From Gayle and Ron Saunders
Dear Joyce and Louie - Congrats on 50 years - how can that be - we aren't that old!

We have so many fun memories of time spent with you - High School first - those many years ago. Mike and I enjoyed our times with you and now with Ron we have had more fun times. Remember our trip to Catalina?

Also fun cruises and always a guarantee to have a good time when the Middie gang gets together.

We wish you much joy and happiness and 50 more! Love to you both - Gayle and Ron

From Barb and Doug Alder:

Dear Joyce and Lou,
From Lou and Doug being in elementary school together to all of us being members of First Presbyterian church, we've come a long way. We remember the fun we had being Middies; with our daughters being the same age and being friends; with Joyce and I both being special ed teachers and discussing our challenges. Who of us ever thought that Lou would be our financial advisor? And a good one, too!

We wish you all the best as you celebrate your 50th anniversary!

Love,
Barb and Doug

Poem by Diana Gleasner

The 50 Year Saga of
Joyce and Lou

If they were honest
And if they confessed
They’d surely say
They’ve been doubly blessed

Joyce went to church
With the Methodists
All Lou could think was -
she ought to be kissed

High school sweethearts
Resolve was weak
She was in love
But he was a Greek

Joyce went to college
To study and learn
Lou to college
with 4 years to yearn

They promised to date
But it was hard to do
Lou found no women
At OSU

Lou dreamed of Joyce
Who couldn’t be cuter
Lou soon became a
Weekend commuter

Greek Orthodox
Might mean some rough sledding
But no – it meant only
A grand double wedding

Lou was so handsome
And lucky as well
Joyce just adored him
It’s easy to tell

Blessed with two daughters
To brighten each day
Life was complex
What more can we say.

They’re still in love
as they were at the start
Joyce IS the cure
for Lou's broken heart

Tho it may seem
Like a Chinese menu
Double Happiness it is
For Joyce and for Lou

Congratulations from Diana and Bill Gleasner

From Gayle and Mike Knapp
Dear Joyce and Lou,
I remember so well your weddings- both of them and each a beautiful tribute to love and devotion! I feel honored that I had one year of high school with you both and a lifetime of friendship. When Mike came into my life, he learned quickly the caring and fun and amazing hospitality from the Middletown gang.
I think one of our most outstanding memories was when we gathered a group of 28 to celebrate our 25th anniversary by taking a Caribbean cruise in 1986, and Lou arrived on board almost straight from the operating room, looking very pale, thin and tired but after a week of partying, he left the ship tan and robust and smiling!
Just sorry the miles separate California and Ohio, but our visits back and forth continue and always will. Thrilled to have you here earlier this year thanks to the Buckeye football team.
Happy, happy 50th Anniversary dear friends... you are VERY special!
Much love,
Gayle and Mike

From Neila and Bruce Barnes:
Joyce and Lou, Welcome to the 50th Wedding Anniversary Club. What a wonderful trip it has been for all of us and how fortunate that we met our perfect partner many years ago.

I first remember the Christy family when they returned to Middletown and entered Anne and Lynne in my Sunday school class at First Presbyterian Church. The love and care you offered with these two girls was outstanding.

Next came Lou and his love of cross word puzzles. Sometimes he was a little tardy for church, but usually when he arrived the puzzle was complete.

Then came our friendship through the Ohio State- Butler County group, even though you Joyce are not an alum of the greatest university - you have joined
the ranks.

We treasure our times together at picnics, scholarship dinners and away football trips as well as other organizations that we share.

HAPPY 50th to both of you!!!!!

Love, Neila and Bruce

From Suzanne Harrison:
Joyce, you and I lived down the hall from one another in our junior year in college at Ohio Wesleyan University. One weekend you had a date for a dance on campus, but your high school beau (you guessed it, Lou) phoned and asked out. Since you preferred to go out with Lou, you asked me if I would be willing to fill in and go to the dance with your date, and I said I would. Because you have always given me credit for helping you out of this jam, I felt that perhaps this particular Saturday date may have been a turning point in your relationship.
Our friendship grew with the creation of "the Committee" a group of 12 O.W.U. gals whose sole purpose was to socialize and enjoy the company of one another. During our senior year, we would get together occasionally and visit. After we graduated, we kept in touch with a round-robin letter. At our 25th college reunion, we congregated together, and it was agreed that we would meet three years later for a visit of several days. Since that time, we have been meeting at first every three years, but in the more recent past every two years mostly in one another’s homes. Along with this friendship with Joyce, my husband, Bob, and I have gotten to know your delightful husband, Lou. One memorable visit in Middletown had you squiring us around the Cincinnati area. It is such fun being with you. We are so fond of the two of you and happy to congratulate you on fifty years of marriage.
Love, Suzanne

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Christy,

Growing up across the street from your loving family was such a blessing! I have so many wonderful memories. There are too many to count but I thought I’d list just a few:
1. Learning to waterski on Lake Cumberland behind the Christy’s boat.
2. All the family dinners and get togethers....so many great times!
3. "Breaker one nine ...this is the Shaggy Dog to the Sponge Diver. I believe we forgot our large Old English Sheepdog at the last rest area about an hour ago.”
4. Amy, Anne, and I each taking an arm or a leg and dragging Lynne around from room to room (even down the basement steps) when we moved our play set ups to a different room. We all loved every minute of it!
5. Camping trips (see my parents post)
6. Learning from Mr. Christy how to efficiently enter and exit the Christy home with minimal loss of AC. (being one of the few families with central air conditioning at the time)
7. Anne and Lynne staying at our house while the Christy’s went to Nassau!

See photos: I don’t know which is worse....my haircut or our kitchen wallpaper....on second look, I think it is the Clearasil all over my sister’s face. (sorry Amy)

I love you both so much and wish you the happiest 50th wedding anniversary!

Love, Lisa Robb McDonnell