The Eastern Region Virginia DeMolay hosted a Winterball on Friday, February 16th at Monitor Lodge No. 197 in historic Phoebus, Virginia, which is also the home of our own Hampton Assembly No. 2. Members and prospects from various Virginia Rainbow Assemblies, Virginia Job’s Daughters Bethels and Virginia DeMolay Chapters, along with supporting adult chaperones and lodge hosts were in attendance for an evening of food, fun, and dancing!

Meeting in Waynesboro, VA on December 9, 2023, and again on January 20, 2024, a dedicated group of over one dozen adults (not all in photo) filled out documents and made a verbal commitment towards the formation of an Advisory Board for a Rainbow Club in the Blue Ridge Mountains! The real work begins now, but expect to hear a lot out of this group and region as the Blue Ridge Rainbow Club grows and works toward becoming a chartered Assembly of Virginia IORG! Email: blueridge-board-iorg@googlegroups.com or info@virginiarainbow.org for more information!

July 9th, 2023

Today was the Grand Officer and Grand representative training day at Manasseh Masonic lodge in Manassas, Virginia. There were about 20 girls in attendance from assemblies from across the state. The day started off around 10 am with fun ice breakers from Mom Jen from Hampton Assembly, which got us ready for a fun day of exploring the rainbow wilderness. Next off we learned how to give speeches with Kaitlyn, and some girls even gave speeches that they had written in under 5 minutes. Kaitlyn continued the lessons after a short break with travel etiquette tips, to show our state officers and reps how to represent Virginia. At 11:45 we wrote thank-you cards to those who had given us gifts and shown us kindness as a way to show our gratitude. Finally, lunch rolled around, but not before a quick lesson on table etiquette. After lunch, the schedule was changed a bit, and we went head first into social media safety. Then we went into the jungle and learned self defense with Mom Mel, who showed us how to take down Dad Harold. Rounding up the day was a quick lesson on auto safety, teaching us how to stay safe on the road even if we all can’t drive yet. The day was full of fun and new lessons we learned.

Becca W.

Norfolk Assembly #15

               Hello! On July 14^th through the 16^th of 2023, I got to attend South Carolina’s “Remember These Moments” Grand Assembly. This was my second year attending their Grand, and to say I was excited would be an understatement. I rode with Mom Kelly, Sam, and Dad Joe to South Carolina, so you can imagine how fun the ride down was. We listened to a LOT of Taylor Swift.

On Friday, we made it just in time for lunch and the afternoon session. During lunch, I got to see some of the amazing girls I met at the last grand and people from out of state. The afternoon session was good. We got to hear from the representatives and dignitaries before we had majority service. Everyone’s speeches were beautiful. We also found out that Ella, Sam, and I were going to be speaking during the session. Which, if anyone went to the Grand Officer Training Day, Kaitlyn Reed taught us how to speak on the fly, so that lesson definitely came in handy. They also have elections for the new GWAA during session, instead of Banquet. Congratulations to Annabelle G. on becoming this year’s GWAA of South Carolina!

On Saturday, there was only an evening session which was “Book of Memories”. So, we had a bit of time to relax, play games, and hang out with the other girls. Of course, we had to make a Target run to get some fun card games to play in the rooms. We even played Uno with the South Carolina and North Carolina girls at the lodge. Dad Joe joined in, but we made sure to give him a hard time with our Uno skip cards. (Sorry Dad Joe) We then had the evening session which was “Book of Memories”. That’s when the Grand Worthy Advisor, Bethany, shared her final speech and her appreciation towards her assembly and all of those who supported her. We then had banquet, which is somewhat like ours, where we find out the rest of the grand appointments. The new grand rep to Virginia is Anna J! She is so sweet, and I know we will see her around more often.

On Sunday, we had the Installation of Officers. Congratulations to Ashley L. on a beautiful installation and on becoming Grand Worthy Advisor! I know that this upcoming year is going to be amazing for South Carolina Rainbow. I am so excited to see what she has planned. All of the girls did a beautiful job this past weekend. I am happy to call South Carolina Rainbow family.

Over this past weekend, I have made so many amazing memories. Everyone was so welcoming to us, and that’s always something we need. I can’t wait to attend more of South Carolina’s events. Ashley and Annabelle are both going to do an incredible job. I am excited to see what’s next to come. South Carolina will always be a second home to Virginia Rainbow.

                                                                                                         In Rainbow Love and Service,

                                                                                                                                                        Noelle F. Richmond #10