By By Arthur McLean Managing Editor
If you see a group of brightly colored ladies in bright red hats and purple dresses around town, don't be alarmed, they're here to help.
Thursday a group of "Red Hat Ladies" met to form an Atmore chapter of the Red Hat Society.
The Red Hat Society is a nationwide group made of chapters of women who are nearing or passing the age of 50.
"The whole point of this is to accept aging and have a wonderful time with and at the same time, making enjoyable friendships and contributing to our community," said Linda Sullivan, the Atmore chapter's founder.
Six women, wearing the signature red hats and purple outfits held their first meeting at David's Catfish House in Atmore Thursday. So far, a total of nine women have agreed to join the group.
Sullivan said the Atmore chapter plans to put its energies towards community service. "The community may feel comfortable calling on our chapter for any fund raiser or community project at any time," Sullivan said.
The group plans to volunteer at places like Atmore Nursing Care, The Meadows and Relay for Life.
The ladies in this newest chapter are calling themselves the "Southern Divas of the Red Hat Sisterhood."
With membership to a chapter limited to 20 women, Sullivan said she hopes enough women will join to form more chapters in Atmore. Currently, Pensacola has more than 40 chapter of the Red Hat Society, she said.
"We're very excited, and we're going to have a lot of fun with this, while helping our community at the same time," Sullivan said.
Membership is open to women 50 or older, and women who are nearing the age of 50. For more information, contact Linda Sullivan at 368-2192.
The Red Hat Society has only been around for about four years, but already has more than 17,000 chapters and 300,000 members in 20 countries.