Longtime couples celebrate their love
Many couples, married for at least 50 years, renewed their wedding vows at Carlyle on the Green in Bethpage State Park. Pola and Jack Hayne of Old Bethpage, left, and Doris and Jerry Kirschen, also of Old Bethpage, right, were among the couples participating. (Feb. 10, 2011) Credit: David Pokress
Jack Hayne's marriage was a match made by mom.
He met his wife, Pola, 67 years ago when his mother decided to play Cupid and introduced the teens to each other.
"I took one look at her and I fell in love," Jack Hayne, 87, said after the pair renewed their vows Thursday along with 60 other couples in a pre-Valentine's Day ceremony at Carlyle on the Green in Bethpage State Park.
The couple, of Old Bethpage, married in a military ceremony on June 7, 1949. They have two children and a grandchild. Jack Hayne served in the Army for 21 years.
Participating in the celebration of marriages lasting five decades or more "was very touching," said Pola Hayne, who wouldn't give her age. "It brought tears to my eyes."
For Steve Carl, chief executive of Carlyle on the Green, hosting the ceremony was personal. He said it gave him the opportunity to celebrate the marriage of his parents, Ed and Muriel Carl. Ed Carl died on June 3, 1995 - two weeks before the couple was to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
"I thought it was appropriate for Valentine's Day to give something back," Carl said. "I felt since my parents couldn't do it, it would be good to do this." A reception with food and music followed the ceremony.
Oyster Bay Town Clerk Steven L. Labriola performed the ceremony. Before exchanging vows, Labriola asked the couples to face each other, hold hands and look into each other's eyes, which was followed by sporadic giggles from some of the couples.
"Most of you in this room know more about the formula of marriage than most," said Labriola, who has been married for 25 years.
Education first brought together William "Bill" Gruener, 76, and his wife, Joyce, 74, of North Massapequa. They met during an adult education class at night in Valley Steam Central High School on Jan. 23, 1956.
"I went to improve my business skills and he went to meet girls," Joyce Gruener joked. The couple has two sons and five grandchildren. They renewed their vows for their 50th anniversary three years ago, but decided to do it again.
"It was very rewarding," Bill said of Thursday's ceremony. "It was a celebration again."
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