Scarlet Petals, Port Jefferson, NY
Published
Our Red Hat Society Chapter first started in 2004 when a group of ladies worked together at a dental school in Stony Brook, NY. We heard about The Red Hat Society - but we were not too knowledgeable about the organization. We, therefore, decided to go out for dinner to discuss the possibility of joining the society! At that initial dinner / meeting at an Italian Restaurant called Mario's - we were all given the pertinent information - on purple construction paper - rolled up with red ribbon - made by our colleague Fran! For most of us that was our very first introduction to The Red Hat Society and what it offered! We had so many laughs that eve especially when deciding on a name for our brand new chapter. We went around & around the table for suggestions and we finally decided upon the lovely name of "Scarlet Petals" for our chapter! Then we all had to nominate a Queen - and in "unison" we chose Fran - as she had initiated our first meeting at Mario's - and made all of the reservations - informational hand-outs, etc. To this day, Fran has stayed our Queen trying her very best - all through the years - to keep our Chapter going - and we all thank her for her dedication & effort! Our chapter has had many fun times, such as: luncheons - dinners - movies - beach parties - luaus - assorted holidays - game days - high teas - miniature golf - estate / museum trips - etc.
There have been so many FUN times - all through these years - and MANY stand out in my mind! Playing mini golf in our red hats was always so much fun - especially when on-lookers would question why we were wearing red hats on a golf course! Our Christmas Parties at assorted venues is our biggest "turn-out" due to our Secret Santa surprise gift giving. We have the most laughs because we are allowed to STEAL gifts from each other - and then the gals can steal back the stolen gifts on the following round - if they so desire!
One year in particular, a pair of leather gloves was the MOST desired gift - and just about everybody stole those gloves - it went around & around - until the last person to steal - finally got the gloves! We always try to be "innovative / creative" - and at one of our last beach parties in May 2025 we held a "MAY" party celebrating Cinco de Mayo - Mother's Day - Kentucky Derby - & Memorial Day! We observed these assorted MAY holidays with Mexican food & American food - plus a huge red - white - & blue cake made by our Queen!
Then we went on to our Kentucky Derby horse racing event after our Mexican / American buffet luncheon. We ran our "homemade" horses on a "homemade" cloth racetrack - all created by our red hat friend Janet. We had first, second & third place winners & prizes to match! Everybody loved this event - it was a first for us with the RACES - and it has been decided that we will continue this - assorted holidays in MAY - as a new tradition going forward!
But, I guess if I were to choose just one event that stands out most - I would have to mention the Flag Day event in 2024 wherein my Husband Assisted our chapter wearing his RED HAT!
This event was held at our local beach - under the pavilion - celebrating Flag Day & everything Americana. We decided on hot dogs because of their popularity & status in American culture - with all accompanying American side dishes & red, white & blue desserts.
However, we found out - after everything was planned - that we were NOT able to cook on the beach - NO open flames are allowed. Therefore, my husband came to our rescue and cooked our hot dogs at our home and then met our red hat ladies at the beach - just in time for our lunch - bringing with him a GIANT pot of cooked hot dogs.
Thank you to my husband Hank for "saving the day" for our chapter!
Also, in keeping with our red hat theme, my husband put on a RED HAT - so my "RED HAT HUBBY" is now considered an UN-official member of our Scarlet Petals Chapter of The Red Hat Society!
As you can see, we all enjoy being members of The Red Hat Society which encourages a "youthful" sisterhood for women and we thank your society for your LEADERSHIP - in keeping women - "of a certain age" - engaged in life & young at heart!
