Bayshore Beauties Red Hatters bring cheer to Caloosa Harbour
The Bayshore Beauties Red Hatters recently helped spread cheer at Caloosa Harbour/Sunrise Senior Living this holiday season, with gifts and music, signing and dancing.
Resident Paul Marke enjoyed the group’s visit. “This is terrific, we couldn’t do better.”
Resident Florence Mulligan agreed. “It’s wonderful. We’re having a great time.”
Activities and Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Pinella also enjoyed the lively visit from the group. “Look at the whole place, it’s abuzz. The ladies are colorful and friendly and just gravitate to the residents naturally. They just bring love.”
Resident Marie Bagli was particularly happy to mingle with the group — she was a Red Hatter herself in New Jersey.
“When I hear them, I remember the times we had,” she said.
The Bayshore Beauties Red Hatters that helped spread the holiday spirit at Caloosa Harbour included Joanne Adams, Elaine Agnello, Gloria Bowen, Sue Cushing, Debbie Davis, Josie DeMarsh, JoMarie Faccioli, Rosalie Finnerty, Carol Janssen, Virginia Manahan, Pam Maslin, Elaine Moore, Ruby McCoy, Pat O’Don-oghue, Louanne Rogers, Chris Shinkle, Joanne Tripp and Sandra Wallace.
Queen Mother Gloria Bowen dressed as a Red Hat Mrs. Claus. She took over last month as queen mother for the Bayshore group.
“The original queen was Connie Campbell, who started the group about five years ago,” she said. “I have just recently taken over as of October, as Connie is planning out of state. She did a fantastic job as reigning queen.”
About 40 ladies belong to the group, which meets once a month.
“We go out to various places to eat lunch. In January, we’ll have our fashion show, and in February we’re going to the Broadway Palm Theater with the Lee County Queen’s Council for a Mardi Gras party, and we are entering a float The Council involves about 300 members and the reigning queen of Lee County is Camille Mauer,” she said.
Besides the fun and camaraderie the ladies share, they said they would be out more in 2009.
“This year we’re planning on doing more charitable work in the area, and we’re starting a new chapter here in Caloosa Harbor,” said Bowen. “Our girls will be donating some apparel for them to start it and Sandy will coordinate it here.”
Besides make gift packages for the men and women, they group enjoyed the piano music and sing-a-longs with the residents. Carol Janssen, played the piano and there was dancing.
The women so enjoyed the company of residents so they plan on seeing them again earlier next year.
“In the summertime when restaurants aren’t so crowded we’re going to take residents to a tea or lunch,” noted Bowen.
She said all those attending want to go back, and three members have said they are planning on going to volunteer their time.
“They need help with reading, people to play cards and other things. That’s what came out of it,which was very special,” she said.