Richmond Assmeblies very own Chante’ entered a photo in the competition “Diversity Means” and won first place at her school, Varina, and second place overall for the whole county. We are very proud of her and her photography.

When asked about what her photo meant she said, “I believe that my photography submission reflects the theme diversity means to me; equality, respect and a genuine caring for each. It reminds of the basic tenants of human respect and dignity and we reflect that we are not as Jessie Jackson once noted “blankets woven from one thread, one color, one cloth”. The symbolism of holding hands provides a reminder of our diverse culture and community; and the need to support one another regardless of age, race, religion or gender.”

Arlington National Cemetery is home to more than 14,000 soldiers who fought in WWI, WWII, the Civil, Korean and Vietnam wars, and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The Cemetery offers a final resting place for our fallen armed forces. Sadly the Cemetery performs anywhere from 25 to 30 burials a day. Every December Worcester Wreath Company in Maine donates more than 220,000 wreaths to be placed on the head stones of all the graves as a way of thanking all of our fallen heroes for giving up everything, although a wreath could never even come close to demonstrating our appreciation for all that the men and women in uniforms do for us. On December 10th Hampton Assembly had the Honor of helping them in placing the wreaths. To be asked to participate in this tradition was an amazing opportunity that we will not soon forget. While we were there a man who was in the Navy was walking near me and I happened to over hear his conversation with his son. His son asked, “How many people do you know that are buried here?” He answered this by saying, “I know about 20 people just this month who have been laid to rest here, 7 of them just last week.” To hear this not only broke my heart but also made me realize that so many people go out to war leaving their families behind to fight for our right to even be able to go home to our families. So thank you to every soldier who was and is still fighting this war.

In Rainbow Love and Service,
Madison
Grand Representative to Colorado and New York
Hampton Assembly #2

On December 20, 2011 Smithfield Assembly had their annual Holiday party.  To start the party we had a ton of food! After everyone had began to eat, Lauren and I(Stevie) revealed a surprise to the assembly. We had picked a superlative for each girl, prospect, pledge and adult.

Brittany was our only prospect and she received most active prospect.I was given best scented and I gave Lauren prettiest hair. Maddy received best memorizer, Lindsey received party animal, Victoria received most missed, abbey was given most athletic, Nellie was given most lovable, Kendra was given craziest girl, Vanessa received best attitude Michelle was most productive, Kirsten received most humorous, Nina was given gracefully clumsy, Caitlyn received prettiest eyes, Sydney got best smile, Emily received  most adorable, Casey  is friendliest, Tatiana has best imagination, Lauren received most kind hearted, Mom Phipps is most huggable, Mom Baise is most reliable, Mom Knodel received hardest worker, Dad Utt  got best dressed, and lastly was our cutest pledge, Alexis.

Everyone was very happy with their superlatives. After receiving their awards everyone decorated rainbow bags and made gingerbread men. It was a very fun and memorable night.

In Rainbow Love and Service

Stevie

Grand Musician and Grand Representative to Oregon

Smithfield Assembly #5

On January 7, 2012, Wayne County Association in Michigan celebrated Worthy Grand Matron’s Day at the Flat Rock Masonic Temple.

This has been a custom in Wayne County for many years;  everyone comes together to honor the current WGM and her Grand Family to share a day of fellowship.  WGM Day is known to be the “Kick Off” for the Grand Family.  The following week and months Michigan Grand Officers will participate in Grand Officers Exemplification plus Visitations to the various Chapters.

This Year’s, Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Nancy Martin, is honoring the three Masonic Youth Groups.  It was truly a very enjoyable day with Ms. Katie Norman Carter, who is a PGWA from the State of Virginia as our entertainment.  She is a Music Therapist sharing her talent with a musical instrument, and of course, her beautiful voice.  She was able to have the audience of over 200 members participate with much enthusiasm. We all left feeling full of energy and happiness.    

The day was a wonderful experience having Eastern Stars come together.  In Michigan, this year we are building our future using tools of Fun, Friendship, Peace and Harmony.  Katie was our “Energizer Bunny” and we were all grateful we could spend an afternoon with such a beautiful person.  Many have stated they hope we will see more of Katie in our Travels. 

Nancy A. Martin

WGM, Michigan