June 06, 2023 Newsletter #60

Hi Member, June is always a happy time for us as we celebrate our birthday. This month, the Royal Arcanum turns 146 years old! Stay Connected Be sure you are staying connected with our members in print and electronic communications. Royal Arcanum Day Celebrate the founding of our society. Supreme Regent Campaign Wake up, have breakfast, and let it remind you about the Supreme Regent's Cereal Box campaign. June is the Month of... Time to get to know June a little better ... and the year of 1877. Charitable Activities Highlights Read about the latest charitable fraternal activities. College News The 2023 Royal Arcanum Scholarship winners have been announced! Inspirational Quote Another quote to ponder upon as summertime begins. Upcoming Dates Update your calendar with these important dates    Stay Connected   Are you staying connected to all the activities in the Royal Arcanum? We strive to keep you informed and connected to the Home Office, and activities in the Supreme, Grand, and Subordinate Councils. Here are all the ways we work to stay connected.   Website: detailed information on our products, commonly used forms, member benefits, and more at www.royalarcanum.com    Email newsletters: This newsletter is delivered directly to your inbox. If any member wants to join the newsletter list, forward them this newsletter and have them subscribe.   Blog: Copies of older newsletters are kept on our blog spot at royalarcanumnews.blogspot.com.   Facebook: important topics and frequent informational updates are posted on our Facebook page. Head over and “Like” us on Facebook.   LinkedIn: Social media for Businesses, we have a presence on LinkedIn, focused on our product line of benefit certificates on our LinkedIn page.   Fraternal letters: Our fraternal department regularly emails and mails out topical letters throughout the year, especially around holidays. If you’re not on those newsletters, contact our Fraternal Director.   Bulletin: The official communication of the Royal Arcanum, our Quarterly bulletin is mailed to our members to give them an in-depth view of all our society offers. An electronic version is available on our website at xxx. If you’re not getting a Bulletin, please contact the home office at 888-272-2686 or email us.      Royal Arcanum Day On June 23, 1877, Dr. Darius Wilson held a meeting at his house, thus founding the order of the Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum, founded with the purpose to unite its members through moral and material aid, education, financial aid through benefit certificates, and support of charitable institutions. Over the next 146 years and under the guidance of 66 Supreme Regents, the Royal Arcanum has continued to uphold and expand on that mission for its members and its community. Celebrate your membership this Royal Arcanum Day!    Supreme Regent Campaign Supreme Regent Maria DiBartolo’s Cereal Box campaign is still up and running. All councils are encouraged to collect cereal boxes at their next gathering for donation to their local food bank. Breakfast cereals are one of the most requested items at most food pantries, and can provide a healthy meal for needy children and families. They are easy to acquire, transport, and deliver. At your next council meeting, sponsor a collection and/or make a donation toward cereal boxes for donation. Be sure to take pictures and write up an article for the Bulletin.    June is the month of...     Awarenesses   MONTH Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to have conversations about your own or your friends and loved one’s cognitive health.   Pride Month Pride Month is when the world’s LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Chosen for the month of the Stonewall uprising in June 1969, the first pride parade was held in New York City on June 28, 1970.   PTSD Awareness Month   PTSD Awareness Month is observed in June, highlighting the struggles of those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which occurs in those who have experienced traumatic events such as war, violent assault, and accidents. First declared as an awareness day by the U.S. Senate in 2010, it was expanded to the entire month of June in 2014.   Gun Violence Awareness Month   Wearing orange in June is a sign of support for Gun Violence Awareness Month. The United States has already experienced more than 250 shootings in which four or more people have been shot so far this year. Gun violence has risen to become the leading cause of death in those 18 and younger.   Immigrant Heritage Month   June has been proclaimed as Immigrant Heritage Month to honor the men and women who have enriched American society, economy, and culture through immigration to the United States. It serves as a reminder of the diverse heritage that has formed the United States since its founding, from the earliest refugees who traveled across the Atlantic on the Mayflower, the millions who arrived at Ellis Island, and those now fleeing savage conditions in their counties to join the melting pot this country is known for.   WEEKS Pet Appreciation Week   The first week in June is Pet Appreciation Week, which is proudly known by the acronym PAW. It is a celebration raising the need for pet care and pet-related health issues and encourages us to show our appreciation for our pets in all the love they give to us. Lightning Safety Awareness Week   The third week of June is Lightning Safety Awareness Week. There are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in the United States each year, resulting in an average of about 500 people struck by lightning and more than 50 lightning fatalities each year. Learn lightning safety guidelines and stay safe. Mosquito Control Awareness Week   National Mosquito Control Awareness Week takes place from June 20-26 each year, and strives to educate on the importance of avoiding mosquito bites because of the diseases they spread. Helen Keller Deaf-blind Awareness Week   Helen Keller Deaf-blind Awareness Week sets aside the last week of June to honor Helen Keller (whose birthday was June 27) and to advocate for making everyday life easier for those deaf-blind persons. First proclaimed in 1984, it has become a time to encourage employers to recruit deaf-blind individuals and for businesses to ensure their establishments are deaf-blind friendly. DAYS World Oceans Day - June 8 World Oceans Day was proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the role oceans have in our lives, from the weather to being a source of food and medicine, and to commit to keeping our oceans healthy.   World Day Against Child Labor - June 12   World Day Against Child Labor hopes to eliminate child labor worldwide. While progress has been made, recent years have seen the beginnings of a re-emergence of child labor, even in the United States. The United Nations calls for an end to this practice.   World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15   The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 in 6 people 60 years old or older have experienced some form of abuse during the past year. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 is a call to raise awareness of this injustice and calls for effective solutions to combat ageism and stop the abuse of older people.   World Refugee Day - June 20   June 20 is World Refugee Day and is dedicated to honoring those who have been forced to flee their homes to seek safety for themselves and their families. It calls us to work for solutions to help their plight to become economically and socially included in their new communities.   United Nations Public Service Day - June 23   June 23 is not only Royal Arcanum Day but also United Nations Public Service Day. The United Nations designated the first Public Service Day to take place in 2003. It highlights the value of public service, recognizes the work of public servants, and encourages people to pursue careers in the public sector.     Holidays and Observances     On June 6, 1944, troops from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom landed on the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation of Europe. Named D-Day (“D” being a placeholder for the then-unknown date the invasion would actually begin), the largest naval, air, and land assault in history. June 6 honors the 156,000 soldiers who landed that day, the more than 4,000 who gave their lives, and the hundreds of thousands who followed to begin to end World War II.   National Children’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of June - June 11 this year. It focuses our attention on the importance of children in our society, and the challenges they face as they grow into adulthood.   Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14, commemorating the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for the first national flag. It is honored by flying the flag on that day.   Father’s Day, celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June (June 18), honors fatherhood and the contributions of fathers and father figures in their children’s lives. While its origin is attributed to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, it did not become a national holiday until 1972.   The Civil War officially ended on April 9, 1865, with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant; but the news of the end of the war, and with it, the end of slavery, didn’t reach everyone immediately. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Grander proclaimed the freedom for slaves in Texas that all former slaves knew of their emancipation. Juneteenth has been celebrated unofficially on June 19 in local celebrations ever since in the African-American community, sometimes moving the celebration to the third Saturday of June. It wasn’t until 2021 that it was first proclaimed as a federal holiday.   The amount of time of sunlight each day has been growing longer every day since the vernal equinox, and will continue to lengthen our days until the Summer Solstice on June 21, when the Earth reaches its maximum tilt toward the sun. The Arctic Circle will see continuous daylight around the time of the solstice, and the Antarctic Circle will see continuous darkness. It traditionally marks the official start of Summer.   Fun Days   Flip a Coin Day on June 1 celebrates the importance and history of making a decision through coin flips, which have been used to make vital decisions for centuries.   National Ice Cream Soda Day is celebrated on June 20. The ice cream soda’s history reaches back to 1874 (or 1875? Or 1862?) and is eagerly celebrated on many warm summer days.   National Detroit-Style Pizza Day, a day that it seems is never celebrated in New York or Chicago, falls on June 23. Detroit-Style pizza was first created in 1946 when Gus Guerra pressed pizza dough into a thick steel pan and topped it with cheese and tomato sauce. The resulting soft, airy, square crust with crunchy end pieces became a hit and a legend.   Looking for the perfect summertime dessert? National Ice Cream Cake Dayon June 27 gives you the opportunity to enjoy a frosted cake with alternating layers of cake and ice cream. Take the time to enjoy making, or at least, eating one to celebrate.   Historical Events   This month, instead of focusing on June history, we’ll look at what first happened the year that the Royal Arcanum was founded.   February 12, 1877: The first news dispatch by telephone was sent between Boston & Salem, Massachusetts February 20, 1877: The first cantilever bridge in the United States was completed in Harrodsburg, Kentucky March 2, 1887: The first (and only) congressionally-appointed Electoral Commission declares Rutherford B. Hayes as the winner of the presidential election March 4, 1877: The first performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, in Moscow March 13, 1877: The first earmuffs are patented by Chester Greenwood April 2, 1877: The first Easter egg roll was held on the White House lawn April 2, 1877: The first human cannonball act is performed April 12, 1877: A catcher’s mask is first used in a baseball game April 15, 1877: The first regular telephone line, from Boston to Somerville, was completed May 7, 1877: The term “bullpen” is first used to indicate baseball field foul territory, due to the way late-arriving spectators were herded like cattle May 8, 1877: The first Westminster Dog Show was held May 10, 1877: The first White House telephone is installed June 15, 1877: Henry Ossian Flipper becomes the first African American to graduate from West Point July 11, 1877: Kate Edger becomes the first woman in the British Empire to earn a Bachelor of Arts July 19, 1877: Spencer Gore becomes the first Wimbledon men’s tennis champion July 23, 1877: The first telephone line in Hawaii is completed July 23, 1877: The first municipal railroad, the Cincinnati Southern, begins operations July 24, 1877: The first time federal troops are used to combat strikers August 2, 1877: The San Francisco Public Library first opens August 11, 1877: Mar’s moon Deimos is first discovered, by Asaph Hall August 12, 1877: Thomas Edison completes the first model for the phonograph August 17, 1877: Mar’s moon Phobos is discovered, also by Asaph Hall September 20, 1877: Chase National Bank first opens, in New York City October 9, 1877: The first humane organization in the country is founded as the American Humane Association in Cleveland, Ohio October 20, 1877: Schubert’s 2nd Symphony in B is first performed in London November 17, 1877: Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera The Sorcerer premieres in London November 29, 1877: Thomas Edison demonstrates his phonograph for the first time December 6, 1877: The Washington Post publishes its first edition    Charitable Activities Highlights   Children of Promise Project   Claremont Council #1655 has recently completed an IFS project benefiting Children of Promise, NYC. It is a community-centered organization that partners with children and families affected by incarceration, striving to heal the stigma and trauma that plagues the Black and Brown communities. Children are blamelessly impacted by mass incarceration; and Children of Promise, NYC, is working to reimagine a world where these children can thrive and achieve their full potential.   More than 100,000 children in New York state and more than 2.5 million children in the USA have a parent in prison. The Royal Arcanum has long championed families and children, and Claremont Council’s support for this organization is one way our members are working in their communities to give their fraternal support. Let them be an inspiration for your council’s own community involvement.     College News   Scholarship winners announced   Congratulations to the 2023 Scholarship winners!   $10,000 Scholarship   Amanda Raymond, Dr. Paul J. Forcier Council #52 Adele Sobieski, Sons of Poland Council #2016   $8,000 Scholarship   Robert Aboud, Integrity Council #586 Alexis Cannon, Versatility Council #2501    $5,000 Scholarship   Kelsea Harshbarger, Harrisburg Council #499 Aleksandra Tomaszkowicz, Sons of Poland Council #2016   $1,500 Scholarship   Andrea Narciso, Group California Council #1999 Angelika Narciso, Group California Council #1999 Hannah Richvalsky, Versatility Council #2501 John Huhn, Bayonne Council #695 Nathan Voisine, Haute St Jean Council #59 Emily Stetina, Sons of Poland Council #2016 Dylan Welsh, Integrity Council #586 Gary Kozikowski, Fleur de Lys Council #62    Thank you to all who participated in this year’s scholarships. We know you will all represent the Royal Arcanum proudly!    Inspirational quotes   “Be kind to people whether they deserve your kindness or not. If your kindness reaches the deserving good for you if your kindness reaches the undeserving take joy in your compassion.” ―     James Fadiman    Upcoming dates   Mark your calendar with these important dates: Royal Arcanum Day: June 23 (1877) Grand and Subordinate Council Reports deadline: June 30, 2023 Summer Bulletin article submission deadline: July 8, 2023 Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023 Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Award project completion by: November 20, 2023

 

May 02, 2023 Newsletter #59

Hi Member, The fifth month of the year is here! Enjoy one of the most exciting months of the year, and don't forget our fraternal responsibilities: need knows no season.   Happy Mother's Day Learn about the history of the celebration of our mothers. Gardening Tips Planting season is here! Get a few basic gardening tips to make your gardens look spectacular this year. The Month of May Facts Do you know your calendar facts? Amaze or bore your friends with these tidbits. May is the Month of... Holidays, observances, fun days and history is on display for the month of May. Inspirational Quote This month's quote comes from an inspirational writer born in Ghana, who is the author of ‘The Alphabet of Success’. Upcoming Dates Update your calendar with these important dates    Happy Mother's Day!   In ancient times, the Greeks celebrated Rhea, the mother of the gods Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. The Romans adapted the festivals to celebrate the mother goddess Cybele. Early Christians in turn transformed such celebrations to honor the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception (the date celebrating her conception), and that date is today a Mother’s Day celebration in some countries. In the 17th century, England began celebrating Mothering Sunday, which is also known as Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is celebrated as a day when children give presents and flowers to their mothers, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This year, it was on March 19. In the United States, the holiday is traced back to Anna Reeves Jarvis, an activist from what was then Virginia (later the area that is now West Virginia). She organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs to improve the health conditions in the area. During the civil war, they altered their mission to provide aid to both Union and Confederate soldiers, and she urged her clubs to stay neutral and support both sides. After the war, her club members planned a Mothers Friendship Day for soldiers of both sides to help with the healing of the nation, which was held in 1868. Her daughter, Anna Maria Jarvis, organized a memorial to her mother on the first anniversary of her death in May 1907. The next year, Anna organized the first official observance of Mother’s Day, which was held on the morning of May 10, 1908. She went on to petition to make Mother’s Day an officially recognized holiday and achieved her goal when President Woodrow Wilson signed a congressional resolution in 1914, establishing the second Sunday of May as national Mother’s Day.  The story doesn’t end there. Jarvis had started Mother’s Day as a liturgical service and began to resent the commercialization of the holiday. By the 1920s, when companies such as Hallmark Cards began selling Mother’s Day cards and worked to make a profit from the holiday, she worked to bring it back to its original celebration. She organized boycotts of Mother’s Day and even threatened lawsuits, and tried to persuade people to honor their mothers through handwritten letters instead of gifts and pre-made cards. It should be noted that she trademarked the phrase “Second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis, Founder” and specifically noted that the Mother’swas intentionally singular possessive so that each family could honor its own mother, rather than a general celebration of all mothers in the world. That’s why today we celebrate Mother’s Day and not Mothers’ Day.    Gardening Tips May is the prime time for gardening in the northern regions of the country. The common rule of thumb is to hold off planting until after Mother’s Day. Why? It’s really about overnight frost, which can kill new seedlings. Historically, the middle of May is when morning frosts are mostly gone for the growing season. It may not be the case where you live (or may not be the case in this changing global climate), but it does remind you you should be aware of the historical frost dates where you live. Here’s a handy to-do list that will help you to plant and keep your gardens thriving throughout the season. Start a gardening journal. It will help you to track your progress throughout the season and learn what works and what doesn’t for future years. Be sure to water your gardens. New plants are thirsty Don’t forget to deadhead your spring bulbs, pansies, and primroses when they are finished blooming. It will keep them from spending energy producing seeds. Use fertilizer to provide your plants with the nutrients they need Keep on your weeding, once weeds gain control, it’s hard to regain mastery over them. Check for pest infestations, weeds aren’t the only enemies of your garden Prune shrubs that bloom on old wood after they are done flowering Protect your plants against any late frost that occurs Consult the Farmer’s Almanac (https://www.almanac.com/gardening/tips) or other gardening sources for specifics for your region.    The Month of May Facts The month of May is an adaptation of the Latin word Maius, which is the Greek goddess of growth. This was the month’s name commonly used until the Middle Ages. In medieval Europe, May was celebrated by erecting a long pole and attaching flowers and ribbons, and dancing around the maypole. The meaning and origin of the tradition are unclear and often debated. May’s birthstone is the emerald; its green coloring is symbolic of rebirth and fertility. The French word for emerald is jardin, which means “garden” Speaking of (or in) French: when voice communication began to replace Morse code, the distress call of SOS was often misheard. It was changed by Frederick Mockford to use the phrase “help me”, which in French is “m’aider” and pronounced “mayday” The day of the week that May 1st falls on will be the only month that is started on that day. Similarly, no other month will end on the same day of the week that May 31st falls on. This is true even in leap years.    May is the month of...     Awarenesses   MONTH Arthritis Awareness Month Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, affecting more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in America. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases related to the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Causes can differ, with factors that include your family history, age, sex, previous joint injury, and obesity.   Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month Electromagnetic radiation is everywhere, from the sun’s rays to lightning in a thunderstorm to the humble microwave oven. Many types are unsafe if exposed for a long time or repeatedly, X-rays and gamma rays being prime examples. They can alter you at a  biochemical level and damage your DNA, causing cancer or death. Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month aims to raise the knowledge of the health concerns related to electromagnetic radiation and to understand when safe levels. Learn about the precautions you should take against exposure and how to live safely in a world where electromagnetic radiation surrounds us.   National High Blood Pressure Education Month   One in three adults in the U.S. has hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. For those without it, learn what you can do to prevent it, from sticking to a healthy diet, keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake, and getting enough sleep. Sometimes, these changes can even reverse high blood pressure. Learn how to control your high blood pressure with advice from your doctor, including home monitoring and medications.   WEEKS Dog Anxiety Awareness Week The first full week in May (May 1-7) observes Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. More than half of all dogs suffer from anxiety, fear, or stress, from things such as the fear of noise, separation, travel, or in reaction to other dogs or people. Symptoms can range from moderate to extreme, from hiding, running away, destructive behavior, or others. Learn to recognize the signs and work to eliminate the causes for your best friend. Teacher Appreciation Week Celebrate the men and women that dedicate their lives to sharing knowledge! Show your appreciation to teachers and the profession from May 8-12 during Teacher Appreciation Week. DAYS Childhood Stroke Awareness Day - May 6 Observed annually on the first Saturday in May, Childhood Stroke Awareness Day hopes to raise awareness of strokes in children, which ranks among the top 10 causes of pediatric deaths, and to learn to recognize the symptoms and urgent care recommendations.   International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases - May 12   International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S) Awareness Day is set aside to support and recognize those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other immunological and neurological diseases. May 12th was chosen to honor the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who was born in Florence, Italy in 1820 and was thought to suffer from M.E./C.F.S.   National Senior Fraud Awareness Day - May 15   First established in 2018, National Senior Fraud Awareness Day looks to raise awareness of fraudulent schemes aimed against older adults. More than $36 billion is lost to fraud every year. Fraud has been recorded as far back as 300 B.C., and it is especially egregious when scams are aimed at stealing the life savings of seniors.   Global Accessibility Awareness Day - May 18   Global Accessibility Awareness Day is intended to raise discussions and thoughts about extending digital access and inclusion of those with disabilities. It originated in 2012, inspired by a blog post by web developer Joe Devon. It is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May.   Holidays and Observances   World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3, as enacted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1993. It recognizes the importance of independent press freedom and honors those in the press who have been killed because of their profession.   Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration on May 5 commemorating Mexico’s 1862 victory over the 2nd French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. It is a relatively minor celebration in Mexico (and not the same as Mexican Independence Day, which is on September 16), but it has become popular in the United States when Chicano activists raised awareness in the 1960s due to it being a victory of Indigenous Mexicans over European invaders.   Europe Day is an international celebration observed on May 5 by the Council of Europe, and on May 9 by the European Union. The Council of Europe originally established it in 1964 to celebrate its founding. The European Community, now known as the European Union, decided to move it to May 9 to celebrate the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which first outlined the idea of uniting the European countries as a single economic power.   Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, which falls on May 12 this year. It was originally proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by military spouses. Congress made it official in 1999 to make it part of National Military Appreciation Month.   World Migratory Bird Day will be on May 13 and is observed annually on the 2nd Saturday of May in Canada and the US. Its 2023 focus is on the importance of water for migratory birds, and the importance of maintaining clean water in the lakes, rivers, and wetlands that they rely upon.   Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May, on May 14 this year. Be sure to celebrate your mother in a special and personal way.   International Day of Light originated by UNESCO, who chose May 16 because, on that date in 1960, the first laser was fired. It recognizes light as a universal symbol of life and seeks to allow light to help foster peaceful communications between nations.   Created in 1949, Armed Forces Day was created to replace separate celebrations for the different branches of military service. It was first celebrated on May 20, 1950   Victoria Day is a Canadian federal holiday that was created to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24. In 1952, the date was officially changed to the Monday preceding May 25, so this year it falls on May 22. Since 1953, it has also been celebrated as the Sovereign’s birthday (for Queen Elizabeth) instead of her actual April 21st birthday.   On May 24, 2005, National Brother Day was first celebrated by organizer Daniel Rhodes. It is primarily a US celebration, but several other countries, including Australia, France, and Germany also celebrate it on May 24.   The last Monday of May is celebrated as Memorial Day. It honors the men and women who have died while serving in the military. Originally formed as Decoration Day because people were encouraged to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers after the Civil War, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. This year, it is on May 29.   Fun Days   Star Wars Day is celebrated because “May 4” sounds similar to the beginning of the famous line “May the force be with you.” It’s as good a reason as any to rewatch the movies about a galaxy far, far away. https://www.starwars.com/star-wars-day   The Kentucky Derby has been running annually since 1875 on the 1st Saturday of May (with only two exceptions). On May 6, the 149th Run for the Roses will celebrate what is called the greatest two minutes in sports as many celebrate with traditions of drinking Mint Juleps and singing Old Kentucky Home. https://www.kentuckyderby.com   World Laughter Day is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of May, or May 7 in 2023. Giggle, chuckle, guffaw, or laugh your head off. https://www.worldlaughterday.com   National Chocolate Chip Day is strongly associated with chocolate chip cookies, which began as an accidental baking failure (at least according to the Nestle story). In the late 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn, added Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate, cut into bits, to create solid chocolate cookies. It didn’t work, but the famous cookie was born. Interestingly, Nestle didn’t then — and still doesn’t — call their product “chips”, they call them “morsels”. Nevertheless, the Toll House cookies became known as chocolate chip cookies by 1941. Does all this history make you hungry? Celebrate with however you like your chocolate chips on May 15. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-chocolate-chip-day-may-15/   Those who like to dress in dark clothing and pale makeup will be celebrating World Goth Day on May 22. It originated in the U.K. in 2009, and defines itself as “a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate its own being, and an opportunity to make its presence known to the rest of the world.” http://www.worldgothday.com   National Wine Day will be toasted on May 25. Its exact origins are unknown, but glasses have been lifted in its honor at least to 2009, which is surprisingly recent considering the beverage traces its history back thousands of years. https://www.ibtimes.com/national-wine-day-2022-facts-know-about-age-old-beverage-3520242   Towel Day is a celebration for fans of Douglas Adams and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The book says it “is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.” It was first celebrated two weeks after Adams’ death on May 11, 2001, and is celebrated every year on May 25. https://www.towelday.org   National Hamburger Day is celebrated on May 28 (not to be confused with the August 24th celebration of National Burger Day). The sandwich is named for its origins in Hamburg, Germany from at least 1758, where it was called “Hamburg Sausage.” It is known to have been in the United States at least by the 1870s and was served at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. It became extremely popular in America at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and has gone on to become an iconic American food. https://time.com/4342423/national-hamburger-day-history-origins-inventor/   National Biscuit Day celebrates all forms of biscuits, which range from cookies to the pastry that accompanies by sausage gravy in decadent breakfasts. Biscuit is a French word that translates to cookie, but most Americans think of the quick break that was a 1630s favorite of King Charles of England. Similar to scones, but with different ratios and using baking soda, biscuits are a good choice on May 29. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/biscuit-day/ Historical Events   May 1, 1931 - The Empire State Building officially opens, and becomes the tallest building in the world until 1971 May 4, 1886 - A labor protest rally in Chicago turns violent and becomes known as the Haymarket Square Riot May 4, 1932 - Al Capone starts serving his sentence as convict 40886…for Income Tax Evasion May 4, 1970 - The Ohio National Guard fires on protestors at Kent State University, killing 4 and injuring 10 others May 5, 1891 - Music Hall officially opens in New York City; it is later renamed Carnegie Hall May 5, 1961 - Alan B. Shepard Jr. becomes the first American in space May 6, 1937 - The largest dirigible ever built, the airship Hindenburg, bursts into flames May 6, 1954 - Roger Bannister becomes the first person to break the 4-minute mile May 7, 1915 - The British Ocean liner Lusitania is sunk off the Irish coast, killing nearly 1,200 people May 8, 1970 - The Beatles release their final original album, Let It Be May 11, 1934 - A dust storm 1,500 miles long, 900 miles wide, and two miles high moves across the Midwest May 11, 1953 - The first recorded F5 tornado in the U.S. roared through Waco, Texas May 21, 1881 - The American Red Cross is founded May 24, 1883 - The Brooklyn Bridge over the East River opens to traffic May 25, 1925 - High school teacher John Scopes is indicted for teaching the theory of evolution May 26, 1896 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average was first published, with the initial value of 12 stocks averaged to 40.94 May 27, 1937 - The Golden Gate Bridge is opened to pedestrian traffic; more than 200,000 people walk across May 29, 1942 - Bing Crosby records White Christmas. It becomes the best-selling record of all time, exceeding $50 million May 30, 1911 - The first-ever running of the Indianapolis 500 May 31, 1889 - The Johnstown, Pennsylvania dam breaks, funding the town and killing thousands    Inspirational quotes   “Giving is an act of generosity. Giving is sowing a seed. The seed will produce a great harvest of fruits.” ―     Lailah Gifty Akita    Upcoming dates   Mark your calendar with these important dates: Spring Bulletin publication date: May 4, 2023 Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Award projects can begin: June 1, 2023 Grand and Subordinate Council Reports due: June 30, 2023 Summer Bulletin article submission deadline: July 8, 2023 Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023

 

April 04, 2023 Newsletter #58

Hi Member, Happy April, the first full month of Spring! Annual report reminder Subordinate and Grand Councils: it's time to begin thinking about your annual reports, due in just under three months. Happy Passover and Easter Greetings of the season of some of the most important religious celebrations of the year. Fraternal Food Drive The Royal Arcanum and other fraternals in the American Fraternal Alliance are participating in a canned goods drive. Read how you can participate this month. April is the Month of Holidays, observances, fun days and history is on display for the month of April. Charitable Activities Highlights Spring into volunteering! Here are the currently active programs of our Fraternal Department. College News Getting ready for an SAT test? Don't forget that preparation courses may be reimbursed. Inspirational Quote An ancient philosopher offers some wisdom for today. Upcoming Dates Update your calendar with these important dates    Annual Report Reminder Notice to all Grand and Subordinate Councils: June 30 is the deadline for filing Grand Council Reports and Subordinate Council Reports. Follow the links here or get the reports from our website. Requests will be sent to the council secretaries as well. Reports are easy to complete and are necessary to keep your council in good standing. Only councils that are in good standing are eligible to participate in the many programs offered by the Royal Arcanum, which can provide additional funds for councils. Grand Councils must also be in good standing to qualify for representation and voting in Supreme Council Sessions. This early notice reminds you that it’s a great time to begin to gather your records and call a meeting to prepare your reports. Reports are accepted early, so there’s no reason to delay! Reports are available on our website: Grand Council Report Subordinate Council Report    Happy Passover and Easter To all of our members, we offer our sincere wishes for a  Happy Passover and a Happy Easter! May you enjoy these holidays with your family and friends, and may it open the door to a wonderful Spring and Summertime for all.      Fraternal Food Drive The Royal Arcanum is joining forces with other fraternals in the American Fraternal Alliance to support a Fraternal Food Drive. The efforts are being driven by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to collect canned goods from April 1 – 30. All Royal Arcanum members and Councils are encouraged to participate. Those outside the Greater Cleveland Area can make monetary donations on their website, or participate by making donations to local food banks. The AFA has asked that we track collections and donations and send the results along with as many photos as we can gather. You can send them to us and we'll pass the information and photos on to the AFA. Don't wait, please send your info and photos as soon as donations are made, we want to track progress all month. If you're posting your donation to your social media pages, take the ARA with #livefraternally. And feel free to keep the ARA directly updated, too, through an email to Kate Chillinsky, about the posts you've made. The AFA has posted about this drive on their Facebook page and on LinkedIn. Please send any questions, comments, and success stories directly to the AFA as well as sending them to us. Share your abundance with those in need and join the larger fraternal world in helping our communities.    April is the month of...     Awarenesses   MONTH Autism Acceptance Month The Autism Society of America has found a different approach to change the approach to autism from being treated as an illness to advocacy to help autistic people to lead more fulfilling lives through their branding of April as Autism Acceptance Month (instead of just awareness). The Autism Society was founded in 1965, and its early nationwide focus was in 1972 as National Autistic Children’s Week. This evolved over time to Autism Awareness Month, which was renamed in 2021 to Autism Acceptance Month to drive a change in fostering acceptance of autism.   Earth Month Environmental awareness issues are in focus during Earth Month, a worldwide effort to create sustainable solutions to offset the harmful effects of climate change across the globe. It began in 1962 in response to the use of leaded gas and the air pollution it contributed to. An oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 added a wider range to the movement, which grew into a celebration of Earth Day. Realizing the scope of the issues involved, Earth Month was celebrated beginning on April 4, 1970. More than 200 million participants were part of 1990’s Earth Month, and by 1992, the United Nations backed the activity to make it one of the most widely recognized month-long observances in the world.   Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month   The Paralyzed Veterans of America was established in 1946 to serve the needs of disabled veterans returning home after World War II, focusing on those with spinal cord injuries or diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) so they could live with dignity and as productive members of society. In 1986, Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day was declared by President Ronald Reagan. In response to grassroots efforts of PVA’s members and their chapters, the observance was extended to Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month to further raise awareness of how much further we have to go to provide freedom and independence to those who fought for those same principles.   Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month   The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) started the observance of Prevention to Cruelty to Animals Month in 2006. ASPCA traces its roots to 1863 when New Yorker Henry Bergh stopped a man from beating his fallen horse while traveling through Russia. He founded ASPCA in 1866 to create a safe haven for animals and work toward policy changes to promote kind treatment toward animals.   WEEKS National Park Week National Park Week runs from April 22 to April 30 as the National Park Service encourages everyone to enjoy their National Parks in person.   National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week Nearly 90,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Lymphoma and thyroid cancer are most common for those 15 to 24, and breast and thyroid cancer is most common for those 25 and up. National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week is the first week of April. National Volunteer Week The third week of April, which falls from April 16 to 22, celebrates the many people young and old who spread seeds of kindness and work toward bettering their community through their volunteer efforts during National Volunteer Week. World Primary Immunodeficiency Week The global community has set aside April 22 to 29 to improve the recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and improve the quality of life of people with primary immunodeficiency diseases during World Primary Immunodeficiency Week.     DAYS World Health Day Every year on April 7, World Health Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of good health and to celebrate the medical workforce who work tirelessly to provide health care to people all over the world. Created by the World Health Organization in 1949, which was itself created by the United Nations in 1948. Parkinson’s Disease International Awareness Day   World Parkinson’s Day is observed on April 11. Parkinson’s is a disorder that afflicts the nervous system from still-unknown causes. It was first clearly medically described by James Parkinson in 1817, but there are documents reaching back to 1000 B.C. describing the disease. Research continues to find the cause and better treatments for this debilitating disease. World Hemophilia Day   Hemophilia was first identified in the 10th century. It was then known as Abulcasis, and was identified by those who bled profusely after just minor injuries. In the 19th century, Dr. John Conrad Otto of Philadelphia discovered a genetic condition passed on from mothers to boys. Further research has continued and identified two categories of the disease. Though no treatment has yet been discovered to eliminate the effects, there are now ways to manage the disease to minimize the effects. World Hemophilia Day is celebrated on April 17   National Lost Dog Awareness Day   The Lost Dogs of America created the first National Lost Dogs Awareness Dayon April 23, 2014, aiming to bring attention to all the dogs lost each year and celebrate those successfully reunited with their families.   Global Pay It Forward Day   American novelist Catherine Ryan Hyde wrote the novel “Pay it Forward,” first published in 1999. It was made into a novel in 2000, which inspired the creation of Global Pay It Forward Day in 2007, and is celebrated on April 28. The principles of paying it forward reach back at least to a 317 B.C. play called “Dyskolos”. Take the time to show kindness to others and encourage others to make the world better through random acts of kindness.   Holidays and Observances   Passover: An 8-day festival that begins before sundown on April 5 and runs through April 13. It is a 7-day festival for reform and progressive Jews living inside Israel who follow the Biblical text, and thus ends for them on April 12. The Seder feast is celebrated on the nights of April 5 and 6. Passover starts on the 15th day of the month of Nisan which is on the first night of a full moon after the northern vernal equinox (except leap months, which can make the festival start after the second full moon after the northern vernal equinox). (Western) Easter: In the western church, which uses the Gregorian calendar, Easter is on April 9. Easter Sunday always occurs on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first Sunday following the full Moon that occurs on or after the March or spring equinox. Note that the spring equinox date used by the Christian Church is always March 21, called the “ecclesiastical” equinox (i.e., the date used by the Church). Orthodox Easter: The orthodox church uses the Julian calendar and sets Easter on April 16. Orthodox Easter Day is calculated in the way established in 325 AD, at the Council of Nicaea, which decided that Easter would be observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox. Due to the differences in calculating leap years between the Julian and Gregorian calendars, the date of Easter usually (but not always) differs.   Fun Days   Edible Book Day is an annual event where books are created, displayed, then consumed. Despite this falling on April 1, April Fools’ Day, it is a real celebration since 2000.   National Film Score Day on April 3rd seeks to honor and recognize talented composers who create the soundtracks of our favorite movies. April 5th is National Dandelion Day, celebrating the flower that is loved, hated, sometimes consumed or made into wine and is found worldwide. On April 7, 1927, AT&T transmitted the first successful long-distance public broadcast, from Washington, D.C. to New York City. April 7 is now celebrated as Public Television Day. Walk to Work Day is also on April 7, and with many businesses seeing their employees return to work, it perhaps has more meaning today than in recent years where it may have taken 10 steps or less to accomplish. Celebrate Draw a Bird Day on April 8 by drawing a bird and sharing it. Here’s our contribution: > 0 ) ( __  > National Scrabble Day is on April 13, the birthday of Scrabble inventor Alfred Mosher Butts in 1899. To celebrate, every word in this newsletter was written using words that could be made from Scrabble tiles. International Moment of Laughter Day is on April 14. Find a moment to laugh out loud, giggle, or even snort at something today. International Haiku Poetry Day is On April Seventeen Patronize a grandiloquent celebration of sesquipedalian onomatopoeia magniloquently on Big Words Day on April 21. Celebrate the diplomatic role of Jazz uniting people in all corners of the globe on International Jazz Day on April 30, as declared by the United Nations. Historical Events   April 2, 1513 - Florida was sighted by Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon April 2, 1792 - Congress established the first U.S. Mint at Philadelphia April 2, 1805 - Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, Denmark. He went on to create many now-classic fairy tales. April 3, 1860 - The Pony Express service began its first delivery, departing from St. Joseph, Missouri April 3, 1995 - Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman to preside over the Supreme Court when she sat in for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist April 3, 1783 - Washington Irving, the author of famous works such as Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, was born April 4, 1887 - Susanna M. Salter became the first U.S. Mayor (of Argonia, Kansas) April 4, 1968 - NATO was founded to form a united military defense of Europe against the threat of expansion of Soviet Russia into Western Europe April 5, 1856 - Booker T. Washington was born a slave and went on to become the principal of the Tuskegee Institute April 6, 1896 - Returning from a 1,500-year break, the Olympics returned in Athens, Greece April 6, 1483 - Renaissance artist Raphael was born in Urbino, Italy April 8, 563 B.C. - the birthday of Buddha April 9, 1865 - The American Civil War effectively ended with the surrender of Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant April 10, 1847 - Joseph Pulitzer was born in Budapest, Hungary. His career included briefly fighting in the American Civil War on the Union side, then moving on to a career in journalism and publishing and eventually establishing the fund for the Pulitzer Prize. April 11, 1968 - The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson April 13, 1743 - Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the 3rd U.S. President, was born in Albermarle County, Virginia  April 14, 1828 - Noah Webster published his first American Dictionary of the English Language April 15, 1912 - The Titanic sank at 2:27 a.m. with the loss of more than 1,500 persons of the 2,224 people on board April 18, 1775 - The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and William Dawes occurred, warning patriots in advance of the British movement toward Lexington and Concord April 18, 1906 - At 5:13 a.m., an earthquake estimated at a magnitude of 7.9 struck San Francisco, followed by a massive fire that burned for three days, leading to the loss of more than 4,000 people April 22, 1864 - Congress changed the way U.S. coins were to be minted, adding “In God We Trust” to all new coinage April 23, 1564 - William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-on-Avon, England April 24, 1800 - The Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C., forming what is America’s oldest cultural institution and the world’s largest library April 26, 1785 - John J. Audubon was born in Haiti, and became renowned for his drawings of the birds of North America April 28, 1789 - Fletcher Christian led a mutiny against the captain of the British ship Bounty, William Bligh    Charitable Activities Highlights   In light of National Volunteer Week arriving this month, we thought we would once again highlight some of the support we offer our councils for their volunteer work. The Fraternalism in Action program runs from January through December each year. Council meetings, charitable activities, fraternal activities, participation in the Supreme Regent’s charitable service campaign, council/community partnerships, and fraternal awarenesses & advocacy activities can all help to earn your council award money. The International Fraternal Service (IFS) Program also runs from January through December annually. Councils can receive reimbursement for up to 1/2 of their costs/donations for qualifying projects, up to $1,000 reimbursed each year. The Lend a Hand - Lift a Heart program is a monthly award that is sponsored to recognize hands-on volunteer service activities with at least three Royal Arcanum members actively participating. This program requires participation instead of only monetary donations, which are covered by other fraternal programs. Make your loose change make a difference through the Dime A Day Drive. Collect your change through October 18 of this year and for those who gathered a dime a day or more ($35 for the 350 days that the program runs), and send it to the Royal Arcanum Home Office, participants will be entered to win one of two $150 monetary awards. Proceeds from this program support I Honor Your Service to America, a 501c(3) charity.      College News   SAT Preparation Fee Reimbursement   College-bound members, don't forget that the Royal Arcanum will reimburse you up to $50 for members who submit a request to the Home Office along with a receipt for any SAT prep course that's completed. Don't miss the chance to get your college days off to a good start with a good SAT score. Prepare for the SAT and submit a reimbursement request.      Inspirational quotes   “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” ―     Aristotle      Upcoming dates   Mark your calendar with these important dates: Spring Bulletin publication date: May 4, 2023 Grand and Subordinate Council Reports due: June 30, 2023 Summer Bulletin article submission deadline: July 8, 2023 Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023