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Thoughts From A Teenager During A Pandemic

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By: Sara O., Sunshine Assembly

As I think back over the past six or seven months, I am trying to remember and put into words some of my thoughts and feelings. A worldwide pandemic had hit and it seemed to be spreading fast. We are only in our teen years, but most of us understood what this meant, however, we could never have realized the effect it would have for many months to come.

In March, suddenly our schools were closed and we were finishing the school year at home. OK, so maybe this wasn’t so bad. I was just finishing my freshman year, so things like prom and graduation didn’t affect me. I know it did many of my Rainbow friends, and although I felt bad for them, it wasn’t as personal for me. We could still see and talk to our friends on social media for a little while. I’m pretty sure I thought that most of life would still go on as normal, but when even Grand Assembly was canceled, I
was shocked. At first, it was possibly just postponed, so we went on with plans for Ritual Competition, making our dresses, doing our usual things to prepare for our annual convention – but it didn’t happen.

Summer came, and that too seemed ok for a while. We could talk to our friends all night and into the morning because we could sleep all day. I don’t know about everyone else, but I was kind of ok with that. Maybe it got old after a while, but now that I’m back getting up every day for virtual school, I might want those days back.

The next thing to be canceled as an in-person event was Supreme Assembly. This one was harder since I had never been to one and was really looking forward to it. It was now July, and the pandemic was still going strong. Everything was still closed down, and going places with friends was not allowed. Wow! It had already been four months! I never could have imagined something like this could happen.

Rainbow girls were all meeting virtually – on zoom calls through our phones, tablets or computers. A zoom call? Something so many had never even heard of or realized would become a very real part of our lives – for even longer than we imagined. As we try to navigate this virtual world, and try to figure out things we could still do, to not only see our friends, but we also wanted to find ways to help others and to be of service. We have found that little things like calling people who were alone, sending cards, and writing letters, all became a part of our everyday life. Even helping siblings
with their school work, and taking on extra chores at home while our parents also struggled through a virtual world – while considered acts of service, were just part of our ‘new normal’ – at least for the time being.

Sunshine Assembly was very happy to have one of the girls who were virtually initiated during the summer as our new member. We welcome Ngaire and look forward to seeing her again in person, hopefully in the near future. We also hope we can continue to grow.

While doing everything from home, or social distancing and wearing a mask hasn’t always been easy, it has also taught us about our own strengths, creativity, and our ability to accept challenges as they come our way. Sunshine Assembly thanks you, California Rainbow for helping us to find ways to be together, to have fun, and to serve – until we meet again.

13 Apps and Sites to Help You Conquer This School Year

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This year has been full of challenges, but luckily there are many resources to help students and educators through it. We have compiled a list of 13 sites and smartphone applications that can help with organizing, editing, and studying.

Forest

Having trouble focusing? Forest helps you stay off your phone while doing schoolwork. When you set a designated amount of time, the app plants a tree to help you stay on task. If you exit the app to go on social media or play a mobile game before the designated time is reached, the tree will die. While there are no real-life repercussions for that tree’s demise, it is still effective in guilt-tripping the user into concentrating on their work. Plus, the virtual coins earned in-app go towards planting trees in real life! You can download it here: www.forestapp.cc/

Any.do

Any.do is an app that helps people stay organized, in or out of school. Sometimes, to get started on a project, it really helps to see all of your tasks organized in a big to-do list. This app allows tasks to be sorted by priority, organized into smaller subgroups, and shared with others. The sharing feature can be particularly useful in a group project. It includes a calendar that can display scheduled reminders as well. This app can be downloaded at www.any.do/.

Calendly

If you ever have trouble scheduling a meeting time for a group project, Calendy is the app for you. It offers a free plan that allows you to compare the gaps in your schedule with the rest of your group easily, without the back and forth emails or text messages. Organizing a time for a Zoom meeting has never been easier! This site is found at calendly.com/.

Kanban Flow

Similarly to Any.do, Kanban Flow helps users create to-do lists and visualize tasks. The difference is that Kanban Flow is much more group-oriented. The multi-user oriented to-do lists help greatly with keeping your group on schedule and productive. Kanban flow also allows you to limit the number of tasks you have in progress to help prevent burnout or procrastinating on assignments. Tasks can also be sorted into subtasks, allowing everyone in the group to closely track the progress made. This can be accessed through the app or site and is found here: kanbanflow.com/.

Hemingway Editor

If you ever need an editor in a crunch, Hemingway Editor is the site or you. This site grades your writing for readability and shows how you can improve it. Among other features, it displays the amount of time it takes to read the inputted text, which can be useful when giving a presentation or speech. Hemingway Editor also suggests simpler words or phrases in the place of more complex ones for ease of readability. It also displays the amount of adverbs and phrases in the passive voice inputted. You can try it here: www.hemingwayapp.com/.

Quizlet

 Quizlet is a site made up of user-made flashcards on almost any topic. You can create your own flashcards or browse their selection for any you find useful. Quizlet allows users to create folders of related flashcards, so if you’re studying for a unit test, the feature can come in handy. Teachers can also create classes with flashcard sets that they want to share with the class. This makes it easy to share study resources and materials. Within sets, there are different ways to learn. You can study with classic flashcards, write them out, test for spelling accuracy, and take a test. If you’re looking for a more fun-based approach, there are two minigames you can use to study! The first is a simple matching game where you drag topics onto their definitions. The other is an asteroid game where you must type in the term or definition before an asteroid with the corresponding term hits a planet. Quizlet has both an app and a site, which can be found here: quizlet.com/.

GoConqr

If you are a visual learner, GoConqr can help you. It provides many tools, such as mind maps, flash cards, slides, notes, flowcharts, and quizzes for a multitude of classes. It boasts a library of 25 million learning resources created by over 8 million users. GoConqr also allows users to create private study groups to share materials within. You can also join a public group to share topics and engage with other students and educators. You can access GoConqr at www.goconqr.com/.

Evernote

Evernote is an organizational app that allows you to take notes, make lists, and create reminders. The app allows you to type notes, add attachments, clip web pages, or record memos, all in one place. All of your notes can be organized by tags, and searched for based on content. It also allows the user to scan in documents or handwritten notes. You can download the app here: evernote.com/.

Offtime

Do you have a difficult time preventing procrastination? Offtime tracks usage of your phone and apps so you can see just how long you spend procrastinating throughout the day. It also allows you to block incoming calls, texts and notifications for set periods of time to prevent needless distraction, and can restrict you from accessing certain apps to distract yourself. The app is accessible through offtime.app/.

OverDrive

This app allows users to access millions of books– and all you need is a library card! The app includes free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, all accessible from a free app. Some of the notable authors in their collection include Emily Brontë, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Ernest Hemmingway. Not only can this help find resources for your AP Lit class, but you can also accomplish some reading in your free time! You can download the app here: www.overdrive.com/. 

Photomath

Stumped on your algebra homework? Photomath allows users to snap a picture of any math problem and provides step-by-step instructions on how to solve it. The instructions are easy to read and help you understand the process. Some problems even have multiple methods to solving a problem, so you’re free to pick the method most comprehensible to you. The app also has a calculator and graphing function for ease of access. The app is accessible here: www.overdrive.com/.

Desmos

Like Photomath, Desmos offers a calculator and graphing utility. Unlike Photomath, Desmos doesn’t provide all of the solutions to your math problems, so you might want to use it if you don’t want to succumb to the temptation of the answers at your fingertips. In addition, Desmos also offers a matrix calculator, a geometry tool, and test practice. Teachers can also utilize it in the classroom through fun and interactive activities. Desmos’ graphing calculator is truly a thing of beauty. Not only can you graph those pesky trig functions, but you can also create art by limiting your functions. There are countless examples on their website, so be sure to check them out! There is both a site and an app, and you can find them at www.desmos.com/.

Todoist

Todoist is an organizational app that helps you prioritize and categorize your to-do list. There is a feature that allows you to earn karma and streaks for completed tasks, so if your productivity is reward-based, this is the app for you! Todoist can also be synched with your Google Calendar and you can share your tasks with others. Plus you can look back and see where you are spending the most of your time! More information on Todoist can be found at todoist.com/.

We hope that these apps and sites help you stay on track for this school year!

How To Be Of Service During COVID-19

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By Hope C.

COVID-19 has created an unusual atmosphere for everyone. Many of our usual activities aren’t safe to participate in right now, but social distancing does not have to stop us from giving back to our communities! Whether you’re just looking for a productive way to kill time, want to do good in the world, or need service hours for your college applications, virtual volunteering will be perfect for you.

Work Around Your Schedule

In typical times, it can be hard to find the time to volunteer while being busy with school, work, or other activities. The idea of adding yet another venture into your schedule can feel overwhelming. While in this pandemic, most people have been able to find more free time, making this the perfect opportunity for acts of service. Pull out your calendar and think about how much time you are able and willing to give. Are you planning to take lead on a brand new project or help others who have already started?

Reach Out to Senior Citizens

Quarantine and social distancing have resulted in feelings of isolation and loneliness for countless people. Some of those affected most by this are the eldest members of our communities. They are at a higher risk for COVID and are likely yearning for connection in these uncertain times. Make phone/facetime calls, send cards, or make small gifts/care packages to send to senior citizens. You could also reach out to a local care home or nursing facility and ask how you can help. It can be as simple as playing virtual chess, checkers, or bingo. These are all simple and take little effort, but can bring such joy to others

Cheer Up Essential Workers

Along with senior citizens, essential workers will be touched by your kindness. Many are making cards, signs, care packages, and posters to thank the health care workers who are working to keep us safe. Similarly to this, you can do these things for other essential workers. Think about the people in your community that are putting their health at risk while going to work each day. Choose any one, whether it is a firefighter, nurse, or grocery clerk.

Join a Service Organization

There are plenty of service groups that are still meeting virtually! Look into what you have near you. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an amazing youth group centering around leadership, service, and sisterhood. More information can be found at https://gocarainbow.org. There are other groups as well such as Girl Scouts, 4H, and church youth groups. See what is right for you and available in your community

Be a Tutor

Try out virtually tutoring younger students. Is there a class or subject that you excel at and enjoy? Chances are, there’s someone who would love your help with their learning. Schools are reopening and your academic skills could boost someone’s grades as well as their confidence. If you know younger students, you can reach out to them personally or go straight to local schools and teachers who can set you up with the students that will benefit from your help.

Make Blankets or Teddy Bears

Many hospitals and fire stations have the option to pick up teddy bears that are pre-sewn to be stuffed and donated. You can sew, crochet, or knit your own as well! Donate them and bring a smile to a child’s face. In addition, you could make blankets to donate. If you’re not great at needlework, there’s nothing to worry about. Tie blankets are just as comfy and they couldn’t be easier to make! You can donate these to somewhere local like a hospital, animal shelter, or to the homeless. You can also send them to organizations such as the Painted Turtle: a free camp for children with serious medical conditions. They even have easy to understand directions here: https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/fleece_blanket_flyer.pdf?1556639876.

Donate Extra Items

With the extra time COVID has gifted to you, you can get organized while giving back! Clean out your closet and dresser drawers. You probably have plenty that you have outgrown or no longer wear. Throw them in the wash and donate them to someone in need! There are plenty of well-known options such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, but there are also local nonprofits in every community. Do your research and donate your clothing, toys, books, etc. to whatever you see as the best fit.

Make A Change

Create or sign petitions for changes that you believe in. Take on issues that are global or local and use sites such as https://www.change.org. You can also make calls and send emails to communicate with mayors, governors, and other leaders. Spread the word and fight for what you believe in!

Acts of Service

People now are in need of service and kindness more than ever, and as simple as these things seem, you can truly make an impact on the world. This is just a small list including only a few of the numerous ways you can make a difference. Think outside of the box and don’t give yourself limits when it comes to acts of service. No matter the reason that you have decided to volunteer, you are about to make people’s lives a little brighter!

Why I Rainbow.

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By: Kenneth Quick, Lemon Grove Assembly Adult

Hello friends, brace yourself, this has the potential of being a long read, but I wanted to share a part of me with you all, please take the time to read it ….

So many girls and adult ladies have shared their “Rainbow Story” and #whytheyrainbow with you. I do not often hear the dads sharing their #whyirainbow. Well, I have my “Rainbow Story,” which a few within Rainbow have had the opportunity to learn, and yet, so many have not, including many of my friends and family who are not associated directly with Rainbow, CAIORG. I promise to do my best to keep it brief, however, that is a hard task when you become passionate about something, or an organization, and the work they do. . . .

Once upon a time, a man meets a lady; they giggle together, and smile at one another for seven months and decide to get married. In their search for a reception venue, the El Cajon Masonic Lodge is discovered and secured for the event. Immediately, the young groom begins to be told stories of Rainbow Girls (Girls Youth Group), DeMolay (Boys Youth Group), and their Sponsoring Head called the Masons. The groom inquiries, “Are these the Masons I have heard about that perform occult rituals, secret meetings, and mysterious acts?”

Sure enough, the groom learns this is that very group that he had been told about, however, they were rumors, and lies, and could not have been further from the truth. As you have probably figured out, that groom was me, and my beautiful bride is Lisa.

After our marriage, as we began to build a life together, her twin sister Pam, continued to discuss this group called the “International Order of the Rainbow for Girls” (IORG). Which she and her husband, Tim, were members of the executive board. I also learned, she and Lisa were members of the youth order, as teenagers.

Still a bit unfamiliar, you can imagine my intrigue and curiosity to learn what this was about, what they stand for, why it was important to her, etc. After all, until now, all I had heard were rumors. The longer we were married the more this organization crept into daily conversations.

As soon as we found out Lisa was pregnant with a girl, Pam made it clear that our daughter would be eligible to join on her 11th birthday, and the planning to have her initiated was put into motion. Many of you have stated your memories of her being carried to events as an infant, carrying the bible for Installations, being present at events and functions long before becoming a member, etc. All of this, giving me more exposure to the group, their adult supporters, and what they really stood for.

The time came for TaylorAnn to be initiated in the summer of 2010, and I still did not know much of the Rainbow practices, rituals, traditions, etc, all I knew is that the girls loved to have fun, and often participated in community service projects. I have a vivid memory of a non-Rainbow event in our home that many Rainbow Girls just happened to be at, as friends, I noted a comradery and sense of belonging among the girls, and
when clean up time came, it was done in a flash. I looked at Lisa and said, “These Rainbow Girls are invited to any and all events in the future.” What dad would not want his shy, timid, daughter involved in something like that, right?

It was now Initiation, and I had no idea what to expect, I was nervous, excited, and curious all at the same time. As the meeting went on, the lessons and traditions were made known. I was at the edge of my seat with excitement of the journey our daughter, and inherently, we, as her parents were about to embark on.

I mentioned that TaylorAnn was shy and timid, characteristics that some of you, meeting her more recently, may not have seen in her. Why, you ask? Because of her journey. As she slowly (very slowly) but surely began to open up, embrace the lessons taught to her in Rainbow, Girl Scouts, Church, school and home, and being exposed to new opportunities, she became more confident, aware, and mature, leaving her shyness behind, so that she could put others first, time and time again.

So yes, this dad, reluctant to allow his shy and timid daughter join a group because of rumors I had been told, could not be more proud of her and this organization. And let me say this . . .like any group of humans, it is not always about rainbows, butterflies and unicorns. There are difficult times and situations, there are adults both in and of the organization that will spread rumors like what I had been told about untruths. I can tell you, they are just that … Untruths! CA IORG stands for love and service, while
promoting business management, public speaking, event planning, and more.

We are not a religious group; however we do teach lessons of free public education, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, and patriotism, and the importance they hold while answering the call of love and service. Notice the shift, as I spoke about a third-party organization, to including myself in first person! Remember what I said above? What father would not want their shy daughter involved in such a group? Well, I am here to testify, and shout it from the mountain tops, I am glad I did not listen to the rumors. I am blessed to be a part of this organization and have made so many of my friends here.

Thank you for letting me share my story, and our journey, this is #whyirainbow. Our journey includes a “how” we got here and “why” we stayed. I got here in spite of the lies, and stayed because of the truth!

Closing out 2019 and Ready for 2020!

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By: The Girls and Adults of Helen G. McCallum Assembly

October of 2019 was our Halloween in Hawaii Installation of Officers; we had so much fun and installed four girls into new positions. Congratulations!

In November, Brooklyn represented Helen G. McCallum at the Riverside National Cemetery by helping to post flags to honor our Veterans for Veterans Day.

Following our December meeting, we took our annual fun trip to the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. This is where we ride rides, eat churros, and have some hot chocolate. Mr. and Mrs. Padilla always make sure we get something special to remember the evening, thank you and Merry Christmas!

January is the Last OV and there was a lot to do. We had props to build, ritual to memorize, flag tributes to learn and practices. For most of us, this was our very first ritual Official Visit. We got together with the other assemblies in our district and area to practice. We visited their meetings and filled in whenever we could. We wanted to be ready. The theme was “Journey with the Goddesses of Rainbow”. The day started early, we had to be at Yucaipa High School by seven am to help setup, practice, and be ready. There were a lot of things happening all at once. Our adults said we did an amazing job, some of them cried. It was fun, a lot of hard work, and scary at times because there were over 300 people there.

We were busy in February with dinner servings, meetings, our Installation, a fun trip to Color Me Mine©, and delivering sweet treats to our local firehouse. At Color Me Mine©, we all picked something special to paint, then we walked through the mall for a while. We went back to Mrs. Padilla’s house for snacks and played some games. Riverside Fire Station 3 is always happy to see us when we show up. This time they showed us
their new engine and even extended the ladder. They asked if anyone wanted to go on it; no one did! LOL.

March is always busy for us because this is Grand Assembly prep month. We started out with a dinner serving and two youth presentation events. We were asked to speak about Rainbow to the men of Temescal Palms Lodge in Corona and to our own men at Riverside Lodge. We did the Rainbow Flag Tribute that we did at the OV and Connor spoke about Rainbow. It was after that when the Covid-19 virus shut everything down.
We were sad to learn that Grand Assembly had been postponed. We held our first virtual meeting on the 25th of March. That was different.

In April, we found out the Grand Assembly, parts of it, were going virtual. It was kind of cool. It was nice to see the Grand Officers and watch them showing us stuff. We are still hoping that we will get to go to Grand Assembly, somehow. We have had two more virtual meetings and even a virtual BINGO©. We have sent cards to the Masonic Homes since we couldn’t do our Easter egg project this year.

We are having fun, but sure do miss getting together.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

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By: Madison M. and Ireland P., Heart of the Valley Assembly

We all missed you in Fresno during our usual Grand Assembly time, but that did not stop us from honoring all of the girls during the week. Our Mother Advisor called out girls each day for special recognition. We especially want to thank our own Grand Officer, Rhiannon, for her year as a Leading Lemur!! She certainly showed us the way and we are glad to have her back as our reigning Worthy Advisor. Alexis, Gwen, Linnea, and Maddie, we hope that when we get to have Grand Assembly that you will have fun fulfilling your chosen roles as Confidential Observer Helper, Grand Page and Grand Choir.

The girls have been staying busy making masks, tying blankets, and helping out their families and neighbors during this time of quarantine. We are especially excited to begin working on neighborhood community library boxes for the Reading Heart program here in Fresno. We will be sanding and painting boxes that will become a “leave one/take one” library box for areas here in town.

We want to congratulate Ireland who won first place in her poetry category for Grand Assembly. She is someone who loves to write, so we know she will be entering more into the future.

We are also checking on different members of our Eastern Star, Shriner, Scottish Rite, Masonic, and Nile supporters. We also are sending cards to our own Past Supreme Deputy Mrs. Dyck. We miss our times with our adult orders.

We are anxiously awaiting a time when we can have meetings as we also have three initiates in waiting. In the meantime, our Zoom© meetings are including them, our Pledge group, and members. It’s a good way to keep in touch and to be able to see each other.

We can’t wait to be able to see you all again when we can see you in person! Until then, your assembly in Fresno wishes all of you good health, sunshine times, and to find a small way each day to give back to someone in need!!

It’s the End of Rainbow as We Know it … Kinda.

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By: Sophia B., Natasha H., Ava J., Jeanine R., Golden Arch Assembly

(Sung to the tune of “It’s the End of the World as We Know It”)

It’s the end of Rainbow as we know it,
It’s the end of service as we know it,

It’s the end of laughter and joy as we know it, and we feel sad!

Trio Installation. Blast. Dance party.
Get caught in laughter and smiles
Mother Advisor’s phone, goofy selfies, hidden
Bella’s Reception, Grandie family, final travels
Covid-19 attacks, Quarantine activated
Started Zoom© meetings, Virtual games, movie nights

Sewing masks
Sewing masks

Virtual Grand Assembly began, our district Devotional,
Tik Tok© dances were made, virtual food trucks, poetry contest

Heart beats were invested!
Hoop challenges accepted!

Announcements made, we LOVE our Acting Supreme Love!

It’s the end of Rainbow as we know it,
It’s the end of service as we know it,

It’s the end of laughter and joy as we know it, and we feel sad!

Stay Calm and Zoom On!

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By: Sierra H., Concord Assembly

Hello California Rainbow! As I’m sure you all know, we are living in an uncertain and frightening time. There seems to be bad news and more things to fear everywhere we look. For those of us who struggle with anxiety or depression or even those who don’t, the isolation and atmosphere of panic can be overwhelming. That’s why I believe this is
the perfect time to speak about the positive, happy happenings that still exist. It can be hard to hold onto joy when you’re alone, so let’s do it together CA Rainbow!

Concord Assembly has been hosting a weekly book club and movie night on Zoom©! We are currently reading “Five Feet Apart” and we watched Frozen© Two on Friday. This has helped me immensely. I miss my friends, especially my Rainbow people, and these meetings help me feel more connected. Maybe you and your assembly can implement some kind of events like these! Remember to reach out to those around you,
even if you can’t see them in person. You aren’t alone and all of this is temporary.

It’s also helpful to remember that over 150,000 people have recovered from COVID-19. There have been 103-year-olds who recovered. There is hope! Just stay at home and limit your contact with the public. Hold onto joy and your quarantine buddies, and this will be over soon. Don’t forget to wash your hands!