Visiting Grandma Rainbow

On December 8^th, Kensley, Mom Kim, and I made our annual visit to our adopted grandmother we call Grandma Rainbow. She is the sweetest lady and her husband, Grandpa Rainbow, love to support our organization and freemasonry in general. We always try to make it out to see them and put up their Christmas decorations. The adventure started when I was picked up. Kensley and mom Kim love to blast Christmas music in the car, especially when they know I’ve had to listen to it in repeat at work for hours on end. Once we arrived the two gave us a warm greeting. Everything was brought down from the attic by her son except the tree stand. I got a flashlight and went up into the attic looking for it. Once I was deep into the attic I heard a call from the living room, “Lauren, you can come down from there! It was down here all along!” After descending the ladder to the attic, we helped her learn how to use the voicemail on her phone. Then we began setting up the tree. There were new colorful bulbs this year and grandma told us stories while we worked. We even got to see a newspaper clipping of grandpa rainbow when he was young. It was an article to thank those who fought in World War II. Then we set up some decorations around the tree and left the rest out for grandma to decide what she wants to keep or donate. We chatted a while longer and she thanked us for everything we do. She got teary and gave us hugs. She’s truly like a grandmother to us. She’s a funny and caring lady who loves to love others. I feel blessed every time I get to see her and she reminds us how blessed she is to see us. We invited her to some functions coming up for the grand year and said our goodbyes. She waved at us as we drove off and we stopped for lunch to discuss rainbow road trips we wanted to take together. It was a great way to spend our Saturday!

With Rainbow Love and Service,

Lauren Ann

On December 1st Hampton Assembly put on a dinner theater to raise money for the girls and our term charity, “Water is Life”. All the girls showed up ready for the last dress rehearsal early in the afternoon. We put on our costumes and began running through the play. Last minute questions were answered and we managed to finalize everything. As people came in to claim their seats, our many different characters greeted them and passed out salad. The play was broken down into 4 scenes so we could serve dinner in between. With the help of mom Toney and mom Beth, we served a delicious soup, baked ziti, and mini strawberry cheesecakes. The play went on with some improv and lots of laughs. It was the story of how the country cousins of Cricket County were moving to the city after claiming their Uncle Zeke’s will. Sara, Amelia, Dad Joe, and Elise played the city cousins. Kensley, Jasmine, Reagan, Audrey and I played the country cousins. Alex was the real estate lady, Dad Gansler was Santa, and Dad Mike was the narrator. Everyone’s participation was heartwarming and we all had a great time. 

With Rainbow Love, 

Lauren Ann

On Sunday December 2nd, Mom Kim, Kensley, Lauren, Sara and Reagan went to Ashburn to help with their Initiation. On the way up everyone was listening to Christmas music and got in the holiday spirit. Once we got to the lodge that we had never been before, Ella showed us to the bathroom so we could change. We had to walk down very twisty stairs to reach the bottom of the lodge. They were very scary but fun at the same time. We were warned that we had to be within two steps of the person in front to successfully stay upright. Before the initiation the pledges had their meeting and it was adorable. Then initiation began. Everyone did an amazing job and we’re so happy to have a new sister, Riley. They had very good food down stairs and we got presents for helping out which we are so thankful for. On our way home we all clustered together to sleep but it didn’t last long before mom Kim turned Christmas music back up. Lauren was half asleep and really wanted goldfish so we made her dance to the music to earn them. I had so much fun with my Rainbow sisters and advisors and can’t wait to watch Riley grow with everyone else. 

With Rainbow Love And Service,

Reagan

Monte Carlo night 

Manassas Assembly held an absolutely phenomenal fundraiser on November 3rd. Kensley, Mom Kim, Mom Toney, and I showed up in our fanciest attire. We had boas and lucky charms. We were ready to get our gamble on! We walked in on a red carpet and got our photos taken. Then we were give $500 in funny money that we exchanged for chips to play at the tables. There was roulette, black jack, and craps. I spent most of my time at the black jack table watching people’s money rise and fall. Delaney’s stepfather joined halfway through the night and managed to get up to $7000 in chips then lost it all on one play! At the very least, the fundraiser taught me how easy it is to lose money! I ended up breaking even with $500. Manassas had raffles set out and you could purchase a ticket for every $250 in chips you had. Unfortunately I didn’t win anything, but the experience was the real prize. I made sure to hit up the mashed potato bar and get a nonalcoholic cocktail from the bar tender. I also enjoyed the live entertainment. There were many people that got up to sing and play instruments. Kate did a great job setting everything up and they raised a lot for breast cancer research. It was a wonderful evening to support a good cause! 

With Rainbow L&S, 

Lauren Ann