Ethel Barnhart loves to share what she knows -- and often does when the Red Hat Classics of Augusta gather every month.

"She is a talker," said Sharon Sims, queen of the chapter. "We love to just sit and listen to her talk about what Augusta was like back in the old days."

At 100 years old, Ms. Barnhart has a lot of history to share.

"She hasn't forgotten anything, so there's always a new story she can share," Mrs. Sims said.

What makes Ms. Barnhart stand out even more is that she is the oldest member of the Red Hat Society in the country, Mrs. Sims said.

She joined the local chapter seven years ago as a "silly and fun thing to do," Ms. Barnhart said.

"I always enjoy the programs. They're really interesting, and we get to act up," she said. "I like the camaraderie. I enjoy the ladies and getting out and spending time with them. I'm just a people person."

Ms. Barnhart is one of 70 members of the local chapter, Mrs. Sims said.

"With her being the oldest member, we really respect her," she said. "We don't have someone just sitting there. She's involved in what we do and is a role model for the other members."

Since Ms. Barnhart joined, she has missed only a few gatherings. She drove herself to the meetings until she was 97.

"As long as I could drive, I went," she said. "Then, when I couldn't drive anymore, I still wanted to be there if I could help it. Annette (Dobyne) makes sure I get there every month."

It's a task Ms. Dobyne enjoys.

"She's the light of my heart. She's so much fun," she said. "Each time I pick her up for the gatherings, I know we are all in for a treat."

Mrs. Sims agreed.

"We don't know we would do without Ethel," she said. "She's our star."

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.