news archive @ ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES Red Hat Chapter

ELKINS PURPLE MAJESTIES
** NEWS ARCHIVE 2009 **
Archived news listed by descending date.
(Newest to Oldest)
Please note that some links or images may no longer work or appear.

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December 31, 2009

Dowager Queen Susie Ware has been in and out of the hospital lately. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We hope Susie feels better very soon!

December 27, 2009

Menu for January has been added at right. It sounds delicious and it is exciting to go someplace we haven't been before!

I am working on pictures for November and December. I will let everyone know when they are uploaded. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Event information has been updated in the list at right. More specific details will be posted as info. becomes available. We hope to have the new Address Book available by the first of the year. If you have questions or need to update your information (address, phone, email, birthday) please contact QM Gerri or QM Charlotte ASAP. Time is running out! Only PAID members will be included in the new book.

Hatter Carmen asked for some pictures from Amelia's September 2006 luncheon so I have reposted that write-up and photos, but you might want to take a trip back in time also. The link to revisit those memories is 09-11-06 Amelia's. You might recognize a familiar mustached face from way back then. He/She seems to know Santa, who just visted us at our December holiday dinner at the RailYard.

QM Gerri's computer crashed so, for the time being, Red Hat matters are being handled by QM Charlotte. You can contact Charlotte via email at cat600@verizon.net or phone 304-636-3183. We will let you know when Gerri's computer is fixed and things are back to normal. THANKS!

November 12, 2009

There are two things we need to touch base with you about and need responses back fairly quickly.

Interest has been expressed about attending the Christmas Show at the American Mountain Theater and they are holding some seats for us until next Tuesday, Nov 17th. The price is $20.00, and it should be a great show and lots of fun. Call Charlotte at 636-3183 or Gerri at 636-7572 ASAP if you want a reservation.

We have denim shirts with "Elkins Purple Majesties" in purple over the left chest pocket & a red hat on each collar tip. For those who were Queens in the past there is a gold crown hanging on the "E" in Elkins, and the others will have a gold purse. If we can get these orders in by the 23rd and ordered, we can get them in by the middle of December. Call Charlotte at 636-3183 or Gerri at 636-7572 ASAP to order.

October 25, 2009

Menus for November and December had been added in event list at right. Don't forget to bring Red Hat items to the November meeting so we can auction them off!

Pictures have been added for the Forest Festival Parade (that's DQ Sharon on one of Toronto's Winged Wheel motorcycles at left!) plus the October meeting at Beckys Creek, and a few extra pictures from the Stonewall resort luncheon. A big THANKS to member Carole Kyle for getting the horse-drawn carriage for the FF Parade. View new pictures in the picture gallery.

New Queens Gerri and Charlotte are also actively recruiting new members. If you know of someone who has expressed interest in Red Hats, or know of someone who just needs to get out and have fun, please tell them about our group. Better yet - bring them as a guest to our next meeting.

October 12, 2009

Photos are up for the meeting at Stonewall Resort in September when we crowned our New Queen Mothers Gerri and Charlotte! I hope everyone got to see some of our Dowager Queens in the Forest Festival Grand Feature parade. They rode in a white horse drawn carriage and looked fabulous!

We are in the process of updating the members Address Book and hope to print and distribute a new one to PAID MEMBERS sometime after the first of the new year. At the next few meetings we will be passing around a copy of the book so members can review and update their information. Please make sure you check your information for accuracy. If you do not get a chance to see and review the copy of the Address Book, please contact QM Gerri, QM Charlotte, or Redmaster Barbara so you can make sure your information is correct.

October 8, 2009

Dowager Queen JoAnn is in the hospital. We wish her a speedy recovery! There will also be a SPECIAL RAFFLE at Monday's lunch at Beckys Creek for a RED HAT DOLL. Bring extra dollar$ for your chance to win!

October 5, 2009

Event list has been updated at right. Pics for last month's meeting at Stonewall Resort should be uploaded soon.

Our current Queen Mothers Gerri and Charlotte, along with Dowager Queen Mothers Sharon, Judy, and JoAnn, rode in the Grand Feature Parade at the Forest Festival. They dressed to the nines in red and purple and really stood out in a white, horse drawn carriage. (Heck, even the horse wore a red hat!) If anyone has pictures, please email the Redmaster so I can post the pics here on the chapter website.

September 14, 2009

Pictures have been added for the PJ Breakfast at Western Steer.

A big welcome to new member Shannon Lambert who won the "Mrs. World" contest, and a sexy pair of thong underwear, at the breakfast.

September 3, 2009

Some member have inquired about carpooling to the September meeting at Stonewall Jackson Resort. If you have extra room in your car and can offer someone a ride - OR - you need a ride, please send an email to the group at:

or contact one of the September Duchesses (Gerri, Charlotte, JoAnn, Sharon, or Judy). We will do our best to hook respective parties up with each other. Thanks!

August 29, 2009

Details for September lunch at Stonewall Jackson Resort have been added in event list at right. The drive is about 1 hour from Elkins. (Take I-79 south towards Charleston, Exit #91, follow signs to resort.)

Congratulations to Queen Mothers elect Gerri Rosencrance and Charlotte Thomas! They will be installed with royal pomp and circumstance at the September meeting!

In other news, Giorgina is planning to return to Elkins SEPTEMBER 23 with her Red Hat store if enough ladies make plans to come and shop. Please RSVP by emailing or phoning Giorgina. Details are below and in the event list at right.

Gift R 4 U
GIORGINA'S RED HAT STORE
WEDNESDAY * SEPTEMBER 23
DUKE'S STEAKHOUSE
Day's Inn (ground level)
1200 Harrison Ave.
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-8786

There must be a minimum of 50 shoppers RSVP
in order to make this event take place.

Please CALL or EMAIL Giorgina to RSVP

Merchandise Includes
Assorted clothing, popcorn tops, broomstick skirts, hats, jewelry, bling jewelry, purses, handbags, flat wallets, totes, feathers, assorted boxed greeting cards, and miscellaneous accessories

Method of Payment
CASH
Checks (with Divers License or Photo ID)
Mastercard - Visa - Discover

To RSVP & Make Your Reservation
EMAIL: giftsr4u@hotmail.com
Include your name & chapter name.
All cancellations must be
made by phoning Giorgina.

Pre-Orders Available
You can see a sample of merchandise in our
photo gallery & you can also pre-order.
Just email of call Giorgina for instructions.

August 19, 2009

Pictures have been added for July and August Luncheons. Don't forget the PJ Breakfast on August 22nd at Western Steer.

It was nice to see Carmen back and kicking up her heels at the luau. You'll have to ask her why she's raising a pineapple to the sun gods :-)

And did Charlotte require a little rescuing after her birthday in July? Or was she just trying to hitch a ride on the fire truck?

August 3, 2009

Small updates in event list. There will be a PJ breakfast on August 22nd at 9am at Western Steer.

July 18, 2009

IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR AUGUST LUNCHEON: The August Luau has been changed from the River Car to DUKE'S RESTAURANT. Please make a note of this! Thanks :-)

July 18, 2009

REMINDER: Trip to South Carolina and Georgia is coming up at the end of September. (See trip details in Event Calendar at right.) Money due by August 1st.

Remember to bring your Red Hat items to swap on Monday. Giorgina will not be there (she may come in September) but that does not mean we can't buy, trade, and sell between ourselves!

"Oh, what a NICE surprise to see all of you when I opened my e-mail this morning! You all look so cute and as if you are having a BALL! I see Jackie wore her red dress and purple hat for her birthday. Sharon, your 11 day old granddaughter is adorable!!! Many of you I recognize and some I should but give me a few minutes to see you in the picture! Please keep me included. I am still homesick for Elkins and have not been home in 3 1/2 years."

July 7, 2009

Since Georgina will not be at the July luncheon, QM Gayle has suggested that any chapter members who have red hat items they want to sell or get rid of to bring them to the party. Now is your chance to swap, trade, or sell with other chapter members.

July 5, 2009

I hope everyone had a HAPPY 4th OF JULY and enjoyed the fireworks and other festivities. IMPORTANT UPDATE:

GEORGINA (and her Red Hat store) WILL NOT BE AT THE JULY LUNCH
THIS IS DUE TO A SCHEDULE GLITCH

There will be other Red Hat Clubs from throughout the area participating in this event.

Sounds like a great day of fun with other Red Hatters!
see HOW TO ATTEND/MAKE A RESERVATION below if you want to go

Price $48.00 (covers everything for the entire day)

11:00 A.M. - Snacks (fruits, dips, and other snacks)

12:00 Noon - 2:00 P.M - Lunch (choice of 2-meats, veggies, desserts, and beverages)

2:00 P.M.- 3:00 P.M - Stern Wheel Boat (up and down lake)

------------------------------------------

HOW TO ATTEND/MAKE RESERVATION

------------------------------------------

Anyone wishing to attend this event must call Gayle Zirkle and have their money turned in to her by June 27th. Gayle will get all attending RSVP'd and pay our registration. Also if anyone attending wants to spend the night at the resort, they are offering discounts on rooms.

June 16, 2009

COLONIAL ESTATES OPEN HOUSE
JULY 18 * 10 AM - 4 PM
various events
Red Hatters have been invited to attend

New pictures will be uploaded soon. Event information has been added to the calendar at right. Thanks!

May 27, 2009

EPM member Nancy White's daughter was in a serious car accident this past weekend and is in Morgantown. Hatter Betty Roberts has also been ill and in the hospital. Dowager Queen Mother Sharon recently underwent a battery of tests and will be going to the Cleveland Clinic this weekend and WVU Monday for various follow-ups. Please keep all of these women and our other hatter girlfriends in your thoughts and prayers.

May 25, 2009

The Elkins Purple Majesties chapter was featured in a very nice article of the Lifestyles section of The Inter-Mountain newspaper on Saturday, May 23, 2009. To read the full article click here.

Luau and other tropical items can be purchased at the DOLLAR TREE in Elkins, Buckhannon, Clarksburg, and Morgantown. Get your party items now for our upcoming luau later this summer! Wal-Mart in Buckhannon (and I'm sure other Wal-Marts) have luau items as well as Big Lots.

May 6, 2009

Info for May luncheon has been added at right. Details for Strawberry Festival will be discussed at May lunch.

If you are interested in the South Carolina/Georgia trip, as outlined in the last update, please contact the Queen Mothers.

April 13, 2009

Here is a proposal for a Red Hat trip. Contact the Queen Mothers for more information or if you are interested in going.

Charleston SC / Beaufort SC / Savannah GA
RED HAT TRIP
September. 28, 29, 30 and Oct. 1, 2009
* Price: $799 Single / $662 Double / $484 Triple
* base on minimum of 25 people

April 3, 2009

Information for April lunch as been added in event list at right.

We are in the process of getting a float ready for the Strawberry Festival Parade. So we need ladies to help decorate and to ride on the float. Margaret Skidmore is providing her truck to pull the float. Our Queen Mother Evelyn Warner is providing the trailer for the float. We will keep all of you informed.

March 22, 2009

New pictures for the March meeting have been uploaded. To view them click here. I have not been given any details for April or other upcoming events. I will post them when I get them.

March 4, 2009

Sad news to report Hatters. EPM chapter member Twila Skinner passed away Sunday after a long battle with leukemia. The funeral is Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Elkins. Details on viewing and funeral are below. If you cannot make the viewing or funeral you can VIEW OR SEND CONDOLENCES online. To do this:

1) Go to http://www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com/
2) Click on Obituaries in the left hand column
3) Select Twila Skinner from the list of names
4) When the obit appears click VIEW/SEND CONDOLENCES
5) This shows a page of messages already sent to the family. It also has a place to send your own message. To send your message fill out the online form. (You click on the place where it says "To send a note to the family, complete the form below.")

Visitation:
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
5:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Lohr & Barb Funeral Home
120 First Street
Elkins, WV 26241

Service:
Thursday, March 5, 2009
10:00 AM
First United Methodist Church
315 Kerens Ave.
Elkins, WV 26241

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241. You can read the obituary online at The Inter-Mountain website.

February 27, 2009

New pictures for February at Western Steer have been uploaded. Event information at right has also been added. Links for tourist info has also been updated.

Please check out the info. for the MONUMENTAL MEMORIES trip to Washington, D.C. in August (this event is sponsored by the Official RHS). There is a link for more information, pricing, and packages.

Also check out the September RED HAT FEST to be held in Buckhannon. Contact the Buckhannon WV Convention & Visitors Bureau for more info. (See link at right.)

I also received a very nice email from a fellow Red Hatter in Tennessee. She writes: "I have been enjoying your website this morning. Thanks for sharing all the great ideas on Reduation. My chapter, The Spirited Divas in Nashville, TN, is planning our first Reduation and I was searching for ideas. I wish our chapter had a website like yours."

Nice to know word about us is getting around! Please pass any website or chapter comments onto me so I can post them at the PASSION PIT.

February 16, 2009

It is with deep sadness that I must let members know that we have lost another dear friend and fellow hatter, Madeline Keaveny. Madeline celebrated her 100th birthday this past October at our chapter meeting and it was always great to see her. She will be truly missed.

Details on viewing and funeral are below. I know this is short notice but I just found out. If you cannot make the viewing or funeral you can VIEW OR SEND CONDOLENCES online. To do this:

1) Go to http://www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com/
2) Click on Obituaries in the left hand column
3) Select Madeline Keaveny from the list of names
4) When the obit appears click VIEW/SEND CONDOLENCES under the picture
of Madeline
5) This shows a page of messages already sent to the family. It also
has a place to send your own message. To send your message fill out
the online form. (You click on the place where it says "To send a
note to the family, complete the form below.")

Visitation:
Monday, February 16, 2009
6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Lohr & Barb Funeral Home
120 First Street
Elkins, WV 26241

Service:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
1:30 PM
Lohr & Barb Funeral Home
120 First Street
Elkins, WV 26241

You can read the obituary below or online at The Inter-Mountain website.

================
OBITUARY
================

Madeline L. Kessler Keaveny, 100, a resident of Evergreen Drive, Elkins, departed this life Saturday morning, Feb. 14, 2009, in Davis Memorial Hospital.

She was born Monday, Oct. 19, 1908, at Summers County, a daughter of the late Joe S. Kessler and Ollie Wingfield Kessler.

She was married to Daniel P. Keaveny, who preceded her in death during 1983.

Surviving are two sons, Bill Keaveny of Elkins, and Danny Keaveny and wife, Bonnie, of Charles Town; and one grandson, Russell P. Keaveny of Haymarket, Va.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Preceding her in death were two brothers, Leslie Benton and Glen Edward Kessler; and two sisters, Nellie and Cleora Kessler.

Madeline attended the schools of Summers County and was a graduate of the McHenry Nursing School at McHenry. She had worked as a registered nurse at the Memorial General Hospital, was a member of the Nurse's Association, the Red Hat Society, the Randolph County Senior Center where she was also a member of the Melody Chorus and the First Baptist Church of Elkins. She was an avid West Virginia University Mountaineer fan and had attended a game this past year.

The family will receive friends a Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home chapel Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Parli will officiate and interment will follow in Mountain
State Memorial Gardens at Gilman. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Madeline L. Kessler Keaveny. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.

February 3, 2009

WAHOO! My new niece, and Dowager QM Sharon's granddaughter, is *FINALLY* here ~ about a week late but here, happy and healthy. Mother and baby are fine and came home from the hospital the very next day!

Here is a picture of big sister Emma Grace holding Molly for the very first time. Molly is adorable and big sister Emma loves to call her "my baby". When Erin was pregnant, Emma would sometimes ask when she could have a baby in her belly -- oh the mind of a 2 1/2 year old! (We told her not for 25 years!) To view more photos of Miss Molly click here. The last picture is Molly's "going home" outfit that Emma picked out. You can also view a YouTube video of Emma meeting and holding Molly for the very first time here.

IN OTHER BABY NEWS ... Dowager QM Sharon also welcomed a new great-great niece a week earlier on January 23 - Marlee Ann Lenig. A picture of Marlee is at right (on the polka dot blanket).

January 16, 2009

Information for luncheons has been added to the event list at right. Pictures have also been posted for January at Duke's Steakhouse.

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays is and is ready for the new year. Here's to making new friends and having even more fun than in years past!

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