Miramichi couple remember New Year's wedding 50 years ago

Vina (Johnson) & Gerald Moses eloped on January 2, 1964 by travelling to Bathurst during a snowstorm with snowbanks up to over 6 feet on the way and through drifts. Gerald, from Newcastle, taught at Harkins Junior High School and Vina, from Chatham, was a Grade 12 student at Harkins Academy High School. They didn't tell anyone or live together until May, 1964. Vina's tuition was paid by the Town of Chatham & there was some worries that they would not pay but it worked out & Vina graduated in 1964.

Gerald was a member of many rock 'n roll bands on the Miramichi. He was a founding member of The Reunion Band who played for the 1999 Reunion of the Harkins Class of 64 and subsequently during the Rock n Roll festivals each year since. The original Reunion Band will be coming to the Miramichi this summer for the Harkins Class of 64 fiftieth reunion. Vina & Gerald lived on the Miramichi for a few years after their marriage then moved to Dartmouth & Halifax where Gerald taught until he retired after 39 years of teaching.

Vina went on to University at MSVU & Dalhousie retiring from Capital Health after 36 years on staff. They have 3 children - Annetta born in Chatham, Cindy and Wendy. They have 5 grandchildren, Alexa, Samantha & Brandon Gorman, Justin Marriott and Nicholas Zegray.

They moved to Queens County and live in a lighthouse keeper's home in Western Head by the ocean. Gerald started a Rock n Roll band called Bluestar who now play all over Nova Scotia. Vina went on to become a DJ at QCCR (CJQC) and hosts the early morning show from 7 to 9 am and also the Country Connection showon Saturday nights. Vina also sings backup in a country band, Doin Country and is a Doo Wop girl in Bluestar as well as Emceeing around the province, including introducing Travis Tritt on his recent tour.

Vina & Gerald are volunteers for the Hank Snow Tribute and often organize events for many fundraisers in their community. Vina is on the Board of the NS Country Music Hall of Fame, QCCR Radio Society & the Hank Snow Society. They love to come to the Miramichi especially when Gerald was performing with the Reunion Band. This summer at the 50th, Gerald is organizing the original Reunion Band who plan to play at a dance opening it up to the Miramichi community and they hope to see many friends and family at that time.

A large party to celebrate this crazy 50 years will be held in the summer at their home in Western Head.