North People: Danvers’ Patricia Swasey a Red Hat leader

“Initially, my mom did not want to join the Red Hats because she ‘didn’t want to look foolish,’ ’’ said Lemieux. “But she became my first member and today has one of the largest red-hat clothing and hat collections within our chapter.’’

Swasey also helps Lemieux, queen mother of the chapter, organize and coordinate gatherings throughout the year.

Swasey, 75, of Danvers, was recently crowned vice queen mother of the chapter, called Debra’s Damsels, at a luncheon celebrating its seventh anniversary.

Swasey had no idea she was going to be honored and was photographing the afternoon’s events before she realized that it was her day.

The ceremony included the reading of a poem Lemieux wrote for her mother.

The Red Hat Society is described as a “global society of women that supports and encourages women in their pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness.’’

Lemieux said Red Hatters celebrate the “feisty side of women 50-plus years old’’ by wearing red and purple hats and coordinating outfits.

Women younger than 50 may also join the group, but must wear pink and lavender until they can officially become a Red Hatter.

Members of Debra’s Damsels get together for events at least once a month, and have one of the most active Red Hat chapters in the region.

Call 978-265-2652 or visit www.redhatsociety.com.

WELLSPRING CONCERT: Grammy award-winning artists Paula Cole and Shawn Colvin perform a benefit concert for Wellspring House next Thursday in Rockport.

The concert is a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Gloucester-based facility.

Proceeds from the event help fund basic adult education and job-training programs, and homeless prevention programs including shelter and hospitality to aid families in crisis.

For premium ticket holders, there is a preconcert reception with the artists at 6:30 p.m. The performance begins at 7:45 p.m.

The concert takes place at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Tickets are $200 for premium seating and $125 for general admission and can only be purchased through Wellspring House. Call 978-281-3558, ext. 302, or visit www.wellspringhouse.org.

SCENES OF WAR: Mark O’Donald of Salem, former personal military photographer to General Stanley McChrystal, describes his experiences in Afghanistan and shows examples of his work at the Salem Athenaeum on Tuesday.

O’Donald joined the Navy Reserve in 1998. An architect by profession, he developed an interest in writing and photojournalism.

His talent caught the attention of the Pentagon and he was chosen as the official military photographer for the inaugurations of presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

When O’Donald began his tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2010, he was selected as McChrystal’s personal photographer. His work took him throughout Afghanistan and gave him access to world leaders, US troops, and the Afghan people.

O’Donald, now a mass communication specialist first class in the Navy Reserve, said he hopes that by sharing his photographs and stories he can educate people about Afghan culture and day-to-day life in the Middle East.

The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $10 for Athenaeum members, free for students. Call 978-744-2540 or visit www.salemathenaeum.net.

ANTIQUE CARS ON DISPLAY: An antique car and cocktail fund-raiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence will be held Oct. 14 at Woodworth Motors in Andover.

Antique and classic cars on display include a 1989 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, 1938 Chevrolet Cabriolet, 1948 Chevrolet Woody, 1966 Cadillac Eldorado, 1954 Cadillac Eldorado, 1985 Chevrolet El Camino, 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle, and 1968 Chevrolet Impala.

The event includes hors d’oeuvres provided by Burtons Grill and a raffle, with a grand prize of four Boston Bruins tickets with seats in the luxury Heineken Board Room at TD Garden. Tickets are $20 each; three for $50; 10 for $100. The winner will be chosen at the cocktail party and the ticket holder does not need to be present.

Tickets for the cocktail party are $50. Contact Sarah Hogue at 978-683-2747, ext. 128, or shogue@lawrencebgc.com.

WHO’S WHAT WHERE: Chef Tony Bettencourt of 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem recently participated in the 14th annual Men of Boston Cook for Women’s Health. The celebrity chef event raises money to combat women’s health issues such as breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV and AIDS through the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester.

William D. Cox Jr. of Haverhill has been appointed to the Northern Essex Community College board of trustees. Cox has a law practice and has also been Haverhill’s city solicitor for seven years.

Items can be sent to wdkilleen@gmail.com.