Mar 23, 2021 Newsletter #14

Hi Member, Welcome to Spring! In some ways, the pandemic has made it seem like winter has lasted for a year, but with the change of season comes hope for a slow return to normal. Time to turn our thoughts to new growth in the Springtime and in our membership and activities. Time for Guidance Time for Reconnecting Time for Rewarding Yourself Time for Spring Cleaning Time for a Zoom Gathering    Time for Guidance We understand, sometimes it's hard to figure out how to stir things up and add something new to your council activities. Maybe you're looking for new members, or voting in officers, or trying to find a fresh way to engage your members. Your Supreme Council is here to help! We have flyers to help attract new members. We have a Voluntary Producer Manual to help produce new members and sell products. We have a Manual for Council Officers and Members that provides a vast amount of information, from our history to officers' responsibilities to awards, grants, and scholarships -- and more. And of course, if there's anything else you need for us, just let us know and we'll be happy to give some guidance.     A Time for Reconnecting If your council or grand council hasn't connected with its members for a while, it's probably time to do so. A lot has been put on hold for the last year, but plans are being made for a slow and controlled return to normal, with the USA president suggesting small groups of vaccinated people will likely be able to safely gather early in July. We all want to be with each other in person, but we need not wait until then to keep in touch. From letters to email to phone calls to video conferencing, all the tools are available to keep in touch with your members. It's an ideal time, while most are still safely distancing themselves, to make plans for your council. Why not discuss future charitable events, future meeting sites (perhaps outdoors as the weather turns nicer?), and don't forget about council elections. Use this opportunity to ensure your council is active.    Time for Rewarding Yourself As a member of the Royal Arcanum, there are many benefits besides your financial security and being a fraternalist. With the Royal Arcanum PerkSpot, you can get discounts on a wide variety of things. Stressed about your taxes? Head to your Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum Discount Program to discover savings on the tools that will make your taxes a walk in the park this season. Discounts are available from TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct to make your taxes easier to complete, and save a few bucks while doing them. Looking to plan a trip after the pandemic restrictions ease? Lock in great prices now. There are great savings on hotels, rental cars, flights, and a whole lineup of things to do! The only thing left is to pick your destination and hit the road. Oh, and don’t forget to send us a postcard! PerkSpot also delivers great savings on everyday purchases, big-ticket items, monthly costs, and more. Sign up and be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for our weekly roundup of the best deals and regularly check your portal for the newest discounts!    Time for Spring Cleaning ... and Donating Spring is a traditional time to do a "deeper cleaning" than the usual. It's a great time to revisit any good quality and useful clothing and goods that you're no longer using, too. Why not plan a council "Spring Cleaning" to collect unused clothes, books, kitchen small appliances .. really, just about anything! The number of things that can be donated is vast, and there are many places that will take various donated items. For example, clothing might be donated directly to an organization that works with the homeless. Household essentials may be accepted by organizations that are trying to help individuals or families get back on their feet in a new home. And global organizations such as Goodwill or Salvation Army take a vast number of items (see the Salvation Army's list here). Perhaps your council would want to ask your family and friends to help, too, with their donate-able items. It's a great way to introduce them to some of the things the Royal Arcanum members do. Maybe they'll want to join us!    Time for a Zoom Gathering Don't forget the next member Zoom gathering to catch up with each other is just over a week away! Please stop by to say hi to your friends from across the jurisdictions. Be part of the laughs and smiles we've shared in our previous gatherings. March 31, 2021 6 PM Eastern / 5 PM Central / 3 PM Pacific Join by using this Link: Roy's Zoom Gathering In case you just can't join with your computer or phone audio, you can still telephone in. Join by telephone from any of the phone numbers below:          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)         +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)         +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 916 9395 6331 Passcode: 344161 Please add our gathering to your calendar and plan to join us!

 

Mar 09, 2021 Newsletter #13

Hi Member, Highlights of this newsletter Connecting with other Fraternals Product Focus: Annuities Should You Get Vaccinated? Roy's Corner    Connecting with other Fraternals The Royal Arcanum is part of the American Fraternal Alliance. In fact, the Royal Arcanum is the last surviving founding member of the National Fraternal Congress of America, which later renamed itself the American Fraternal Alliance. Their mission is to unite members of the 59 fraternals they represent through advocacy, education and networking to advance the fraternal benefit society movement. There's lot of great information available through them, and it's worth looking at their web site at https://www.fraternalalliance.org. They have recently launched a Fraternal Pinboard to bring together the best stories from their fraternal societies. It is a "Pinterest-like" page that showcases community service with photos and postings from some of their member societies. It's a great place to look for ideas about community service and activities other societies are engaged in. Their initial rollout only includes 15 highlighted societies, so you won't find Royal Arcanum stories there yet, but browsing just might give your council some ideas. Check them out at https://my.cotribute.co/community/fraternal-alliance/detail.    Product Focus Annuities What is a Royal Arcanum Annuity? An annuity is a contract that provides you with a future income in exchange for deposits you make to your account. It’s a way of planning for the future, and in particular, your retirement. Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity A Royal Arcanum Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity can be opened with as little as $500.00. Interest accumulates on a tax-deferred basis. Additional deposits are flexible; you decide when and how much you choose to deposit.  Options at Maturity 1) Life income or specified time period. 2) Balance may be left on Deposit. Avoids Costs of Probate Upon death of the annuitant, the cash value of the Royal Arcanum Annuity is paid directly to the beneficiary named in the contract. It is important that your annuity has a beneficiary (and contingent beneficiary), and they are regularly reviewed and maintained. If there is no beneficiary, or if they predecease you, for example, the funds could go to your estate and / or be garnished from creditors. Cost Unlike other annuities, your Royal Arcanum Annuity has no contract fee, transaction fee or premium charge. Every dollar you pay in premiums goes into the cash value account of your Royal Arcanum Annuity and earns interest immediately. Safety Annuity deposits are protected by the total resources of the Royal Arcanum.  Return We are currently offering a 3% return for the first 6 years of the contract period, with a guarantee return of at least 2% for the life of the contract. Penalties There is a surrender charge if you withdraw funds in excess of 10% per year within the first six years of the annuity. The IRS imposes penalties on early withdrawals from tax deferred accounts. Please consult your tax professional for additional tax information. Please contact the home office to find out more about how Annuities can help your family.    Should You Get Vaccinated? The COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect hundreds of thousands of people across the globe each day, and thousands are still dying daily. The mortality rate for infections averages around 2% - 3% worldwide, with the United States hovering around 1.8% and Canada at 2.5%. Vaccinations are now becoming available, but some are concerned about the side effects. While there can be no guarantee of complete safety, the total number of deaths reported after getting vaccinated is very low. The vaccines that were produced and are available are very safe and have been rigorously tested for efficacy and safety. For example, in the United States, the number of people who have died after receiving the vaccine is 0.003% -- again, with those having other underlying conditions. The CDC reports that there is no evidence that there is any link to the vaccine. Even if there was, the risk is nearly 1,000 times safer than the risk if you catch COVID. If you do have some concerns, please consult your doctor to see if your specific risks warrant holding off on getting vaccinated; but for the vast majority of people, the vaccine is safe and effective and is encouraged. We hope all our members can stay safe and we can all soon gather together in our council meetings and beyond. Until then, stay safe!    Roy's Corner It's time for another Zoom meeting to catch up with each other. Join us March 31, 2021 6 PM Eastern / 5 PM Central / 3 PM Pacific Join by using this Link: Roy's Zoom Gathering In case you just can't join with your computer or phone audio, you can still telephone in. Join by telephone from any of the phone numbers below:          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)         +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)         +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 916 9395 6331 Passcode: 344161 Please add our gathering to your calendar and plan to join us!

 

Feb 23, 2021 Newsletter #12

Hi Member, Highlights of this newsletter A Message from our Supreme Chaplain New Supreme Council Session IFS Reimbursement Reminder Scholarship requirements deadline Spring Bulletin submissions    A Message From Supreme Chaplain Evelyn Magarban As we continue to cope with Covid 19, the cold weather and in New Jersey, more snow than we like, the members of Versatility Council have kept in touch with its members by telephone and e-mail. Because of the generosity of the members we are still able to continue with our charitable projects. Here are a few: We were able to provide Christmas gifts to children at the Felician School for Exceptional Children in Lodi, New Jersey. We couldn’t forget our animal friends and made a trip with a donation to the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro. St. Lucy’s Shelter in Jersey City provides shelter, food and training to both men and women in need. Our members collect flip flops and small bottles of soaps, lotions and shampoos for its residents.  We look forward to spring and maybe a time when we will be able to see our family and friends again. I am fortunate to still be able to work, some days in the office and some days at home. I have been able to spend time with my grandson and some of my family that I see on a regular basis. I miss our Royal Arcanum meetings and social gatherings and look forward to seeing my Royal Arcanum Family again soon. Stay well. Evelyn Magarban      We've Reset the Next Session Date After reviewing the progression of COVID-19 and the rollout of the vaccines, the Executive Committee has decided to postpone the Session again, moving the next Session to March 27 - 31, 2022, or more than a year from today. This additional delay should ensure that all members will have the chance to get vaccinated, and can safely and confidently travel to Annapolis. The Session will remain at the same venue, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and the same rates will remain in effect. Please update your calendars, and please plan to attend once we can again safely gather in person.    Last Chance for 2020 IFS Reimbursements Hurry! If your council participated in an IFS project last year but have not yet requested a reimbursement, it's not too late. The International Fraternal Service Program runs on an annual basis, and the Committee will accept reimbursement requests from 2020 as long as they arrive in the Home Office by the end of February. Even if your project was from the pre-pandemic days of January 2020, you can still request a reimbursement until February 28, 2021. For fastest results, email your project to the Home Office, or if you mail it in, call them to let them know it has been sent so we can record the request arrived before the end of February. Each council is allowed up to $1,000 reimbursement each year, so any 2021 donations you have started making are also eligible to submitted. And don't forget to submit an article for the Bulletin on these and any other fraternal acts your council is participating in at this time. Please consider your local charitable organizations. Most experience a drop-off after the New Year's holiday, and with the ongoing pandemic, many have more needs and more clients than usual. Why not use this opportunity to help those in need in your area?    Only 1 Month Left for Completing Scholarship Requirements Scholarship applicants, the deadline to complete your application requirements is March 31. Be sure to get requested items all in on time to be included in consideration for our scholarships.    Bulletin Reminder The Royal Arcanum Bulletin will be accepting pictures and articles until the end of March for the Spring Bulletin. There's still time to let your fellow Arcanians know what your council has been up to and what your plans are for the Spring. Why not use this as an opportunity to think about plans and then let us know with a Bulletin article submission.

 

Feb 09, 2021 Newsletter #11

Hi Member, Well, we're more than halfway through winter now and COVID vaccines are beginning to find their way to our members. Here are some interesting items for your mid-winter reading. A Message About the Bulletin Valentine's Day Ideas Groundhog's Day Member Stories Roy's Corner    A Message About The Bulletin Our Winter Bulletin has been sent off to the publishers and will soon be on its way to your mailbox. If you don't receive the Bulletin and would like to, let us know you want it. On the other hand, if you're receiving multiple copies at your home and you don't need so many copies, we'd be happy to save some costs and reduce the number of bulletins you receive.    Make Valentine's Day Special A romantic table for two in a crowded restaurant is definitely not going to be the iconic image of Valentine's Day 2021. But that doesn't mean the day shouldn't be special! Here are some ideas to enjoy that special day this year. Why not have a candlelit dinner at home? You'll save electricity, and everyone looks great in the soft glow of a candle Turn off the TV and put on your favorite music. Maybe you'll find yourself swaying to a special song from years ago that warms your heart, or shaking it up to get your heart pumping! Time for your favorite recipes or dinner ideas. You can still order to-go from your favorite restaurant or find an easy to make but special entrée or dessert Homemade card for couples and families Remember this year by making a time capsule. Include memories from your favorite times of past years and be sure to include what you're doing this year. Place them in a box, tie a ribbon around it and mark it "Do not open until February 14" -- so you can revisit it and add to it every year. Go around the room and tell a story. Perhaps you'll reminisce about a past Valentine's Day, or your family could take turns on "chapters" of an adventure story. Use your smart phone and record it to enjoy again later. What better example of sharing love could there be than doing a good deed today? Make an effort to do a special, unexpected fraternal act in honor of the day. Read -- together as a family or by yourself. Rediscover the heartwarming relaxation of a good book. Perhaps match that with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.    The Groundhog Has Spoken! Last week, Punxsutawney Phil, the nation's premier weather prognosticator, saw his shadow and predicted another six weeks of winter. How he saw his shadow that snowy Tuesday morning we don't know, but who can question a groundhog who has been predicting the end of winter with a claimed 100% accuracy rate for 134 years -- nearly a decade after the founding of the Royal Arcanum. I guess we'll have to stay at home and avoid the rest of winter until the middle of March. At least, that's true in the east. In Woodstock, Illinois -- the site of the filming of the movie Groundhog's Day, Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow, and predicted an early spring in the Midwest. One can only hope. A few things are certain: Staying safely inside is a good idea, and Spring is definitely arriving next month. Let's hope we'll be able to begin to enjoy the warmer weather together.     Member Stories The Royal Arcanum has been around for over 140 years, with hundreds of thousands of members over that time. For many, the Royal Arcanum has made a profound impact on their lives, often through help received at difficult times in their lives. Perhaps a scholarship award helped to receive an education that otherwise would have been too expensive. Perhaps an insurance policy provided a financial safety net that was more than a help but a real necessity. Maybe a friendship found through a council meeting, mini-vacation, or session developed into a life-long relationship that altered the course of your life. Or maybe there's just a knee-slapping or charming tale that you love to retell as one of your fondest memories. Whatever the story, we'd love to share it with our members. If you have a narrative to retell, please share it with us, and we'll share it with our members.    Roy's Corner Royal Arcanum members met for over an hour at the last Zoom gathering, catching up with each other. Eight different connections with 13 members joined us. What fun! Jan Brazas was able to join us only by phone, and it was great to at least hear her and have her join in. Plan on joining our next gathering yourself!

 

Jan 26, 2021 Newsletter #10

Hi Member, Highlights of this newsletter A Message From the Assistant General Counsel We Are Now Licensed in Texas! Scholarship applicants - Get your documents in Make your 2021 IFS donations Roy's Corner - Zoom Gathering Tomorrow!    A Message From Assistant General Counsel Matthew D'Emilio It is common – indeed, standard procedure – for a member to designate his or her spouse as the beneficiary of his or her Benefit Certificate.  But what happens to the proceeds of the Benefit Certificate if the member and his or her spouse get divorced?    If the member did not update his or her beneficiary designation, the answer is . . . it depends.  While a divorce decree, separation agreement, or court approved property may dictate the payment of the proceeds of a Benefit Certificate, that is not always the case.  Further, many (but not all) states have legislation or case law on this subject.  Believe it or not, the prevailing rule is that a divorce does not operate to invalidate a proper beneficiary designation!  The result is a distribution of the proceeds to a former spouse.  That is often not the intended result.   It is critical to keep your beneficiary current on your Benefit Certificate.  You cannot rely on your divorce paperwork or state default rules to pay the proceeds to the “correct” person.  Be sure to review your beneficiary designation periodically to ensure that the proceeds from your certificate pass to the intended recipient.    It is simple to change your beneficiary – all you have to do is complete and sign a change of beneficiary form.  To get the form, simply call the Home Office or print it from the Royal Arcanum website. If your interested in the Life Insurance Products and Annuities that we offer please review our website for more information with the link below. If you’re looking for a policy change form such as a change of beneficiary click on the link below” https://www.royalarcanum.com/products.html https://www.royalarcanum.com/forms.html    Now Licensed in Texas! The Royal Arcanum is continuing to expand its operations! We are now officially licensed in Texas. This is part of our operational expansion plan to grow our membership and operational results. We're registering agents now and expect to get the benefits of this step in our multi-year plans. Do you have any relatives living in Texas? Why not sign them up as members now!    Scholarship applicants, don't delay! Scholarship applicants, be sure to get in all your documents and a recent picture before the deadline, March 31. You should have gotten a notice of all missing documents needed, just be sure to get them all in on time.    Make your 2021 IFS Donation Now! Don't forget that each Subordinate Council and each Grand Council is each eligible for reimbursement of half their qualifying donations, up to $1,000 each year! Why not help your community and/or your council's favorite charities? We look forward to sending your council a reimbursement check soon! And don't forget that any 2020 donations should have their IFS program request sent into the home office by the end of February. That's just a month away, don't wait!    Roy's Corner Zoom gathering tomorrow! We will be having our second Zoom gathering tomorrow afternoon / evening, on Wednesday, January 27 at 6 PM Eastern / 5 PM Central / 3 PM Pacific. Come join us and catch up with your friends from other Jurisdictions. It's so simple, just use this link on your smart phone or computer. If you have video, you can let your friends see you. If not, you can still see them and talk to them through your phone or computer microphone and speakers. Besides catching up, it's a great opportunity to see how you can use Zoom for your own council meetings. No need to register, just click this link to join the meeting. Hope to see you there!