The “Red Hatters” Of Golden Living Center of La Porte.

             This is a society that requires mature ladies only to be members.  Not that they discriminate, but if you are under 50, you can not wear red and purple, but must wear a pink hat and lavender clothing to participate.  On this sunny spring day at the Golden Living Center of Laporte, Indiana, the ladies are all wearing red and purple while sitting around the table and toasting the occasion with sparkling wine (or apple juice).
           Their paths to this table are varied, some having been local and some from as far away as Brooklyn, New York, prior to residing at the Golden Living Center.  Attendee, Patricia Blumer once cared for seniors out of her Chesterton, Indiana home, while Geraldine (Gerri) Wallen was a legal secretary and clerk for the court in LaPorte.   All of these special ladies have just as special of a story, but the “Red Hat Society” luncheon wasn’t for telling tales, unless they would bring a smile to their faces or a tear to their eyes.
           The “Red Hat Society” is, after all, dedicated to having fun, and these ladies pursue it with gusto.  As they waited in the lobby for the table to be set, they smiled and laughed at each other, in grand anticipation of what was to come.  It was a great day to spend with friends and enjoy an afternoon in each other’s company.   Remember their creed, to have fun above all else, and to fulfill their personal potential.  If that takes a little imagination, then let it be.
           This luncheon was but one of the myriad of activities that they have chosen over the years; these ladies live on the edge.  The women, with the help of Activities Director Denise Price, go on trips around the world.  They have been to Paris, Hawaii, Germany, Las Vegas and even a Halloween trip to Transylvania.  All right, they were only mock trips, but if you are a true Red Hatter, you take it to the limit.  To do so only takes a little imagination before you find yourself in those exotic and wonderful vacation spot.
            Denise brings forth her creative talents to transform a room to replicate any grand place they wish to be and photos are taken to “prove” they were there.    The ladies have secret names, which could be “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” or “The Princes of LaPorte” or anything else that pleases them.  On another occasion the women had a ‘spa day’ where their hair and make-up were done perfectly, so that they could take ‘Glamour Shots’.  Denise admitted that her husband said that she was only doing that day with the women because she never grew up, and was still playing ‘Barbie” with them.  She would not confirm or deny if this was a fact or not.
           Yet, on this sunny day, a good time was had by all, thanks to the combined efforts of Denise, Kim Wayer, her activities assistant, and volunteers, Ann Zeno and Carol Ludwig.  These Red Hat Ladies enjoyed a beautiful day in their own neighborhood.  So how does that make them heroes?  Each and every one of them was my hero that day...their simple enjoyment of life brought joy to everyone watching.        

Fun, Friendship, Freedom, Fulfillment and Fitness The Red Hat Society

             Have you ever seen a group of ladies all wearing red hats and purple clothing; some daring enough to have added the purple boa or red gloves, perhaps overhearing them referring to each other by a rather uncommon names? Well these are the “Red Hatters” and you are witnessing a chapter of the Red Hat Society out doing what their mission statement mandates; enjoying life to the fullest and having fun
.           This social organization is dedicated to making the world a better place for women, by actively promoting and supporting fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness. The Red Hat Society Mission Statement   Fun – we celebrate life at every age and stage Friendship – we solidify and support the expansion of the bonds of sisterhood Freedom – we discover and explore new interests and renew abandoned ones Fulfillment – we realize our personal potential Fitness – we embrace healthy, life-lengthening lifestyles
             The organization was founded in 1998, by the artist, Sue Ellen Cooper, (Queen Mother) who lives in Fullerton, California.  Story goes that she bought herself a red fedora hat, “for no other reason than that is was cheap and, she thought, quite dashing,” as stated on their website. It also states she loved the poem by Jenny Joseph called “Warning” which depicts an older woman wearing a red hat and purple clothing. Somehow this all came together for her and so she proceeded to by a birthday gift for a friend of a vintage red hat and a copy of the poem. This red hat and copy of the poem was to become a standard gift for each friend, who passed it on and on to others. Then one day these ladies decided to down their regalia, dress in purple and go to tea.  This outing was the first gathering of a chapter of the “Red Hat Society”.
           There are organizations that feed, give support, comfort and aid to older people and their families; this is not one of those, but no less in need of praise. These lovely ladies are out having tea, going to the movies, window shopping, having lunches, and acting a little silly at times. What they are not doing is sitting alone in their empty nester homes, apartments or rooms. They are instead enjoying their lives, reaping the benefits of camaraderie and most importantly doing what they want to do! Bravo Ladies  

The Red Hat Society Mission Statement

Fun – we celebrate life at every age and stage

Friendship – we solidify and support the expansion of the bonds of sisterhood Freedom – we discover and explore new interests and renew abandoned ones

Fulfillment – we realize our personal potential

Fitness – we embrace healthy, life-lengthening lifestyles