Otis Orchards woman starts new chapter of Red Hat Society

Gathering for fun as well as a little dress up can happen beyond girlhood days.

An Otis Orchards resident decided she liked how the national Red Hat Society encourages women over age 50 to gather, embrace humor and wear elaborate hats along with purple outfits.

Because several other Spokane chapters were full, Susan Moon started a new Red Hat Society group this month for the Otis Orchards and Liberty Lake areas. Their name: the Red Hat Hotties.

“Fun doesn’t end at 50,” said Moon, who is 58. “You can still play dress up and go have fun, do a variety of activities.”

Their first meeting was held in her home Aug. 12. Six women so far are in the new chapter, which Moon says is open to women in other Valley areas. This chapter can have as many as 20 members, she said.

According to Moon, the group has already drawn a variety of interesting ladies. One woman is a 78-year-old who was an electrical engineer. Another member owned her own detective agency for years in Los Angeles.

Moon has a therapy practice for children with autism and also does some work for the Central Valley School District as a teacher for preschool children with autism under the Project A.I.M. program.

The founders of the first Red Hat Society group found inspiration in the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph that describes an old woman wearing purple along with a red hat that doesn’t go.

Red Hat Society members are encouraged to be silly, especially with their attire. Women who head up chapters are often called queen mothers of groups, rather than chairwomen.

“We don’t have to have restrictions,” Moon added. “You can get a little outlandish whereas when you’re in your 30s you might not feel comfortable doing that.”

Younger women can join as well, but they must wear pink hats and lavender outfits. At age 50, these members go through a ceremony where they receive their red hats.

No dues are required. Women can join the national Red Hat Society if they choose for a small fee that gives them access to conventions and cruises.

Moon’s chapter will meet the second Thursday of each month in the evenings, mostly in the Valley. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9 at Anthony’s Restaurant downtown.

For more information, contact Moon at 927-2310.