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Sis. Betsy Plays Betsy

Published on October 15, 2013October 15, 2013 by parainbowgirls

On October 3, 2013, the young ladies of Martha Assembly No. 11, meeting in Washington, PA, were treated to a special program. Members of the Valley of Pittsburgh, AASR, performed the “Lincoln Allegory” for the Assembly. This play, formerly a Scottish Rite Degree, is used by Valleys to explain the teachings of the Scottish Rite and how its Degrees are conferred.

This performance was even more special, as Mr. Don Boehm wrote an addition to the play which included a character called “Nurse Betsy.” Portrayed by Sis. Betsy Stowinsky, Grand Faith, the Nurse Betsy character marks the first time that a woman has been added to this production. Sis Betsy was excited to take the stage and enjoyed her experience very much.

Watching from the crowd that evening were several members of the larger PA Rainbow family, including Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy, and her husband, Dennis; Sis. Ashleigh Barlow, Grand Service; Sis. Moriah McGuirer, Grand Representative to Florida; and Sis. Holly Stowinsky, Junior Grand Executive.

New Castle No. 1 Springs into OV

Published on May 15, 2013 by parainbowgirls

On April 27, 2013, New Castle Assembly No. 1 held its Official Visit. In attendance for the event was Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy and Sis. Nikki Schafer, Grand Worthy Advisor. Other Grand Officers in attendance included Tara Miller, Grand Treasurer; Kayce Kushman, Grand Representative to Ohio; Lisa Walker, Grand Charity; Ashleigh Barlow, Grand Representative to California.

For the visit, the Assembly hosted a “Spring Fling” Dance for the Masonic Youth Groups. Several Rainbow girls from Ohio, along with Bro. Alex Rauschenberger, State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay, were present. All of the participants were complimentary of the dance and food.

One Dressy OV

Published on April 11, 2013 by parainbowgirls

On March 17, 2013, Morrisville Assembly No. 107 held an official visit for Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy, and Sis. Nikki Schafer, Grand Worthy Advisor. The girls, along with two prospects, got together at A Musical Wardrobe, in Hulmeville, where they had a blast trying on a variety of costumes and dresses, ranging from SpongeBob and Snow White to beautiful, flowing ball gowns. There was even a snake outfit and of course, the traditional wedding gown with long train. With a warehouse of options to choose from, everyone went window-shopping crazy until they found just the right outfit to try on and accessorize. Even the adults joined in as fashion consultants to help the girls find the right sizes and colors.

Afterwards, the girls played improvisation games where they had to pretend to be a cat, or to be rich, or to even act like a guy. They also told stories around a circle, one sentence at a time. In the course of one of the stories, the Grand Worthy Associate Advisor, Sis. Kathryn Webster, was eaten by a unicorn! And, of course, the story wouldn’t be complete without some mention of Tinkerbell and Peter Pan. We rounded out the event of fun and fellowship with a picnic-style pizza party.

Western PA Assemblies Hold Joint OV

Published on March 27, 2013 by parainbowgirls

On February 26, 2013, three Assemblies held a joint Official Visit for Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy, and Sis. Nikki Schafer, Grand Worthy Advisor. The Assemblies included were Faith No. 150, Ohio Valley No. 157 and Beaver Valley No. 187

The event was a Mystery Dinner in Neverland, with welcome and introductions done by Sis. Caitlin Gresham, Worthy Advisor of Ohio Valley No. 157, and Sis. Amanda Herzog, Worthy Advisor of Beaver Valley no. 187. Grand Officers present included Erin Polnar, Grand Choir Director; Margaret Herzog, Grand Musician; Amanda Herzog, Grand Representative to Alabama; Katie Hagood, Grand Representative to Georgia; Lauren Williams, Grand Representative to Indiana; Ashleigh Barlow, Grand Representative to California.

As the guest arrived they “ordered” their meal utilizing a coded system. The items were served then in order they were ordered, included food, utensils, beverage and a napkin. Members of the Advisory Boards served the meals in three courses. It was fun to watch as the courses were served and to see the reactions to what was placed in front of the guest. Some had to eat with their fingers, while others had the hardship of eating their dessert first – jello in seven colors, sprinkled with fairy dust. In total, there were about 50 diners, including members of the Lilies of the Valley Pledge Group.

An Update From Mrs. Snedden

Published on March 13, 2013 by parainbowgirls

The good news is, PA Rainbow has maintained its membership through 2012. The total number of Rainbow Girls in PA December 31, 2011 was 325. When all the 2012 annual reports were in and the membership numbers totaled, we initiated as many girls as reached their majority. We are excited about our future as we continue to grow.

The better news is, we have been growing our Assemblies from the Pledge Groups. One example of this is Kittanning Assembly No. 39. The Assembly had one Rainbow Girl left on the books. There were no meetings, activities or events. I, Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy, was approached by some Eastern Star members at Grand Chapter who asked, “What can we do to keep Rainbow in Kittanning?” and “How do we start all over to have an Assembly?”
An organizational meeting of interested Masons and Eastern Stars was scheduled and a plan was outlined and put into place. Under the direction of then DDGM Roger Johnson, Kittanning East Brady Lodge No. 244 and Seneca Lodge No. 805 added their support and became additional sponsors along with Kittanning OES Chapter No. 271.
At Grand Assembly 2011 two daughters of a Kittanning Rainbow Majority Member proudly joined their mother’s Assembly. However, living over two hours away they are not able to be active members. The other member is currently going to college in Florida.
v The new Advisory Board put most of their efforts into establishing the Little Sunbeam Pledge Group. There are eight girls who regularly attend Pledge. They are able to hold their meeting on the second floor of the Masonic Lodge Building where a dedicated Rainbow room has been established.
The best news is, the first Little Sunbeam has turned 11 and was extremely excited to become a “real” Rainbow Girl. On Monday, February 25, 2013 she was initiated into Kittanning Assembly. The Grand Worthy Advisor, Nikki Schafer, and 10 other Rainbow Girls from Irwin Assembly No. 42 and Vandergrift Assembly No. 105 conferred the degrees. It was a beautiful night. Kittanning Assembly is another shining example of how an inactive Assembly can regroup and start again.