The Independence Township Senior Center is not the first place you would look for an engaged couple.
However that is exactly where you will find Robert Porter, 90-years-old and Treva Chivers, 84-years-old, who are set to be married at Clarkston Community Church on May 10.
‘I guess I am rocking the cradle. I never thought I would be able to say that,? Chivers said.
The two met at the beginning of August when Chivers began coming to the senior center. Porter had been a senior center fixture for a few years. Chivers started coming to the sing-a-longs, then began coming everyday.
Both individuals had lived throughout southeast Michigan over the years. Porter worked for Chrysler, while Chivers worked in the Pontiac School District. Both spent time in Florida before moving back to Michigan and more specifically, Clarkston.
‘Clarkston is a great town to live in,? Porter said. ‘It has a lot of pretty scenery. Michigan is a great state.?
After the two met, they began to eat at the same table, and noticed they enjoyed each other’s company.
‘I told her the name Porter is easy to remember because it is just like Porterhouse steak, a good cut,? Porter joked.
Before long Porter was driving Chivers to the senior center as she lived between his home and the center.
‘We really have a lot in common,? Chivers said. ‘We both like to joke a lot. We also like to walk, read and do crossword puzzles. I told him if he was looking for someone to get married he better start looking somewhere else. I never though I would get married again.?
Both Chivers and Porter are widowers, Chivers for two years and Porter for four years.
Porter was indeed thinking about marriage.
‘I had been lonely and was looking for someone like this girl for years,? Porter said looking at his soon-to-be-wife.
‘After awhile I wished I had not told him that I wasn’t interested in marriage,? Chivers said.
After much discussion, the two decided that marriage was something they both wanted. They did not want to waste any time so a May 10 wedding was set.
The two plan to move into a two bedroom apartment in Hidden Lakes after the wedding.
‘We are doing it the old fashioned way. We are getting married and then will live together,? Chivers said.
Both are very excited about the upcoming marriage and being able to spend time together.
‘I didn’t give marriage a lot of thought after my wife died but I got lonesome. I wanted someone to share my time with and this girl is perfect,? Porter said. ‘I don’t know if I am more excited or stunned. It is going to be great.?
The wedding will be small with just family and some friends from the senior center.