Monday, May 30, 2016

Yerington Monday: The Red Hat Society

The Red Hat Society


The Red Hat Society (RHS) is an international social organization originally founded in 1998 in the United States for women age 50 and beyond, but now open to women of all ages. Today, there are over 20,000 chapters in the United States and over 30 other countries

In the fall of 1997, Sue Ellen Cooper, an artist from Fullerton, California, purchased an old red fedora for $7.50 from a thrift shop during a trip to Tucson, Arizona. When a good friend was nearing a 55th birthday, Cooper cast about for an idea for an original gift. Inspired by a well-known Jenny Joseph poem, Warning, which begins “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me. ” Cooper wanted to encourage her friend to grow older in a playful manner. She gave her friend a red hat of her own suggesting that she keep it as a reminder to grow older playfully and on her terms

Why a play group for women?
Most women give their all to family, career, and community. And they enjoy it. But, along the way, sometimes our existing bonds of friendship gradually diminish. Membership in the Red Hat Society is a rewarding vehicle for reconnecting old friends, making new friends and rediscovering the joy of getting together with other woman for the express purpose of… having FUN! We wholeheartedly promote periods of "recess" from the cares and duties of everyday life in which Hatters gather for no other purpose than to play.
Who are the women of The Red Hat Society?
Our Queens & Members are from all walks of life and have varied interests. As a result, each Chapter is unique. Unlike traditional clubs, RHS may have multiple Chapters in a given town. If a woman wants to be Queen of her own Chapter, then by all means… self appoint! Members who have attained the fabulous age of 50 wear red hats and purple clothing, while those under 50 wear pink hats and lavender clothing.

What do Red Hat Society Members do?
Our Queens & Members make friends online through our Members' only website, RedHatSociety.com, and gather locally in groups, known as Chapters, simply for fun. The RHS website provides Members with an Event Calendar for posting and viewing local Chapter events, an online discussion forum where Sisters are up 24/7 ready to chat and a Chapter connection tool that allows any Member to communicate with Queens of local Chapters anywhere in the world! Some of our favorite activities are to go to lunch, shop, see movies, theater, weekend trips and RHS conventions. If an activity sounds fun, we grab our Hats and go!


The Benefits of Being a Part of The Red Hat Society.
Yes, we are all about "play," but we cannot discredit the deeper, more meaningful benefits of RHS Membership – powerful interpersonal connections and emotional support systems built among Sisters both online and offline. We support one another in every life stage from all corners of the globe! We are reshaping the way women are viewed in today's culture by promoting, not only fun and friendship, but freedom from stereotypes and fulfillment of goals and dreams. Fitness is the foundation on which we base healthy, rewarding lives. Red Hat Society naturally promotes positive Hattitudes!

Red Hat Chapters in Mason & Smith Valley

There maybe five or more Red Hot Society chapters in Mason & Smith Valley

Smith Valley Red Hots
Jan Jordon, Queen

Pistolettes
Donna Gard, Queen
3rd Friday

Monday Group
Laine Cox, Queen
At Dini’s

“Classy Ladies of Yerington”
Elaine Morgan, Queen
Meet 2nd Wed of Each Monday




Red Hat “Classy Ladies of Yerington” Meeting at Cabin Fever
May 11, 2016



Elaine Morgan, Queen

“The Red Hats have been wonderful. They have been great support and provided solid friendships.” said Elaine Morgan when asked what she like about the Red Hat Society.

                
Sherill Oreb            Linda Newcombe

            
Gloria Schmidt Melba Nevin


Florence Giorgi



Linda Newcombe, Melba Nevin, Elaine Morgan, Queen, Sherrill Oreb, Gloria Schmidt, Florence Giorgi,


Kinsey Damon (waitress & stand-up comedian) takes the “Classy Ladies” lunch order.  Elaine Morgan, Queen, Sherrill Oreb, Gloria Schmidt, Florence Giorgi, Linda Newcombe, Melba Nevin,


In Memory of Mary Louise Combs
(See Mary Louise Combs Obituary Below)

After their lunch and meeting at Cabin Fever, the “Classy Ladies of Yerington” Red Hats planted seeds as a memorial at the at the Roadside Park/Rest Stop next to Cabin Fever.



Melba Nevin, Elaine Morgan, Queen, Sherrill Oreb, Gloria Schmidt,  Linda Newcombe, Florence Giorgi,



Melba Nevin, Elaine Morgan, Queen, Sherrill Oreb


Gloria Schmidt, Linda Newcombe, Florence Giorgi,  


The finished product.  Now to wait for the seeds to grow.

Mary Louise Combs
May 20, 1934 - April 16, 2016

(Excerpt taken from the Mason Valley News)

Mary Louise Combs passed away on April 16, 2016 after a short illness.  Mary Louise was a true pioneer, moving with her family from her birthplace in Wheatland, Wyoming at an early age.  She grew up in exciting times in a burgeoning wilderness, raising six children, all but the last one being born in Alaska while it was still a Territory,  Living through the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964, and numerous volcanic events, she carried that “can do Survivor/Pioneer spirit” with her in everything she did and with everyone she met.

She was a kind, helpful, loving child of God, with the attitude most days that “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me!”  Even getting up on her own roof at the age of 81, just because she didn’t want anyone else to fall off.

She loved Yerington, the great people, and the tremendous and lasting friendships, which she cultivated within this beautiful valley.

Mary Louise was an active and enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society and reigned a Queen of the “Classy Ladies of Yerington” for several years.  She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Her approach to everything she did has aspects of curiosity, challenge, and the need for improvement.  Mary Louise will be greatly missed, but would encourage us all to carry out her thoughtful and purposeful way of reaching to other in our lives each and every day.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 11, 2016, at 1:00 PM, followed by a Potluck reception, held at the Community United Methodist Church, 221 Main Street, Yerington, Nevada.

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