Meet with the Red Hats: Contact Rosa NeeSmith at 706-340-5950 for more information about the next meeting of the local chapter of Red Hat Society
Scarlet hats and purple clothing aren’t a traditional combination, but they’re the signature look of the Red Hat ladies of Lexington.
Despite their regal appearance, they said they “just like to have fun.”
“The Red Hats are just a fun group of ladies. We don't have a set program. We just do fun things and have a good time,” said Rosa NeeSmith, Queen Mother and founder of the Lexington chapter.
The Red Hat Society is a national organization to promote community for older women and improve mental and physical health. Lexington's chapter has attended to local women for over 20 years.
Around 15 women meet on the second Tuesday of every other month for a themed lunch, either at a local restaurant or another member's home. Each member is required to organize the month's activities once a year.
To be an official member, you must be over 50.
The only other requirement? The wardrobe.
“Wear a red hat and your clothing should be purple,” NeeSmith said. “Now that might not be what always happens, but that’s what it’s supposed to be.”
Jennifer Ogle has been an active member of the Red Hat society since 2004 after attending a Relay for Life event with other members.
“We all had on our hats and matched around the field,” Ogle said.
The Red Hat Society has also branched out to Quiet Oaks Health Care Center. They often visit, and when they do, red hats follow.
NeeSmith said the staff passes out hats for residents, so everyone is included.
“Some people don’t want to wear them, and that’s OK if they don’t,” NeeSmith said. “But then there are other people that get sort of agitated if they don’t have a hat, and their buddy next to them does have one.”
The Red Hats also host programs NeeSmith calls “Tea parties” at Quiet Oaks. They bring snacks and provide entertainment for guests.
“Most of them just like to sing old hymns,” NeeSmith said. “There are very few that can really sing with us. But those that can, even though they don’t have a hymn book, they just know those hymns, and they sing with us, and we just feel like maybe that might help them a little.”
Loneliness is common among older adults, starting as early as age 45, and can have detrimental consequences, such as 29% increased risk of incident coronary heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The Red Hat society recognizes these issues, and works to bring community to both other members and those outside of the organization.
“The Red Hat Society brings so much love and joy to our residents at Quiet Oaks. Every other month they host a food and entertainment social that is filled with music, crafts, laughter, and genuine fellowship,” said Kimberly Waters, Quiet Oaks activities director. “Our ladies absolutely cherish these visits. Many of the Red Hat members even stop by outside of the socials to spend time with residents and bring small goodies throughout the month.”
The Red Hat chapter of Lexington also boosts bonding opportunities for its members with overnight trips. The chapter has traveled to Cherokee, North Carolina, to see the “Unto These Hills” presentations, and Asheville, North Carolina, to see the Biltmore House at Christmas.
The Red Hats plan to share their warmth with the community in the new year.
“They are truly fabulous, and their presence means more than they’ll ever know,” Waters said.