Category: News

On Sunday, November 24, 2013, a light snow blanketed Western PA, but warm and fuzzy feelings abounded as Irwin Assembly No. 42 and Vandergrift Assembly No. 105 held a joint Official Visit for the year. In attendance was Sis. Kathryn Webster, Grand Worthy Advisor, and Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy. Also present were several Grand Officers: Sis. Katie Lasswell, Grand Charity; Sis. Lauren Bono, Grand Fidelity; Sis. Christine Phelps, Grand Outer Observer; Sis. Kayla Grudowski, Grand Standard Bearer—Christian and Sis. Camryn Grudowski, Grand Representative to Kentucky.

The event started with an informal discussion (story time) with Mrs. Snedden. A School of Instruction followed with Mrs. Snedden “walking” the girls through the floor work for opening and closing. There was a random draw (blindly picking a station out of a bag) and girls sat in different chairs than they might normally. It was a fun way to learn ritual! The group also had a few majority members assist in the bow stations along with some helpers from Johnstown Assembly No. 35. 

After the Instruction there was a Prospect party with Westmoreland Chapter DeMolay. Good food! Good fellowship! Good tunes for Dancing! Fun times teaching DeMolay line dances!

On Saturday, November 23, 2013, eight members of Franklin Assembly No. 19, and their chaperones, hosted an official visit of Sis. Kathryn Webster, Grand Worthy Advisor, and Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy. Also in attendance were Grand Officers Sis. Amanda Lewis, Grand Treasurer; and Sis. Samantha Connor, Grand Representative to Colorado. For the visit, the group participated in the annual Holiday Light-Up Parade in Franklin, PA.

The Assembly built a float for the parade which featured an African Safari theme, in keeping with Sis. Kathryn’s theme for the year. It was decorated with lights, a tiger, and played music from the Lion King movie. The members sang and danced along side the float as it made its way along the parade route. Five year old Lauren McGill played the part of Simba, while the Sisters of the Assembly wore safari hats and binoculars.

While the weather for the parade was snowy and cold, the warmth of Franklin Assembly kept everybody going. The hot chocolate served after the parade helped too!

Author – Sis. Amanda Herzog

On November 12, 2013, the Beaver Valley Pledge group held a “Giving Thanks” card party. At this party, the Tinkerbells made over 25 cards to be sent to soldiers overseas!  The young girls were taught about the sacrifice, service, and bravery that all the men and women that serve have. With a new appreciation for Veterans Day, they designed cards themselves that will be written in by the Rainbow Girls in the Assembly.  The cards will be sent off in time for the holiday season, hopefully to bring a smile to a face.

In attendance were five of the Tinkerbells pledge group members, along with Sister Brittany Myers, Sister Amanda Herzog, Grand Immortality and several adults that smiled down proudly.

On October 26, 2013, fifteen Rainbow Girls, from seven different Assemblies in Western PA, assisted with the Halloween Party at the Masonic Village at Sewickly. The young ladies helped to decorate the Assembly room and escorted 75 residents from their rooms to the event.

Grand Officers present included Sisters Lisa Walker, Grand Worthy Associate Advisor; Stephanie Rickert, Grand Recorder; Ashleigh Barlow, Grand Service; Libby Barlow, Grand Rep to California; Becca Ross, Grand Rep to North/South Dakota.

The members also created skits for the residents, played games, and sang Halloween carols. Before taking everyone back to their rooms, the girls also assisted in serving a snack. This is just another great example of Rainbow service!

Autumn Zimmerman was installed as Worthy Advisor of Ohio Valley No. 157 Rainbow. The ceremony was held on September 14, 2013 at Coraopolis Masonic Temple.

Autumn was installed by Danielle Dunmire, Past Grand Worthy Advisor of PA. Autumn’s installing officers were: Katherine Lasswell, Installing Officer, Grand Charity from Irwin No. 42; Stephanie Rickert, Installing Chaplain, Grand Recorder from Faith No. 150; Sue Ellen Coleman, Installing Marshall, Past Grand Worthy Advisor of PA; Ronni Edwards, Installing Recorder, PWA of Hope No. 186; Lindsay Zimmerman, Installing Soloist, Ohio Valley Board member. Autumn’s officers are: Beth Ann Kushner, Worthy Associate Advisor; Caitlyn Gresham, Drill Leader; and Jenna Kroboth, Confidential Observer.

Autumn chose the blue and white zebra for her symbol. Her motto is: Let Confidence Define You. Autumn’s colors are blue, white and silver; her flower is the red rose, and her song is “Touch the Sky” from the movie Brave.

During her term, Autumn will hold a shadow night on October 22. Her welfare project is Make a Wish. One of Autumn’s service projects is Ducks for Sandy Hook. Autumn and her officers each get green and white rubber ducks to take a picture at a PA place or landmark. The ducks and the pictures will be sent to students at Sandy Hook Elementary with a tag attached that says, “Greeting from Ohio Valley Rainbow, Autumn Zimmerman, Worthy Advisor.”