Okey celebration set for July 30

by Marsha Chartrand

A celebration open house in honor of and gratitude for the many contributions of Dr. Monty and Dr. JoAnn Okey to the Manchester community will be held in the large pavilion at Carr Park on Sunday, July 30, from noon to 3pm.

Over the years, the couple and their family of six children have been involved as volunteers in the community in myriad ways — from food co-ops to manning the fair gates. Monty served at Emanuel Church, on the School Board, in the Optimist/Civic Club, and worked the pits at the Chicken Broil each year. He would also purchase a steer from the Steer Club auction each year. JoAnn served on the Library Board and also was on the School Board, served as Klager Elementary School Principal, and recently completed a term on the Worth Repeating Board. She volunteered in various capacities over the years as her time allowed while juggling her profession and her family’s needs.

But one of their most “famous” — and definitely memorable — volunteer efforts was the Okey family’s 25 years of handing out hundreds of caramel apples from their home on Ann Arbor Hill at Halloween. That has now been taken over by a full committee, but Monty and JoAnn have remained involved throughout.

The community is welcome to attend the Open House. Refreshments will be served. If you cannot attend and have a special memory you’d like to share with Monty and/or JoAnn, it can be emailed to themanchestermirror@gmail.com or mailed to PO Box 696, Manchester, MI, prior to July 20.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.