The Lilac and Lavendar Divas (Rochester, New York) adopted a platoon last July (which now numbers 98 soldiers), sending regular care packages.  SFC Scott Madden from the 10th MTD Division (Dragon Slayer 7) wrote Queen Nancy Roberts to say that SPC Eddy went home on leave to get married in Nashville. When the uniformed soldier and his bride checked in at the Gaylord Opryland--the site of our International Convention—he was stopped by some Red Hatters and excitedly told them that his platoon was sponsored by a chapter. The conventioneers wanted to help out too and paid for the honeymooners suite for the entire weekend! “I thought that was awesome….My only wish is that my mother could have taken part in a group like that. She would have loved it!” said the sergeant. In sharing the story with us, Nancy wrote, “I hope you can find the tissues. I get tears every time I read his e-mails. It is because of our soldiers over there, that we can enjoy our freedom!” With Memorial Day just last weekend, what a beautiful “Scarlet Sparkle” story!

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In just two years, more than 50 chapters have sprouted in the Netherlands which was represented at the recent International Convention in Nashville by Queen Marlene Osborne and Vice-Queen Marianne Olsthoorn of Eerste Nederlandse Red Hat Girls (Voorschoten, Netherlands). At the opening ceremony, the Dutch duo presented EQM Sue Ellen with fresh red tulips officially named after the Red Hat Society, and presented Esteemed Vice-Mother Linda Murphy with the Dutch certificate of registration for the tulip. The Hatters managed to get the fresh flowers cleared through US Customs in Detroit by carefully following instructions from the bulb grower that each be rinsed to ensure that not a single grain of soil is allowed to enter the U.S.

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When Whoopi Goldberg broadcast her morning radio show, “Wake Up With Whoopi”, live from Cincinnati recently, the Sisters of the Red and Pink Hats (Edgewood, Kentucky) were lucky enough to score tickets. Queen Julie Sieker secured eight tickets and presented the comedienne with a red hat and an official kazoo on a lanyard—making her an honorary member of their chapter. Whoopi excitedly told listeners that she had just been made a Red Hatter and blew her kazoo! Previously on Whoopi’s show, the host commented about our musical HATS! saying, “If you want to see something really magnificent, not just a great musical, but a magnificent presence, go see HATS! They’ve put an amazing group of women together!”

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Nova Scotia Lieutenant-Governor Mayann Francis took time to have a group photo done with nine members of the local Red Hatters group The Strait Sophissstat-Kats (Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada) after the 15th anniversary dinner for the Leeside Transition House held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center. Queen Carole MacInnis said the annual event is a fundraiser for the Leeside woman’s center, a refuge for many women and their children, which the Hatters faithfully support.

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“Empress Elke” Lagace of the Chapeaux Chic's (Sarasota, Florida) participates in cooking demonstrations at work. While she is supplied with white duds, she’s decided to kick up her outfit a notch being the fun Red Hatter she is, and dyed her cook's hat red. She tops off her apron with what else—a purple scarf.  C’est tres chic! For those that don’t want to bother with fabric dye, red chef’s hats are available online from our Red Hat Society Store!

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On Red Hat Society Day on April 25th, three chapters from Ruskin--Riverside Rascals, Red Hatters of Manatee and Prime Time Silver Belles--joined together to celebrate at The Landings Clubhouse. Some 45 members, along with their queens Judith Sitzes, Winifred Lawrence and Brenda Mignault, participated in the festivities. The luncheon featured food prepared by members with all 12 recipes selected from "The Red Hat Society Cookbook” followed by a feature presentation of the Red Hat Society documentary and of course, some shopping.

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The High Tide Hatters  (Eaton’s Neck, New York) high-tailed it to New York City to do some fine dining during “Restaurant Week” in the Big Apple. After a delicious lunch, the chapterettes opted for a cultural afternoon and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, then topped of the night with a Broadway play. Taking in the theater were Carol Arote, Hope Mann, Elaine Zeuthen, Leona Gordnick, Queen Lauretta Alio, Marie Murrary, Edith Schmalzle and Mildred Kooker.