ORTONVILLE – Ortonville resident Georgena “Jo” Miller is a cancer survivor who is living life to the fullest in the company of good friends, under the brim of a red hat.
“There are no rules,” said Miller. “Just, a fun social gathering.”
On Wednesday, March 19, Miller along with about 20 local woman gathered for lunch at MacPhee’s Restaurant, 650 Ortonville Road for the first of what they hope will be many “anti-parliamentary” meetings of the Ortonville Red Hat Society.
“I called a few people and by word of mouth it’s gotten bigger already,” said Miller.
Often referred to as a “disorganization,” The Red Hat Society is a means for women over 50, from all walks of life, to share a bond of life experiences, enthusiasm, silliness, and comic relief from the daily complications.
The idea of women getting together purely for frivolous fun grew from a whimsical poem written by author Jenny Joseph. The poem, titled “Warning” refers to the author defiantly making up for the sobriety of her youth by wishing that when she becomes old she will spend her pension on summer gloves, satin sandals, and wear purple clothing with a clashing red hat.
Inspired by such frivolity, a group of California women over 50 years old began meeting in public, daring to dress in purple, outrageously clashing with red hats. Members less than 50 respectfully wear lavender clothing, with a pink hat.
Meeting once a month to simply enjoy silliness and laughter quickly gained popularity and Red Hat Society chapters quickly sprang up throughout the Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, United Kingdom in addition to the United States.
“It’s so much fun to watch people react to a group like this,” said Miller.
Armed with a Red Hat mascot doll, and lighthearted advice to stop the rules from taking over the fun, the Ortonville ladies are working on adopting the 50’s fun plan.
While the group is looking forward to the party-like gatherings, a monthly meeting schedule has not been established. However, they will meet again for lunch at McPhees on April 16.