By Sue Hughes | For The Times-Post
PENDLETON — Anyone driving past Falls Park on Wednesday, Sept. 11, might have thought they had gone back in time. They would have seen ladies in fancy dresses and hats attending an old-fashion formal garden luncheon.
Amy Mercer and her sister, Vicki Ashton — both former Pendleton residents and current Middletown residents — decided to have the party for current and former Southern Heights Christian Church friends.
“We got tired of only seeing our friends at funerals,” Mercer said.
The sisters, with the help of several volunteers, hosted the party for 38 ladies. The guests ranged in age from mid-70s to 89.
“The ladies felt special, and it looked like we stepped back in time,” Mercer said.
The 38 guests were entertained by violinist Gert Kumi of Pendleton, a professor and conductor at Anderson University. After being seated at linen clad tables, they were served sandwiches, salad and other goodies on china plates. Many of them had not seen each other in a while and had a good time catching up.
“It was one of the neatest things I have ever seen,” guest Linda McVey said.
Two of the women traveled from Florida for the party, and one came from Michigan. One invited guest from Montana had hoped to attend but was unable to travel.
Stuart Mercer, Amy’s husband and one of many event volunteers, said, “It’s amazing. I am happy to see it.”
Amy Mercer and Ashton worked for several days putting together the luncheon.
The said they had worked the previous day until 11 p.m. and were up at 6:30 a.m. the day of the event. The tables were set with the china, silverware and floral arrangements. The flowers were made by Marta King.
“It’s enjoyable to see people, see old friends and reconnect,” Amber Harless said.
Pat Bucher agreed, saying it was “wonderful, fabulous.”
At the same time, several of the husbands had lunch at Wolfies Grill to discuss old times.
“I was originally from Michigan, but my wife is from this area,” Dennis Hercamp said. “After I retired from General Motors, we moved back to Michigan.”
They are camping at Mounds Park this month.
At the luncheon, following the meal, there were door prizes and a trivia game about Southern Heights, which is located on the south side of Anderson. Several of the women then took the opportunity to thank the sisters.
Pam Childers, whose husband recently died, said, “These two have stood by me and were there at every turn. I can’t tell you how much I love and appreciate them.”
Mercer said later in a text, “It was everything we hoped it would be.
“Seeing precious ladies from our childhood and having the opportunity to say thank you for serving the Lord and impacting the lives of two little girls was priceless.
“I feel blessed and haven’t stopped smiling,” she said. “I will be glowing for a while.”
