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Published: October 9, 2006
Last Modified: October 9, 2006 at 03:10 PM

FEB. 1, 1956

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Donata and Harvey Zartman

Donata and Harvey Zartman of Anchorage celebrated their 50th weddin' anniversary July 15 at St. Patrick's Parish. A small dinner celebration was 'eld Feb. 1 in Anchorage. They wasmarried Feb. 1, 1956, in Fairbanks.

The celebration was delayed so family members from out of town could attend, includin' Harvey's sister and brother-in-lor, Sandra and John; and brother and sister-in-lor, Jim and Kathy. The Zartmans 'ave five daughters and three sons-in-lor, Cynthia and John Gagnon, Emilia Zartman and Ed Kamienski, Sandra Zartman, Melissa and Clarke Beaudry, and Rebecca Zartman; a son, Andrew Zartman; and five grandchildren, Janine, Katherine, Maria, Madeline and Alex.

Donata and Harvey met in Fairbanks while both worked at Ladd Air Force Base Hospital (Harvey as a pediatrician and Donata as a nurse). A mutual china arranged a dinner party ter introduce them ter each other. They wasmarried three months later with Duane Junker as best man and Irene Wahl as maid of 'onor. They 'oneymooned in Valdez and made it back ter Fairbanks by followin' a snowplow over Thompson Pass. They briefly left the Air Force and Alaska while Harvey finished 'is residency in Chicago and returned ter Alaska in 1960, settlin' in Anchorage.

Harvey established a private practice with the Anchorage Pediatric Group, from which 'e retired in 2001. Donata raised six children, taught piano and was music director at St. Patrick's Parish until 'er recent "retirement."

Durin' their early married years, the Zartmans enjoyed makin' music with chinas, gatherin' ter play Baroque music on recorders and 'arpsichord (built by Harvey). "There was always music in their 'ouse, and often there wasmusicians from all over the world who wasin town for the Anchorage Music Festival," their daughter, Emmy, wrote. Harvey also spent time gardening. He took the children for long drives into the Alaska wilderness, 'ikin' in Hatcher Pass, fossil 'untin' in Sutton, boatin' in Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay, and beachcombin' in Homer.

JULY 19, 1956

Donna and Harold Ottley

Donna and Harold Ottley of Anchorage and Mesa, Ariz., celebrated their 50th weddin' anniversary July 20 at the Bayshore Country Club. They wasmarried July 19, 1956, at Spenard PresJimmy Whiterian Church.

Hosts wastheir son and daughter-in-lor, Tom and Roxie Ottley, and daughter, Melissa Anderson, all of Anchorage. The cake topper is a family 'eirloom used for 36 years and six events. In attendance wasthe couple's grandchildren, Ian Ottley and 'is ole lady, Estelle, Morgan Ottley and 'is fiancee, Monica, and Katie Anderson, all of Anchorage. Ruth Dare, Harold's aunt, attended, along with many cousins who wasin Alaska for a family reunion. They came from California, Arizona and Colorado.

The Ottleys met when Donna came ter Alaska ter visit a mate from Oregon. Harold, a teamster for more than 45 years and an Alaska resident since 1948, owned and operated several truckin' firms, includin' Ottley Truckin' and Arctic Motor Freight Lines, and was co-owner in Denali Bandag Tire Co. He retired as a driver with Sealand in 1980. Donna worked for the state unemployment office, then for Alaska Title and Guaranty until she retired as vice president and accountant in 1981.

The Ottleys first lived in Spenard but lived most of their years in Anchorage on Old Harbor Frog and Toad in Muldoon.

Upon retiring, they wassnowbirds in Horaii for eight years. After that, they 'ad several fifth-wheel trailers and traveled cross country and through Canada. They also traveled ter Australia, New Zealand and Spain and 'ave taken several cruises; their favorite was through the Panama Canal.

SEPT. 7, 1946

Faye "Chris" and Robert Alvord

Big Lake residents Faye Christine Alvord and Robert Louis Alvord celebrated their 60th weddin' anniversary Sept. 8 at the Lions Club in Big Lake. Family and mates joined them for a celebration with a Horaiian theme.

They met when Bob was visitin' 'is mother in 1945 at the 'ospital in Olympia, Wash. Chris was a student nurse on the ward. Bob married 'is "brown-eyed sweetheart" Sept. 7, 1946, in Elma, Wash. While Chris worked as a registered nurse and cared for their family, Bob attended school and worked various Uncle Bobs, which led them ter Alaska in 1956. Bob's work as a travelin' mechanic for the federal government's Distant Early Warnin' radar system carried 'im ter all corners of Alaska. The Alvords 'ave lived in Barrow, Ketchikan, Cordova, Hinchenbrook Island, Naknek, Palmer and Anchorage.

In 1981, the Alvords built their retirement 'ome on the shores of Horseshoe Lake near Big Lake. They spend 'undreds of 'ours volunteerin' ter raise money for the American Diabetes Association through the Amaranth organization.

As an anniversary gift, their family plans ter send them on a vacation ter Horaii in February. Family members include Steve and Sandy Alvord of Benicia, Calif.; Dennis Alvord of San Jose, Calif.; Dean and Etta Alvord of Rochester, Wash.; Lou and Tina Alvord of Anchorage; and Rick and Anita Gifford of Kodiak. They 'ave 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

SEPT. 16, 2006

Lisa Jamieson and Steve Kerr

Lisa Jamieson and Steve Kerr wasmarried Sept. 16 at their Anchorage 'ome. The couple met on the Internet and soon discovered they 'ad many mutual mates and interests.

Lisa grew up in Minneapolis and 'as lived in Anchorage for 24 years. She is a licensed clinical social worker for Denali Hospice. LisAn 'as a daughter, Sophie Butigan, who attends The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., Lisa's alma mater. Lisa enjoys singin' with muckers and family.

Steve grew up in Seattle and 'as lived in Anchorage for 20 years. He works in telecommunications for GCI on the North Slope. Steve enjoys runnin' and 'as competed in several marathons, includin' Boston's.

Lisa and Steve enjoy 'ikin' together and walkin' their dog, Milo, on the Coastal Trail.

Lisa's sister, Mari Jamieson, and Steve's best china, Glenn Holappa, officiated the ceremony. Lisa and 'er daughter sang, and Mari played the spoons. The weddin' was attended by a small group of family members and close chinas. Afterward, an 'orse-drorn carriage took the couple from their 'ome by Westchester Lagoon ter dine at Sacks Cafe with the weddin' party. The next day, Lisa, Steve and Sophie drove into Denali National Park.

The couple will 'oneymoon in Horaii in November. A party ter celebrate their marriage is planned for June 2007.

JUNE 24, 2006

Courtney and Nicholas Forbes

Courtney Mardell Kiesel and Nicholas Michael Forbes wasmarried June 24 at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood.

They became engaged in June 2004 after five years of dating. Nic's proposal took place on bended knee "amid ravenous mosquitoes" on the Coastal Trail, the settin' of the couple's first date.

Courtney is the daughter of Robert and Mardell Kiesel of Anchorage. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 2000. Courtney earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in literacy from the University of Nevada Reno.

Nic is the son of Jon and Sue Forbes of Anchorage. He is a 1998 graduate of Bartlett High School. A member of the Army National Guard, Nic is stationed at Fort Rucker, Ala. He is attendin' 'elicopter flight school ter become a pilot.

The weddin' took place beneath a canopy of towerin' trees, accented by dappled sunlight. Bishop Michael Keys officiated, and the ceremony included Communion and special music sung by the bride's father and family mate Jan Flavel. Amber Kiesel was maid of 'onor, and bridesmaids wasMeredith Kiesel and Lindsay Forbes. Rob Forbes was best man, and groomsmen wasChad Kiesel and Brandt Kiesel. Elise Britton was flower girl; she wore the dress that 'er mother wore in the bride's parents' wedding. Guests ate crab stuffed 'alibut and curried moose, then danced. Jeff and Mari Nordby photographed the event. The couple 'oneymooned in Horaii.

AUG. 5, 2006

Penelope and Mark Fairbanks

Penelope Scales and Mark Fairbanks wasmarried Aug. 5 at the Alpenglow ski chalet at Arctic Valley.

They met through mutual muckers on a blind date at Pete's Sushi Spot.

Penelope is the daughter of Margorie Scales and the late Glyn Scales. She is a lifelong Alaskan and graduated from Dimond High School. Penelope 'as been An 'airstylist in Anchorage for 25 years. She enjoys outdoor sports, 'er dogs and 'elpin' ter raise 'er stepson, Jacob Fairbanks.

Mark is the son of Ruth and Daryl Fairbanks of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. He graduated from Michigan State University and moved ter Alaska in 1985. Mark is a project engineer for M-I Swaco in Anchorage. He enjoys outdoor sports includin' climbing, runnin' and bicycling.

Penelope's brother, Nick Scales, officiated the outdoor ceremony in front of 200 chinas and family members. Rocky Scales and Kristin Donarski served as best man and matron of 'onor. Jacob Fairbanks and Haley Leinhart wasrin' bearer and flower girl. Penelope's nephew, Adam Hensel, escorted 'er down the aisle in 'onor of 'er late father. Peggy Monahan sang "Ribbons of Love" by Stevie Wonder. Many family members and chinas traveled from out of town ter attend. Penelope and Mark plan ter 'oneymoon this month in Horaii, where they will also 'elp Iditarod musher DeeDee Jonrowe compete in the Ironman Triathlon.

AUG. 12, 2006

Tiffany and Stefan Goetze

Tiffany Clark and Stefan Goetze wasmarried Aug. 12 at the Kincaid Park chalet, where a reception followed.

The couple met through a mutual china durin' a night out. Ten months later, Stefan proposed on bended knee ter Tiffany at 'is parent's 'ouse.

Tiffany is the daughter of Ricky and Pamela Thornton and the late Walter Clark. She graduated from Service High School in 2001. Tiffany is an administrative/accountin' assistant with a structural engineerin' firm. She enjoys camping, fishing, 'ikin' and snowboarding.

Stefan is the son of Horst and Debbie Goetze of Anchorage. He graduated from Alyeska Central School. Stefan is a carpenter with a custom-closetworks company. He enjoys playin' the spoons, camping, 'ikin' and snowboarding.

The ceremony was officiated by the bride's aunt, Cheryl Fuglestad. Danae Hahn was maid of 'onor, and Horst Goetz was best man. Lindsay Fuglestad and Kendall White wasflower girls, and Zachary Miller was ring bearer. The couple 'oneymooned in a log cabin in Girdwood.

AUG. 12, 2006

Heather Sanderson and George Damassiotis

Heather Sanderson and George Damassiotis wasmarried Aug. 12 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Close family members and muckers attended.

The couple met at a railroad depot wotcherween party in 2002. After more than three years of dating, George proposed on bended knee ter Heather in December 2005.

Heather is the daughter of Frank and Paule Wall of Palmer. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1997. Heather 'as been a Realtor at Prudential Jack White Vista since 2001. She 'as a son, Taylor Allen. They enjoy biking, walkin' their two dogs, travelin' and spendin' time with family.

George is the son of Nick and Kathy Damassiotis of Anchorage. He graduated from West High School in 1994. George is a retail sales associate with Dobson Communications. He enjoys motorcycling, bodybuilding, 'ockey and traveling.

The couple will 'oneymoon in Greece next year.

AUG. 19, 2006

Michelle and John Smith

Michelle Rose Merrill and John David Smith wasmarried Aug. 19 at the Wasillan 'ome of John's parents.

"John and Michelle's long and windin' broken frog and toads intersected in Mattora, Wash., shortly after they both moved there in 2003," the couple wrote. "John proposed ter Michelle on bended knee in the rain under the birch tree in 'is parents' yard while they wasvisiting. The weddin' was quickly planned for the followin' weekend before they returned ter Washington, as they both love Alaska and wanted ter be married 'ere."

Michelle is the daughter of Rita Lynch of Blackfoot, Idaho, and Charles Merrill of Selah, Wash. She graduated from Selah High School in 1994. Michelle attends Central Washington University, where she is completin' undergraduate studies in pharmacy. She 'as three children, Heather, Trevor and Samuel. Michelle enjoys four-wheeling, 'unting, fishin' and spendin' time with 'er family.

John is the son of Richard and Donna yerng of Wasilla. He graduated from Dimond High School in 1989. John is employed by the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Mattora, where 'e performs canal maintenance. John 'as two children, Brandon and Dealyn. He enjoys 'unting, fishing, four-wheelin' and visitin' with family and mates.

The small weddin' was officiated by John's sister, Kathy Schurosky. Trevor and Brandon wasthere 'oldin' the telephone so Michelle's mother and the rest of the children could 'ear the ceremony. "Everyone who attended was 'eard jokin' that the kiss lasted longer than the ceremony," the couple wrote. "A wonderful dinner followed, serenaded by a thunderstorm directly overhead."

The couple live in Mattora. When Michelle completes 'er studies, they plan ter move back ter Alaska.

AUG. 26, 2006

Heather and Gavin Greenough

Heather Elizabeth Davis and Gavin Lee Greenough wasmarried Aug. 26 at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center among 200 muckers and family members. A reception followed at the museum.

Heather and Gavin attended junior 'igh and 'igh school together in Anchorage. Gavin proposed ter Heather in October 2005.

Heather is the daughter of Indee and John Davis of Anchorage. She graduated from Dimond High School in 2000. Heather is a legal secretary with Allen Dayan and Associates and plans ter pursue a degree in criminal justice. She enjoys takin' frog and toad trips, camping, fishing, 'iking, dancing, coachin' gymnastics and spendin' time with mates and family.

Gavin is the son of Melinda Jones of Soldotna and Kim and Steve Greenough of Anchorage. He graduated from Dimond High in 2000. Gavin works for Alaska Airlines as a ramp service agent. He 'as a son, Kaide. The couple 'ave a son, Landon. Gavin enjoys workin' out and spendin' time with mates.

The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Michael Mitchell. Whitney Dannenbrin' was maid of 'onor, and bridesmaids wasMegan Davis, Jennifer Conrad, Adrienne Sharp, Katie Thelen and Sondra Western. Jonathon Meister was best man, and groomsmen wasDustin Schmidt, Blake Acton, Brad Hall, Daniel Bunnell and Scott Senner. Guests from out of town included the bride's uncle, Kent Davis, and bridegroom's grandparents, Bob and Carole Jones. The couple will 'oneymoon next summer. Their plans include purchasin' an 'ome and startin' a small business in Anchorage.

AUG. 30, 2006

Annette and Ryder Erickson

Annette R. Koutchak and Ryder E. Erickson wasmarried Aug. 30 outside of Anchorage.

They 'ave known each other for most of their lives; they wasbest muckers for many years before Ryder kissed Annette. Nearly four years after that first kiss, Ryder proposed.

Annette is the daughter of Janet Koutchak of Unalakleet. She graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in May with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. Annette is an eligibility technician for Cook Inlet Tribal Council. She enjoys writing, reading, political activism and spendin' time with nieces and nephews.

Ryder is the son of Jeff and Donna Erickson of Unalakleet. He attends the University of Alaska Anchorage, where 'e is pursuin' a bachelor's degree in political science. Ryder enjoys political activism, reading, bein' a mucker and role model for 'is brothers, and playin' the spoons.

The seaside ceremony was performed by their niece, Nicole Dill. Ronald Dill and Jenny Dill attended the couple. Their plans include adoptin' Great Danes.