By: Victoria LaMar-Haas, Past Grand Editor
Ask anyone who has watched Past Grand Officer escort at Grand Assembly, when one of the Irresistible Ewes wears their bright pink satin gown with the simple white bows there is a certain
generation that remembers that those dresses have more meaning and love in the stitches than any other on the Grand Floor. However, this is not where the story of this flock of 79 Irresistible
Grand Officers began. 
Let me introduce myself. My name is Baaad Newes (I’m a cute little reporter sheep) and I was the mascot of the 1990 Grand Editor. She is a little tied up right now with her job helping with the response and recovery to the LA Fires, so asked me to help out and let this n”ewe” generation of Rainbow Girls know what our lives were like as Rainbow Girls in 1989-1990.
These girls were appointed in 1989 in Fresno during the “Rainbow of Promise and Victory” Grand Assembly sessions with our Grandies, the Eager Beavers. They were the first corps of Grand Officers appointed by our new Supreme Deputy, Anna Lind. During revelations, Mrs. Lind called 79 Grand Officer names. Back then, there were no combined offices and every single state and country had a single girl appointed to the office and this flock was very proud to say that we finished the Grand Year with all 79 Ewes. That was in a large part to our shepherds
of the flock – Virginia Fogle, our State Mother Advisor; Glen “Pop” Gorrell, our State Rainbow Dad, Pat McBride, our Director of Grand Officers and Tina Thomason, our Assistant Director of Grand Officers. The leader of the flock was Shelley Cross Nagel, who you will recognize as one of California Rainbow’s Grand Deputies.
The Irresistible Ewes welcomed California Rainbow to the 60 th Grand Assembly sessions April 8-11, 1990 with the theme “A Rainbow Country Fair.” County Fair goers that year were greeted in the Grand Assembly Room by numerous County Fair Booths and an amazing back drop of an aerial view of a county fair-all designed and hand painted by the girls and adults of Fidelity Assembly! This was quite an accomplishment since that backdrop that soared over our Grand Assembly Sessions measured 27 by 42 feet – about half the size of a small house! Our Grand Choir that year were called the “Harmonious Hog Callers” and our Grand Confidential Observers helpers were called our “Cotton Candy Cops.” The County Fair theme was even
carried though by our “Award Winning” Grand Pages. The highlight was when Shelley and Mrs. Lind joined the Grand Assembly Sessions via an old fashioned hay ride and kicked off some of
the most memorable sessions in the history of California Rainbow!
Of course, no one who attended those Grand Assembly sessions will ever forget the Irresistible pink Grand Officer dresses – especially because they almost did not happen! Imagine being a
Grand Officer and waiting all year to see the Grand Assembly dresses for your special Grand Assembly sessions, only to show up to Grand Assembly and find out that we had no dresses. The
dressmaker had failed to complete the dresses and they were locked in a dress shop in Sacramento – in pieces! Rita Smith, our GEC MA that year, worked tirelessly to get the fabric
for the dresses and had it delivered to Fresno a mere 20 hours before the Irresistible Ewes were to march into the opening sessions of our Rainbow County Fair! Thanks to our amazing
California Rainbow adults, sewing machines began to show up out of nowhere and every person. Even our Supreme Deputy’s husband, Bill Lind, was seen gathering hems until the early hours of
the morning in the Grand Assembly arena. Over 100 people came together to make sure the “show went on” and although the dresses were not able to be made the way Shelley had
envisioned, the amount of love in each of those stitches was more valuable to each and every Grand Officer than anyone would ever realize. We all have memories of having bows stitched as
we were getting ready to walk in, but in the end, 79 Grand Officers, bonnets and staphs in hand like Little Bo Peep, walked on that Grand Floor with pride and more love than we could ever
express. To this day, those dresses are cherished by every one of the Irresistible Ewes.
These amazing ladies put their heart and soul into raising money for two Grand Service Projects that year. The first project was for Camp de Los Nanos in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This camp
was sponsored by the Diabetes Society and was a camp for kids between the ages of 6-17 who suffer from diabetes. At this camp, children are able to meet other kids with diabetes and see that they are not alone in their fight against the disease. The money we raised that year was used to purchase blood testing machines and the strips which are used in the machines. In addition, we
were able to raise enough money to contribute to sponsoring children who could not otherwise afford to attend the camp, to go. At the time, these camp scholarships were $400 each. In all,
California Rainbow earner $69, 364.44 for Camp de Los Ninos. Today the camp is still operating and is managed by the Diabetes Youth Families (DYF) Organization and you can keep
up to date with the activities on the Camp de Los Ninos Facebook page. The second Grand Service project was our own Rainbow Scholarship Fund, then chaired by the
late William Caldwell. In one article, Mr. Caldwell stated that when Shelley announced they would be included as one of the Grand Service Projects that year, the entire Scholarship
Committee was “Thrilled, happy, grateful and overcome!” Unbeknownst to many California Rainbow Girls and Adults at the time, the funds for the Rainbow Scholarships that had helped so
many Rainbow Girls achieve their dreams of attending college, was running out of money. California Rainbow’s generosity that year donated $17,726.10 to help keep the scholarship fund,
and the dreams of countless California Rainbow Girls, alive! Many of the Irresistible Ewes benefitted from these scholarships and were grateful for the assistance as they headed out of the
flock on new adventures after Grand Assembly.
The Ewes have remained a close family over the past 35 years. We would like to acknowledge the members of our flock who gained their wings since our Grand Assembly session. With
heavy hearts, since our Grand Assembly sessions, we said goodbye to Anna Linda, our Supreme Deputy; Glen “Pop” Gorrell, our State Rainbow Dad; Leanne Morris Meyers, Grand Circulation
Manager; and Michelle Stacher, Grand Representative to Queensland, Australia. We will always remember their spirits and their dedication to serving others.
Being a California Rainbow Girl and a Grand Officer sett he stage for the Ewes to leave the flock and find their own adventures. In order to help inspire the Rainbow Girls of today, the Ewes
wanted to share with you how the experiences they had while members prepared them for the future.
Here are some updates from our flock:
Jennifer Bailey, Hawaii: “I married my high school sweetheart and we had two children, daughter 28; son 25. I completed my BS in Child Development, teaching credential, and
started teaching elementary grades. Over the years, I earned my Med and administrative credential. I’ve held many positions over the years and am currently serving as the proud
superintendent of the King City Union School District in my hometown. My years in Rainbow certainly contributed to comfort in front of crowds, public speaking, memorization and
organization. With all assemblies near us closed, our children grew up with similar lessons through 4H, FFA, Girl Scouts, and lots of athletics all of which we supported.
Karen Tozier Gray, South Carolina and Virginia: “My first job after finishing college was as Special Events and Volunteer Program Coordinator for the Sacramento Zoo. My resume for that job was entirely volunteer experience – much of which I gained while in Rainbow! I continued working in event and volunteer management and led training sessions on managing volunteer
programs for several years until I took time to stay home with my twin boys for 4 years. For the past 20+ years, I have worked as the Executive Assistant at Carmichael Presbyterian Church
where I continue to apply Rainbow lessons in welcoming all, serving our community, and keeping things organized. In my spare time, I sing and play handbells at church, take weekly
walks with my dad, play with our goofy dog, and love spending time with my husband and sons(now 26 years old!)”
Penelope Deleon, Charity: “I have three grown children and just retired after 30+ years as a public school teacher, administrator and superintendent. My husband also just retired, so we are
enjoying each other and planning our next chapter! It is so great to read everyone’s posts!” Merritt Ons, Immortality: “I have had several careers (higher education, tech startup,
freelance writer) but I came to a saving faith in Jesus 20 years ago and that changed everything for me. Today I am a life coach, leading a movement among Christian women who have a God-
shaped dream. I shepherd them through the process of defining their dream, overcoming mindset challenges, learning to talk about it off the cuff, as well as planning and executing the steps to get
it off the ground. I’ve hosted the Devoted Dreamers Podcast, going on 9 years now. I am also parenting two daughters (10 and 6) that my husband and I adopted as embryos. They are the
greatest gift!”
Terri Boland, Maryland: “After Rainbow I went to college for my liberal studies degree yet decided to pursue finance instead of education after graduation. For the past 23 years I have
been a Finance Controller for a global manufacturing company that is the international leader of food and nutrition innovation. I have overseen the finances both at plants on the west coast and
two on the east coast. Currently I oversee a plant in Fort Worth Texas. I use my skills in Rainbow to help influence and navigate the success of business with Senior Leaders and
stockholders. I also coach and train new upcoming Controllers to be successful in their new roles. I have been with my wonderful, amazing husband for over 32 years and we live in Texas
with our two dogs and cat. We continue to explore and find new adventures. In my spare time I joined a Woman’s club and have found new friends to enjoy activities with like bunco, Bookclub,
yoga, wine and of course lots of laughs.”
Carolyn Alyanakian-Smith, Drill Leader: “After our grand year I finished my BS in biological sciences at UC Davis and went on to dental school at UCSF. I’ve been in private
practice with my husband, also a dentist, since 1996. I have two children 24 and 20 (21 by the time this publishes) and my old girl golden retriever. I enjoy traveling and spending time with
my family. Over the years I have continued my volunteer work with local schools, health fairs/dental screenings, UC Merced, and my local Arts Council.”
Ronna Ross, New York: “After Rainbow, I was able to have a successful 30-year business in Graphic Design. Because of Rainbow and its various service projects, I also ministered to the
homeless, the church, and the elderly. God changed my path to now enjoy a second career and ministry as a Chaplain serving Hospice and Palliative Patients.”
Rebecca Nunes, Michigan: “ I have had several professional and personal accomplishments in the last 30 years, the highest would be adopting and raising three boys. I have had a 10 year
career in higher education, followed by a 20 year career as a top sales in Purina Animal Nutrition. I have spent 5 years on the board of a local PTA serving two of those years during
COVID as President.”
Julie Schultz-Leininger, Japan and the Republic of China: “After graduating with a Business-Accounting degree, I began working for the State of California. I have used the skills I learned and developed in Rainbow over my entire career. Whether it was stepping up to plan celebration activities that connect us, or taking on thankless jobs that benefit all in the organization, being willing to make presentations and do training, or working countless hours without pay for an IT project that will improve the way business is done for at least the next two decades, I raised the bar and did what I thought was best for greater good. My faith and Rainbow lessons have helped me to succeed in ways that I could not have imagined.”
Shelley Cross Nagel, Grand Worthy Advisor: After years of being a stay at home mom, I worked as a resource aide for just over 9 years. I went back to school and finished my BS and went on to get my masters and teaching credential in special education. I have been a resource teacher for 8 years. I also got back involved with rainbow and went on a board, then a member of the Youth Protection Team, then grand deputy, and am now an area grand deputy. Being in rainbow gave me life long friends and skills such as project planning, confidence, and the ability to speak in front of others. I never thought I would go back to rainbow after I stepped away to raise my family, but there I am and I love being a mentor and giving girls the opportunity to love the organization that helped make me the person I am today!”
Darice Kirby Hammen, Recorder: “Rainbow gave me the confidence and skills to create a successful life producing corporate and entertainment events around the world while balancing all the things life throws at ewe.”
Kim Morse, Illinois: “It’s hard to believe how much time has flown by. Life has been such a journey, and I’ve spent most of it working in healthcare-a field I’m truly passionate about. I’m
blessed with four wonderful kids who keep life full of joy and excitement. When I’m not with them, you can usually find me spending time with my black-and-white labs, who are my constant
companions and always ready for a walk or a snuggle. I hope this reunion finds you all doing well and surrounded by happiness. Wishing you the very best!”
Karen Heine Tostenson, Alabama: “I worked in corporate HR for a number of years. When my kids were in school, I became an elementary school teacher. For the last 5 years, I have
combined 2 of my passions (kids and animals) by providing educational programming at a Nature preserve just north of Atlanta, Georgia. Rainbow really developed my love of
community service. I currently work at a non profit and love being able to provide programs to underserved communities.”
Molly Shock, Massachusetts: After my majority in rainbow, I have worked as a television editor for 33 years. While I am proud to say that I have received 3 Emmy award nominations
and 4 Eddie award nominations for my work, my proudest contribution to my industry is serving for 9 years on the Board of Directors for the Motion Picture Editors Guild. Int hat time, I was
able to use so many skills that I learned from Rainbow; my sense of civic duty to make the lives better for my union coworkers, public speaking to communicate to my colleagues the benefits
and advantages the union could offer them, as well as being a strong advocate for the members needs to make sure the union was serving them as well. Even the sense of ceremony, order and
civility that was necessary to conduct what could be emotionally fraught board meetings came from the foundations that Rainbow has built for me. I am proud that I know my fellow board
members looked to me for council in how to communicate with others and conduct themselves. I even got to use my old Worthy Advisor Gavel a few times over the years to lead our general
membership meetings. The deeply ingrained teachings of Rainbow that we “should be of some service each day” has always consoled me whenever I felt adrift or that the world’s problems
were too large. If I could find a way to help someone in need, to volunteer for good cause, to be a good friend or partner, I always knew that things would work out. I’ve also been happily
married for almost 24 years and very happy being “the cool Aunt” to my amazing niece and nephews.”
Julia Park Lamma Tao, Wisconsin: Following our grand year, I was a Grand Bethel Girl for Job’s Daughters and served as Worthy Matron in Eastern Star with my dad as my Worthy Patron.
In College, I joined a sorority which I am still actively involved with as well as a coed Business fraternity where I met my husband. I got a BS in Business and a MA in Education which led to a
30-year career in School Business. I’m currently the Director of Fiscal Services of a school district in Orange County. In my spare time, I’m in a pool league and enjoy spending time with
my husband and four dogs.”
Kim James Williams, Nature: I have been a high school math teacher for 28 years. Rainbow taught me to speak naturally in front of groups and have a heart of service for kids. Penny Owen
DeLeon was my superintendent for several years and has served kids in education for her entire career.”
Angela Robertson, Washington/Idaho: “I did several things after college and landed at PG&E 24 years ago. I have had the opportunity to do a variety of different roles and I use my Rainbow
teachings daily working with my team to problem solve and to care for my co-workers and customers. On a personal note, I am the proud mom of my 3 now adult children (2 adopted) and
I recently became a grandma! I love volunteering at a local no kill animal shelter. I work with our big dogs to prepare them for adoption, fundraising and adoption events.”
Michelle Thibault Sullivan, Kentucky: “I earned a PhD in psychology at UCSD and have spent my career working with autistic children. I’m currently the Executive Director of a
company that provides ABA services to young autistic kids and their families near Boston. I have also been married 28 years and a mom to three kids of my own.”
Jennifer Whittaker Marshall, Oregon: “I had a successful career in corporate Human Resources and then became a teacher for the last 18 years. I currently use my rainbow public
speaking skills by teaching Speech and Debate to middle school students. I have continued my Masonic journey as well. I am currently the Associate Grand Conductress for Idaho Eastern Star
and will hopefully serve as Worthy Grand Matron in 2027-2028.”
Jodie Carmichael-Owens, Nevada: “We have three grown children and have been married 32 years. I have had a successful career as a nail technician for over 28 years being self employed.
Most of my services are helping seniors with foot care.”
Francisca Mar, West Virginia: “My sister and I have talked about the lasting lessons from rainbow-public speaking and public service. I worked for 23 years as an environmental consultant serving as project manager and senior associate preparing environmental documents under California and federal laws. I use my public speaking skills to present projects to members of the public, interest groups, and elected officials. I also taught seminars on environmental compliance and guest taught a couple of times at Sacramento State.(I don’t think I could have done all that without Rainbow). I recently shifted to State employment and now work as a senior transportation planner at Caltrans. I served on the boards of two non-profits (Cal Aggie Christian Association and currently WTS-Women’s transportation Seminar) for a combined 15 years. Thanks Rainbow!”
Alice Hunter, Patriotism: “I have three marvelous adult children – two girls, 26 and 19 and a son, 21. For close to twenty five years I’ve been in the Direct Consumer/Hospitality segment of the wine industry in Sonoma County. The last three years I’ve owned my very own wine shop, Sophie’s Cellars, in a sweet little historic village called Duncans Mills, just 8 miles east of the coastal town of Jenner. I enjoy being an active member of Easter Star – Gold Ridge State Chapter #161 in Sebastopol, CA, and was just installed as Associate Conductress.”
Lori Stouch Luck, Hope: “After earning my Masters in Classical Voice, raising 2 children(daughter 23 and son 25), and substitute teaching for many years, I decided to get my teaching credential with a Masters and I now teach elementary resource mild/moderate special education for the last 7 years. Most of my TK-5 th grade students have an IEP and need extra help in reading, writing, and math. I am also on the Fidelity Assembly #242 Advisory Board ad a member of Conejo Valley #632 Easter Star Chapter.”
Danielle Mathews, Christian Flag Bearer: “I have been a paralegal for 26 years in family law and did a few in civil representing the county. I married my high school sweetheart. We
have two boys, one girls and one granddaughter.”
Victoria “Pebbles” LaMar-Haas, Editor: “After receiving my majority from rainbow, I studied broadcasting and received a BA in Government Journalism with an emphasis on women
in politics. I was fortunate to work for FOX Television in the 90’s before leaving that position and moving to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services where I have been for the last 28
years. My job has taken me all over the state working with local governments and community members to help respond to, recover from and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. I
currently serve as the Mitigation Planning Branch Chief where I use the skills I learned in Rainbow for public speaking, training and interacting with various levels of government
officials. I stayed involved with Rainbow for many years and led the efforts to write California Rainbow’s first Strategic Plan when Sara Lee Martin was Supreme Inspector. I also served on
the original Public Relations Committee for several years, as well as the Pledge Mother and an Advisory Board Member for Rose Assembly in Elk Grove. I have been married for 28 years and have two daughters, 23 and 21. I am planning to retire in 2026 and my husband and I are in the process of moving from our home of 25 years in Elk Grove, to a beautiful piece of paradise in Pollock Pines, CA. I plan to continue my work in disasters following retirement, concentrating on the populations who are most underserved following disaster events as well as to pursue my passion for antiques – especially vintage Christmas ornaments.”
We hope you enjoyed reading about what some of the flock have been to and how Rainbow helped to get them “ready for life.” The Irresistible Ewes are excited to celebrate 35 years of our
love, friendship, and service and wish Grand Worthy Advisor, Ella, and all of her Grand Officers, a Grand Assembly session that will remain in their hearts for a lifetime!
