Out with the Red Hat Divine Divas

Top row L-R: Silvia Bynes, Judy Martindale, Gloria Nelson, Judy Evans, Mattie Thornton, Brenda Tomlinson, Doris Scott, Mary, Nelson, Thelma Donald, Carolyn Swanson | Bottom row L-R: Bo Stokling, Connie Small, Betty Nelson, Dorothy Herring-Lee

SARASOTA — The Red Hat Divine Divas of St. Petersburg, a local chapter of the Red Hat Society (RHS), enjoyed this month’s outing by having a delicious lunch at Duff’s Original Buffet in Bradenton and by watching a production of “A Motown Christmas” by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) in Sarasota.

Members were enthralled Saturday, Dec. 16 by the sold-out show that was created by the troupe’s founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs.

For more than 10 years, the Divine Divas have met at least once a month to enjoy what the Bay area has to offer.

Divine Divas with the young Derric Gobourne Jr, actor, singer and dancer

“We call ourselves a group of Christian women out to have fun,” said member Connie Small. “We all are very active in the church and do volunteer work at different organizations.”

RHS is an international society dedicated to reshaping the way women are viewed in today’s culture. They support and encourage women to pursue fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment of lifelong dreams and fitness.

Members are from all walks of life and have varied interests. As a result, each chapter is unique. Unlike traditional clubs, RHS may have multiple chapters in a given town. Members who have attained the fabulous age of 50 wear red hats and purple clothing, while those under 50 wear pink hats and lavender clothing.

To find a chapter in your area or to start your own, log on to www.redhatsociety.com for more information.