The Naples Board of Selectmen signed a proclamation on Monday night officially recognizing the Naples chapter of the Red Hat Society. Sharon Sampson, founder of the Naples chapter, spoke before the board and delivered the proclamation for the board to sign.
“The reason for the proclamation was so that the town recognizes us as a group in the community,” Sampson said.
The Red Hat Society is a collection of women’s groups who meet regularly and go on public outings. Dressed in red hats and purple attire, the ladies go on trips, take in a play, go to a restaurant or just talk about what’s on their mind, Sampson said.
Founder Sue Ellen Cooper of Fullerton, California and her friends started the Society to help bring together women over 50 who were suffering from the “empty nest syndrome.” The Society has since grown to become a worldwide phenomenon with chapters across the nation and the globe.
“You meet women who are in your age group to chat about all types of things,” Sampson said. “You create a bond too. You get to care about each and every member. So it’s kind like a support group for all of us women.”
Sampson is the “Queen Mother” of the two-year-old chapter known as The First Ladies of the Lake. She started her own chapter after finding that other chapters in the area were closed to new members. Today there are about 40 members of the First Ladies of the Lake, ranging all ages. Those who are under 50 years old are known as “pink hatters” and wear pink hats and lavender outfits opposed to the red and purple.
“The object is to have fun and to promote fellowship among women,” said Ellie Lashua of Naples, longtime member of the First Ladies.
Sandy Fredricks of Casco became a “red hatter” after moving to the Lakes Region from New Jersey, so as to meet with women in the area.
“I joined because I wanted to meet some people,” Fredricks said. “It’s nice to get together with people and get to know other women.”
In addition to their social outings, the First Ladies have begun to do charity work. Last Christmas, the First Ladies of the Lake donated items to women in need at the Crisis Center in Portland. Sampson hopes to continue the donations throughout the year.
In August, the First Ladies of the Lake will be having their second annual tea party on the village green in Naples.
“We dress in red flappy hats, long dresses, gloves, parasols…the whole nine yards,” Sampson said.
Their vintage dresses and apparel are meant to fit with the dA?©cor of the antique boat show that takes place the same day. The ladies, after tea and sandwiches, paraded down to the boat show to partake in the festivities. This year’s tea party will be at 11 a.m. on August 6. All members and chapters of the Red Hat Society are welcome to attend as long as they bring their hats.
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