Maryland’s Grand Assembly
Around 2 in the morning on March 15th, I woke up to get ready for Grand Assembly in Maryland. After making last minute checks on my packed luggage, my mom and I went to the Scottish Rite at about 4 because Lauren and Mom Heller were taking me to Maryland. Along the way, we stopped at a gas station to pick up not so healthy snacks and later picked up Katie from Fairfax. We soon arrived at Hunt Valley, Maryland and ate at Panera Bread for breakfast. Session started at 9:00, so in Rainbow time, we were dressed in our formals in less than 5 minutes. The first Session consisted of: Opening, Introductions, Initiation, and a Memorial Service. Since lunch was on our own, we went to Wegman’s and then we saw these amazing tye-dye flowers! After a mini-shopping spree, pool time, and Grand Banquet, the second Session began. This Session had a very neat program that was known as the ‘Rainbow Story’ and there was a Dad to Dad program too! After more Introductions, they announced the Grand Officer and Grand Representative appointments for 2013-2014. Lastly, there was a special program that involved the various flags. After Session was over, there was a pizza party and awards ceremony. Turns out they have a golf tournament too! The next day, the final Session took place in the morning. There were greetings from Supreme as well as out of state guests, a baby dedication, the Majority Service where Laura, the GWA of Maryland, received her Majority, more announcements, the Closing of 2013 Session, a presentation of Grand Officer gifts, signing of the Book of Time and retiring of Pins, the retiring of GWA Pin and Crown, and finally the Retiring March of 2012-2013 Grand Officers. After lunch, Lauren worked on her Grand Assembly stuff. Soon, it was time to go to the Installation Dinner. Then, Installation began. Samantha is the new Grand Worthy Advisor of Maryland. After Installation, there was a dance and I hung out with my Maryland Rainbow Sisters. The next morning, we packed our luggage and went home. It was a great weekend to see my Maryland Rainbow family!
IRL&S,
Kathy, Grand Fidelity