Living history. It was all around me at the long dining room table. The occasion was the 47th wedding anniversary of Don and Velma Olivier of Santa Paula. Many of these people had been born in Santa Paula and lived there all their lives. They had seen the town grow and, in many instances, contributed to the changes the sleepy town had seen.

On my right side sat Leo, who had served his country by joining the Air Force in 1939, then going into the space industry and returning to Santa Paula to live for the rest of his days. On my left side sat Ruth Hale, who along with her husband had taught school in both Fillmore and Santa Paula. Now a widow, she continued to be interested in everything happening in Santa Paula.

But back to our hero and heroine, Don and Velma. These two people had lived through 47 years of marriage. They had both been on the razor's edge of life and death and survived. Today it is not uncommon to see couples with marital problems that lead to divorce.

However, these two people had made it through thick and thin.

Velma Olivier worked for Santa Paula Savings for 41 years. She was born in Santa Paula and now lives three blocks from her birthplace. She and Don met at the First Christian Church and still attend regularly. They both had an interest in helping the young attendees and developed a friendship that led to romance. As I watched Velma on this particular evening, even though she is hampered by bad hearing, she was enjoying herself. She wore her original wedding dress, a short salmon pink lace dress that still fit perfectly.

Always a strong supporter of her husband in all his philanthropic ventures, she again was at his side.

Don Olivier is a familiar face around Santa Paula. Part of keeping up with things happening in Santa Paula involves a morning coffee klatch at one of the local restaurants. He and about 12 seniors meet to discuss local politics and anything of a serious nature. This has been happening for years; the only reason anyone will drop out is death.

Don's activities in Santa Paula would fill this column. He was chairman of the board of the Santa Clarita Bank, which he founded. He has been on the board of the Boys & Girls Club along with Santa Paula Hospice, and served as a Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star. He was the Master of the 100th Masonic Lodge, and lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis. In 1966, he planned the first Citrus Festival, an event that is still flourishing. Money from the festival helps feed and house indigent people in Santa Paula.

Many of the people around this table are Santa Paula High School graduates, and the conversation crossed from one to another, across the table.

These are some of the people who made Santa Paula what it is. They continue to contribute by being on civic committees and helping with fundraising events. Without people like these, small towns die. Many of them are people who want to remain quiet, in the background without any of the accolades.

Velma and Don Olivier are now retired, presumably. Yet they recently became owners of the Mupu Grill, a new adventure. Our group sat there well-fed and filled with good conversation.

Chances are that we will meet there again next year to celebrate another anniversary. Congratulations to you both.

— Star columnist Margaret Nesbitt welcomes comments and suggestions about subjects of interest to seniors. They can be sent via e-mail to undeg@verizon.net.