation to Calvary Hospital, which cares for the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our 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. Calvary Hospital has been serving its community for almost 120 years.   Sisters of Life The Sisters of Life was another IFS project of Claremont Council #1655. They are a community that believes every person is valuable and sacred; that every person is good, loved, unique, and unrepeatable; and that every person’s life has deep meaning, purpose, and worth. Their Crisis Pregnancy Help centers offer free, confidential support and a safe space for women feeling trapped by their pregnancy, along with offering retreat centers and offering Hope & Healing support for women who are suffering after an abortion.   Sisters Servants of Mary - Ministers to the Sick Claremont Council #1655 also completed an IFS Project in support of Sisters, Servants of Mary - Ministers to the Sick, who are dedicated to the care of the sick, and poor, especially caring for them in their own homes. Their mission was founded for this purpose in the Bronx, New York, on August 6, 1931, and they have been providing their care for more than 90 years.   Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless Each year, the Home Office Staff has answered their own call to support their community. As they have for the past several years, the Home Office has collected and distributed items for the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless. The coalition is guided by a dedication to social justice and compassion  and strives to nurture and empower families and individuals seeking basic needs assistance by providing them the shelter, food, and educational resources necessary to reach their potential and independence. The Home Office Staff made a donation of toys, clothing, healthcare items, and other gifts in support of the Holiday Fund program, helping to bring some Christmas cheer to their area.   Reminder on submitting IFS Projects Projects supporting the 2022 IFS Program, which require the date of donation to occur in the 2022 calendar year, must have their project submitted to the IFS Committee no later than February 28, 2023. The 2023 IFS Program has now begun, and the reimbursements have been reset for all councils for the new year.   Thank you to our members and staff for the highlighted charitable projects, and for all the fraternal community support our members engage in everywhere. Don't forget to share your stories and submit an article (and pictures, if possible) for the bulletin.    College News   Next Steps for Scholarship Applicants Scholarship applicants, be sure to get in all your documents, along with a recent picture of yourself, before the deadline of March 31. Every applicant should have received a confirmation of their application from the Home Office and a checklist of items that will need to be completed before the application is finalized. If you never received a confirmation, please contact the Home Office immediately. Please call (888) 272-2686 or send us an email to ensure your application has been received.      Inspirational quotes   “I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.” ―     Jana Stanfield    Upcoming dates   Mark your calendar with these important dates: Bulletin article submission deadline: January 15, 2023 2022 Fraternalism in Action reports deadline: February 15, 2023 The Lorraine J. D'Emilio Legacy of Home projects run from September 1 to February 28 2022 IFS submission deadline: February 28, 2023 Scholarship checklist items deadline: March 31, 2023 Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023