by John Dowd
It is important to remember older generations, and honor what they have seen and done. This is a view taken very seriously by the Soroptimist International of Hamilton. In order to honor elderly women, the group has been holding an annual event just for them. Syble Solomon, coordinator for this year’s Senior Women’s Tea, wants to welcome elderly women back again this year. She even hopes to see new faces in attendance.
The tea event is put on every year by the Soroptimist group, and according to Solomon, it really makes a difference to the ladies. The Soroptimists often get letters from the ladies after the event saying how much they enjoyed it. “We really try to make it into a fun event,” said Solomon.
The tea event usually brings in over 50 women and Solomon loves the fact that the event really honors and remembers these women, some of whom Solomon described as having lived through world wars and much more. “It’s a chance to dress up, relax, enjoy themselves and be served.”
This year, the event will take place May 4, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes. All women over 90 years old are encouraged to come out. The event is like a big tea party, and is free to all participants.
This will be the 18th year they have hosted the event, and have done it every year except for the two years of COVID-19. That year they put together bags with gifts and sent them out.
The Soroptimists invite participating ladies to wear “fancy hats,” when they attend this year. Solomon excitedly described the event as “very women’s-tea-party-like, with hats!” She explained that the event is full of a fancy tea-time humor, and a lot of fun. Solomon explained that it allows the women to see people they may not have seen in a long time, and to meet new people. Participants will talk, drink tea, eat great snacks and more.
Every year the event has a theme, and this year’s is ‘music from 40’s and 50’s movies.’ Many of these songs are iconic and even current generations might recognize a few of them. This Year’s Senior Women’s Tea will also be calling upon Mara Luther and Ben Morse to sing songs from that period.
Another big part of the event is the recognition of the oldest women in attendance. Last year, a lady of 105 years old was recognized, and as far as Solomon knows, she may attend again.
When asked why they hold this event and why it is particularly important, Solomon said, “As a rule, we all get really busy with our lives and we often don’t pay attention to these people that aren’t visible to us,” she said. “We hope when we get over 90 somebody will remember us, too.”
Soroptimist International of Hamilton works to promote the success of women in the professional setting, and provides scholarships for women and girls to further their education. The group also supports policies that help women and girls. They are always looking for new members, and encourage interested women to contact the group to get involved.
More information about Soroptimist can be found at sihamilton.org. For those interested in participating with the Senior Women’s Tea event, they can call (406) 361-8012 to reserve, or email syblesolomon@gmail.com.
Every woman over 90 is encouraged to come. However, Solomon stated that interested parties should contact the group ahead of time. Once contacted, the Soroptimitsts will mail out official invitations. Anyone can contact them, either for themselves or for loved ones. However, the group does not offer transportation to the event.