By Bob Mellis, F395753
June 2012
Wedding bells rang during the Sandpipers’ chapter rally March 2 through 4, 2012, at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions ranch in Myakka City, Florida. John Judy, national director of the chapter, and Josephine Jones were married at the ranch on March 3.
John and Josephine met three years ago at the Southeast Area Rally in Brooksville, Florida. John, a widower, was wrapping up the aromatherapy vending business that his deceased wife had created. Josephine, a widow who travels the country teaching the William Alexander method of oil painting, was conducting her art classes at the rally.
Mutual friends of the pair suggested they get together. They met, sparks flew, and they quickly knew each could be special in the other’s life.
The first chapter rally they attended as a couple, three years ago following their introduction, was at the Royal Lipizzan ranch. “We thought of this as an anniversary wedding,” John said before the ceremony.
John’s son flew in from Colorado for the ceremony, and Josephine’s two daughters arrived from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her son was unable to attend. Encircling the wedding party was the largest get-together of Sandpipers members and coaches to ever attend a rally at the ranch. Even FMCA national president Charlie Schrenkel, a member of the Sandpipers, was in attendance.
Reverend Anita Jones of Stuart, Florida, sister-in-law of the bride, performed the ceremony. Josephine’s matron of honor was Lorraine St. Louis, and John’s best man was Dennis Treise. The latter two are members of the Sandpipers chapter.