When my Mom was driving we saw the building after we passed it. We had to turn around and go back. Mom and I helped Worthy Matron-Elect, Vallery, with the all the things she had to carry in for the Installation. After we helped her sit that stuff down, I helped put the decorations out. Then when I came to the kitchen, she had to show my Mom and I all the stuff we might need to help get the food out for the reception. I washed lots of serving spoons and dishes so we could use them.

The Installation was different from Rainbow and they had a lot of chairs (17) because they had a lot of people they were going to install. When Vallery had been installed she said that she was focusing on youth that is why her colors were all of the rainbows colors. Mom Janae sang several songs beautifully during the Installation. Worthy Matron Vallery was presented with her daughter’s (Danielle, Past Honored Queen, Past Worthy Advisor)  gavel that had all the Rainbow ribbons on it by her son, (Nick, Past Master Counselor) .  Both Mallory and I were introduced to the group and represented Ashburn Assembly #11.

After we were introduced, we left with Mom to help set up for the reception. Mallory and I made tea and lemonade and unwrapped all the food. Mallory cut the cake and I gave it to the ladies. We helped take food to the tables while Mom made coffee. We made sure all the food was put out and made sure it was kept full. There was a lot of food.

Before leaving, Worthy Matron Vallery gave Mallory and I a box which contained four angels. Mallory got two and I got two so it would be fair. I am looking forward to helping them out next time.

Submitted By

Samantha,
Sister of Hope
Ashburn Assembly #11

I was very excited that Katie’s Masquerade Ball did not get cancelled like the Sweethearts Dance. I had never been to a Masquerade Ball and I had gotten a new mask and everything. I was so excited and kept wanting to get there all day. It started with an adventure of my Dad driving me to the Ball. My Mom also went, but didn’t drive. It was neat, but kind of scary with all the side streets we went up and down. It was like finding a diamond in the middle of a large maze.

There in the middle of all these side streets was a huge beautiful building, the beautiful Scottish Rite Temple in Washington, DC. We found a parking spot behind the building and headed in to the fun. There were lots of girls from all over. The decorations were beautiful masks and beads. The music was playing and the deejay was a Mason from my Dad’s Lodge and also a member of my Dad’s Kena Klown group. It was different seeing him deejay versus clowning around.

There were more girls than boys, which seems to be normal. We had so much fun dancing the night away. I was surprised that I knew lots of the girls there. I did spend most of the night with the Fairfax Rainbow girls (Katie, Rachel, and Root) and out on the dance floor. I had fun learning some of the dances I didn’t know. There was also so much good food. There was something for everyone.

We helped Katie and her family clean up and put the tables back before leaving. I was really tired on the way home, but I look forward to next dance.

Submitted by

Samantha,
Sister of Hope
Ashburn Assembly #11