By Lexi MooreTuff Memorial Home hosted its first Red Hat Society meeting on Friday.The Red Hat Society was started by Sue Ellen Cooper after she read Jenny Joseph’s poem "Warning," which depicts an older woman in purple clothing in a rather silly way. The poem inspired her to give the gift of an antique red hat along with a framed copy of the poem to a close friend. The friend was so moved by the gift she decided to give the same thing to one of her girlfriends.On the Red Hat Society Web site, Sue Ellen explains the group’s purpose."The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and élan," she writes. "We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next."Tuff Activities Director Lou Kellenberger said she thought it would be fun to get the ladies of Tuff involved by forming a society of their own.The first activity was finding red hats and purple outfits for the women to wear. Many of the hats were made by members of the Tuff staff or were donated by family members.Kellenberger said, "Every hat fits each person’s personality, one even had a cardinal attached. We went through four cans of spray paint getting ready." The first meeting was Friday afternoon, and the women were reportedly thrilled to get dressed up, put on makeup and sit down for a chat.The Christmas meeting will be Dec. 15 in the afternoon. Women 50 years old and older are encouraged to put on their red hats, find a purple outfit and attend. Younger women are welcome to attend as well, but should come wearing pink.‘Warning’When I am an old woman, I shall wear purpleWith a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer glovesAnd satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tiredAnd gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bellsAnd run my stick along the public railingsAnd make up for the sobriety of my youth.I shall go out in my slippers in the rainAnd pick the flowers in other peoples' gardensAnd learn to spit.You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fatAnd eat three pounds of sausages at a goOr only bread and pickle for a weekAnd hoard pens and pencils and beermates and things in boxes.But now we must have clothes that keep us dryAnd pay our rent and not swear in the streetAnd set a good example for the children.We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.But maybe I ought to practice a little now?So people who know me are not too shocked and surprisedWhen suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.