In May, the Red Hat Society of Greenbush met at the twins Rockin' Fifties Cafe for a light supper and some light-hearted fun. The Greenbush group is about four months old, but boasts a membership of thirty, more or less. Members sport red hats and purple clothing when on an outing which raises a few questions, as well as a few eyebrows.

 

In answer to some of the questions, here are the facts.  The Red Hatter Society is an international phenomenon (international because a Canadian chapter was recently formed). Red Hatters formed in response to a poem by Jenny Josephs, which included the lines, "When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple and a red hat that doesn't go."

 

What's it about? Some say, "It's all about the hat." That's true, sort of. The hat is a symbol of attitude or "hattitude" as the Red Hatters Call it. The attitude? Facing advancing age with élan, humor, fun, and friendship. Wearing a silly red hat and laughing about it. Getting together without an agenda.

 

The "hattitude" is reflected in the relaxed style of the Society. There are no group officers, no parliamentary procedures, no agenda, and no real rules, although wearing THE HAT is strongly encouraged. Membership is flexible, with red-hatted women over fifty welcomed into the group for one event or forever, whatever the case. Women under fifty, the Red Hat Wannabes, are welcome if sporting pink hats and lavender clothing.

 

Events are planned on a month-to-month basis.  At each get-together, one, two, or more members volunteer to host the next month's affair, making the plans and notifying members. Usually each member pays her own way if the planned event involves tickets or restaurant meals.

 

The June event will be held at the Kathy Berge home, where the group plans to make a "hattitude" float for the Greenbush Centennial Fourth of July Parade. If you want, call Kathy, then put on your red hat and join the fun.

 

If you want more information about the Red Hat Society, go to http://www.redhatsociety.com .

 

June, 2005

The June Red Hat event was held at the Kathy Berge home, where we had a wonderful time constructing a "hattitude" float for the Greenbush centennial parade. Reflecting the official colors of the society, the float was decked out in red and purple. And dipping our red hats to our free country, it also sported the American flag and a bit of red, white, and blue.

Since it was a free-for-all decorating spree, we were amazed at how nice the float looked. It shows what a few good women with "hattitude" can do without direction!

We welcomed a Red Hatter from Staples at our June meeting, and with true Red Hat spirit, she pitched right in and helped with the decorating. We enjoyed her visit. Members from other Red Hat Societies are always welcome to attend our events.

Our Greenbush area society decided to adopt its own chapter name and apply for official recognition. We chose Crimson Prairie Bonnets as our name, and it was submitted to the Society. They discourage multiple use of names, but since our choice is unique, it was quickly approved.

Near the end of July we will enjoy an event hosted by Peggy Kruger. Watch The Tribune for a notice or call Peggy at Warroad.

As mentioned in the previous article about the Greenbush Red Hatters, there are no group officers. However, we may choose to name ourselves divas or princesses of almost anything we wish. Therefore, I submit this as the Diva of the Keyboard, Crimson Prairie Bonnets.

 

July, 2005

Twenty members of the Crimson Prairie Bonnets, the Greenbush Area chapter of the Red Hat Society, gathered at Peggy Kruger’s lake home for visiting and luncheon on Tuesday, July 26. On the cool and breezy afternoon, the steel-blue lake slapping against the rocks provided a soothing backdrop as the Hatters visited both indoors and out. An attractive and delicious meal prepared by Peggy was enjoyed in the comfort of the screened room and breezeway.

During the afternoon, the Red Hatters decided to establish a Crimson Prairie Bonnets website to help facilitate communications. By simply accessing the website, our thirty or so members will be able to check the details of upcoming activities. For details, contact Sarah Shafer at 782-3966.

The evening of August 20th the Hatters will attend a dinner theater at Goodridge. This musical is the grand finale of the Smithsonian exhibition presented June through August in and near Thief River Falls. Cost of tickets is $8.00. Over twenty members have signed up and paid. Seating is limited. Any others wishing to be included, please contact the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce at 218-681-3720 to check if tickets are still available. If so, mention that you’d like to be seated with the Greenbush Red Hatters – and don’t forget to wear your red hat!

Submitted by the Diva of the Keyboard, Crimson Prairie Bonnets, Greenbush area chapter of the Red Hat Society. For pictures click here.