Octogenarians honored by Teas from the Heart

Teas from the Heart recently honored 27 octogenarians with an elegant tea. Invited guests had surpassed their eightieth birthday and lived in the mountain area. The formal invitations to the "Young at Heart" tea were designed by one of the many teams who helped coordinate this inspiring event.

On their special day, the excited ladies were greeted by tuxedoed gentlemen who escorted them inside the host home of Ken and Phyllis Ott of Hiawassee. Harpist Sharon Podley, also of Hiawassee, played classical music as the octogenarians arrived. Mrs. Ott related, "Only one of our invitees didn't show. That was amazing considering the age of this group."

The visitors quickly became acquainted and laughed about the adventures of growing older. "If things get better with time, then I'm approaching magnificent," was the prevailing attitude.

The serving team, dressed in crisply ironed black and white, quietly moved around the decorated tables, pouring tea and offering a variety of enticing hors d'oeuvres. Local resident, Larson Church, the daughter of Le and Nancy Church, and her cousin, Millicent Runnels, of Johnson City, Tennessee, delighted the senior ladies with a violin repertoire.

Mrs. Bettie Sellers, who taught at Young Harris College and was Poet Laureate of Georgia in 1977, was the guest speaker. Following Mrs. Seller's delightful reminiscing, Mrs.Podley again played the harp. She shared her inspiring testimony while the strings reverberated with Blessed Assurance and Amazing Grace. Mrs. Podley told how she had always wanted to play the harp. Only in later years did she decide to give her dream a try.

After a memorable afternoon, the group parted. Teas from the Heart had accomplished its goal of ministering to the heart and soul.