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

On May 18, several Rainbow Girls went out to Grandview Beach and planted sea grass. The purpose of this is to help prevent erosion. I belonged to group B. After planting several grasses, we decided making an assembly line would be the best. For example, someone would drill the hole (for the grass), another person would put a teaspoon of fertilizer, and another would place the grass in the hole. Lastly, another person covered the hole. We kept that assembly line going, which was very efficient. After about 45 minutes to an hour, we finished. We all had a blast while also helping the environment.

Dharma

Hampton Assembly #2

Today we helped ROC Solid build a playground for a girl named Emily in Chesterfield. First, we unloaded mulch then we helped carry the playground to the yard and lastly we laid mulch. After the playground was built, we had a cookout and surprised Emily. Working with ROC Solid and being able to help Emily was a wonderful experience.

                In Rainbow Love and Service

Lindsey

Smithfield #5

Hi my name is Madison  and I am the Past Worthy Advisor of Hampton Assembly #2. During my term I chose as my charity The Wounded Warriors Project.  The Wounded Warriors Project helps the severely injured soldiers and their families get counseling, peer mentoring, find jobs and transitioning back into the work place. I chose this charity because I have several family members that have served and are currently serving our country, one is even a wounded warrior as well as a Master Mason.

My goal for my term was to raise $1,000 for my charity and thanks to the hard work of the rainbow girls of Hampton Assembly #2 and the support of the Masons, I am proud to say that we reached our goal and raised a total of $1034.92 for the Wounded Warriors Project. We achieved this by having lots of car washes and having a fish fry that raised over $700. Without the support of Monitor Lodge 197, Army Navy Lodge 301, and The International Order of the Rainbow for girls, Hampton Assembly #2 wouldn’t be what it is today and for that I thank you for your continued support.