We're definitely in Summer now here in the Houston area. June was significantly hotter than usual and July is shaping up to be the same. We're trying to find unique ways to stay cool and enjoy ourselves despite the heat. We have two new members, Lynda R. and Anna I. that we are glad to welcome to the Chapter. Sandra and I are busily adding new Supporting Members in compliance with the new Membership Rules Model.

Sheila J. and Sandra W.
Queens of The Red Hat Fillies

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Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Martin Luther King, Jr.



Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got.

Janis Joplin

Guidelines for the Red Hat Fillies Chapter

As Red Hat Fillies we exist to have fun and enjoy each others company. We are not overly concerned with rules and regulations. The following Guidelines are not meant to hamper anyone’s freedom or interfere with our Number One Project which is to enjoy our Red Hat Chapter. Having said this, your Queens feel that the following information is an important part of our Chapter. Please familiarize yourself with this information and bring any questions or concerns to our attention.

At our Chapter functions (unless otherwise stated) it is important to wear the official Red Hat colors of Purple Clothes and a Red Hat. For our birthday month events, we reverse the colors. “Hat” can mean a number of things in addition to the normal understanding of the word. Many of us like to wear flowers, poufs, visors (for outside activities) or other head or hair adornments. These “hats” should be primarily red in color. Wearing a purple shirt or blouse with pants or skirts in another color is fine and something we often do. Purple does not have to be solid, but can be part of a print where purple is the predominate color. Shades of purple are not as important and can vary greatly. Pink, as we know, is for ladies under 50. Pink Hatters are welcome in our Chapter and their colors are pink hats with lavender (or lighter purple) clothing. Again, lavender can be construed loosely. The idea is to share our Red Hat Hood with colors, but not get overly obsessed with shades of color. Creativity with clothing, hats and color should be part of the fun of being a Red Hatter.

Ladies in the Chapter are expected to be aware of group functions and RSVP timely to the Queen’s memos and other correspondence. Being aware means reading your e-mail timely so that you can RSVP or respond timely. Adherence to requested deadlines is especially important. Failure to observe deadlines may result in your missing out on a function. Your Queens are glad to do the work required to set up events, but we cannot work effectively without your cooperation. Please do not RSVP and then fail to attend without contacting someone. Also, it is important to RSVP if you do not intend to come to an event. Regular attendance is expected at our monthly meetings. Failure to attend monthly meetings or some other Red Hat Fillies event for a period of one year will result in your being dropped from the Fillies Roster. If you cannot attend any of the functions for a six month consecutive period, you should contact us and let us know if you wish to continue as a member or let us know if you are having problems that interfere with your being able to attend. We need committed members who contribute to the group and add to the fun. We would like to commend the majority of Fillies who do keep track of activities and RSVP promptly. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

We ask that members have e-mail and internet access in order to participate in group events and respond timely to RSVP requests. We may make exceptions if a new member is sponsored by an established member who can take on these responsibilities for the new member. The established member would have to be responsible for taking care of communications for the member without e-mail or internet capabilities. We also ask that all members have transportation available to attend meetings and other Red Hat functions. We carpool occasionally, but cannot take care of individual transportation needs. If an established member wishes to sponsor a new member who does not have transportation, that established member is responsible for the transportation needs of the new member.

If you, as a member, wish to invite someone to a meeting with the expectation that they may wish to become a member, please discuss with them the above guidelines to help them make an informed decision as to whether they would enjoy the group. As you know, membership in the Fillies is by invitation only from the Co-Queens. Our aim is not to exclude members, but to help ensure that potential members are a good fit.

The Red Hat Fillies recognize only RHS Supporting Members as Red Hat Fillies' Chapter members. While "Guests" "Visitors" or "Friends" may occasionally attend Fillies functions, these individuals are not, and will not be, attendees of Fillies events, gatherings, get-togethers, etc. on any regular, continuing or ongoing basis. Only registered RHS Supporting Members can be regular attendees of Fillies gatherings, events, or functions and only these Supporting Members are considered members of the Red Hat Fillies Chapter group.

There is a membership fee payable at the beginning of each year. The fee is to help defray costs such as membership in the Red Hat Society, costs for the Chapter Web site, name tags, pictures, printing expenses and gifts for the members. In fairness to all members, only those that pay fees timely will be allowed to maintain their membership in the Chapter.

Exceptions may be made occasionally to the Guidelines for good reason. Please contact us if there is a problem with understanding or adhering to any of the above. We hope that these Guidelines will help ensure fairness and help keep us on track for Red Hat fun. Fun is what it is all about! Happy “Red Hatting” to all the current Red Hat Fillies and to all our future members!!

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