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6 WHARF TO WHARF SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2018 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL B Y T A R A F A T E M I W A L K E R Romance at the Race's Finish Line M aureen Minnehan Jones and Jerry Jones got married in 2005, and the story of their proposal—and their relationship—is unique and inspiring. In July 2004, at the end of Wharf to Wharf next to the big palm tree by the beach, Jerry proposed to Maureen and she said yes. Every year since, at the same spot at the end of the race, he has gotten down on one knee and proposed—and her answer has been yes each time. This year, Jerry turns 65 on the actual day of WTW: July 22. Jerry will propose to Maureen by the big palm tree for the 14th time. " We are really going to ham it up and have fun with it this time," says Maureen. "I will be wearing a wedding veil with my running gear, and Jerry will wear a bow tie with his running gear. I hope lots of people will join us and wish Jerry a very happy 65th birthday!" Maureen has been a race participant since 2000. She "fast walks" while Jerry runs it. "I start out an hour early and meet him under the palm tree at the end of the race," says Maureen. Jerry, a realtor with Century 21 M&M and Associates in Oakdale, has participated in WTW every year since 1991. An avid runner, he participates in many races, but WTW is his favorite for obvious reasons. "This run is also special because it is one that my daughter Anita does with me—and has for most of the runs," says Jerry. "I am so grateful and proud that she and I share this crazy, wonderful activity and experience together." Running is indeed a central part of his life; his work email includes the phrase 'RunningRealtor' and his professional slogan is "Going The Distance For You." Jerry and Maureen first met in 2000 at the annual Oakdale Chamber of Commerce dinner; they were both Chamber members. At the time, Jerry had been divorced for 15 years, and Maureen had been divorced for five. They were both in their 50's, and each had already experienced parenting from their previous marriages. Jerry has two daughters: Anita Garza, now 43, and Brenda Kiely, now 45. Maureen has a 38-year-old daughter, Amber Tretheway, and a 35-year-old son, Michael Sosinsky. Not long after the Chamber dinner, they went on a date. "From the moment we were introduced, I knew this beautiful lady was special and hoped that one day she would take my hand in marriage. She is the love of my life," says Jerry. "Once we had that first date, we both knew we had met the love of our life," agrees Maureen. They have been together every day after that. "Since it was the second time around for both of us, we each knew the kind of person we wanted to live the rest of our life with; actually finding that person was very special," Maureen says. "How many men propose every year for 14 years in a row and tell you how much they love and appreciate you? I am grateful to have such a caring, giving, loving guy. I know we both feel lucky and grateful." Even with the immediate connections they felt, and the love that continued to grow, the proposal was a complete surprise to Maureen. Her daughter Amber rode to Santa Cruz with her at the beginning of the weekend Jerry planned to propose. During the drive, Jerry Jones proposes (again) to Maureen Minnehan Jones at the end of last years Wharf to Wharf Race photo by Anita Garza CONTINUES ON 7

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