The snow and ice storm that covered the Lehigh Valley Dec. 14, 2013, did not put a damper on the efforts of Elsie Heist to celebrate her 45th wedding anniversary, and to honor her and husband Ronald's best man, Frederick B. Selig III, who had recently passed away.

The Heists' 45 guests (one for each year of their marriage) doggedly braved the weather to celebrate the Snowman-themed event with the couple.

Also being celebrated was all the hard work done to have their Breinigsville property designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat site by the National Wildlife Federation.

According to the federation: "NWF celebrates the efforts of the Heists to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young."

Elsie said she missed the woodlands where she was raised so when she retired in 2004, she started her own woods.

A commemoration service at the family pond, part of the plan for wildlife habitat certification, was performed by Pastor Candi Cain-Borgman of Ziegels United Church of Christ, Breinigsville, in memory of Selig.

"The pond was part of the plan for our wildlife habitat certification in the beginning of September," Elsie said. "Fred passed away the last part of September. Due to the weather, the ceremony was held inside across from the pond.

A "in memory" Bible cake featuring Psalms 112: 1-6 was read and the cake was served to guests in memory of Selig.

A hidden snowman cake served as the anniversary cake. Family friend Karin Lilley of Weisenberg Township served the guests and kept Christmas music playing.

Gifts for the celebrants included a message "Snowmen" melt away but their memory is always in our hearts."