Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rainbow in Connecticut

For an entire century, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls has been dedicated to making an everlasting impact in Connecticut. Thousands of girls have dedicated their time to cultivating leadership skills, growing their confidence, and maintaining upstanding character as women in society. Since CT IORG’s establishment in 1926, us girls have consistently championed the foundational principles of IORG: Faith, Hope, and Charity. We have participated in thousands of community service initiatives that not only benefit our local communities, but oftentimes the country, and world, at large. This milestone anniversary is something to be celebrated, and we invite all of you to celebrate with us! We have some fun and exciting events planned, be sure to subscribe to our Nostalgia Committee Newsletter to stay up to date!

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View previous editions of the Nostalgia Committee Newsletter Click Here

The dedicated members of the Nostalgia Committee want to hear your stories! Whether you are a current girl or advisor, or were involved in IORG in your youth, your story is an important aspect of the work we have done to change the world! Share with us your story Click Here

Centennial Challenge

We have instituted a state-wide competition called the Centennial Challenge! Assemblies will be competing against one another to earn points. Assemblies that reach 25 points will be attending a fun event after Grand Assembly in 2026! If you know of a way you can help out the assembly you are connected with, please do so! We want all assemblies to be able to join us at our fun outing!

Mom Delores Burr

Mrs. Delores Burr, "Mom Burr", a Past Supreme Inspector in Connecticut, served as Supreme Deputy and then Supreme Inspector from 1988 to 2001. Her daughters were involved in Rainbow during their youth. She was appointed to serve as Supreme Confidential Observer in 1998, and Supreme Outer Observer in 2002. Mom Burr now lives in an apartment on the grounds of Masonicare in Wallingford. She remembers many special times that she shared with girls throughout the state, and has wonderful memories of trips to Supreme Assemblies. She loves to hear from her "girls" and also loves to keep up with news of IORG activities happening now.

Gwen Rochette

My name is Gwen Rochette. I was born in western Pennsylvania, and moved to Connecticut before my 2nd birthday, so Connecticut has always felt like home. I graduated from Wilcox Technical School and from Bay State College in Boston. I have had a few careers in my life… retail store manager, graphic designer and most recently a project manager in healthcare. I joined IORG at the age of 12 (that was the youngest age to join at the time). I served Connecticut as Grand Worthy Advisor – 1977 to 1978.

Judy Behler

I am a majority Rainbow Girl from Evergreen Assembly #44 and a member of the Grand Cross of Color. I joined at 12 years old as my maternal grandmother was an advisory board member, and my mother and a couple of her sisters had been members when they were younger. I held many offices in Evergreen Assembly over the years and was Grand Lecturer for Past GWA, Wendy Terry. I served on the advisory board for Evergreen Assembly for several years as well. I am a widow, with 3 sons aged 38, 35, and 31, and an 11-year-old. old grandson & an 8yr. old granddaughter. I currently work at Southern Connecticut State University, where I have been a Telephone Operator for about 26 1/2 years. I am also a 33-year member of The Order of Eastern Star and am currently the Associate Grand Matron in CT.

Sarah Najda

Hi, I'm Sarah Najda. I was initiated into Ansonia Assembly #8 when I was 11 years old in 1992. I was very active in my assembly and also traveled and helped many other local assemblies. When I became eligible, I was Grand Representative to Oklahoma, State Miss Service, Grand Fidelity, and Grand Religion. During this time, I received the Spirit Award, the Temple of Service pin, and the Grand Cross of Color. While in Rainbow, I met many people throughout the state that I am still friends with today. I am currently a Majority Member, and reconnecting with Ansonia Assembly as an adult. I also continued my Masonic journey and joined Eastern Star two years ago, where I was appointed a station in my local chapter. During the school year, I am a special education teacher in Hartford, CT. But when I'm not at school, I enjoy reading cute rom-coms, hiking, and searching flea markets for antiques to decorate my 200-year-old home. I look forward to celebrating Connecticut Rainbow's 100th anniversary and meeting new friends!

Anne Hines LaTerra

A proud Majority Member of Branford Assembly #19, Anne Hines LaTerra spent nine years in IORG, serving as Worthy Advisor and multiple times as a Grand Representative. She later became Grand Worthy Advisor and was honored to serve as Acting Supreme Nature at the 2006 Supreme Sessions. After Majority, she stayed active on Grand Committees and her home assembly’s Advisory Board. Now living in Northford, CT with her husband and two future Rainbow Girls, she is Chief Marketing Officer at a start-up health insurance company. She credits IORG with many successes in her life from lifelong friendships, leadership skills, public speaking and presentation, and a passion for supporting young women.

Stephanie (Watts) Bink

My name is Stephanie Bink, I was initiated into Rainbow in 2004 and got my majority in 2014. I served CT Grand Assembly as a Grand Representative to Kansas, Illinois, and Louisiana as well as State Miss Service, Grand Faith, Hope, Charity, Patriotism, Service, and Recorder. I am a Bakery Technician and Merchandising Specialist assigned by the Broker I work for to the Big Y chain to work with and train their Bakery Department and Cake Decorators. In 2020 I had a daughter and she received the Baby Dedication at Grand Assembly in 2021.

Darcy Needham

Darcy Needham is a deeply committed alumna of CT IORG, whose extensive contributions have left a lasting impact on the organization. A former PGWA (2011-2012), Darcy also serves on the Executive Committee and as a Special Ops Supervisor, demonstrating her strong leadership and operational expertise. Among her most significant achievements, Darcy is proud to have been instrumental in creating a girl-first organization, a testament to her dedication to empowering young women within IORG. For Darcy, CT IORG means everything. It's not only a cherished experience she can share with her family, but it also provides a profound sense of contributing positively to the world. She is particularly excited to be part of the 100th Anniversary Committee, eager to share her ideas to help IORG grow and thrive for another 100 years and beyond.

Sophia Patterson, Director of Nostalgia

This upcoming year will be my 11th year as an active Rainbow Girl! I have served CT IORG as Grand Religion, Grand Hope, Grand Charity, Grand Immortality, and now Grand Chaplain! I have held many Special Ops Jobs throughout these years, with my most recent appointment being the Director of Nostalgia! I am very excited to be in this role and to be planning exciting events to celebrate 100 years of IORG in CT! I will be a senior in college this year and am currently in the midst of applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate programs! At school, I am involved in Best Buddies, Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Phi Omega International Community Service fraternity, and multiple volunteering programs! My sister is also an IORG member, and my mom and aunt were active members in the 80's and 90's! I have made many wonderful friends through IORG and have acquired many skills that I use daily, such as public speaking! I am so excited for this upcoming year and to spread the word about IORG!