By Vincent D. Scebbi

MEDINA — Carlene Moeschberger was 21 years old and living in Akron when she was invited to visit the Parker family, friends of her recently deceased parents, in Loudonville.

Carlene at first declined the offer, but once she saw a picture of Parkers’ “cute and sexy” son, Earl, she said she knew she had to meet him.

Mickie and Russ Palmateer of Seville laugh after singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at Thursday’s Golden Wedding Anniversary luncheon hosted by the Medina Kiwanis Club. The Palmateers will celebrate their 51st anniversary Aug. 20. (GAZETTE PHOTO BY VINCENT D. SCEBBI)

The two met May 1, 1961, and on June 30 said their vows. Fifty years later, they’re still together.

The Parkers, of Wadsworth, were among 17 couples recognized by the Medina Kiwanis Club at its annual Golden Wedding Anniversary on Thursday at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Clubhouse on Lafayette Road.

Nancy Abbott, president-elect of the Kiwanis Club, said the annual event has been a tradition in the community for more than 30 years.

The 50th anniversary committee searches for couples celebrating their golden anniversary through newspaper announcements and bulletins from religious organizations.

“It’s a special honor to be married for 50 years, and we want to make it known to the community that they reached this achievement,” Abbott said.

In addition to recognition from members of the Kiwanis Club and Mayor Dennis Hanwell, the couples received a gift bag from area sponsors as well as passes for life from the Medina County Fair Board.

Businesses that sponsored the event included AMF Medina Lanes, Cool Beans Cafe, Smoothie King, Dairy Queen, Family Video, Steve’s Dakota Grill, Rob’s Auto Service, Medina Muffler, Busy Bee Muffler Center, Rinky Dink Family Fun Center, Accent Floral & Gifts and Corkscrew Saloon.

Abbott said because divorces are more common now, she said advice from the couples — such as saying “I love you” every morning and evening — is “inspiring to us who are married and hope to get to 50 years.”

Seville residents Russ Palmateer and his wife, Mickie, will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary Aug. 20. They said their recipe to a healthy marriage is the willingness to compromise and, as Russ jokingly said, life “revolves around ‘yes, dear.’ ”

“We had our ups and downs, but we loved each other and it takes a lot of work to make a marriage last,” Mickie said.

Contact Vincent D. Scebbi at (330) 721-4050 or vincents@medina-gazette.com.

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