Red hot

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Feb 20, 2005 | by CAROL McGRAW THE GAZETTE

Her daughter has started a Pink Hat chapter. There were so many women younger than 50 wanting to get in on the fun that the national headquarters deemed that these "youngsters" everywhere could be "ladies in training." The Pink Hatters can be members of Red Hat chapters or form their own Pink hat chapters. They wear pink hats and lavender outfits.

Most groups have from a dozen to 30 members. But some, like the Purple Pillars, have 200 women, and the Red Hat Dazzlers at Colorado Springs Senior Center has 70 members.

The Dazzlers had to close membership and ask would-be members to form offshoot chapters, explains Mendy Putman, center director. Many other chapters have had to do the same thing.

On almost any day, you can find groups dining in their favorite tea rooms and cafs, traveling to fashion shows, pajama parties, movies, museums and plays such as "Menopause." Some go on cruises. One bunch went to London at the invitation of women there and they marched in a parade.

This year's summer convention will be in Las Vegas.

Etta McClanahan, 64, a retired administrative assistant, recalls the first time she saw a society at a local restaurant. "I couldn't resist asking 'who are you?'" She eventually went to a Red Hat tea. "I didn't know if I would like it. I was surprised I enjoyed it so much."

She's now a member of the 200-strong Purple Pillars formed through PILLAR, a local educational institute for retirees. "It's a fun time in our lives to relax and not worry about things," she says of her new friendships.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0371 or cmcgraw@gazette.com

DETAILS

Here are some guidelines from national "hatquarters" on how to join a chapter, start a Red Hat Society chapter, or become a "virtual" member online.

Members must be at least 50 years old (Pink Hatters are younger than 50).

Buy a red hat and purple outfit. (Or pink and lavender if a Pink Hatter.) Members attend functions in "full regalia." There are no bylaws. The chapter and events are what you make them.

Invite as many women as you want into your chapter. Most have about 20 members because any more makes it difficult to obtain reservations. When your chapter membership closes, encourage others to start their own.

Register with the national society so you can participate in official Red Hat events and online shopping sales. A registered chapter pays about $35 a year.

To become a member of a chapter already in existence, go to the society Web site, which lists chapters by ZIP code, and send an e- mail to one near your home. You can visit several to see which you like. Chapter contact information can also be obtained by calling hatquarters.

If there's no chapter near you or you prefer to be an online- only member, it is $18 a year. See the Web site for details.

More information: www.redhatsociety.com or call the society in Fullerton, Calif., 1-714-738-0001.