Red Hat Society Visits Silver Springs
 | Author:
Dee Gannon, MT43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
Red Hat Society Visits Silver Springs
Dee Gannon
MT43 News Correspondent
The residents of Silver Springs Assisted Living were delighted to welcome the local chapter of The Red Hat Society for lunch on Thursday, July 20.
About 15 members of the local chapter made their way to Silver Springs to celebrate womanhood. Sandy Vanover, the Queen, was quick to say that 24 years ago, Kathleen Jepson was the force that began the local chapter. “If it wasn’t for her, who knows where we would be.” Sandy was granted Queen a few years ago when Kathleen retired. Kathleen is now a resident of Silver Springs.
The Red Hat Society is an international group of women who offer powerful and interpersonal connections and emotional support systems for women from all walks of life. Although they used to have an age limit for members (50); they now encourage women of all ages to join, and reading from the website: “placing the importance of friendships and sisterhood, and the value of play into our busy lives. Always trailblazers, we help reshape the way modern women are viewed and valued in today’s culture.”
The Red Hatters (or ‘Hoots’ as they are known) began in November 1998, when Founder and Exalted Queen Mother, Sue Ellen Cooper, saw a need for an inclusive group of women who support and love one another. The wearing of red hats came into existence through a gift of a red hat, along with a poem by Jenny Joseph, entitled, “Warning.”
That was 25 years ago, and since then Red Hats have grown in numbers. The organization is also recognized by the National Center on Aging as being most beneficial to women who understand the importance of connection and sisterhood.
As for our local group, Sandy Vanover, Queen, explains that the chapter has done so much for the fun they get to enjoy. “Every month (Thursdays) we visit a different business. If it’s a restaurant; we have lunch. Other businesses, we support that business.”
Annual membership is $35; plus, there are $3 monthly dues that go toward the ‘fun’ that they have. This month was Silver Springs, where they had a delicious lunch consisting of amazing ribs, potato salad, garlic bread and watermelon. Prepared by Silver Springs chef, Vivian Boaz. It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
If you want to join the Red Hat Society you can contact Sandy Vanover or Sharon Obrigewich. Or, you can contact redhatsociety.com.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Sandy Vanover
Image 1 Caption: CmGerry Kimpton, Bonnie Olsen, Sylvia (resident of SS), Katherine (young lady who came to help), Linda McCoullough, Betty Mockel. Front, Sharon Obrigewich, Sandy Vanover, Barb Wogamon, Helen Turcotte, Katherine McBee, Trenna Scofield. At the table: Katherine Jepson with other residents.
Photo Credits: Sandy Vanover
