Local groups focus on fun

?When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn?t go and doesn?t suit me,? is a statement from a poem written by Jenny Joseph.

The proclamation is the basis for the Red Hat Society, a social organization for women over 50. Actually women wanting to participate can join if they are under 50, but they are called Pink Hatters.

The society was founded by Californian, Sue Cooper. Today, there are about 1.5 million registered members from all over the United States and other countries. Warren County is fortunate to have two charter groups here, The Red Hat Rockers and Happy Hatters.

The Red Hat Society is not a sorority or a voluntary service club; there are no initiations, no fundraising projects, no rules and no by laws. In fact, the group refers to itself as a ?dis-organization? with the focus on fun, silliness, creativity and friendship.

It?s difficult not to recognize the groups, as they are to wear their red hats and purple clothing to all their outings. The only exception is that members are to wear purple hats and red clothing during the entire month of their birthday. Of course, the younger Pink Hatters wear pink hats and lavender attire. The founder or leader of the chapter is usually referred to as a Queen.

Our local Happy Hatters have been in existence four years, with Darlene Williams serving as Queen. Thirty-three members meet at least twice a month, sometimes visiting area tea rooms for lunch or other trips. They sometimes go on overnight trips and are planning a trip to Reelfoot Lake to view the eagles.

?We are a very diversified group,? says Williams. ?We have members from age 53 through 86 years of age. We have everything from painters to homemakers that enjoy getting together and having fun.?

Williams feels many times ladies who are getting a little older need to learn to have a good time again. Many have raised their families, worked at jobs or made a home for their family, and now realize it?s time for themselves. Many of them have to learn to relax and play. In a sense, they are ?thumbing their noses at getting older.? Anyone interested in joining the group can call Williams at 473-4128.

McMinnville/Warren County Senior Center director Cheryl Mingle organized the Red Hat Rockers in an effort to get the ladies attending the center involved in the community.

?We organized in September, 2004, with me being the Queen. I decided to share the title, and our particular chapter passes the title on each year to a deserving member,? said Mingle.

Carol Myers is the current Queen Bee for the Red Hat Rockers, following Dot Snodgrass and Mingle. The group recently volunteered at the Veteran?s Day program and the caregiver?s dinner held recently at the center. They have entered the annual Christmas parade for two years now, and won a ribbon last year.

?We had a great time this year, with people saying they could hear us coming a block away,? laughed Myers. ?I led the group in a Red Hat song where we promoted Main Street by hailing shopping bags with downtown stores? names written on them.?

The group currently has 18 members who participates in almost all of the Chamber of Commerce?s activities, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies at new businesses. In all their hours of volunteering, they find time to have fun, and also welcome new membership. Myers can be reached at 686-2632.

?We try to do things for people in the community. We have gathered items for the humane society, assisted Healing Hearts of Tennessee, and visit the nursing home on a regular basis. It is entirely the member?s choice, if they participate,? said Mingle.

Both groups of lively ladies declare it is now time for them, especially since they have completed their time as chefs, domestic engineers, taxi drivers and corporate executives.

As the Red Hat Society theme song states, ?All my life, I?ve done for you. Now it?s my turn to do for me.?