about @ ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES Red Hat Chapter

"THE YAYAS"
the afternoon of the silly hat episode

... continuing the tradition of laughter and friendship

CHAPTER HISTORY
ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES
Four Silly Hats and a Bunch of YaYas

The origins of the ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES chapter of the Red Hat Society can be traced to four close friends who call themselves the YaYas: Judy Jack, Sharon McQuain, Gerri Rosencrance and Charlotte Thomas.

When Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 her fellow YaYas knew they had to do something to keep her spirits up as she underwent treatment and chemotherapy. To do this, the YaYas kicked up their heels and had a little frivolous fun at frequent lunches and dinners together.

At on of these luncheons, Judy's sister-in-law, Sharon, decided to surprise the gang and add a little extra spice to the festivities. She brought along four inexpensive hats she had bought at a flea market and decorated with silly flowers. The hats were an immediate hit!

Judy later recalled the story to her friend Lyla Howell. Lyla remarked that it sounded similar to a group she had read about online called the RED HAT SOCIETY. Both women wondered if a local chapter could be formed. Lyla set the wheels in motion -- researching the Red Hat Society, calling friends, and selecting a place for the first gathering. In June 2003 the big day arrived and was quite a success!

At the July 2003 meeting we voted upon chapter names. Becky Mandolidis suggested ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES. The name was an immediate hit and we quickly took off -- becoming an official Red Hat chapter.

Members of the ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES come from all walks of life. We have both red and pink hatters and traditionally get together once a month.

The rest is a fun history of laughter and friendship ...

A: Red Hatters are women 50 years of age and older. They wear red hats and purple attire. Pink Hatters are women under 50 and they wear pink hats with lavender attire. When it is our birthday month, you wear your colors in reverse. The Red Hat Society is a 'disorganization' with no rules. All hatters are committed to celebrating the fun and frills in this folly called life.

A: To join the Elkins Purple Majesties chapter of the Red Hat Society contact the current Queen Mother via the CONTACT page on this site. If you would like to join a different chapter or start one of your own, please visit the Official Red Hat Society website. The official site's FAQ page can answer most of your questions.

A: Our home base is Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. We are nestled in the Potomac Highlands and heart of "The Mountain State" Appalachian mountains. Elkins, a small town of approximately 8,000, is home to picturesque Davis & Elkins College, Graceland Inn, Halliehurst Mansion, Smith House on Scott Hill, the American Mountain Theater, and also serves as the headquarters for the Monongahela National Forest.

Often considered the "Playground of the East," Elkins is centrally located near Pittsburgh PA, Washington DC, Roanoke VA, and Columbus OH. Steeped in tradition and a rich history, the area offers an unlimited variety of things to do and see year-round. Biking, caving, skiing, fishing, hunting, and golfing are just a few past times. There are Civil War battlefields, antique shops, quaint bed and breakfasts, historic landmarks, railroad and train excursions. Elkins hosts the Mountain State Forest Festival, Augusta Heritage Festival, and International Ramp Cook-Off. A variety of other fairs and festivals are held throughout the year.

Of course, you might want to simply sit for a spell and chat with the warm country folk. From the front porch you can sip lemonade in the summertime, marvel at the bright, colorful fall foliage, or catch the beauty of a mountain snowfall. In the spring, when you hear the peep frogs for the first time, you will have no doubt why they call it WILD WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA!

A: If you have pictures you would like to submit to our website please contact the REDMASTER for submission details.

PLEASE DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY EMAIL PICTURES YOU WANT TO SUBMIT!

Contact the REDMASTER first so proper arrangements can be made.

The EPM chapter has a Group Room at York Photo which allows members to upload and share photos all in one place. Photos can viewed in slideshow format or individually. The Group Room and York site are easy to use. People can upload photos from their own computer, at their convenience. They can view albums added to the Group Room by other people. Best of all, the York site allows members to ORDER PRINTS and PHOTO GIFTS online. Login at York Photo is required in order to access EPM Group Room. If you do not have a York account it is easy to sign up for one.

A: The Group Room at York is a place where the EPM chapter and its members can upload and share photos all in one place. Photos can be viewed in slideshow format or individually. The Group Room and York site are easy to use. People can upload photos from their own computer, at their convenience. They can view albums added to the Group Room by other people. Best of all, the York site allows members to ORDER PRINTS and PHOTO GIFTS online. Login at York Photo is required in order to access the EPM Group Room. If you do not have a York account it is easy to sign up for one.

A: Prints and photo gifts can be ordered via the York Photo website and access to the EPM online photo albums in our Group Room at York. You can visit our GROUP ROOM here: epmredhat.Yorkphoto.com/york

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