The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - In a Waitsburg tradition dating back over 75 years, a new slate of Rainbow Girls' of- ficers was sworn in at their installation ceremony on August 21. The Masonic Hall was filled with friends, family and Rainbow Girls from neighboring chapters in what Mother Advisor Karen Mohney said is one of the largest turnouts she can recall.

Every six months, the group elects new officers, allowing the girls to advance in their ranks and practice leadership skills. The posi- tion of Worthy Advisor, similar to a group president, is a one-year position. At the August installation, that position was transferred from two-time Worthy Advisor Kendra Roberts to Katelynn Martin.

The Worthy Advisor elect is responsible for planning and preparing the installation ceremony, which is "almost like planning a wed- ding," said Martin's mother Tawnya Richards. "You choose colors and a theme, make invitations, plan flow- ers and decorations and serve a reception."

Martin drew inspiration from her family nickname, "Eeyore," in choosing her friendship-based theme, Rainbow Friendships are Never Ending. "The char- acters in Pooh are all good friends and friendship is a big part of what Rainbow is about," said Martin. Girls who join Rainbow often make a lifelong commitment to the sisterhood and go on to join Eastern Star as adults.

Martin worked with Nan- cy Otterson, who "did an absolutely amazing job" on the patriotic colored corsages, boutonnieres and table decorations. Otterson, a past Mother Advisor who has been involved in the Waitsburg Rainbow chapter for over 30 years, volunteers her services to any girls who request help with their flow- ers and decoration.

Martin became involved in Rainbow shortly after moving to Waitsburg seven years ago. She joined the group because she was told, by friend and neighbor Ken- dra Roberts, that it was a good way to meet people and help the community. After seeing the Rainbow parade floats, with the girls smiling and waving in their formal dresses, Martin decided to check it out.

The group focuses on community service, poise and public speaking, and building leadership and mentoring skills. Once a member of Rainbow, it can take five to six years to work through the various posi- tions to reach that of Worthy Advisor, a position that is ultimately voted on by the girls in the chapter.

Martin is excited about her term and plans to focus on keeping the group ac- tively involved in service projects. They're already slated to serve a meal at the Christian Aid Center in October, run Turkey Bin- go in November and help kids shop and wrap gifts at the annual Kids' Shopping Night in December.

"What I enjoy most about Rainbow is the satisfac- tion I get from learning to be a good mentor, with the younger girls looking up to you and learning from you," Martin said. "I also enjoy helping the community and learning to become a better leader."

There are 14 girls in the chapter this year, up from 10 last year. Positions for the current term are:

- Worthy Advisor - Kate-

lynn Martin

- Worthy Associate Advisor- Jessie Hopkins

- Charity - Kendra Roberts

- Faith - Iris Turnipseed

- Recorder - Kendra Smith

- Treasurer - Anna Nerf

- Chaplin - Julia Taylor

- Drill Leader - Devon

Harshman

- Love - Maurisa Hulce

- Nature - Suzy Moser

- Fidelity - Haylee Crow

- Patriotism - Nicki Fisher

- Service - Jesse Brown

- Confidential Observer -Stephenie Nerf

- Mother Advisor is KarenMohney and Rainbow Dadis Bret Moser.

Rainbow meetings are the first and third Wednes- day of each month. All girls between 11 and 20 are welcome to join. To learn more, contact Karen Mohney at 337-8201 (Blue Crystal) or Katelynn Martin at (509) 200-1846.