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Date: 2/15/2018
LONGMEADOW – On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, Glenmeadow Retirements’ Cotz Hall was full with both residents and fittingly, a whole lot of love. Six resident couples renewed their vows in a heartwarming ceremony about celebration, redemption and commitment. This is the second vow renewal ceremony of its kind that Glenmeadow has hosted, with the previous five years earlier.
Numerous tables were elegantly set in red tablecloths with burgundy and ivory rose centerpieces, welcoming family members of the once-more newlyweds as well as residents of the Retirement Community. A white, marble flavored wedding cake with delicate piping, red hearts and a silver double-heart topper sat on a table in the room, soon to be devoured by guests of the ceremony. Additionally, photos of the couples from their original wedding date were on display for onlookers to enjoy.
James and Barbara Sullivan wed on September 30, 1950. Barbara recalled her wedding day, with the ceremony taking place in St. Michael’s Parish in East Longmeadow. She explained her father said to her as they were walking down the aisle, “Bobbie, your dress is still outdoors.” To which Barbara laughed and explained, “That’s how long the train was!”
Dr. Gabriel and Cissie Kitchener were wed on June 12, 1949, Dr. Carl and Joanne Janovsky married on August 29, 1953, Murray and Roberta Schultz were wed on September 11, 1960, Gerald and Grace Ann Healy married on September 14, 1968, and the most recently married couple of the bunch, Oliver and Gundel Deex were wed on June 25, 1980.
Glenmeadow’s Director of Life Enrichment Laura Lavoie offered a welcome to those in attendance. The six couples made a grand entrance into Cotz Hall and took their seats on either side of a chuppah.
Lavoie explained that though the ceremony formally was for the six couples, it was also a celebration of marriage in general.
“There have been so many lengthy marriages lived out within these walls. Even if your spouses are no longer here, we want to celebrate the joy you shared with them. We hope today will bring back some of those memories for you,” Lavoie said.
Both Rabbi Amy Wallk-Katz of Temple Beth El in Springfield and Rev. Pam McGrath of First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, UCC, shared the responsibilities of renewing vows, each offering their own sentiments.
Wallk-Katz chanted the Sheva Brachot and explained, “What this moment is about is celebrating love and relationships and the power they have to transform our lives and carry us from moment to moment.”
McGrath prompted the couples to join hands with their partners, and discussed the symbolism of the rings they exchanged many years ago.
“These are the hands that have given you needed tenderness and have wiped the tears of sorrow and joy from your eyes. These are the hands that have spent years searching for yours, seeking encouragement and support and offering love,” McGrath said.
At the close of the ceremony, Joanne Janovsky shared that the ceremony was very meaningful, and she had a wonderful day.
“I enjoyed the message of the importance of being together so long and the love that we’ve shared over the years,” Janovsky said.
Following the traditional breaking of a glass, the couples gathered for photographs while the reception began. Residents were able to enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres and wedding cake. The renewed couples enjoyed a formal dinner together later on.