The 2008 Hat Day at Races was a galloping success for the Doubleday Babcock Senior Center! Actually, this particular event was one of the most successful years, thanks to Chairwoman Susan Peterson-Neuhaus and her committee, Pat Azmitia, Eileen Sheehan, Deborah Hudak, John Sant'Angelo, Joan Kingsley, Ed Mohlenhoff, and Lillian Soricillo, who all worked tirelessly on the benefit. This year, Ms. Peterson made sure there were no conflicts with other events, including graduation. The attendance was terrific, and the spirits were high. The ladies looked lovely and the gentlemen dapper as they entered into the Garden Terrace at Belmont State Park donning their fabulous hats. The idea of everyone wearing hats undoubtedly generates a cheerful setting; add to the mix, glorious weather, a lovely lunch, preferred seating, a little wine, delightful people, raffle prizes, gifts, and possibly, a winning horse - looks like this is a recipe for an amazing afternoon ... and that it was!

Fran Pinkerton, one of the newest DBSC board members, was the title sponsor of the event. Nearing the close of the occasion, Susan Peterson-Neuhaus, and DBSC Executive Director, Gail Speranza, thanked Fran for her support and presented her with a lovely Waterford sculpture, "Horse & Jockey," donated by board members, Ada and Frank Flower. Another wonderful friend of DBSC, Gennifer Cox, donated beautiful Chanel fragrances (women's and men's) for each guest to bring home.

The hat contest caused quite a rouse; of course it's nearly impossible to select who has the most elegant or original hat, but the deed had to be done. The winners were: Frank Mirenda, most elegant; Bob Cox, most original (men's); Deborah Kupperman, most elegant; and Betty Mason, most original (women's).

The way Hat Day at the Races has been "groomed," perhaps there's no reason to travel all the way to Kentucky next year!