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Paula & Bill Scardina and Mike & Mo Stramaglio have been thinking about and planning this party for at least two years with serious preparations taking place since last fall. Their planning really paid off as the event was sold out with over 125 BMMC members arriving around 5 pm on Sunday, January 27th at Legend Trail Community Center. It was a cold a rainy evening but you would never have guessed how gloomy it was outside with all the good sounds and laughter that you hear when friends gather.

Ron and Vickie were to arrive at 5:30 under the pretences of attending a birthday party for several BMMC members supposedly arranged by Paula and Mo. As usual, Ron and Vickie were a bit early but Robert Martinez was the “look out scout” braving the wet and cold and alerted the group when they drove into the parking lot.

Our guests of honor were totally stunned and surprised when they walked in the door and everyone yelled “Surprise”. It took them a few seconds to realize the party was in their honor to help them celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The buzz around the room was disbelief they had been married for 50 years. After all, they look so young and are so full of life. “You mean 40 years, not 50 years” was commonly heard. Other comments overheard contained phrases such as "robbing the cradle', “child bride” and “how the hell old were they, anyway?”

Vickie was presented with a beautiful white rose wrist corsage and Ron with a white rose boutonniere. They were a handsome couple as they “worked the room” and visited with and received congratulations from their BMMC family. There was a lot love in the room!

The room had been well stocked in advance with wine, beer, sodas and water and the cocktail hour got underway as guests settled into visiting with friends as Omar Mondragon de Leon provided a background of wonderful singing and playing. A delicious selection of Anti Pasto was placed on the buffet line and the party was underway. After an hour or so, the dinner bell rang and we enjoyed a catered Italian buffet of salad, lasagna and Chicken Piccata. Three anniversary cakes topped off the evening!

After the main course, Paula and Mo and the entire room toasted Ron and Vickie and wished them another 50 years of wedded bliss. Ron took the microphone and confirmed that, the truth be known, they really had been married for 50 years, and yes, they were married quite young.

The absolute highlight of the evening was Miss Vickie answering the question that had been posed to her earlier in the evening, “What is your secret to being married so long?” She looked lovingly at Ron and said, “You know girls, it is very helpful that Ron is such a romantic guy”. Well, that brought down the house but then it got better. Vickie then proceed to tell us about their “clock system” of keeping the romantic fires burning. You had to be there; it was close to information overload. When you look at the slideshow, you will be able to clearly determine, by the look on Ron’s face, when Vickie was revealing their ‘secret’ to a long marriage. Priceless!!!

Afterwards, Omar cranked up the music, tables were moved out of the way and a dance floor was created. Ron and Vickie enjoyed the first dance and then the dance floor quickly filled. Later on, Conga lines were seen snaking out onto the patio and then back into the room. Everyone got into the spirit of the evening; it was a wonderful celebration.

A huge debt of gratitude and "Thank You" from everyone who was in attendance goes to Bill and Paula and Mike and Mo for organizing this true celebration for our dear dear friends!