While a brand new marriage was starting for Carol Martin in August, two other classmates—married to each other—were celebrating their 50 years of marriage. Scott Johnson and Sandy Jones Johnson chose a memorable location for theirs, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Eighteen other couples and two granddaughters joined them August 16-18 and even the weather did its part with three picture-perfect summer days.
Describing the Saturday celebration dinner, Sandy told us about an ingenious icebreaker they used: “Because it was such a diverse group I asked everyone to send me a wedding picture (or one from early in their relationship if not married) and a story from their wedding or early days. I set up the pictures at the cocktail hour on Saturday night, with the starter “Ask me about…” Then at dinner I called up at least one couple from each table, between courses, to tell their story. This was magical!! The stories were great and started conversations across the room. Each table was buzzing from the stories just told.” Later everyone danced until 1:00 a.m. and Sandy said afterwards, “We could not have chosen a better way to celebrate our 50th!!!”
Among the guests were Monty Okey and JoAnn King Okey, as well as Mac Whitehouse and Bill Merchant and their wives. The Okeys have also been married for 50 years and Mac and his wife, Rosanne, have just one more year to go. Although several of the friendships date back to elementary school, it was in junior high when they all became part of the same group. Scott and Sandy started dating at the end of senior year and went to the senior prom together. And we know where that led!
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