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Red Hat Society Day celebrated in Valley
luncheon Event marks International Red Hat Day
By LINDA M. LINONIS
GIRARD
They’ve raised families and funds for schools, churches and their communities, and now they’re raising the roof on having fun.
They’re members of the Red Hat Society, an organization of women 50 years and older.
A String of Pearls, a Youngstown group, celebrated International Red Hat Day at a luncheon Wednesday at Mahoning Country Club, 710 E. Liberty St., with some 80 Red Hatters attending. They came from Mahoning and Trumbull counties and others from the Cleveland area.
Betty Crafter-Royal is queen mother of A String of Pearls, which has hosted a Red Hat Day luncheon on the third Wednesday of April for 10 years. The group organized 13 years ago.
Fun was the main course on the agenda at Wednesday’s event with a “Hattitude Stroll” as part of the entertainment. Members entered their hats into categories of dress, casual, original and sports then strutted their stuff. “We have the stroll to have fun,” Crafter-Royal said. She added the event also included Red Hatters’ You’ve Got Talent segment in which members could enter any talent. “It’s part of the entertainment,” she said. Vendor shopping also was available with an array of outfits and accessories for the well-dressed Red Hatter. “It’s for the shopaholics,” Crafter-Royal said.
A String of Pearls has 22 members who range in age from 50 to 87, Crafter-Royal said. She noted Red Hatters take trips, attend conventions and participate in a variety of events. “It’s a social time for women,” she said.
Judie Shortreed, queen of fun of the Fun Attitudes of Cortland, an 11-year member, who wore a purple dress that sparkled and red turban-style hat with a band of rhinestones, said, “It’s our time. We’ve done what we had to do. Now it’s our time to do what we want to do.”
Sandy Taipale, queen of hearts of the Razzle Dazzle Sweethearts of Lordstown, won in the dressy-hat category. She added pearls to the red hat she bought for the occasion. “I love making new friends,” she said.
She recently had a knee replacement and has arthritis and fibromyalgia. “This is more fun than sitting at home complaining about pain,” she said. “We become sisters and are there for each other.”
Janice Ligenza, queen of the Red Hotties of Boardman, said she’s been involved in the group for 10 years. “They’ve become my best friends,” she said. “We enjoy each other’s company.” She said too often older women are “ignored.” “We give each other attention,” she said.
Jackie McDonald, queen of Nzuri Ladies of Oak Hill Village, near Cleveland, said the name of her group is Swahili and means beautiful. “We do some community service. Our group takes trips, goes to plays and out to dinner and lunch,” she said.
McDonald, who worked in corporate business, said Red Hatters “is our reward, our outlet, our relaxation.”
Dorothy Lemley and her daughter, Chris Lemley, won in sports-hat category. They are with Rosebuds of East Palestine. Both said they like the fun of belonging.
Hat contest judges from A String of Pearls were Louise Adams, Iva Harrell and Earline London.