POLAND — A surprise 50th wedding anniversary party was held Dec. 11, 2011, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. Sawyer.

The party was hosted by their daughter, Carol A. Sawyer, and Greg Merrill of Lisbon and their grandchildren, Angela and Michelle Ridley of Lisbon, Kevin J. Ridley and wife, Emma, of Readfield, Sierra and Olivia Merrill of Phippsburg, and Brad Merrill of Topsham.

Mrs. Jessie Duclos of Auburn made an anniversary cake, while Mr. Sawyer’s brother, Stan Sawyer of Harpswell, did the ceremony toast and speech for the event.

Ralph Sawyer from Lisbon Falls and the former Lorraine Chasse from Lewiston were married at the former Holy Family Church in Lisbon Falls on Dec. 22, 1961. The Sawyers are both selfemployed and have been managing their own rental and commercial properties since 1964.

Family members attending were Mr. and Mrs. Stan Sawyer of Harpswell, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Chasse of Lewiston, Raynold Chasse and girlfriend, Lois Boyington, of Wilton, and Donna Sawyer of Waterville. Family members who called but were unable to attend were John Sawyer of Tacoma, Wash., Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Daughdrill of Jasper, Ala., and Mr. and Mrs. Don Trembley of Leesburg, Fla.

Friends who attended the celebration were Joseph DeYoung of Topsham, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Maloney of Auburn, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Learned and their sons, Sam and Jaxon, of Poland, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Hart of East Poland, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gladu of Lewiston, and Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Duclos and son Billy and grandson Billy Jr.