From hats adorned with beautiful flowers to the simple elegance of colored lace or tufted tulle, the ladies of the Richmond Hill Garden Club celebrated in style at their recent end-of-year luncheon at the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum.  

Luncheon organizers Elma Stephenson and Linda Bessent were delighted with the turnout and the success of the event, which featured the multiple prize drawings and a speech given by club president Lori Pommerenck.

“We could not have been more satisfied with both this year’s attendance, the delightful food or the fabulous elegance here in the halls of the beautiful Mighty 8th,” Stephenson said.  

“We are so glad that so many ladies participated with the wearing of hats this year,” she continued. “It is always fun to see what the members will bring out of their closets each time.”

“The spring luncheon has always been held previously at the home of the club’s charter member, Ms. Frances Meeks,” Bessent said. “Due to health reasons this year, Ms. Meeks could not host the luncheon, and we needed to find an alternate place for us to celebrate with the group.”

“I have heard lots of compliments this year about the food, which featured shrimp, tuna, and an especially tasty chicken salad, as well as a fabulous warm peach cobbler,” she added.

The luncheon was catered by Teri Bell of Miss Sophie’s, which is at the museum.   

“Not only was the food delicious, but the tables set here in the lobby of the Mighty 8th added a special atmosphere that could not have been more beautiful,” Bessent said.

Several ladies enjoyed the raffle, which offered a chance to win the table centerpieces.  

The prizes featured an array of hand-decorated wreaths — made by both Bessent and Stephenson — and delicate bird candles, both of which were a reflection of the nature of the club’s existence.

Pommerenck expressed her gratitude to the many members who had made so many contributions, both in money and effort, to serve the Richmond Hill community.

“Thank you, members, for making my year as president one of deep satisfaction. I could not have done without your dedication, your timely advice or your encouragement,” Pommerenck said.  

She concluded by recognizing the contributions each of the group’s committees made this past year, all of which combined to make the year one of the club’s best ever.

The ladies, decked out in their finest hats, left the luncheon satisfied but also full of hope for year ahead, which will give them a chance to celebrate their love of gardening and help to beautify the Richmond Hill community.