Siena Ya Ya Girls take pride in red hats

From art, book and bocce clubs to literary and current events discussion groups and performing arts clubs, residents of the Siena age-qualified community in Summerlin have a variety of special interest groups in which to participate. Now they have one more.

Known as the "Siena Ya Ya Girls," the recently formed Siena chapter of the Red Hat Society was inspired by a poem written by Jenny Joseph titled "Warning," which begins "When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple with a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me."

Club organizers say the group is a women's "disorganization" based on the concept that aging isn't necessarily all bad.

"At our first luncheon, which was held in September, we had nearly 50 ladies join us and just this week, more than 30 of us enjoyed High Tea at the Antique Team Room in the Sampler Shoppes," said founding member Shirley Fojtik, whose club name is the "Queen Mother."

Other founding members include Evon Acampora, who is known as "Princess Smiley Streetwalker;" Sandi Sedgewick, who is known as "Princess Wampum;" and Caroline Jacobson, who is known as "Princess Mover and Shaker."

"One of the great things about the Red Hat Society is there are no rules or bylaws of chapter organization. Each chapter structures itself according to the wishes and whims of its members and the women choose `offices' and humorous titles for themselves as they see fit. Evon, who is an avid walker, brings the group inspiration; Sandi takes care of the finances; and Caroline helps with the events and activities," Fojtik said.

The group began with a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve and humor.

"The Red Hat Society was founded as a haven for silliness and unfettered happiness among women who have reached the ripe young age of 50," Fojtik said. "Our sole purpose is to have fun and enjoy ourselves, and Siena is the perfect place for us to do that."

Underneath the frivolity, the members share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and enthusiasm for wherever life takes them. In addition to the lunches and teas, members are planning a hike at Red Rock Canyon and are finalizing details to attend the Red Hat Society's annual national conference to be held next year in Nashville, Tenn.

"We've already had a lot of calls from members who are interested in attending, and we are looking forward to having a nice delegation representing Siena in Nashville," Fojtik.

The Red Hat Society is just one of more than 20 clubs and organizations residents can participate in. The community's interim social center is the hub of activity and home to a computer lab, billiard and card rooms, and a sewing center.

Ground has been broken for a permanent community center, with an anticipated opening next spring .

Residents may also enjoy the amenities of the health and fitness center, wellness center, beauty salon and day spa.

A golf clubhouse anchors the Siena Golf Club. The 18-hole, par-72, daily-fee course is open to all ages and offers residents preferred rates and tee times.

Homes within the community are priced from the $140,000s to the $370,000s, plus home-site premiums. Eighteen single-story floor plans are available, ranging from 1,040 to nearly 3,200 square feet.

To visit, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 to Town Center Drive and go south to Siena Monte Avenue. The sales office and models are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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