RAINBOW SPIRITMarch 2009 Official Publication of the Grand Assembly of South Carolina

Volume 9 No. 1 International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

Notes from the HartDear Rainbow Girls and Friends,

Our 54th Grand Assembly Session in June was a wonderful experience. Our host, Summerville Assembly, did so much to make this session a special memory. The ritualistic work performed by our Grand Officers was excellent, as were the costumes and reports prepared by our Grand Representatives. The Grand Choir and Grand Pages were just great. We have such talented girls…evidence was right there in the competitions. I appreciate each girl who had a part in our Grand Assembly Session and each adult who took on any responsibility; working together, you made our “In His Steps” Session beautiful!

Sister Joni Marchant, our new Grand Worthy Advisor, shared her plans with us. Our theme is “Smiling Faces, Beautiful Creations,” and our motto, “Let your dreams stay big and your worries stay small.” Our scriptures are Matthew 6:25-34 and Ecclesiastes 4:10. Our honor stations are Faith, Hope and Love; and our symbols are stars, moons, crosses and hearts. Farm animals, tractors, palmetto trees and smiley faces are our mascots. Our colors are sunshine yellow, John Deere green and palmetto blue; and our flowers are sunflowers. Our watchwords are Faith, Hope, Love and Shine. Joni also has several songs selected for us.

Our Charity Project this year is our own scholarship fund. Joni is asking us to “sip for scholarship” by collecting cans and buying can cozies to support the scholarship fund. Our Service Project is the Lowcountry Orphan Relief. In addition to collecting Silver Drill at each Official Visit and selling Grand Worthy Advisor pins, Joni is sponsoring a Penny War using our Penny Pigs and she is asking us to bring items from the orphanage’s wish list to the Official Visits.

Shortly after our Grand Assembly Session, Joni and I, accompanied by Amanda Robins and Mrs. Lipscomb, attended the Grand Assembly of Virginia. We have a special bond with our Virginia Rainbow Family, as we have a shared history of twenty years when we were the Grand Assembly of South Carolina and Virginia. It was wonderful to see many good friends and to make several new ones. I managed to miss the Charity Splash, but I understand that Daddy Don Litewski would have paid handsomely to see me doused with ice water. I did find myself bidding all my tickets for a beautiful handmade shawl. I am happy to report that I did win the shawl.

July found us bound for the Supreme Assembly Session in Chicago. You can read more about this exciting event elsewhere in this issue. In that article, you can also see all the wonderful new things that our Supreme Worthy Advisor, Mrs. Marilyn Feulner, has planned for us in 2008-2010.

We had a wonderful School of Instruction at Cayce Lodge in West Columbia on September 6. In addition to learning all about the ritual and by-laws changes, and the new programs by our Grand Worthy Advisor and Supreme Worthy Advisor, we received some ritualistic instruction. We also saw a presentation concerning our new www.gorainbow.org website, and Mrs. Alisha Millwood shared some valuable information on how your activities in our Order can assist you in applying for college and for employment.

The weekend of September 26-28 found us at the “Smiling Faces, Beautiful Creations” Grand Family Retreat. We began on Friday evening with a “Smiling Faces” welcome and orientation, followed by “Smiles Become Laughter” fun activities in which the girls were divided into groups (no girl in the group was with another from her Assembly), assigned a farm animal, and given instructions concerning the creation of original skits, cheers and songs. Following a round of learning new songs and an evening devotional, we went to our villas to get a good night’s rest. Saturday morning featured the morning devotional and the “Beautiful Creations” Grand Representatives Session, focusing on

communication—we even stamped cards to send to the counterparts. After lunch, the founder of a girls home in Harleyville came to share how one person with a passion for serving can truly make a difference in the lives of others; she was truly an inspiration! Then, we learned all types of line dances in our “Smiles in Motion” Session, followed by the “Big Dreams” Grand Officers Session focusing on leadership skills. After supper, the girls had another “Smiles Become Laughter” fun activity where they performed skits, cheers and songs. We concluded our retreat with the “Arise My Sister” praise and worship session. My sincere thanks go to Joni, her Mom Karen and Mrs. Karen Orf for their excellent planning and execution of those plans. Our Adult Chaperones were wonderful as always, providing assistance when needed. Special thanks to the Crew—John and Martha Marcucci, Ron and Sue Mitchum, and Dan Hart for the excellent meals and security. For all of these reasons, the retreat was a resounding success.

October 4 was the golf tournament to benefit our Edna D. McLaurin Scholarship Fund. This is chaired by Mr. John Marcucci and is always a tremendous success. Our Grand Worthy Advisor, Joni, was there to thank the golfers for their participation and to deliver drinks to them during the day.

Our first Official Visit was in the Indigo Area at Harleyville on October 25. Here, we were encouraged to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” with a wonderful courtesy down on the farm. Arc-en-Ciel and Dentsville Assemblies did an outstanding job that day, initiating one new member. We had a Halloween Dance afterward, where the girls put their dance lessons from the retreat into practice. It was a great day—thanks Arc-en-Ciel and Dentsville Assemblies, and Adult Workers.

December 6 found us in Charleston for the Blue Area Official Visit. What a special day that was—Joni, Mrs. Stonehocker and I received a gift of livestock in our honor to be given to families in underdeveloped countries. Dorchester-Waylyn and Summerville Assemblies did wonderful work in performing the initiation for two new members. We also enjoyed the Christmas fellowship and craft time afterward. We sincerely thank Dorchester-Waylyn and Summerville Assemblies, and their adults for hosting this for us.

January 10 found the Mother Advisors and Adult Workers at their annual seminar. We updated our handbooks and discussed issues concerning our Assemblies. We also viewed some material provided by Mr. Walt Spiller, Executive Officer of the Palmetto DeMolay Association as part of our Youth Protection Program.

On January 17, we were in Moncks Corner to enjoy the Red and Violet Area Official Visit. Berkeley, Goose Creek and Myrtle Beach Assemblies came together to initiate six new members in an impressive ceremony. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious Lowcountry meal. Then, we were off to the bowling alley for our annual Scholarship Bowl-a-Thon. Thanks to these Assemblies and their adults for a great day!

Now, we are looking forward to the other events of our Grand Year and to the upcoming Installations of Officers in the local Assemblies. I hope that, as you assume your new offices for the upcoming year, you will resolve to do two things: 1) be the best officer and Rainbow Girl that you can possibly be by living out the lessons of our Bow, and 2) bring in at least one new member to join you and your Assembly in living those lessons. Rainbow truly is the best gift that you can give a friend, because “Rainbow Gets Girls Ready for Life.”

In Rainbow Love and Service, Dedra A. HartSupreme Inspector in South Carolina

Smiling Faces, Beautiful Creations Hey South Carolina Rainbow!

Wow! Ever since our Grand Assembly Session, I have been extremely busy. Only four days after we left Columbia, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Lipscomb, Amanda Robins (Grand Representative of Pennsylvania and Virginia) and I traveled to Virginia’s Grand Assembly Session. We had an awesome time “Leaving Our Footprints in the Sands of Time” with Sister Abigayle Wood and the rest of our Virginia Rainbow Family, and then witnessing Sister Jaime Waite being installed as Grand Worthy Advisor of Virginia with “Our Rainbow Wish” as her theme.

After returning home, I proudly helped Summerville Assembly with the Installation of their Officers, where Jessica Bouknight was installed as Worthy Advisor. Six days later, Arc-en-Ciel Assembly initiated two new members: Nikki Mathus and Wanda Brooks.

Three weeks later, Mrs. Lipscomb, Heather Strebeck and I took off to Chicago, Illinois for the “Serve Rainbow with a Smile” Supreme Session. Twenty-seven other South Carolina Rainbow Girls and adults joined us. They were Jenna Cascio, Christina Burroughs, Creighton Amyx, Charlene Johnson, Brittney Powers, Elizabeth Bostic, Desire’ Webb, Caitlin Orf, Savannah Reaves, Charlotte Cook, Nicole McAllister, Mr. and Mrs. Marcucci, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchum, Mrs. Gwen Amyx, Mrs. Marcia Wadford, Ms. Judy Aughtry, Mrs. Violet Cook, Mrs. DeeAnne Reaves, Mrs. Joyce Bostic, Mrs. Rebecca Webb, Mrs. Jean Webb, and Mr. Verlie Stonehocker. We had a great time! Sister Heather was Acting Supreme Fidelity, Sister Jenna participated in the skit, and I represented South Carolina in the Cavalcade of Flags (which, by the way, was awesome). The rest of the South Carolina Rainbow Girls participated in the ritual competition, and of course, Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Stonehocker truly shone like Carolina Stars in the Supreme East. We all met a lot of fun, loving and caring Rainbow Sisters from all over the world; places like Aruba, Rhode Island, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Washington/Idaho. Many friends, memories, and Kodak moments were made, and South Carolina bonded. “We blew the Chicago Hilton up!” Ha! Ha! South Carolina truly is a wonderful state; be proud of it. As soon as we returned home on Friday, we attended the Installations of Dorchester-Waylyn Assembly and Goose Creek Assembly. Savannah Reaves was installed as Worthy Advisor for Dorchester-Waylyn and Chelsea Cannon for Goose Creek.

On September 6, we had our School of Instruction where I know we all had a blast and learned a ton of new stuff. September 26-28 was none other than our Grand Family Retreat. Did we have a blast there or what? I know I did! From cheering cheers, singing songs, making bracelets, eating, getting to know one another by eating M&Ms, DANCING, listening to music the WHOLE weekend, Grand Officers playing Jeopardy, laughing, crying, getting embarrassed by our mothers, acting like donkeys, chickens, cows, and bears, to the heartfelt, nothing but sisterly LOVE “Arise My Sister” devotional given on Sunday morning. We all had SO MUCH FUN and it was AMAZING to see everyone SMILE the entire weekend!

October 4 rolled around when we held our annual Golf Tournament for the Edna D. McLaurin Scholarship Fund. It was a lot of fun, too. “Bizzy” Bostic and I put up signs at the holes and were the golfers’ waitresses. Ha! Ha! Two weeks later, on October 25, we attended the first Official Visit of the year…the Indigo Area in Harleyville. We learned not to worry and be happy. Arc-en-Ciel and Dentsville Assemblies, and their protems did a WONDERFUL job! After the Official Visit, we had a Halloween Dance. Boy, was it HOT, but we sure had fun there, too! We always love “Thing 1 and Thing 2” (Mr. Jamie Bouknight and Mrs. Gayle Bouknight) playing our music.

November 15 was the Grand Cross of Color Observance where I attended and participated in the Mystic Ceremony. It was beautifully done by Summerville Assembly. Now, how about November 22 at the Marchant Farm? I had such a good time spending time with my Rainbow Sisters and DeMolay Brothers and their families. If ya’ll remember, we counted off and there were 103 voices and 3 that had already left. There were at least 106 people at the farm that day. It was AMAZING! I am pretty sure that the CORNIVAL was the biggest Rainbow/DeMolay event I have ever attended!

December 6 was the Blue Area Official Visit in Charleston with Dorchester-Waylyn and Summerville as the host Assemblies. They and their protems did an OUTSTANDING job. Afterward, we had our Christmas Gathering where we all just enjoyed each other’s company and got into the Christmas spirit.

After the holidays, it felt great to be back with ya’ll at the Red and Violet Area Official Visit in Moncks Corner. I, “Joni the pony,” had a great time. Goose Creek, Berkeley, Myrtle Beach Assemblies, and their protems did GREAT! Afterward, we went to Swamp Fox Bowling Alley where we bowled to raise some moolaa for the Scholarship Fund. It is Installation time, girls, and I want each and every one of you to know that I am very proud of you for taking on a new office and supporting your Assemblies. It is very important that ya’ll keep up the good work.

I cannot wait until I get to see everyone again. That will be February 21st for the Orange and Yellow Area Official Visit; however, it may be before then if ya’ll come on out to the 1st Annual Cupid’s Ball! I know ya’ll love to dance, we’ve done it ALL year, so come on out and let’s show them how it’s done! Ha! Ha!

PRETTY PLEASE DON’T FORGET Participate in the “All Smiles” ritual program Tryouts for the ritual team Sip for Scholarship Lowcountry Orphan Relief Pig PENnies

SPECIAL THANKS to EVERYONE who has donated to Lowcountry Orphan Relief. Keep the donations coming. They really appreciate them.

South Carolina Rainbow, I am having an AWESOME time this year serving as your Grand Worthy Advisor, and I TRULY am having the time of my LIFE. I hope that the second part of this year will be just as much fun as the first part, and I hope that ya’ll are having just as much fun as I am. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (after 3 LOVES, it’s TRUE LOVE) you South Carolina Rainbow, and I will see ya soon!

One more thing: Don’t ever frown, because you never know who is falling in love with your beautiful smile. Stay Shinin’Joni Marie MarchantGrand Worthy Advisor of South Carolina

SUPREME ASSEMBLY SESSION 2008Our 42nd Biennial Supreme Assembly Session was held in Chicago, Illinois, on July 27-30. There were thirty in

the South Carolina delegation—representatives from Arc-en-Ciel, Charleston, Dentsville, Dorchester-Waylyn, Greenwood, Newport, Summerville and West Columbia Assemblies—as well as Mr. & Mrs. Stonehocker and Mrs. Hart. The Session was held in a beautiful hotel, the Chicago Hilton.

The Supreme Assembly room was on a raised platform and decorated with a backdrop of a shimmering Rainbow backed by a smiley face, and the words “Serve Rainbow With A Smile.” We were given bright green bags containing our registration badges, programs and other items. There were several vendors selling Rainbow items and many of us got several souvenirs.

On Sunday, we worshipped together in an unusual service conducted by clowns and entitled, “The Day of the Clown.” We witnessed the impressive Memorial Service and Grand Cross of Color Investiture. We also enjoyed the Grand Cross of Color Brunch. The Supreme Banquet was held on Sunday evening. This was a real treat as the theme was the Roaring Twenties. Anna Davlantes, anchor of the local NBC news station and a Majority Member of Rainbow, spoke to us, and the Blooze Brothers Band played lots of music. We really enjoyed the dancing and fun!

Monday evening was the Informal Opening. We saw our own Heather Strebeck in Fidelity’s station and in all the drills. Tuesday morning was the initiation featuring all the new ritual changes, followed by the Girls’ Luncheon and Adult Workers’ Luncheon—I don’t know what the girls did in their luncheon, but we had a mystery to solve in the adult luncheon. On Tuesday afternoon, we saw Jenna Cascio participate in the skit, explaining what made South Carolina Rainbow smile. Then, we all went to the hotel restaurant together for supper. Gifts were presented to all of our participants. Mrs. Hart received the most beautiful earrings and a Chicago T-shirt.

Tuesday evening was the spectacular Cavalcade of Flags. Joni Marchant was wonderful on the floor, bearing our state flag proudly. The highlight of this was seeing Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, and hearing Mr. Lincoln give the Gettysburg Address.

On Wednesday morning, the session closed followed by the installation of the new Supreme Officers, Supreme Inspectors, and Supreme Deputies. We were thrilled that Mrs. Susan Rennagel is the new Supreme Faith and that Mrs. Linda Jenkins was installed as the new Supreme Deputy of Virginia. We still have special ties to that Sister Jurisdiction.Our new Supreme Worthy Advisor is Mrs. Marilyn Feulner of Iowa. Her theme is, “Believe,” her symbol is the butterfly, and her colors are shades of violet. She selected the Heating and Air Conditioning Fund for our International Temple as her service project, and she had indicated that we take

advantage of the products produced by the Johnson Rauhoff Marketing firm to increase our membership. She also has a service award program for the girls, which is explained in another article in this issue.

Our Illinois Rainbow Family hosted an outstanding Supreme Assembly Session. The Chicago Hilton proved to be an excellent location, as we did not have to leave the building to attend anything. We had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with each other and with Rainbow Girls from other jurisdictions. Those of us who attended this Supreme Session were truly blessed with special memories.

Remember that Supreme Sessions occur every two years. The 2010 Session will be in Omaha, Nebraska. Start making your plans and saving your money to attend. A trip to Omaha should be a worthwhile experience!

SUPREME NOTESThe Supreme Assembly Rainbow Service Awards are a way that we can exemplify our lesson of Service.

Everyday there is someone who needs your assistance. It may be someone in your family, your church, your school or your community. Girls are asked to support their organization by doing unselfish acts of service for others. The criterion for earning points is one (1) point for every hour of service. The hours of service are divided into seven (7) categories…each represented by the lessons of our Bow. For 10 hours of service in each category, girls receive a butterfly charm the color of the rainbow responding to that category. I suggest that girls start with the violet charm representing Service. With that charm, girls receive the bracelet as well. Then, work through the colors in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo. All of the information is on forms that you may obtain from Mrs. Hart or your Mother Advisor. Get them filled out and sent to Mrs. Hart as soon as possible.

Our Supreme Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma houses our offices and many Rainbow artifacts; our business is conducted and our history is preserved within its walls. Rainbow Girls built it for Rainbow Girls and its maintenance is important. Currently, it is in need of several thousands of dollars to replace the heating and air-conditioning units. Recently, we collected a Love Offering for our Supreme Temple and $75.00 was sent in honor of those who work there. Please remember our Supreme Temple Fund when you make your Assembly donations or when you consider a gift in Mrs. Hart’s honor.

The Supreme Disaster Relief Fund is a way that we can help our Rainbow Sisters in time of need. It must always have enough money so that when disaster strikes, we can be of immediate assistance. Please remember this fund when you make your Assembly donations to our projects. This is the Supreme committee on which Mrs. Hart serves this year.

The Rainbow Reflections Memorial Site is a special garden near the gravesite of our founder, Rev. W. Mark Sexson, in Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester, Oklahoma. It includes a small garden, a gazebo, and a plaque indicating the location of Rev. Sexson’s grave. In addition, three flagpoles display the American flag, the Oklahoma flag and our Rainbow flag. The walkway begins as a standard cement walk, then turns into a rainbow-colored walk, and continues with engraved bricks. Engraved bricks may still be purchased to complete the walkway. These would make lovely gifts for Rainbow Sisters or Adult Workers. Forms are available from Mrs. Hart.

Don’t forget to be saving for our Supreme Assembly Session in 2010. It will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. You may not know it, but there are many exciting things to do in Omaha. However, the most exciting part will be the Session itself. Please make plans to attend.

Academic and Extra Curricular Achievement Joni Marchant made Academic Dean's List for Fall Semester 2008. Chelsi Amyx was recently inducted into the Beta Club at Emerald High School.

Creighton Amyx had a great time as a football cheerleader last fall. Charlie Johnson is working on service hours to earn a butterfly charm bracelet through the Supreme Worthy Advisor’s service program.

Arc-en-Ciel Assembly #42Arc-en-Ciel Assembly has been very busy since we last saw

everyone at Grand Assembly. In July, we celebrated Founder's Day at Chelsea and Jordyn Eargle's house. We had hotdogs and chips and learned a little more about our founder, Rev. W. Mark Sexson. Later that month, we initiated two new members--Wanda Brooks and Nikki Mathus. We have to thank Sisters Heather Strebeck, Emily Robbins, Amanda Robbins, and Jessica Bouknight from Summerville Assembly and Sister Elizabeth Bostic from Dentsville Assembly who all came to help initiate Wanda and Nikki. On July 19, Joni Marchant, Taylor Childers and Mrs. Karen Orf attended the Installation

Ceremony at the DeMolay Conclave, which was followed by dinner and dancing.

On August 7, we had our Installation of Officers. Sister Chelsea Eargle assumed the station of Worthy Advisor with her term entitled "Dreams Can Come True." One of her fundraisers for this term was selling baked goods at the Harleyville See Saw Daze Beauty Pageant. Sister Chelsea was also entered in the pageant and took third place in her category!

Then, we were off to School of Instruction on September 6. Sisters Taylor Childers, Chelsea Eargle, Nikki Mathus, Wanda Brooks, and Joni Marchant all had a great time learning about Grand Worthy Advisor Joni's programs for the year and listening to Mrs. Alicia Millwood talk about how Rainbow sets us up for success. Later in September, our Grand Officers, Sisters Chelsea Eargle (Grand Religion) and Taylor Childers (Grand Love) had a great, fun-filled weekend at Grand Family Retreat. We sang and danced, made bracelets and danced some more! We got to know each other better by eating M&Ms, and we danced again. Grand Worthy Advisor Joni kept everyone busy and entertained throughout the entire weekend.

On November 10, we held our annual Veteran’s Day dinner. We invited the local American Legion members and served a beautiful ham dinner prepared by our girls and Advisory Board members. We served 16 Veterans including our own Mother Advisor, Mrs. Karen Orf, and her husband, Mr. Randy Orf. A few days later, we were off to Short Stay Recreation Facility with Summerville Assembly and Mrs. Marilyn Lipscomb. We turned off our cell phones, iPods, TVs and gave up all technology for 24 hours! We had a great time with our Sisters from Summerville just talking, laughing and playing games.

In December, we served dinner for both of our sponsoring orders. On December 11, we served for Harido Chapter’s Official Visit and performed the Star Points Friendship Ceremony as a courtesy for their distinguished guests. On December 16, we served dinner for the Masons before they held their Installation of Officers. Prior to our last meeting in December, we had our Christmas Party. We exchanged gifts and ate delicious taco soup prepared by Sister Chelsea Eargle.

Most recently, we attended the Red and Violet Area Official Visit where our newest member, Conner Quattlebaum, was initiated. We are glad Sister Taylor Childers was able to participate in the ceremony as Worthy Associate Advisor-protem. We had a good time bowling after the Official Visit, too.

We are sure the next six months will be just as busy. Sister Taylor Childers will be installed as Worthy Advisor on February 9, and she already has a busy, productive term planned for us. Until next time, keep smiling South Carolina Rainbow.

Greenwood Assembly #33 Greenwood Assembly had a great time walking In His Steps at Grand Assembly 2008. The girls brought home wonderful memories, many honors, and several Grand Appointments including: Charlie Johnson, Grand Confidential Observer; Brooke Hughes, Grand Outer Observer and Grand Representative of North Carolina and Tennessee; Brittney Powers, Grand Representative of Florida and Parana Brazil; and Creighton Amyx, Grand Representative of Missouri and Oklahoma. Special thanks goes to Kaylyn Satcher and Shania Irvin who served as Grand Pages. A Founder’s Day celebration was hosted at the home of Charlie Johnson on July 6. The pool party was cut short with an afternoon thunderstorm, but the fun continued as Mother Advisor Mrs. Gwen Amyx modeled a grass skirt. Mrs. Gwen Amyx along with Creighton Amyx, Charlie Johnson and Brittney Powers boarded a plane to attend Supreme Assembly in Chicago held July 25-30. This was the first plane ride for some, and proved to be very exciting for everyone. From all reports, South Carolina Rainbow was represented well and everyone had a wonderful time. The girls were especially proud to participate in the group ritual competition. Once school began, the Greenwood Rainbow Girls got back to the business of Rainbow meetings, serving fraternal sponsors and attending statewide Rainbow events. One of the highlights for Greenwood Assembly was attending the Grand Family Retreat where they loved participating in the skits and making arts and crafts. Now, the focus is on service projects and installing new officers on February 7. Brooke Hughes will be crowned Worthy Advisor and leading a new core of officers in preparation for a new term. Upcoming activities include the Green Area Official Visit set for March 7. Then, on March 14, there will be tryouts for Ritual Team after the Grand Officer practice. The girls are also looking forward to the Irish Blessings Ball

in Columbia later that night. Whew! Rainbow Girls know how to pack in a full day of fun! Good luck to all Assemblies as they make plans for Grand Assembly 2009. It is sure to be filled with Smiling Faces and Beautiful Creations.

Goose Creek Assembly #39 Last summer’s Grand Assembly Session was lots of fun for everyone! Congratulations to our new Grand Officers – Chelsea Cannon and Raven Cox and to our new Grand Representatives – Lauren McBride, Amy Pettengill and Tina Schell. July was a busy month with our Founder’s Day activities and DeMolay Conclave. We all enjoyed the dinner and dance at the DeMolay Conclave. Mrs. Diana Clark, Rebecca Clark and Chelsea Cannon attended the event along with a Pledge Girl and her mother. Chelsea Cannon was honored to be selected as the State Sweetheart during the dance.

August 2 was our Installation with Chelsea Cannon as Worthy Advisor. Her theme was a fun pirate theme, complete with a treasure chest cake. We traveled to the School of Instruction and the Grand Family Retreat in September. Raven Cox, Chelsea Cannon, Lauren McBride, Amy Pettengill and Mrs. Diana Clark enjoyed the Grand Family Retreat weekend with their Rainbow Family, especially the great food, fun skits and dancing! Our penny pig traveled with us and was filled with pennies from Mrs. Hart and some quarters from our competition; wonder who did that?

October was the month for good food. The Masonic dinner on October 3 was BBQ chicken. Yum! Then, we served dinner at the Scottish Rite Temple on October 23. October 25 was the Indigo Official Visit, which was followed by great food and a fun dance. On October 28, we held a Pledge Installation at 6:00 PM with our Rainbow Girls helping to initiate two new Pledge Girls.

On November 11, we held a joint Thanksgiving celebration with Rainbow Girls and Pledge Girls. The menu was pizza and salad, not the typical Thanksgiving dinner, but the girls liked it. Summerville Assembly hosted the lowcountry Grand Cross of Color breakfast this year on November 15. Mr. Walt Spiller, Diana Clark, and Rebecca Clark attended. We decorated the Christmas tree for our Masons at our last meeting in November, a tradition that started many years ago!

December 6 was the Blue Area Official Visit. Mr. Walt Spiller, Miss Brandy Rein, Mrs. Diana Clark, and Miss Rebecca Clark attended. Miss Brandy Rein and Mrs. Diana Clark took the Goose Creek girls to James Island County Park on December 22 to view the Christmas lights. Then, on December 23, we held our meeting and Christmas party. Mrs. Diana Clark brought gingerbread cookies for everyone to decorate. Then, we ate lots of Christmas goodies and had a gift exchange in front of the beautiful tree we decorated in November.

January was a busy month for us as we prepared for the Red and Violet Area Official Visit. We held a rehearsal on January 3. Girls from all three Assemblies worked together to practice and prepare for the Official Visit. Everyone shared a pizza lunch with Mrs. Diana Clark’s homemade fudge for desert. The next weekend, adults traveled to Columbia for the Mother Advisor/Adult Worker Seminar. The following Saturday, January 17, was our “Rainbow Farm” Official Visit. Miss Rebecca Clark created the courtesy, which ended with the mystery guest coming to the farm. It was a penguin, in case you missed it. Six girls were initiated that day. Two girls, Katie and Breanna, were initiated into Goose Creek Assembly. After a wonderful lunch cooked by the Masons of Berkeley Lodge, we all went bowling. Then, many of us went down to our lodge to help Raven Cox celebrate her 16th birthday. Stay warm, and we’ll see you all soon!

Fidelity Assembly LTFidelity Assembly LT and Fidelity Pledge Group got all dressed up and went to see a performance of the

Nutcracker on December 14 at the Brooks Center on Clemson University Campus. Two of our members, Rachel Hawkesworth and Anna Dobrenen, danced in the performance. It was wonderful, and we all had a great time!

We held a special meeting on January 14 for balloting and officially welcomed Rachel Barbour as a member of Fidelity Assembly by affiliation just before her 20th birthday! We are excited that Rachel will continue her membership with us for one more year.

We held our Installation of Officers on our regular meeting night, January 20. For Pledge, we installed Anna Newell as Pledge Sister, Fiona Newell as Associate Pledge Sister, Kylie Rawls as Kindness, Summer Machacon as Happiness, and Anna Dobrenen as Confidence. In Rainbow, we installed Virginia King as Worthy Advisor, Rachel Barbour as Worthy Associate Advisor, Anna Newell as Charity, Rachel Hawkesworth as Hope, Taylor Serna as Faith, Rachel Machacon as Chaplain, and Nancy Rice as Love.

For our current service project, we will be helping the local animal shelter in Anderson, which found itself overwhelmed with puppies over Christmas and desperately in need of puppy food. Anyone coming to Clemson to visit is asked to bring a bag of puppy food. The types of food that are accepted are brown with no colors added. We will take it all to the shelter.

We are looking forward to our Green Area Official Visit on March 7 at Clemson. http://clemsonlodge.org/RainbowGirls.aspx

Summerville Assembly #28Hello from Summerville! Boy! We have been busy since we were with you at Grand Assembly! On Friday, the week we returned home, Amanda Robins, our Grand Representative of Virginia; joined Joni Marchant, our Grand Worthy Advisor; Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Lipscomb on their trek to Virginia’s Grand Assembly. Amanda’s favorite part about Virginia’s Grand Assembly was the Charity Splash. People pay money to have someone else “splashed” in ice-cold water! (It’s actually more like having it POURED over them.) Of course, Amanda was one of those who got splashed, and she will never forget it! Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Lipscomb said both Joni and Amanda represented South Carolina very well, and they all had a great time with our Virginia Rainbow Family.

At our July 3 meeting, we held Election of Officers, and Jessica Bouknight was elected as Worthy Advisor. She was installed on Friday, July 11. It was a very beautiful Installation and reception. Her theme for this term is “Sharing Precious Moments Together.”

Prior to Jessica’s Installation, we celebrated Founder’s Day. We met at our lodge because our Masons were meeting, and we were invited to present a program about Founder’s Day to them. They were very impressed, and thanked us for sharing this event with them. Afterward, we spent some time together in the garden area of our lodge, where we remembered Rev. Sexson and his founding of our Order. We then went to Mrs. Lipscomb’s home for a sleepover and pool party. On July 17, we traveled to Arc-en-Ciel Assembly to assist them in the initiation of two new girls. On July 19, we attended the South Carolina DeMolay Conclave Installation, dinner, and dance. That was a really fun-filled afternoon and evening. Joey Mathis received his Senior DeMolay certificate as he stepped down from State Master Counselor, and Jonathan Bouknight, Brother of Jessica Bouknight, was installed as State Master Counselor.

On July 21, we took $250 from our Silver Drill fund and went to Wal-Mart on a shopping trip for school supplies for Lowcountry Orphan Relief. After shopping, we had lunch at McDonalds and came back to the lodge where we filled twenty-five book bags with pencils, paper, composition notebooks, colored markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue, erasers, rulers, pencil boxes and folders. That afternoon, Mrs. Lipscomb and Heather dropped them off at the Lowcountry Orphan Relief office.

On July 23, Heather, Joni Marchant, and Mrs. Lipscomb drove to Chicago for Supreme Assembly. Mrs. Lipscomb said that all of our girls from South Carolina represented the state very well, and Joni Marchant, Heather Strebeck, and Jenna Cascio were special representatives. Of course, we are ESPECIALLY PROUD of our Heather. We know that she was a great Acting Supreme Fidelity, and that she must have been especially proud to represent our own “Mom Renn” from our Virginia Rainbow Family.

On August 2, Jessica Bouknight, Amanda Robins, Rebekah Shore, Heather Strebeck, and Joni Marchant attended the Installation of Officers for Dorchester-Waylyn and Goose Creek Assemblies. Needless to say, we also enjoyed lunch together in between the two Installations. Where there are Rainbow Girls, there WILL BE FOOD, right?

During the month of September, in the midst of getting back to school, and all of the football mania, etc., our Grand Officers and Grand Representatives were able to get away for the Grand Family Retreat on September 26-28. They had a SUPER good time, and were ready to return the next day! However, we had to put that off for a while because on the very next weekend, we were asked to serve at a special Masonic dinner honoring the Past Masters of Summerville Lodge. This was especially cool, because our very own Mr. Bouknight was given special honors that were a BIG surprise to him. We were all very proud of him.

After we served dinner that evening, we went to Mrs. Lipscomb's home where we spent the night and then attended church the next morning. We enjoyed lunch with Heather Strebeck at Larry's Giant Subs after church and, then, returned to Mrs. Lipscomb's where we worked on our recruiting techniques. We also made posters to hang in our Masonic Lodges and invitations to give to the prospects we identified in our discussion.

On October 25, we attended the Indigo Area's Official Visit and Halloween Dance. Both were huge successes, and it was really great to see the tremendous turnout for both events.

On Thursday, October 30, we had a "Dem-Bow." This is a combined event between Rainbow and DeMolay. We hold these on the fifth Thursdays of those months that have them. We take turns hosting the events and this time Rainbow was hosting, so we went bowling.

During the month of October, we purchased (with funds from our Silver Drill) and delivered underwear and socks for the Lowcountry Orphan Relief.

November was a bit slower for us, with most of our activity ending up at the end of the month. We hosted the area-wide Grand Cross Observance with representatives from Charleston, Dorchester-Waylyn and Goose Creek joining.

On the afternoon of November15, we joined girls from Arc-en-Ceil Assembly and returned to Short Stay...FINALLY! We were so excited! Thank you, Mrs. Karen Orf, for making this possible! This was a "no technology" weekend: no phones, iPods, blackberries, etc. We even went so far as to say no television! And we only even used the stove ONCE to make popcorn. In short, we spent 24 hours packed full of fun and games, literally! Joni Marchant, Taylor Childers, and Jordyn Eargle were real hoots!! They taught Amanda Robins, Emily Robins, Heather Strebeck, and Jessica Bouknight to play all kinds of games, and even Mrs. Karen Orf and Mrs. Marilyn Lipscomb enjoyed them! We love you Arc-en-Ceil Assembly! We hope we can do it again soon!

Dorchester-Waylyn Assembly joined our meeting on December 4, and we used the evening as a last minute practice. We all felt better about our upcoming Official Visit after that. We also had a really good time together during refreshments! It's always fun when our Sisters join us!

On December 6, we held our Official Visit with Dorchester-Waylyn hosting at their lodge. Mrs. DeeAnne Reaves and Mrs. Susan Brady did a SUPER job of decorating and planning the activities, and we ALL thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We hope you did, too!

The following weekend was consumed with "Ladies’ Night banquets." We served Summerville Lodge on Friday, December 12, and Old Fort Lodge on Saturday, December 13. It is always a pleasure to serve our Masons but, this year, we were able to give a petition for Rainbow to a Mason at the Summerville banquet and one for Pledge at the Old Fort Banquet.

Our Christmas party was held on December 18, following an Open Meeting, with our Pledge Sisters attending. Our parents were also included. Our party included a potluck dinner and, as always, was delicious. We made and purchased gifts for our Pledge Sisters but, instead of exchanging gifts with one another, we brought items to donate to the Lowcountry Orphan Relief center.

Our first January meeting was held on New Year's Day, but we failed to have enough members in attendance to open officially in order to elect new officers. However, at our Advisory Board meeting, permission was given to allow Jessica Bouknight to remain as Worthy Advisor for the upcoming term, Emily Robins as Worthy Associate Advisor,

Amanda Robins as Charity, Rebekah Shore as Hope, Heather Fisher as Faith, and Angeliki Tsakanias as Love. Haley, Breanna, and Ali, when they are here, will serve as Drill Leader, Nature, and Service, respectively. They were installed on January 23 at a beautiful Installation. Thank you, Summerville Advisory Board, for agreeing to serve this year and for being SO attentive to our needs.

We attended the Red and Violet Area Official Visit and Bowl-a-Thon, as well as, our New Year Planning Session, where we established goals and plans for the upcoming term. Both of these events were VERY successful.

January ended and February started with a flurry of Installations and activities. Once again, we are "off and running," and we hope we will see you at every turn in the Rainbow Road.

West Columbia Assembly #36 On June 26-29, Kendra Boles, Christina Burroughs, Rebekah Cruse, and Jenna Cascio along with Advisory Board members Judy Aughtry, Amanda Cruse, Beth Gardner, Alisha Millwood and Marcia Wadford attended the Grand Assembly Session. We competed in banner, scrapbook, real talent, and march competitions. We received 1st place in the banner and real talent competitions, 2nd place in the scrapbook, and 3rd place in the march competition. Sister Rebekah Cruse and her mother, Mrs. Amanda Cruse, received the Grand Cross of Color. Sister Jenna Cascio was appointed Grand Worthy Associate Advisor for 2008-2009. Sisters Kendra Boles, Christina Burroughs, and Rebekah Cruse were appointed as Grand Representatives. We would like to congratulate Sister Heather Strebeck on her term as Grand Worthy Advisor. Special thanks to the Advisory Board and Adult Workers of Summerville Assembly; everything was beautiful. We had a wonderful time. Congratulations to our new Grand Worthy Advisor, Sister Joni Marchant. We are looking forward to working with you during your term as Grand Worthy Advisor.

On Sunday, July 13, the Assembly celebrated Founder’s Day with a pool party hosted by Miss Beth Gardner. This was the first time in five years we have held a Founder’s Day event without RAIN! Mary Catherine Bryan and her mother, Mrs. Wendy Bryan, were guests at our celebration. There were games in the pool, sub sandwiches, and lots of sun. Mary Catherine had such a good time that she completed a petition for degrees.

On July 25, Jenna Cascio, Christina Burroughs, Ms. Judy Aughtry, and Mrs. Marcia Wadford left for Supreme Assembly. We chose to drive to Chicago. It was a long ride to and from Supreme Assembly, but we had a wonderful time. We arrived in Chicago on Saturday, July 26. Once we unpacked, we went to find something for lunch. We found a SubWay just a couple of blocks from the Hilton Hotel. There, we met some New Jersey Rainbow Girls and their Adult Workers. We always found Rainbow Girls whenever we went out to eat. We went to the park across the street from our hotel on Saturday evening to watch a fireworks display that was being shot from Navy Pier. The fireworks were awesome. You should see the reflection of the fireworks in Lake Michigan. The opening of Supreme Assembly was wonderful. Jenna, Christina, and Ms. Judy Aughtry had never attended a Supreme Assembly Session. They were amazed at the number of Rainbow Girls from all over the country and across the world. We were so proud of Mrs. Hart, Sister Heather Strebeck, and Sister Joni Marchant. Mama Gwen Amyx provided us with South Carolina state flags to wave whenever Mrs. Dedra Hart, Sister Heather Strebeck, or Sister Joni Marchant came into the Supreme Assembly room. Jenna participated in the Supreme Assembly skit. The group from South Carolina participated in the ritual competition. We did not place, but we made South Carolina Rainbow proud. We’ll be back in 2010. A special thank you to Mrs. Violet Cook who coordinated the ritual competition. One of the best parts of our trip was when we stopped at a dairy farm just after we crossed into Indiana on our return trip. Mrs. Marcia Wadford had pancakes shaped like cows. We watched cheese being made while we had breakfast. Christina Burrough’s favorite part of the trip was the HOT COOKIES we had at a Hampton Inn in Kentucky. Christina also said they had the best beds and fluffy pillows in the world. We arrived home on Thursday, July 31. Thank you to Mrs. Aughtry and Mrs. Wadford for taking us to Supreme Assembly. We had a wonderful time!!!

We held our Installation of Officers on Tuesday, August 12. Sister Jenna Cascio was installed as Worthy Advisor. Sister Jenna Cascio and Ms. Judy Aughtry attended Dentsville Assembly’s Installation of Officers on Saturday, August 9. Sister Desiré Webb was installed as Worthy Advisor. On August 25, we initiated Mary Catherine Bryan with the help of our Rainbow Sisters and Majority Members. Mrs. Wendy Bryan, Mary Catherine’s mother, and Mrs. Mary Bryan, Mary Catherine’s grandmother, were present for the initiation. Welcome to Rainbow Sister Mary Catherine! West Columbia Assembly hosted the School of Instruction at Cayce Masonic Lodge on September 6. Mrs. Hart provided information on changes coming from Supreme Assembly. Sister Joni Marchant gave us information about her projects for the year. Sister Mary Catherine Bryan added her star to Sister Joni’s board.

Jenna Cascio, Christina Burroughs, Kendra Boles, Rebekah Cruse, Mrs. Amanda Cruse, and Mrs. Susan Burroughs attended the Grand Family Retreat held at Short Stay September 26-28. This was a wonderful weekend of Rainbow fellowship, fun, and food. Our Grand Worthy Advisor did an outstanding job planning our retreat. Thanks to our Adult Workers who prepared our meals. You did an outstanding job!

We held our Fourth Annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 4, at the Cayce Masonic Lodge. We had over 20 vendors participate in the event. It looks like we’ll be having our Fifth Annual Fall Bazaar in October 2009.

Sisters Jenna Cascio, Rebekah Cruse, Christina Burroughs, Kendra Boles, Ms. Judy Aughtry, Mrs. Amanda Cruse, and Mrs. Marcia Wadford attended the Indigo Area Official Visit at Arc-en-Ciel Assembly.

We held a children’s book show on October 27 to earn books for the Lowcountry Orphan Relief. Mrs. Alisha Millwood, who is a representative for UsBorne Books, helped us with this service project. We earned book credits that

we used to purchase books for the Lowcountry Orphan Relief. We also received a monetary donation that we used to purchase a Wal-Mart card. The books were delivered to Sister Joni Marchant at the Blue Area Official Visit.

We held our Grand Cross of Color Observance on Saturday, November 8 at Sinclair Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Alisha Millwood and Ms. Beth Gardner provided the meal.

Sisters Kendra Boles and Rebekah Cruse along with a prospective member, Elizabeth Poindexter, and adults Ms. Judy Aughtry, Mrs. Amanda Cruse, Mrs. Marcia Wadford, and her husband Wayne attended the Cornival held at the Marchant’s farm on Saturday, November 22. There were games that included a cakewalk. Kendra and Lizzie won cakes, and we all enjoyed the hamburger and hot dogs. The campfires not only kept us warm, but also provided the needed heat to roast marshmallows and make smores.

Sisters Jenna Cascio, Kendra Boles, Rebekah Cruse, and Christina Burroughs attended the Blue Area Official Visit and Christmas Gathering on December 6. Ms. Judy Aughtry, Mrs. Amanda Cruse, and Mrs. Marcia Wadford along with Mrs. Robyn Anderson, our new Sister’s mother, also attended the meeting. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Poindexter was initiated. We enjoyed the wonderful meal before the meeting and Christmas party that followed.

West Columbia Assembly served at the Installation of Officers for Sinclair Masonic Lodge on Saturday, December 13. Mr. Steve Powers was installed as Worshipful Master for 2009.

Our Christmas get-together was held on December 22 at one of our favorite places, Zesto. Sisters Jenna Cascio, Christina Burroughs, Rebekah Cruse, and Lizzie Poindexter along with Advisory Board members Beth Gardner, Debbie Bearden, Amanda Cruse, Judy Aughtry, and Marcia Wadford and her husband Wayne enjoyed the best hamburger, fries, and ice cream in the area.

Sisters Jenna Cascio, Kendra Boles, Rebekah Cruse, Christina Burroughs, and Lizzie Poindexter attended the Red and Violet Area Official Visit on Saturday, January 10. We enjoyed the meeting and meal that followed and made our first penny war deposit. Following the meeting, we attended the Bowl-a-Thon for the Grand Assembly Scholarship Fund.

Sister Christina Burroughs along with Mrs. Susan Burrough, Mrs. Marcia Wadford, and Mr. John Beard attended Dentsville Assembly’s Installation of Officers on Saturday, January 24. Sister Elizabeth Bostic was installed as Worthy Advisor. The Installation was beautiful, and we enjoyed one of Mr. Ron Mitchum’s delicious meals following the Installation.

Sister Christina Burroughs was installed as Worthy Advisor of our Assembly on Saturday, February 7. Officers for the term are: Worthy Associate Advisor – Sister Jenna Cascio, Charity Sister Kendra Boles, Drill Leader – Sister Rebekah Cruse, Love – Sister Mary Catherine Bryan, and Confidential Observer – Sister Elizabeth Poindexter. Mrs. Marcia Wadford was installed as Mother Advisor. Ms. Judy Aughtry, Mrs. Debbie Bearden, Mr. John Bearden, Mrs. Amanda Cruse, Ms. Beth Gardner, Mr. Steve Kelsay, Mrs. Alisha Millwood, and Mrs. Marcia Wadford will serve as members of our Advisory Board. In addition to family members, we were honored to have Mrs. Dedra Hart, our Supreme Inspector, and her husband, Mr. Dan Hart, present for the Installation. Also in attendance was Mr. Barry Rickman, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. Upcoming events include the Green Area Official Visit on March 7 at Fidelity Assembly in Clemson, preparing for Grand Assembly competitions, serving a dinner for Sinclair Masonic Lodge, Rainbow Church Sunday and, to say the least, our Grand Assembly Session in June.

Dentsville Assembly #40Dentsvillle Assembly has had a busy and wonderful year since our last reporting in Rainbow

Spirit. It’s a bit more to relay than perhaps time and practicality will allow. Therefore, we are going to fast-forward to a more recent time period for our reporting in the newsletter.

January 24 brought us to a new term of office under the leadership of Elizabeth Bostic. What a beautiful Installation of Officers Dentsville Assembly was blessed to have this term! The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of South Carolina, Mr. Gerald Carver, was in attendance. After being formally introduced, he brought greetings and introduced other dignitaries of the Grand Lodge in attendance with him. We were so delighted and honored to have the Grand Master; a Past Grand Master, Mr. Ronald Mitchum; and several other Grand Lodge Officers and dignitaries in attendance of our Installation. A total of six dignitaries of the Grand Lodge were in attendance. The outgoing Worthy Advisor, Desiré Webb, presided beautifully in the East during this portion of the Installation. During her retiring address, Desiré presented Mr. Gollar, a representative of her charity organization, The Harry R.E. Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, with a donation for $1,000.00 from Dentsville Assembly. The donation from the Assembly was earned during the term from the sell of rainbow-colored beaded pins, gift wrapping at a mall at Christmas, and various donations from individuals. Mr. Gollar brought greetings and expressed words of appreciation on behalf of the charity organization. He was superb, and one

would have thought he was a Mason from Grand Lodge as eloquently as he addressed our Order and guests! Desiré was presented with a Rainbow afghan, an engraved plaque, a Past Worthy Advisor’s Pin, and a “violet-colored,” amethyst stone necklace for her service to Dentsville Assembly. Dentsville Assembly also had many Rainbow dignitaries in attendance of the Installation. The Grand Worthy Advisor, Joni Marchant, was in attendance and served as the Installing Chaplain. Among those in attendance were Past Grand Worthy Advisors: Miss Rebecca Clark, Miss Amy Broom, and Mrs. Susan Broom; six Grand Officers; a Grand Representative; five Senior Grand Executive Committee Members and Grand Deputies; two Past Grand Officers; and the State Master Councilor of the Palmetto DeMolay Association, Mr. Jonathan Bouknight. The Master of Dentsville Masonic Lodge, Mr. G.R. “Mike” Harman, was also in attendance among the many guests. It is estimated that approximately 63 were in attendance of this special day. Sister Elizabeth Bostic was installed as Worthy Advisor of Dentsville Assembly #40. Her Officers installed were as follows: Worthy Associate Advisor, Sister Heather Whetsell; Charity, Sister Christina Pressley; Hope, Sister Ashley Manley; Chaplain, Sister Jordan Brennan; Drill Leader, Sister Anitra Simonson; and Confidential Observer, Sister Desiré Webb. Mrs. Susan Broom was installed as Mother Advisor. Other members of the Advisory Board for the ensuing year are: Mr. Michael Broom, Mrs. Amy Atkinson Cain, Mr. Brian Cooper, Mr. G.R. “Mike” Harman, Mr. John Marcucci, and Mrs. Rebecca Newbern Webb. Elizabeth’s Service Project for the term is The Ronald McDonald House, and her Charity Project is The Hannah House. Her theme is “Welcome to My Garden of Life.” Her motto is “He who plants a garden, plants happiness.” Her scriptures are Proverbs 27:18 and Matthew 17:20. Her symbols are butterflies and bumblebees. Her honor stations are Faith, Hope, and Nature. Family and Friends are her watchwords. Her flowers are calla lilies and peace lilies. Her colors are pink, purple, white, and hummingbird green. Her mascot is the hummingbird. Her songs are Because He Lives, In the Garden, and Jesus Loves Me. Her poem is “The Heights within You” by Jack Williams. Her prayers are The Lord’s Prayer and The Mustard Seed Prayer. Elizabeth dedicated her Installation in memory of her grandfather, Mr. Earl Bishop Jones. One beautiful memory of the Installation was the presentation of the American Flag. Elizabeth’s brother, Aviation Electronic Technician 3rd Class Tim Bostic, presented the flag in full dress military uniform. Another brother of Elizabeth, Andy Bostic, is also currently serving in the military and sent Elizabeth a coordinating acrylic sounding block to match the Rainbow gavel presented to Elizabeth by the Officers of the Assembly. Several other presentations were also made to Elizabeth by those in attendance. The perfect ending to an inspiring Installation ceremony was a delicious sit down dinner prepared and served by the Most Worshipful Ronald Mitchum.

Dentsville Assembly attended the 1st Annual Cupid’s Ball held on February 7 at the Scottish Rite Center in Columbia and very much enjoyed the food, fun, decorations, music, and fellowship. It was a wonderful event. Mr. Joe Thompson, Assistant Executive Officer of the Palmetto DeMolay Association, reports $265.00 in proceeds from the ball was cleared and donated to the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center. Mr. Michael Smith, SGIG for South Carolina, received the donation during a recent meeting of the Columbia Scottish Rite. Caitlin Orf, Grand Hope, was selected

“Queen of Diamonds” and Jonathan Bouknight, State Master Councilor of the Palmetto DeMolay Association, was selected “King of Hearts” at the Valentine theme ball. South Carolina Rainbow Girls wish to thank Mr. Bouknight for providing the music and Erin Martin for providing the delicious food. Mrs. Susan Broom provided the decorations and floral corsages, and Mr. Joe Thompson provided the helium balloons and engraved plaques. Thank you to everyone who attended the ball and supported the various fundraisers.

Dentsville Assembly had so much fun at the Scholarship Bowl-a-Thon on January 17 that it was decided that day to go bowling again as a fun event for the Assembly! On February 8, the Assembly bowled at the Fort Jackson bowling lanes. The members missed the line dancing that took place at the Scholarship Bowl-a-Thon in January! Line dancing at the bowling lanes! Leave it to Rainbow Girls; they KNOW how to have fun anywhere they can! Dentsville Assembly did have a good time bowling together again at the local bowling lanes, in spite of not being able to line dance with Rainbow Sisters from around our jurisdiction.

February brought Dentsville Assembly another fun event, a Valentine’s party and dinner. After enjoying party food, the members exchanged Valentines and various treats with one another prior to the Assembly meeting on February 12. As always, the Assembly enjoyed the food, fellowship, holiday decorations, and treats.

On February 14, yes, Valentine’s Day, members of Dentsville Assembly served at the Annual Sweetheart Dinner of the Scottish Rite in Columbia. A delicious meal was served by Most Worshipful Ronald Mitchum and his crew and outstanding entertainment was performed after the dinner by Palmetto Pipes and Drums with the Johnson String Quartet and several special guest performers. Now that was spectacular entertainment! The band and string quartet was made up of children, teenagers, and adults. Miss Amy Broom stated that their performance really put a lump in her throat as she was very touched by their remarkable talent and dedication. The performers contributed their donations back to the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, a contribution collected of over $500.00. The dinner fundraiser was an outstanding success in every way possible. Dentsville Assembly was honored to be able to attend the event. A special thank you to our Rainbow Dads, Mr. John Marcucci and Mr. G.R. “Mike” Harman, for their donations of dinner tickets to our members and their parents. You both have hearts bigger than life, and Dentsville Assembly LOVES you BOTH so much!!! Thank you, as well, Mr. Michael Broom, Mr. Brian Cooper, and Mr. Ronald Mitchum for all you do for Dentsville Assembly AND South Carolina Rainbow Girls. How blessed we are to have your association and support!

Dentsville Assembly attended the Orange and Yellow Area Official Visit in Charleston on February 21. We enjoyed a delicious luncheon and the “Green Acres” courtesy prior to the meeting. It was a wonderful Rainbow Day with Sisters and Adult Workers from around our jurisdiction.

Dentsville Assembly is working very hard to sell ads and collect names for “Friends of Rainbow” for the Grand Assembly Session program. Each member of the Assembly has been challenged to sell at least $500.00 in ads and/or names for the program. A special incentive has been offered by Mrs. Susan Broom to the member of Dentsville Assembly selling the MOST OVER $500.00 in ads and/or names. One member is already approaching $700.00 in ads and names. The goal of the Ad Chairman for the program is $10,000.00 in ad sales. Dentsville Assembly challenges all Assemblies to help make this goal possible. WE CAN DO IT, SOUTH CAROLINA RAINBOW!

During February, Desiré Webb attended the Installation of Officers of West Columbia Assembly, along with her mother, and served as an Installing Officer. Elizabeth Bostic also attended a regular meeting of West Columbia Assembly and a Sojourner’s dinner, where she spoke of our ad sale program and sold ads and collected names. Both Elizabeth and Desiré have been particularly busy selling ads and collecting names for the Grand Assembly program by visiting various Masonic bodies during their meetings and it is reported that they have made very favorable impressions.

Dentsville Assembly has reported on the events of the Assembly during this current term of office, but there is one other event outside of this term that must be reported on as well. That is the initiation of our newest member, Jordan Brennan, a member of Job’s Daughters in Michigan. Jordan was initiated into Rainbow at the Red and Violet Area Official Visit on January 17. Dentsville Assembly welcomes Jordan into Rainbow. Jordan is the daughter of a Master Mason and an Eastern Star, Tom and Tami Brennan, who were also active with Job’s Daughters in Michigan. Jordan’s brother, Chandler, is a DeMolay and her sister, Katy, is also a Job’s Daughter and will join Rainbow later this summer when she turns eleven years old. Jordan also has a younger brother, Charlie. Jordan’s grandmother from Michigan, Mrs. Sonja Gross, a member of Eastern Star and also involved with Job’s Daughters, was in attendance of Jordan’s initiation into Rainbow. We are so excited to have another Masonic Family among us!

The members of Dentsville Assembly will be very busy with the many events planned for the remainder of this term of office. There is much to look forward to in upcoming months, and Dentsville Assembly is especially excited to be sharing this “Smiling Faces, Beautiful Creations” Grand Year with each of our jurisdictional Rainbow Sisters and Adult Workers.

Next Article

DeadlineMay 1

RAINBOW SPIRIT

This publication acknowledges allegiance to the Supreme

Assembly, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, whose

seat of authority is in McAlester, Oklahoma, and to the Grand

Assembly of South Carolina of which Mrs. Dedra A. Hart is

Supreme Inspector. Send articles, pictures, and e-mail addresses

to: Amy Broom, 201 North Ridge Road, Columbia, SC 29223 or

AmyBroom@aol.com

FOR SALEGWA Pins $3.00

SCAMM Pins $4.00SCAMM Cookbook $15.00Rainbow Milestones $5.00