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HALLOWELL — Dozens of family and friends decorated their cars and participated in a lively Mother’s Day parade for residents at Woodlands Senior Living of Hallowell’s assisted living and memory care communities on May 10.
Because of the coronavirus COVID-19, residents were not able to celebrate the holiday in person with loved ones. Organized by the Executive Director Vicki Towne, the parade was in lieu of traditional celebrations in order to keep residents, staff and families safe amid the pandemic.
“During this time of social distancing, the staff and I thought it would be amazing for families and friends to be able to show how special their mothers are! We wanted the whole experience to be positive for families and residents, so the parade was born! Who doesn’t love a parade?” asked Towne.
Families arrived at a staging area and decorated their vehicles with streamers, paint, balloons and banners before being led by Hallowell police up Winthrop Street to the senior living community. A total of 110 vehicles participated, driving through the circular driveway and honking, waving and blowing kisses to the delight of residents watching safely from behind large windows. Residents from both assisted living and memory care communities watched the 30 minute parade, joined by staff.
“The residents were told we were having a parade but they did not know it was going to be family members until it started and they saw relatives waving and holding signs!” said Towne. “The residents clapped, cried, and blew kisses. There was lots of laughter.”
Woodlands Senior Living’s top priority is the well-being of the residents they serve. The family-owned organization continues to closely follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Maine Department of Health and Human Services as it relates specifically to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in longterm care facilities. Because of the vulnerability of the elderly population, strict policies on social distancing and healthcare precautions are in place at all Woodlands Senior Living locations.
