By Jacqueline Kimball
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As soon as they heard one another’s southern accents, "We knew we were kindred spirits," says Mary Ankrom.

Mary Green agrees: "We sort of bonded, didn’t we?"

The women met at a welcome center event for Hickory Chase priority list members, people who’ve reserved their place in line for a home at the Erickson retirement community opening next year in northwest Columbus.

Then this summer, when Ankrom was at the welcome center to reserve her specific Hickory Chase home, she learned that Green might postpone reserving.

"I was heartbroken about Mary," says Ankrom. "So when my appointment ended, I went straight out of the office and talked to her." Green appreciated Ankrom’s concern and took the next step toward living at Hickory Chase—she selected and reserved her own specific home there. "What I like is that I’m not forced to do anything," Green says. "If I’m not ready by next year, I can [move later]. But down the road, Hickory Chase is my plan."

"And isn’t it good to have a plan—to know what you’re going to do?" Ankrom says.

Getting acquainted
Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Ankrom lived in Upper Arlington, retired to Venice, Fla., and moved to Powell three years ago. Green, a West Virginia native, lives in Hilliard and has a granddaughter in Powell. Without Hickory Chase, they doubt they’d have met. Now friends, they’re making plans:

"We could go golfing," says Green; she golfs once a week.

"Oh, honey, I don’t golf," Ankrom says. "Maybe you could give me euchre lessons."

"Sure, you have card sense," says Green, an avid card player.

Ankrom hoots with laughter. "No, Darlin’," she says, her honeyed Alabama lilt coating every word. "All I know is what they look like when they’re right in front of me."

"I like her!" says Green. "I’m sure we’ll become closer friends."