POLAND For love's sake -- a blissful arrest

A Poland man went to unusual lengths to celebrate 25 years of marriage.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Village resident Chip Anderson wanted a special way to celebrate the 25 years of marital bliss he says he has shared with his wife, Susan -- so he got himself arrested.
The Andersons' story starts long before the blaring police sirens, lights, handcuffs and ride to the village police station. Anderson, 25 years ago, was a member of a band, and he met Susan Dunn, whose older brother was a band member.
The couple fell in love, and on June 10, 1978, the 17-year-old bride and 21-year-old groom were married at Poland Methodist Church. Because of their youth, the couple says, the marriage "was against all odds," but 25 years and two daughters -- April and Misty -- later, the couple was set to celebrate their anniversary.
Tragedy interrupts
Then tragedy struck the family.
Anderson's mother took ill. He said the family traveled to Florida on short notice twice to tend to his ailing mother and again later to attend her funeral. The trips were financially taxing, time consuming and stressful on the family.
About the same time, Anderson broke the wedding band he had worn for 25 years. His wife took the ring, planning to have it fixed at a local jeweler, but, while flicking a cigarette ash out of the car window, tossed it out the ring. It was never found.
Amid the confusion, stress and heartache, the couple's anniversary slid by virtually unnoticed. Anderson later decided to surprise his wife with a celebration of their union.
Once the family settled back into a normal routine, Anderson enlisted the help of the five people closest to him and went to work. He took his wife to look at replacement rings, ordered flowers, called a minister and made arrangements with village Police Chief Russell Beatty.
Ironic surprise
When his wife looked out the front door Saturday afternoon, she saw her husband pulled to the side of the road by a village police officer, who then took him into custody for a traffic violation. The van he was driving, which was taken to the Anderson home by a friend 15 minutes later, was filled with decorations and flowers for the celebration of which Susan was unaware.
She went to village hall in anticipation of seeing to her husband's predicament, but as she entered the building, out came the minister, replacement ring and dedication of love and commitment certificate -- but she refused to sign that right away.
The couple has lived in several homes over the years, all of which were being remodeled or added to by her husband, making life sometimes uncomfortable. With a smile she agreed to sign only if there would be no more moving or remodeling. Anderson agreed.
The couple celebrated afterward at their home with 100 friends in a party geared toward married couples and celebrating longevity in marriage.
jgoodwin@vindy.com