Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford resident Tom Papiernik is better known as “The Hat Man” because he creates oversized, colorful hats to commemorate holidays such as Halloween or pay homage to his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.
WALLINGFORD, Pa. — Residents and team members at Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford know when Tom Papiernik is around because his hats always arrive first.
Known affectionately as “The Hat Man,” the 76-year-old Independent Living resident has spent years crafting imaginative, one-of-a-kind hats that turn heads and spark smiles wherever he goes.
“I can go at it from 10 hours to 30 hours when I’m making my hats,” said Papiernik, a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan whose hats often celebrate the NFL team and its Super Bowl championship.
“Currently, I’m working on a Christmas Hat to spread the holiday love in Media PA.,” he said.
His creative journey began in a most unexpected way. “I was walking down the street in Media one day, and God said to me, ‘Make the people in Media happy,’” Papiernik recalled.
Inspired, he returned home, gathered cardboard, a hot glue gun and a few old magazines. Papiernik got to work. His very first creation? A witch hat for Halloween.
From there, his designs only grew more inventive.
Over the years, Papiernik has crafted hats to celebrate holidays, special moments and sports – especially his beloved Eagles. From Christmas and Halloween to football, Charlie Brown, and even the U.S. presidents, he has a hat for the occasion.
“You name it, I did it,” Papiernik likes to say with a grin.
The Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford team have become accustomed to seeing the colorful and imaginative creations Papiernik has worn or shown to fellow residents in the senior living community.
“Some of his elaborate designs have taken up to 30 hours to complete, and you can see this is a true labor of love,” said Tanissa Reed, Community Relations Director at Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford. “When he steps out wearing one of his creations, people notice and enjoy seeing his hats.”
The reactions make it all worthwhile. “When I’m walking down the street, cars are beeping, people are stopping to take pictures. It makes me feel famous,” Papiernik said.
At Chestnut Ridge, Tom’s creativity is a perfect reflection of the community’s vibrant atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to explore their passions, share their talents and bring joy to one another in ways big and small.
“Our residents bring so many unique skills and talents to our community, and Tom’s creativity and passion shines through with every piece,” said Chestnut Ridge Executive Operations Officer Selena Cheng. “It’s inspiring to watch Tom continue to innovate and share his artistry with the world-proof imagination and craftsmanship that never grows old!”
For more information, contact Tanissa Reed, Community Relations Director, Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford, at treed@integracare.com or call 610.447.0710