Sock Hop

Last night we took a stroll down memory lane when our Red Hatters hosted a Sock Hop. It was a blast! It brought back such fond memories of going to teen town every Sunday night during high school.


I loved my retro outfit -- right down to the sequined cat-eye glasses, red & white pom-poms and poodle skirt.

That term "Sock Hop" was first coined in the '50s. The dances were held for teens in high school gyms, so the dancers had to kick off their shoes and dance in their socks so they wouldn't mark up the gym floors.

Besides, dancing in socks made it easier to slide across the floor in dances like the Twist, the Mashed Potatoes and Stroll. The name stuck and most teen dances were referred to as 'Sock Hops'.

Everyone loved the old American Bandstand clips that were played, highlighting upcoming artists like Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart. We even had a King and Queen of the Hop who were picked by the DJ based on a twist contest.

The fun-filled event was kicked off with an antique car show! Here I am with my favorite old car -a T-Bird! If you'd like to host a Sock Hop in your community, but don't know where to start, go to: http://www.ehow.com/how_2073394_host-sock-hop.html

Baby Showers

Are you looking for a new opportunity to volunteer your time and talent?

Then how about hosting a baby shower for needy babies born at your local general hospital?

Several of us here at Heritage Todd Creek participated today in a baby shower hosted by Colorado's First Lady Jeanne Ritter for babies born at the Denver Health Hospital. Our group made a beautiful assortment of baby blankets and hats. Since we started "knitting for newborns" we have made more than 90 blankets.

What was so exciting about today's event is that volunteers there ranged from Girl Scouts to retirees! Several large corporations even participated -- donating everything from diapers to car seats. We were so moved by today's event that our Red Hat Chapter is going to host a baby shower. Especially in today's economy this is a wonderful way to help those in need!

Alzheimer's

I went to a Red Hat Luncheon this afternoon where the Creekside Line Dancers performed. While watching them I thought of the recent conversation I had with my primary care physician who I've nicknamed "the Russian chick" as her last name is so difficult to pronounce.

When I had my annual physical we discussed how to prevent Alzheimer's. It's one of the biggest fears facing us Boomers as we age. We all know of someone who has suffered from this debilitating illness. We've heard the horror stories of loved ones who have driven down the wrong side of the highway or answered the door without their pants! None of us want to end up like that, so we're all looking for ways to stay sharp.

The dancers reminded me that my doctor said there are 2 things that will definitely help us:

Structured dancing -- Not freestyle like when we were young and did the twist. But structured dancing, like learning a line dancing routine is great because it helps you both physically and mentally.

Crossword puzzles -- Working a daily crossword puzzle with help your mind stay alert. Go to http://www.eons.com/ for a daily crossword puzzle as well as other brain games.

Let's hope you don't need it for a long time -- but if you want additional info on Alzheimer's, go to http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_diagnosis.asp?gclid=CKKhn7egspgCFRlcagodDDV_Vg

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/

Volunteering

Volunteering is very rewarding and helps fill the hours in retirement. After retiring, I found that many charities want volunteers to commit to one day a week. Since I love to travel frequently, I prefer to take on charitable projects. I just led a project for The Crossing, a homeless shelter in Denver with a goal of collecting over 300 toiletries. Our Heritage Todd Creek Red Hat Chapter supported it. I was so excited because the generous Red Hatters donated over 800 products!!! I'm also working with the Make a Wish Foundation (http://www.wish.org/) . Last week I spoke at a Bartender's Competition held at the Thornton T.G.I.F. Friday's. The other project I'm working on for Make A Wish is to get them listed on the back of the Colorado Tax Return which then makes it so simple to donate. Representative Judy Solano is supporting our efforts.
There's literally hundreds of charities that can use your skills, but if you're stumped when looking for a charity to work with, then check out http://www.volunteermatch.org/ . They match volunteers with charities and help find the perfect fit for your skills.