Reps. Zelenko, Kathleen Law, Clack, Kehrl, Miller, Robertson, Garfield, Elsenheimer, Meyer, Vander Veen, Accavitti, Lipsey, Alma Smith, Espinoza, Whitmer, McDowell, Plakas, Gleason, Hopgood, Byrnes, Angerer, Gonzales, Cushingberry, Anderson and Cheeks offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 57.

            A resolution recognizing April 25, 2005, as Red Hat Society Day and the week of April 25, 2005, as Red Hat Society Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The women of the Red Hat Society have throughout their lives shouldered the various responsibilities that life has put upon them, often without the support structure afforded by so many other groups; and

Whereas, These same women, now entering into their later stages of life, deserve the camaraderie of a supportive sisterhood as they work to redefine themselves as women now that the yokes of their earlier responsibilities have been lifted; and

Whereas, The Red Hat Society, a "dis-organization" dedicated to the simple purposes of having and providing opportunities for fun, is most aptly qualified to fulfill this supportive and nurturing role so often missing from the lives of those it seeks to lift up; and

Whereas, The Red Hat Society is a "dis-organization" also dedicated to bringing together the women of the world in order to draw attention to the plight of women, particularly middle-aged women, in society through their gatherings and trademark, red hats and purple dresses (pink hats and lavender dresses until you celebrate "The Birthday"); and

Whereas, The Red Hat Society has support across our state.  Chapters exist in every county of Michigan; now therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 25, 2005, as Red Hat Society Day and the week of April 25, 2005, as Red Hat Society Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we join in "red-gloved hands" with the women of the Red Hat Society and offer them sincerest praise and support in their efforts; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Exalted Queen Mother, Sue Ellen Cooper.