Lake Vista Walker 50 Years of Wedding Bliss

Gee whiz! How time flies when you are having fun. So is the case with McKinley and Betty Hayward, one would have to say. An annoucement was mailed early to 'Save The Date'. Then three weeks to the date the Golden Invitation was received by the guest.

The happy couple renewed their vows on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Banquet Masters. Love was in the air. The happy couple was surrounded by their family and friends. Some family members traveled from out of state to join in the celebration.

The Rev. Norris Martin officiated the Renewing of Vows Ceremony. The Alumni Singers Ensemble sang 'Somebody Touched Me', 'Hold On To Your Dreams' and 'To God Be The Glory" during the ceremony. Betty is a member of the Alimni Singers; performing in the Alto Section. Mckinley would not be outdone however.

It was his melodic voice singing 'You are So Beautiful' to me as he took his bride's hand for the second time as Betty made her grand entrance in a svelte gold long suit. The couple was simply stunning (see slideshow below)

Blanche Ganey performed double duty too. She was the original Flower Girl and returned to perform the same duty 50 years later, however wearing a different dress.

Guest had their choice of several entrees and desserts. The chef offered up, Almond Crusted Salmon, Fried Chicken and Vegetable Lasagna as the main dishes. Sides included Early Spring Garden Green Beans both white and green with baby carrots, and New Potatoes sauted in Olive Oil and Basil. Assorted salads were served to compliment the meal. Desserts included a variety of cheese cakes and cakes (Carrot Cake, Black Forrest and Chocolate).

Sofia Forte, the daughter of the happy couple, left nothing to chance and baked a beautifully decorated custom wedding cake. The cake was stunning. Special selected photos of the couple were selected to adorn the tops of each tier. This is one time that Jean who is a bonifide Cater herself was able to put down her tools and take on the role of being Matron of Honor.

Enough said! Take a look at the slide show below to realize a glimpse of the Renewing of Vows of Betty and McKinley Hayward.

Lake Vista Happy Walkers

The Lake Vista Walkers have been existence for over 20 years. The group originally was called the Lake Vista Crazy Walkers because they walked in the wee hours of the morning when others were sleeping. Some started walking at 3:30 a.m., some at 4:00 a.m. and still others at 4:30 a.m.

The group has continue to celebrate life by walking together and celebrating each other's birthdays. A tradition of the group is to host a Christmas Holiday Soiree where they dress for the holiday season and share stories of events that occurred during the year. Another tradition of the group at this time of year is to give thanks to Him who has been their Protector and to each other for being an inspiration to each other.

Over the years 3 members have moved from this world to the next. Those members are Mary Byrd, Barbara Elizabeth Lewis and Elizabeth Howard. All devoted walkers.

The picture below is from 2002 on a Saturday morning. Featured in the picture is:
Betty, Rose, Barbara and Liz (Barbara and Liz now deceased 2008).

The following pictures are of our deceased members: Barbara Lewis and Elizabeth Howard. Taken at the 2003 Christmas Party.

The party was held at Carolyn's house and a good time was had by all. Covered dishes were the fare of the evening. Barbara Lewis pictured below deceased in Jan. 2008. Liz Howard February 8, 2008. Mary Byrd Jan 2007.



The following slide show is from the Christmas Gathering of 2007. Enjoy



The 2008 Christmas Gathering was held on December 9 th. The group held a memorial for the deceased members. A new wine was introduced to the group and shared by those who knew that Merlot is good for the heart! Enjoy this next set of photos. Compliments of Connie.



Click! Click! Smile! That was the order of the evening. Cameras were the order of the day. This slide show is compliments of Betty. Thanks ladies. There will be less (pounds) of us in 2009. See all of you at the trail.....The Lake Vista Happy Walkers. See points of interest that were discussed at the end of this slide show!


Go Safe and Be Well....(African Proverb)

Phil. 1:3 I thank my God upon every rememberance of you.

------------------- Points of Interest ----------------------

• 1. Don't forget birthday celebrations, they are important to each of us. Dont' forget to bring your camera too!


• 2. If you get your birthday celebration information to Valerie, she will perform the layout and sent it out electronically for those who have email, otherwise the invite goes back to the requestor to be mailed.


• 3. Birthday celebrations dining assessment is $7.00. beginning in 2009.


• 4. The group agreed to change our name from Lake Vista Crazy Walkers to Lake Vista Happy Walkers. Makes us all happy!

• Happy Holidays to Each of You!