COAL TOWNSHIP -- Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Snyder, of Coal Township, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 3. A dinner party, hosted by their seven children, was held at the home of their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Derr, and was attended by their family and closest friends. Country and soft music was provided by their children as the theme was Home on the Range/50 Years of Marriage. Food and beverages were provided by their children and local catering services. A beautiful three-tier anniversary wedding cake with cascading edible sugar and royal icing flowers was also provided by the children and made by Dalos Bakery in Berwick.

The couple were married May 3, 1958, in Ligonier.

Mrs. Snyder, the former Darlene Zacchetti, is the daughter of Helen Zacchetti, of Ligonier, and the late George Zacchetti. She was a full-time homemaker as well as a foster parent until she retired from fostering. She has also done volunteer work at the polls until recently. Not only was she a homemaker, chef/baker, foster parent, and volunteer, but she was and still is a teacher, counselor, mentor, and a wonderful friend, as well as a wonderful and caring grandmother.

Mr. Snyder is the son of the late Charles and Mildred Snyder, of Shamokin. He retired from Merck in Danville. He was also a foster parent, and has done and still works on extensive woodworking and craftmanship projects for holiday decorations and billboard signs for the local community. He has won several yearly awards for his holiday Christmas decorations that he put up on the couple's Springfeild home, including an award given to him from the judges for his life-size holiday decorations submitted at the Bloomsburg Fair. He was and still is a wonderful provider as well as a teacher, counselor, mentor, wonderful friend, and a wonderful caring grandfather.

The couple have seven children, Kenny, of Pennsylvania, Melody, of Pennsylvania, Tamara, of New Hampshire, Gerard, of Pennsylvania, Christopher, of Florida, Sue, of Pennsylvania, and Charon, of New Jersey. They also have sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, Maria, of Pennsylvania, Randy, of Pennsylvania, David, of New Hamsphire, Robin, of Pennsylvania, Bill, of Pennsylvania, and Chris, of New Jersey. There are also 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Randi, Zachary, Tristan, Sarah, Kayley, Alyssa, Sophia, Amber, Kate and Sarah.

There is a saying that goes, "Tell me whom you love and I will tell you who you are." Mom, because of all the little extras you added to everything, there is no question why Dad fell in love with you. You were especially attentive to all the details, which make a family thrive, and our house became a home. You gave us life, (plus a few extra *wink*) and let us live. You kept us all happy, with love. Dad, there is something captivating about your obvious devotion to Mom. Your patience and kindness is something that has kept us all grounded (for the most part...*smiles*). You stood up as our biggest protector. You both, Mom and Dad, have always inspired us to move forward and do our best and to be our best. Our each and individual bests. You both have always been great influences in our lives, and we are very thankful that we have such role models to learn from as do our children. Because of the constant encouragement and support from both of you, we are here today as the children and grandchildren you have helped us all become. We are so proud to be your children and grandchildren as a result of your union and love. Congratulations for 50 wonderful years together and for many more years to come. We all love you both very much! -- C.

"What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined... to strengthen each other... to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories" (George Eliot).