AZ Red Hat Updates 7

It is that time of year again to reflect on the blessings we have and what we can be thankful of. Daily I always thank the Good Lord for my family and friends. My family hasn’t grown recently but my circle of friends surely have and I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful ladies and those that are leaders are to be admired and thanked for all the joy and friendship they have brought into so many women’s lives.

Let us not forget this free country we live in and the young men and women who protect us from those who want nothing but to hurt the Americans. I pray that some day the people in those countries who hate us will someday experience the freedom we have in our great USA .

It is also a time to remember those less fortunate than us in our own cities and help those less fortunate. I know some chapters volunteer at Senior Centers, St. Vincent de Paul and other worthy organizations and God Bless you all.

Recently I was invited to Benson, AZ to be a guest of QM Pat Mitchell at their annual Purple PJ Brunch and I’d never been to the Triangle T Ranch in Dragoon, AZ but what a fabulous treat! History has it that many years ago it was an Army base that held Japanese war prisoners. The story goes that the prisoners fell in love with that part of the world and when the war was over, many returned to make Dragoon their home! What a story! QM Pat and her many wonderful helpers put on a show entitled “One Hundred Million Years of Red Hatting” and I must say, the writer of the story and show could win an Oscar! We laughed so hard that my sides are still hurting! Those ladies really know how to have fun! Thank you, QM Pat, for the warm invitation and delightful skit!

2006 Old Bats in Red Hats Boo Bash
This years Halloween party was attended by approximately 150 red hatters from all over AZ and the creativity was astonishing. As soon as I have time, I’ll be posting the photos on the state’s website and then you too will understand why it is becoming such a popular annual event. Next year, it will be in a larger room and there will be more fun than ever to look forward to. Thank you all for attending and for not being bashful….come to think of it, what red hatter is ever bashful?!!

Rosson House – Heritage Square – Ladies, for those of you who have enjoyed tea at the Teeter House in downtown Phoenix, just a short distance away is the Rosson House which is well worth a trip through time. They would love to give you a guided tour but please make a reservation to ensure they can accommodate you. If you are interested in a tour we offer guided tours Wednesday - Saturday 10-3:30 and Sunday 12-3:30. Please call Tammy Parker at 602.261.8063 to set up a time.

The Rosson House has recently opened a companion museum the Hands-on Heritage House that offers interactive exhibits. This is open the same hours as the Rosson House and makes a great place to visit. We schedule tours every half hour, the groups are limited to 15 people per tour. The 15 person limit allows our visitors enough space to see everything in the smallish space of Victorian rooms. If you schedule with enough advance notice, 2 weeks or more, we may be able to offer "self guided" tours. These tours allow your group to go through at your own pace with docent’s station around the house to answer questions. This type of tour works best for big groups. All adult tours are given the discounted rate of $3 per person. Heritage Square also offers the Teeter House Tea Room they serve excellent tea and lunch items. Their website is www.theteeterhouse.com the site will have all of their contact information. If your group is interested in volunteering at the Rosson House please contact me and I will get you our volunteer information. Laurie Williams, Executive Director, Rosson House-Heritage Square Foundation & Guild 602.261.8948 (W) - 602.980.3165 (C) lw@rossonhousemuseum.org www.rossonhousemuseum.org

A Christmas Carol – Actors Theatre – Don’t forget about the traditional A Christmas Carol is playing at Actor’s Theater in downtown Phoenix and will welcome red hatters for a great group discount. Please call Janice Sweeter at Actor’s theatre for more information 602-253-6701 ext. 110 or email her at Janice@actorstheatrephx.org . http://www.actorstheatrephx.org

Nipples to the Wind – Sunday, January 14, 2007 – Red Hat Exclusive – I was recently contact by these ladies and I couldn’t stop laughing. This is going to be a hysterical play and we know how much we love to laugh! Ladies….get everyone together and go see this hilarious comedy! This is a 2-woman comedy featuring Janye Anderson and Paula Coco as 14 unforgettable characters. I’m working on adding all the details to our website www.azredhats.com and look for it in a day or so for all the red hat info. The start time on Sunday, January 14, 2007, will be 2 PM at the Herberger Theatre Center Stage West, 222 East Monroe. The cost is $32 plus a $3 Herberger facility fee for a total of $35. Call 602-252-8497 to reserve your seats. Please mention the PROMOTION CODE – AZRH to get your reduced ticket price. Visit their website at www.nipplestothewind.com to learn more about the comedy play. This will sell fast so don’t wait too long!

2007 AZ Red Hat Convention – MARCH 11, 2007
I’ve received many emails and calls wondering if there are still good seats and the answer is yes, yes, yes. We are nearing our halfway mark to being sold out so there are plenty of great seats left. The entertainment contracts are coming along very nicely and as you know we have returning Dr. Maxine that I’m absolutely thrilled about and in January I feel certain I’ll have our other two entertainment groups contract finalized and will be able to make that announcement. New vendors are contacting me weekly so I feel certain you will see new vendors and of course many returning vendors for your shopping pleasure.

Saturday, April 14, 2007 – 3rd Annual Just Desserts & Regalia Round-Up – Sierra Vista, AZ
Red and Pink Hatters – This should be a hoot and a half and why not make it a Girls Weekend Get-Away? I hear there are great antique shops around as well. Pack your bags and let’s go! Watch the AZ web page at www.azredhats.com for more details.

1-3 PM, $12.00 per person at the Windemere Hotel & Conference Center, Sierra Vista, AZ – Sponsored by Plum Crazy Ladies of Sierra Vista, Purple Mountain Majesties and Red Hat Brats.

Upcoming Travel Trips for Red Hatters
Ladies – below is a list of some of the travel trips I’ve planned and some, not all, I will be going on. Just know, there will always be a red-hat sister on the trip for you to meet and get to know. If you don’t have anyone who wants to go, just call Promenade and let them know you are looking for a roomie and they will connect you with another red hat lady who wants to have fun as well!

Please don’t forget that Promenade will take a $100 deposit to hold any motor coach trip which is a great deal to hold your reservation so you won’t miss out on a fun time with your red hat sisters and it is only a $250 deposit to hold any cruises that we have planned. This is called the PPPPPlan (Promenade Passionate Purple Payment Plan!) http://www.ptaz.com/red%20hat%20travel.net/RH%205%20P%20plan.htm

Ladies, it takes a lot of planning and coordination to know where the pick-up points will be for any given trip, therefore, when you register for a trip, they will not be able to give you the exact pick-up point or time until a couple weeks prior to departure. It is important that you give them all the details of where you live, major cross streets, phone number, email address and what chapter you are from, so they can assemble an efficient pick-up plan for your upcoming Adventure in Fun!

Dec 30, 2006 - Rose Bowl Parade – Oh my gosh….I can hardly wait; I can smell the roses! Our bus is nearly full, so call tomorrow and get your reservation in before it sells out. If you are a working gal like me, we don’t have to take any time off from work, as the three days are Saturday, Sunday and Monday is a holiday….yippee!!! There is still room for you to join me on this great weekend get-away!!!

Jan 19, 2007 – Rocky Point – Grab your girlfriend and get away for 3 days and 2 nights for under $300…what a deal! Just click on the highlighted area for all details.

Jan 27 – Barleen’s AZ Opry – Ladies…it’ll be a fun night and you can take your feller’ with you. One price if for dinner and show and for a little extra, take the bus and not worry about driving. I will be there with my red cowboy boots on and be looking to do a little two steppin’! Be sure to click on the link below to get all the details on sending in your reservation. This will be a fun ALL STATE event so get those red cowboy boots shined up!

Feb 8, 2007 – Palm Springs Follies – This will be my third trip to see the Follies and there isn’t anyone that does not agree with me that this is the most fabulous show you’ll ever see. It is nearly 3 hours of entertainment with jokes; singing and the costumes are just unbelievable. You can reserve your seat tomorrow with a $100 deposit to ensure you will be on my bus! There are still a few seats left and as always, this will be a trip to remember for a long time. Call and reserve your reservation today!!

Feb 21, 2007 – Celine Dion – This will be Celine’s last year in Las Vegas and we’ve put together a great trip which includes wonderful seats at her show. We’ll be staying in Primm , NV which is just about 25 minutes outside Las Vegas and I believe I only have about 20 seats left ….so call now to get your reservation in. SOLD OUT!!!

Mar 2, 2007 – Celine Dion – NEW – JUST ADDED - Since our February 21 Celine trip SOLD OUT so fast, we are adding a March trip that will be over a weekend which is why it is $20 more. The hotel charges more for weekends. Remember, this is Celine’s last year in Las Vegas and you do not want to miss this show. Give yourself a gift and come play with your red hat sisters. Call now to reserve your seat.

Mar 11, 2007 – AZ Red Hat Convention – Reservations are coming in faster now that our ladies have returned from their summer homes. We still have great seats left so click on link below for all details. Dr. Maxine will be returning with her genuine and hilarious humor and I am very close to tying up the final details for more and new entertainment. This year we will have some new and out-of-state vendors that carry different items for our ladies so once again, we aim to give you the best shopping choices you will see anywhere. http://www.azredhats.com/az2007convention.htm. Please remember to click on the left-hand side once you go to this sight for more details. Don’t forget to check out the great hotel deals as well as the Red Hat exclusive show at the Scottsdale Desert Stages theatre on Saturday night before the convention. The show is “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and should be hysterical.
http://www.azredhats.com/az2007convention-todo.htm

Mar 31, 2007 – Red Hat Derby Day – Turf Paradise – It’s back again, another day at the races along with prizes and the 50/50 raffle (last year’s winner went home with over $400!) Just click on the link below to get your ladies registered. It was a sellout last year. http://www.ptaz.com/red%20hat%20travel.net/RH%20Derby%20Days.htm

May 19, 2007 – The Full Monty – Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre – Ladies – this show will be one to remember so get your gals together and call Promenade Travel to book your seats for a great day of fun. I know will have a lot of gals giggling and it is sure to be a fun-filled event at the theatre. We’ll have prizes and give-aways so why not plan your chapter’s outing in May to join me in Mesa at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for a memorable night….I’m sure! http://www.ptaz.com/red%20hat%20travel.net/RH%20full_monty.htm

As usual, I always have plenty to say. I do apologize for making this so long but I just want to share all the fun that is being offered to our Sisterhood of Purple. This friendship circle is growing by leaps and bounds and I’m just so proud when I see a group out playing, laughing and having such a good time. I always say that laughter is good for the sole and my heart is always smiling when I see so many of you enjoying life. Bless you all and have a wonderful, safe and Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless.

Oh, isn’t this weather just fantastic??!!! This is why we live in Arizona , right? I know many of you snowbirdies are returning from your summer homes – welcome back!

Did you all read about the earthquake in Hawaii ? I must confess, the Geological Data Center which tracks and gathers data concerning earthquakes all over the world has contacted me because of the known shenanigans (namely 50 red hatters that were doing the hula in their purple grass skirts onboard the Island Prince Cruise Ship just a week prior to the earthquake) that had taken place a few days prior to the earthquake. Their geological equipment had registered a lot of movement in the area of the islands during the time we were touring and they are trying to determine if this could possible be the cause! Yipes!! I did tell them I was guilty for leading these women to some such a fun time that quite possible the boat was a rockin’ just a wee bit more than normal but I had no idea this could possibly lead to an earthquake! Ha Ha Ha Seriously, we had the best 15 days anyone could ask for. We cruised 4 days over and that meant we were just building up steam for the remainder of the trip. The islands didn’t know what hit them when we landed. Some were seen parasailing on Maui, others zip-lined through the treetops in Kona while one brave soul snorkeled at the Coral Reef where Captain Cooks Monument stood. Yes, I know, that is where the Epic Center was located for the earthquake but honestly I just swam with the fishes and didn’t cause any unusual rip tides to my knowledge!

This is the third cruise that I’ve been on with red hatters and the cruise ships love us and we meet so many wonderful women from other states who are also red hatters when you are wearing our colors! I have hundreds of photos that when I have a few minutes will put them on the website for you to enjoy.

Last Saturday I played with over 50 ladies to the Fall Festival in Prescott and we had a fun-filled day. What started out cold and rainy-ended sunny and perfect fall weather. When we left Phoenix the rain was pouring buckets and I told the ladies that the rain wasn’t about to dampen our spirits as I had tied a ray of sunshine onto the back bumper and by the time we got to Young’s Farm, the rain had stopped and it was a beautiful, bright and sunny day! We may have to do this as an annual event as there was a lot of fun on the bus and we were even greeted by a couple of wonderful QM’s from Prescott, Donna Nielson and Pauline Rice, who greeted us as the buses arrived at the town square. Thank you both for such a warm welcome!

Old Bats in Red Hats Boo Bash – Saturday – Oct 28
The Boo Bash is now officially closed and from what I hear, there will be some hilarious costumes coming to be judges and the day will be filled with raffles, door prizes and a fabulous lunch. Please go to the website link to print directions, time and the categories for the costume contest. Please try to car pool if possible as parking may be limited. http://www.azredhats.com/az2006boobash.htm

Ladies – below is a list of some of the travel trips I’ve planned and some, not all, I will be going on. Just know, there will always be a red-hat sister on the trip for you to meet and get to know. If you don’t have anyone who wants to go, just call Promenade and let them know you are looking for a roomie and they will connect you with another red hat lady who wants to have fun as well!

Jan 19, 2007 – Rocky Point – Grab your girlfriend and get away for 3 days and 2 nights for under $300…what a deal! Just click on the highlighted area for all details.

Jan 27 – AZ Opry – Ladies…it’ll be a fun night and you can take your feller’ with you. One price if for dinner and show and for a little extra, take the bus and not worry about driving. I will be there with my red cowboy boots on and be looking to do a little two steppin’!

Feb 8 2007 – Palm Springs Follies – This will be my third trip to see the Follies and there isn’t anyone that does not agree with me that this is the most fabulous show you’ll ever see. It is nearly 3 hours of entertainment with jokes; singing and the costumes are just unbelievable. You can reserve your seat tomorrow with a $100 deposit to ensure you will be on my bus!

Feb 21 2007 – Celine Dion – This will be Celine’s last year in Las Vegas and we’ve put together a great trip which includes wonderful seats at her show. We’ll be staying in Primm , NV which is just about 25 minutes outside Las Vegas and I believe I only have about 20 seats left ….so call now to get your reservation in.

Mar 11 2007 – AZ Red Hat Convention – Reservations are coming in faster now that our ladies have returned from their summer homes. We still have great seats left so click on link below for all details. Dr. Maxine will be returning with her genuine and hilarious humor and I am very close to tying up the final details for more and new entertainment. This year we will have some new and out-of-state vendors that carry different items for our ladies so once again, we aim to give you the best shopping choices you will see anywhere. http://www.azredhats.com/az2007convention.htm Please remember to click on the left-hand side once you go to this sight for more details. Don’t forget to check out the great hotel deals as well as the Red Hat exclusive show at the Scottsdale Desert Stages theatre on Saturday night before the convention. The show is “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and should be hysterical.
http://www.azredhats.com/az2007convention-todo.htm

Mar 31 2007 – Red Hat Derby Day – Turf Paradise – It’s back again, another day at the races along with prizes and the 50/50 raffle (last year’s winner went home with over $400!) Just click on the link below to get your ladies registered. It was a sellout last year. http://www.ptaz.com/red%20hat%20travel.net/RH%20Derby%20Days.htm

May 19 – The Full Monty – Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre – I know will have a lot of gals giggling and it is sure to be a fun-filled event at the theatre. We’ll have prizes and give-aways so why not plan your chapter’s outing in May to join me in Mesa at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for a memorable night….I’m sure!
http://www.ptaz.com/red%20hat%20travel.net/RH%20full_monty.htm

December 12, 2006 – Wrigley Mansion Luncheon – Ladies, this luncheon that the Wrigley Mansion has planned for all AZ Chapters will be a wonderful monthly outing for your chapter. Please see details below. This will soon be found on AZ’s website at www.azredhats.com. Just click on AZ Events.

Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Berries with Devonshire Cream
Grilled Vegetable Platter with a Roasted Tomato Ranch Dip
Bay Shrimp Salad - Albacore Tuna Salad
Grilled Chicken Breast Salad with Pineapple and Almonds
Black Forest Ham and Swiss Cheese Salad
Fresh Baked Croissants, Rolls and Whole Grain Bread
with appropriate condiments
Mixed Field Greens & Chopped Romaine
with house made Croutons
Classic Caesar Dressing & White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mimosa Poached Salmon
Chocolate Dipped Tuxedo Strawberries, Cookies & Macaroons
Freshly Brewed Gourmet Coffee and Teas

$28.00 inclusive of tax & gratuity!
Lunch times are at 11:00am & 12:30pm!
Guided Tours are optional and at an additional cost!
Tours will be held before or after lunch!

Oct – Nov 2006 – East Valley Children’s Theatre
I'm writing to all of you to share an opportunity to support some very talented children in the East Valley . There is a group called East Valley Children's Theatre (EVIT) who will be performing a musical at Mesa Arts Center this month. I have attached a flyer with information about this play. Our red hat group went to one of their performances last spring and we were delighted with the quality of their performance and their creativity. Please support our children in this creative experience by attending the play. They do three performances a year and they sponsor a playwriting contest each year for new playwrights.

Don't forget to get your tickets to a very creative, entertaining, fantastic performance by children in our east valley. For your reservations, please call the Mesa Arts Center box office at 480-644-6500. The tickets are $11.00. Thank you. Diana Shopsalot Red Hat Lady

January 24, 2007 - Red Hat Happening – Tucson
The Gypsy Gals of Green Valley are planning a great day of entertainment at the newly renovated Fox Theatre. Why not get a carpool together and have a leisurely drive to Tucson for what I’m sure will be a great show! Click on the link below or go to the state’s website at www.azredhats.com and click on AZ Events for all the details. http://www.azredhats.com/az2007rhhappening.htm

Rosson House at Heritage Square – The Rosson House welcomes groups of red hatters for a wonderful outing in downtown Heritage Square . The Rosson House was built in 1895 and has been beautifully restored. Also in the same area is The Phoenix Museum Of History and the Science Center . Two nice eating places are on the Square, a Tea Room and the Circa 1900 Bistro. For reservations for the Rosson House, please call directory assistance for the most current phone number.

A Christmas Carol – Actors Theatre – Don’t forget about the traditional A Christmas Carol is playing at Actor’s Threatre in downtown Phoenix and will welcome red hatters for a great group discount. Please call Janice Sweeter at Actor’s theatre for more information 602-253-6701 ext. 110 or email her at Janice@actorstheatrephx.org. http://www.actorstheatrephx.org

Can you feel it? I honestly think autumn is in the air! Those early mornings when I hope the door to retrieve my newspaper, the coolness hits my face and I leap for joy! Well, almost leap but I do start to get the urge to start baking or raking leaves if I had any trees but that is beside the point --- our cool weather is just around the corner and you know what that means, don’t you? Our red hat sisters who were away during our summer months will be returning and I’d like to wish them save travels along the way.

There are lots of parties and trips being planned and it will be so nice to gather around that circle of friendship and catch up on all the news.

2007 AZ State Convention
The reservations are coming in wonderfully. Everyone is printing clearly which is so helpful and most, not all, but most are sending stamped, self-addressed envelopes to receive your tickets in late February next year. Just as a reminder to those who are planning on coming into town early and staying over, go ahead and make those hotel reservations now to reserve your room as that is a busy time of year. You can always cancel 48 hours prior to your reservation and receive full hotel refund. http://www.azredhats.com/az2007convention.htm

Also – just so you all know, the red hat special show at Desert Stages Theatre on Saturday night prior to the convention only holds bout 120 and ALL the seats are GREAT. Get your reservations in early for that as well. Just click on this link for all the details. http://www.azredhats.com/az2007convention-todo.htm A Funny Think Happened on the Way to the Forum is what will be playing.

September 2006 – Hawaiian Cruise – You won’t be hearing from me for a few days because I’m heading to Hawaii next week with 48 of my closest red hat friends for two weeks! Aloha! I’ve even got my purple grass skirt all packed and ready to go!!!

October 4, 2006 – Red Hat Evening – Phoenix Theatre – THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Red Hat Evening - Thursday, October 4, 2006 @ 8p.m.
The 2002 Tony Award winner for Best New Musical – full of intrigue and jazz at a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever! This six-time, Tony Award winning musical explodes on our stage as our season opener in this high-spirited song and dance extravaganza! $36 single tickets - $31 for groups over 10 - Red Hat evening includes talk back with actors Phoenix Theatre - 100 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix, AZ 85004 - Contact Stacie Lambeth for group reservations and information. 602-889-5283 w w w . p h o e n i x t h e a t r e . c o m

October 13 – 15, 2006 – Tri-State Tea 4 – Even though the weekend tea is SOLD OUT, there is still plenty of shopping opportunities. Just click on this link to view what you might be missing out on! http://www.rhs-purpleprose.com/2006/TsT4/shopping-tst4.htm

October 14, 2006 – Prescott Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Show Plus Young’s Farm Pumpkin Festival
SOLD OUT – We have two buses going so watch out Prescott! Get your group of ladies together and come join me on the motor coach for a day of fun in Prescott. I bet the leaves will be turning by then, it’ll be cool and I’ll feel like baking pumpkin pies. This should be a fun time to renew old acquaintances. We’ll even be stopping by Buckey’s Casino. Click on the link below and make your reservations now. Stay tuned for all details coming out later this week!!! Just mark your calendars for a hilariously funny day!

October 28, 2006 – Old Bats in Red Hats Boo Bash (Halloween Party) – Okay, ladies…we still have a few great seats left and this is going to be such a fun day. It is NOT a requirement to come in costume but it sure would be fun if you do. http://www.azredhats.com/az2006boobash.htm
The menu is: Apple Almond Chicken, Green Beans Morocco, AuGratin Potatoes, Tossed Salad/Rolls, Beverage and Dessert

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO AZ EVENTS

“Old Bats in Red Hats Boo Bash”
Sponsored by Janie Rausch and the Decadent Dames

WHEN: Saturday, October 28, 2006 – 10 AM – 2 PM

WHERE: Club House at Pueblo Sereno 8350 East McKellips, Scottsdale, AZ (1/2 miles East of Hayden on North Side of McKellips) (First driveway East of Hayden Road and on the North side of McKellips.

COST: $20.00 p/p Includes delicious hot lunch and dessert, entertainment, raffle prizes, 50/50 and much more. (Costumes are optional.) You are more than welcome to come dressed in full regalia if you like.

Let your imagination run wild and come join your red hat sisters in a day of play. Start thinking of a great costume and enter to win in one of the following categories:

A. Best Group
B. Most Original
C. Wildest & Craziest Red Hat
D. Funniest