May 18, 2021 Newsletter #18

Hi Member, Highlights of this newsletter Introducing a new Spirit of Service Program CDC Masking Guidelines Eased Home Office News Thanks for Being part of our Video Chat     Introducing Our Newest Program The Supreme Council is happy to introduce a new program: The Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Memorial Award This program is a tribute to Donald E. Ferry, Jr., who was a Home Office Customer Service Specialist with 29 years of service, and a member of the Supreme Council Junior Committee for 22 years. Donald passed away in November 2020 but his legacy of service to our Society will be carried forth in the fraternal work and fellowship shared by the Royal Arcanum Family. With allegiance to our founding attribute of Charity and his dedicated efforts for the success of the Society’s Junior Department and its programs, Donald’s willingness to create fraternal projects and lead by example was witnessed in the Royal Arcanum for over a quarter-century. This new program is a recognition and remembrance of the inspiring and selfless dedication Donald had for the Royal Arcanum. The program’s purpose is to “See a Need and Take the Lead” in support of a children’s charity or charitable program for the benefit of children. The program runs from June 1st, International Children's Day, through November 20th, Family Volunteer Day, and is open to subordinate councils that sponsor a volunteer activity for a children's charity or a charitable cause for the benefit of children. Each year one project will be selected as the winner by a panel of independent judges and the sponsoring Royal Arcanum council will receive a $500 award for its use. The full guidelines are in the program brochure, which along with the program application are on the Royal Arcanum website. We hope every council has a chance to engage in the program as we honor Donald and his legacy.     CDC Further Eases Masking Guidelines If you've been vaccinated, good news! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. This past Thursday, at a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, said “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities – large or small — without wearing a mask or physically distancing. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.” As a reminder, "fully vaccinated" are those who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose. The changes come as the number of Americans who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has topped 154 million, or more than 46% of the U.S. population. The aggressive campaign to get Americans vaccinated is paying off with lower numbers of new cases and fewer death rates. If you haven't yet been vaccinated, it's not too late. Vaccination appointments are much easier to get than they were even a few weeks ago, and many are accepting walk-ins. Some states and businesses are offering incentives to those who are not yet vaccinated. We are hoping the progress against this virus continues and that as our members achieve "fully vaccinated" status, we'll all soon begin to rejoin all of our normal council activities.    Home Office News The Royal Arcanum wishes long-time Home Office Associate Dough Kahn good luck after 21 years of service. He has been a fixture in the Home Office, working in supporting accounting, paid agent commissions, and many other critical but behind the scene roles. We appreciate his years of service to our councils and members, and thank him for his more than two decades of service!    Roy's Corner Thanks to members who tried out the new free Royal Arcanum Video Chat service! Our video gathering on May 13 was small, with only 5 members joining us. Connecting was quick and easy, but David and Joanne Covelli had a problem with granting microphone access, so they dropped off early. We are exploring answers to their issue and will provide additional instructions prior to our next gathering.

 

May 04, 2021 Newsletter #17

Hi Member, We hope the longer days and sunshine are providing you with opportunities to connect with your family and friends! Here are some thoughts as we begin May: Annual Reports May is a busy month! Don't forget about IFS projects CDC Easing Restrictions for Those Fully Vaccinated Product focus: 20 Pay Life Roy's Corner:  A Royal Arcanum Video Chat Gathering    Annual Reports for Councils Watch your mail! This month, we will be sending out reminders for the annual council reports. Council secretaries can get a jump on the reports by downloading the Grand Council Annual Report or the Subordinate Council Annual Report forms.    May is the Month for... Mental Health Awareness Month Millions of people suffer with mental illness. During May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness, strives to raise awareness about mental health. This year their theme is You Are Not Alone. ALS Awareness Month The Muscular Dystrophy Association dedicates the month of May to awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS. It is a disease of the parts of the nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement, where motor neurons are gradually lost, leaving muscles to become weak and non-functional. Their campaign to find a cure was announced on April 26 and extends through Lou Gehrig’s Day on June 2. Military Appreciation Month The U.S. Congress first designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives in the military. We honor all those who have served both in the U.S.A. and in Canada, to recognize the contributions made on behalf of us all.    IFS Reminder Councils, remember that your International Fraternal Service projects can earn you a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for donations or cost of projects. Spring is a typically slow time for charitable giving, but the organizations supported through your generosity is needed year-round. If you need an inspiration, consider the three very worthy organizations listed above for IFS project subjects. We look forward to seeing your project requests soon.    CDC Updates The CDC has issued new guidelines for fully vaccinated people (two weeks after both doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or two weeks after a single dose of Johnson & Johnson). Outdoor activities for those fully vaccinated is considered safe without masks, except for crowded, outdoor events like a live performance, parade, or sports event -- in those cases, they still recommend wearing a mask. This is in addition to the earlier guidelines for those fully vaccinated and indoor activities, from early March, and on travel from early April. Let's keep our fingers crossed that things keep getting better! Our Home Office continues to follow COVID-19 safety measures that were implemented last year.    Product Focus: 20 Pay Life Insurance Do you know anyone who lost their job and benefits due to the COVID pandemic? Perhaps their only life insurance was the coverage they received while employed. What a great reminder of the importance of whole life insurance policies. A great choice is the 20 Pay Life plan, where you pay a fixed amount for 20 years, and no payments afterwards. Like all whole life plans, Twenty Payment Life provides a living benefit, providing permanent protection while building cash value each year. Some key benefits are: Protection for life. Unlike term insurance, Whole Life doesn't expire or go down in value as long as the coverage is not cancelled due to non-payment or fraud Cash Value. The policy builds cash value, which can be borrowed against as a loan in accordance your policy Guaranteed Death Benefit – The amount your loved ones receive is guaranteed Level Premiums – The rate you pay for your policy will never increase Accidental Death Benefit – A rider is available providing for payment of double the amount of the basic certificate in case of accidental death Waiver of Premium – For a few pennies more, all premium payments are waived in case of permanent disability while your full benefits continue Dividend Participation – After two years of membership, the certificate participates in dividend distributions Certificate Loans – Loans are available on the security of the certificate for a sum equal to the cash value Fully Paid Up – Certificate is endorsed as fully paid-up for designated face amount at the end of 20 years We recommend you review coverage for yourself and for your family regularly. It's a great way to offer protection to your family and know that the Royal Arcanum reinvests their profits in your community. Contact your council's volunteer recommenders or the Home Office if you have any questions or would like to add or increase your protection, or want to sign up a new member.      Roy's Corner Roy is eager to try out the new Royal Arcanum Video Chat Service. There are a few differences from the Zoom video service, which make it much easier to use, but should be kept in mind. Only 16 connections are allowed – So far, we've not had 16 connections for our gatherings, so it shouldn't matter, but if you can't get in, this is likely why. Don't try out the link early – The video link is intended to be used on the day of the gathering, and using it early could result in the link expiring before our gathering. You can join a few minutes early if you like, then sit back and enjoy visiting. Grant access to your camera and microphone – The video chat service will ask for access to your camera and microphone, so don't forget to grant access to join the gathering. No telephone-only access – With the video chat service, there is no option to join in by telephone only for those without smart phone, tablet, or computer access. So, when will we next gather? Let's try next for next week: Thursday, May 13, at 6 PM Eastern / 5 PM Central / 3 PM Pacific Join by using this Link: Royal Arcanum Gathering Please add our gathering to your calendar and plan to join us!

 

Apr 20, 2021 Newsletter #16

Hi Member, We have an exciting new member benefit today along with updates from your Executive Committee. New Member Benefit: Free Video Chat service! Executive Committee Meeting Summary SAT Preparation Fee Reimbursements Updated form for IFS Requests Roy's corner    New Member Benefit: Free Video Chatting! We are happy to announce a new free member benefit: Royal Arcanum Video Chat service! We have already offered to sponsor council meetings through our teleconference and Zoom services, which are business-level services that have been purchased. But this is different: this is a free video chat offered to every member of the Royal Arcanum! Any of our members can use this service to have a video call with up to 16 people at no cost to you. The service is easy to use. No special app is needed, only your web browser. It works with any kind of smart phone, tablet, or computer that has a camera, microphone, and speaker. The first time you use it, it will ask you to give your permission to use your camera and microphone, and then you're ready to use it. You can either start a chat immediately, or plan one for the future, using a link you can copy and send to those you want to have a chat with. We are proud to be continually adding new benefits for our members. Benefits such as the Royal Perks program and this video chat service are just an example of the benefits of being a member. Don't forget to brag to your friends and family about these benefits in addition to the terrific protection and investment products we have. Steps to use the video chat service 1. Use the video chat web link below Use your phone, tablet, or computer browser to go to the Royal Arcanum Video Chat page. 2. Select Chat Now or Chat Later You can immediately start a chat by selecting the CHAT NOW button. If you instead select CHAT LATER, a link that you can use later for a video chat will be copied to your clipboard. 3. Grant access to your camera and microphone As you join the chat room, you will be asked to allow access your camera and microphone. 4. Send the chat link The link to your video chat will be copied to your clipboard to send as a text or email to those you want to join you in the video chat. Paste it and send it to them and in just a few minutes, you'll be chatting! That's all there is to it. Happy chatting!    Executive Committee Meeting Summary The Executive Committee met by teleconference on March 23 & 24. Highlights of the meeting have been sent to officers and council secretaries. Here is a quick summary of those highlights: Our investment portfolio recorded a modest increase from last September through this past February Discussions on the current and future impact of the pandemic on our society Charitable work has continued despite the pandemic We had a financially difficult year overall due to the pandemic impact, a Massachusetts Department of Insurance change in considering the stock portion of our portfolio, and low yields available in the bond market Operations increased both first year and recurring premiums in 2020 The Pre-Need product was eliminated The pandemic delayed income expected from the Medical Supplement initiative The Executive Committee is exploring the ways of reducing costs and increasing revenue A new program to create a Donald E. Ferry Spirit of Service Memorial Award is being developed to honor the service that Donald shared with us for three decades The Grand Council of Ohio has been reactivated with new officers being elected and installed   SAT Prep Fee Reimbursements 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. Speaking of college ... the scholarship winners will be announced next month! We'll let you know when we receive the notice.    Updated IFS Form The International Fraternal Service Program request form has updated by the IFS Committee to make it a bit clearer to use. Key changes are:   The form and the attachments can be emailed in for faster response time. The top of the form now shows not only the mailing address, but the email address as well. Sometimes, proof of a donation is hard to get, and few banks provide canceled checks without a fee. The IFS Committee can accept a copy of your bank statement showing the check to the donation was cashed, ideally with a copy of the check when it was written. That has been added as a "proof of donation" in step 7 of the form. The previous form had a line for the subordinate council officer, but the IFS Program is available to Grand Councils, too. The form now asks for the council officer name and the title of the council officer, so that it is clearer who is submitting the form. There is now a box asking for the name and address to send a response. The address is important, as a reimbursement is always mailed. There is also a place to put in a response email address, where questions about the request can be sent, or where the acceptance of the request can be received quicker than using the mail. The new form is available on the Royal Arcanum web site.    Roy's Eager to Try the New Video Chat Service  Roy would like everyone to be comfortable using the new free Royal Arcanum video chat service. If you're looking to try it with someone, just send us a quick note and we'll get Roy ready to chat with you so we're ready to use it for our next video gathering.

 

Apr 06, 2021 Newsletter #15

Hi Member, Here are the highlights of this edition of our newsletter Easter and Passover greetings April is National Stress Awareness month Read the Bulletin online Follow us on Facebook Another Zoom Gathering completed   Happy Easter! Happy Passover!  Wishing all of our members a Happy Easter and Happy Passover! We hope you celebrated carefully and were able to gather safely with some of your family and friends, either in person or virtually. There is hope in the air and in our future. We hope you are all enjoying the season.    National Stress Awareness Month Spring is here! Vaccines are rolling out and are proving successful. It's holiday time. But despite all the good news, sometimes we are still feeling worried and stressed. That can be a real health issue, but don't let that stress you out. The medical community has long recognized the dangers of stress, and have found many healthy ways of dealing with it. If you're feeling stressed, some simple relaxation routines may help. For example, try to become aware of your breathing, and to slow it down, taking deep, slow breaths in and out. Maybe you feel like a rubber band being pulled too tight, try using that energy. Exercising has long been known as a way of calming the mind -- it may work for you, too. Just as stress can cause or worsen medical problems, taking care of your body can help to relieve stress. These and other techniques may help remove unhealthy stress from your life. Get more information about these and other ideas from the American Institute of Stress, and make this a more stress-free season.    Read the latest Bulletin Did you know that you can read the Royal Arcanum Bulletin online? The latest issue is available on the Royal Arcanum web site, along with past issues. Stay connected to your friends across the jurisdictions wherever you are!    Follow us on Facebook Do you have a Facebook account? Have you Liked our Facebook page? It's another way to keep up with what's going on. All approved IFS projects are posted on Facebook -- it may be the fastest way you find out that your council's project has been approved. We also post when the Home Office is closed for holidays and other timely information that we share with members and non-members alike. If you don't have a Facebook account but would like to see us on some other social media outlet, let us know and you just might find us there soon.    Roy's Corner Our latest Zoom Gathering saw a number of new participants: Rosella Berger, Joe Tedesco, Nick Benoit, Jim O’Neill, Joanie Francis, and Evelyn Magarban. They joined veteran Zoom attendees Ken & Judy Kolek & Jackie Wudkiewicz and Carl & Christine Krzystofczyk. Roy Al Arcanum, of course, made his appearance as well. We had some technical difficulties, and we're working to help resolve them for next time. Watch for future Zoom hints and tips before another Zoom event. Despite the difficulties, the conversation was terrific. From discussing sports to the latest in each other's lives to the most popular current topic about vaccinations, everyone enjoyed the time spent together. A few folks asked for the next gathering to be about an hour later, so we'll try that next time. Maybe that will work for you and you can join us!

 

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!