Category: News

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.

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.

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.

On Monday, February 25, 2013, Kittanning Assembly No. 39 hosted an official visit for Sis. Nikki Schafer, Grand Worthy Advisor, and Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy. Other Grand Officers present included Lauren Bono, Grand Outer Observer; Katie Lasswell, Grand Representative to Kentucky; Kayla Grudowski, Grand Representative to Nevada. Other visitors were from Irwin Assembly No. 42 and Vandergrift Assembly No. 105.  The presiding officers of the three sponsoring bodies were also present for the occasion.

The visit activity was the Initiation of the first member of the Little Sunbeam’s Pledge Group who turned 11 recently, making her eligible to join Rainbow. Sis. Ashleigh Claypoole was excited to become a “real Rainbow Girl.” Kittanning Assembly has no members living in the Kittanning area so this is was a big event to have a member initiated. Following the meeting and pictures there was refreshments and fellowship

On, Sunday, February 24, 2013, the members of Pitcairn Assembly No. 90 held their Official Visit for Sis. Nikki Schafer, Grand Worthy Advisor, and Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy. Other Grand Officers present were: Stephanie Rickert, Grand Love, Lauren Williams, Grand Representative to Indiana, and Ashleigh Barlow, Grand Representative to California. In total there were 40 folks present.

The group first met at Monster Golf in Monroeville, PA, for some fun “Glow in the Dark” miniature golf. Following rounds of golf, everyone had food, fun, and fellowship at Noodles & Company Restaurant. Sis. Nikki was presented a gift and she spoke about her year as Grand Worthy Advisor, putting a nice end to a great visit.