Red Hatters

RETIRED - but your friends are still working? A great way to make new friends is to join a local Red Hat Chapter. The Red Hat Society first began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with humor rather than dreading it. It was started by Sue Ellen Cooper who bought a bright red fedora at a thrift shop; then about a year or so later she read the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, which depicts an older woman in purple clothing with a red hat.

Sue Ellen decided that her birthday gift to her friend, Linda, would be a vintage red hat and a copy of the poem. Linda loved the gift so much that she gave the same things to another friend, then another, which blossomed into a world-wide organization devoted to friendship and fun.

Red Hatters relish life in their golden years enjoying friendship, new activities and a genuine enthusiasm for "what's next" as we age. I am a founding member of the Todd Creek Red Hatters in Thornton CO, started in August 2006 by a woman who had been very active in several Red Hat Chapters in California. We've grown to 97 members and during the year host a variety of activities including luncheons, going to theater and Denver attractions. With generous hearts, we support several charitable activities including adopting 2 teens at Christmas; a toiletry drive the homeless and a Dr. Seuss Day reading at the local school.

So if you're looking for new friends and fun ways to spend your time, check out the Red Hat Society website at http://www.redhatsociety.com/