Hawley/Lakeville Red Hatters enjoying friendships since 2004
Recently, the Bette Boop Babes of the Hawley/Lakeville Red Hat Society Chapter celebrated their mutual birthdays at Cordaro's Restaurant in Honesdale. Eleven of their 18 members gathered for another social occasion, this time having a slice of cake.
Queen Mother Dee Cullen, one of the charter members, said it will be 20 years next summer that the Bette Boop Babes have been donning their red hats and purple garments. "Basically, the club is all about having fun and enjoying each other's company," Cullen said. "Our group is close and caring."
It was started in 2004 by Bette Johnston, who has since moved to Florida, Cullen said. "It was agreed to name our chapter the Bette Boop Babes, as Bette Johnston resembled Betty Boop with her pretty blue eyes," Cullen said.
Johnston became their first president, which in the Red Hat Society is known as the "Queen Mother." Cullen said she helped her a lot and was asked by Johnston to take over her role.
Cullen said it has been rewarding. They have enjoyed many social outings, usually within an hour's drive. Some of them have included visiting the Wilkes Barre/Scranton International Airport control tower; WNEP-TV; the Pike County Jail; local museums; old B&B inns; wineries and breweries. They took a boat ride on Lake Wallenpaupack, had theme parties and picnics, and took art and craft classes. They have had a pajama party with red hats at a Chinese restaurant. At Christmas they are known to dress up extra special, sing carols, bring grab bag gifts, have lunch and play games. They get together monthly.
When someone is ill, the ladies rally to help with visits, sending flowers and the like. They compare photos of grandkids and great-grandkids. They pay respects together if someone dies. They share in one another's joys and sorrows, she said. In short, they make friendships that last.
At the Valentine's Day luncheon, those who have a husband can bring him!
There was a lot of missing one another during the COVID-19 restrictions, and a lot of happiness when they gathered at Bingham Park in September 2020.
Each year they support the Hawley Library during Winterfest, bringing two large raffle baskets full of baking items and gardening supplies. Donations are made to causes in the area.
She said that they once had 29 members but found their present number, 18, to be about right. They are presently not taking on new members.
According to the organization website, the Red Hat Society is a worldwide membership society encouraging women to get the most out of life. "We support women in the pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom, fitness and the fulfillment of lifelong dreams," the website states. Red Hat members must be women aged 50 plus; they wear red hats and purple clothing. There also is a membership category known as the Pink Hatters for women under 50; they wear pink hats and lavender clothing.
The Red Hat Society started at a tea party in California in 1998.
Learn more about the Red Hat Society at redhatsociety.com. As of 2020, there were more than 20,000 members worldwide.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Bette Boop Babes chapter of Red Hat Society enjoying life
