Windsorwood celebrates mothers with a parade
With shouts of “Happy Mother’s Day” and “Hi Grandma “residents and families found a fun way to connect for the holiday honoring mothers on May 10. More than 70 cars came out for a parade around the parking lot at Windsorwood Place. Some family members came from as far away as Columbus and Norwalk to be in the parade.
There was a ton of creativity in the decorations. Some people even brought their dogs,” said Kelbie Johnson, activities director.
Betsy Crossley, executive director at Windsorwood initially mentioned the idea of a parade to Johnson.
“I thought it was a good idea. A great way to be with family,” Johnson said.
They placed the parade information in the May newsletter and called families to remind them.
“All tenants wore masks, we measured 6 feet apart and taped X’s on the lawn for their chairs,” Johnson said.
Leading the parade in the sheriff’s cruiser, was Dean Hettinger from the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office who has a family member living at Windsorwood. Vintage cars and a vintage pick-up, a dune buggy and cars with a sunroof so family members could stand up and wave at their grandparents made for a unique and fun way to celebrate while under quarantine.
Sawyer Neal wore his uniform and walked in the parade waving at residents. Jay and Tanya Olinger drove a 1929 Ford Model A representing Interim Healthcare in the parade. The car belonged to his grandfather and he loves to drive it around and in parades.
It meant a lot to do that. I know this is a tough time for the tenants,” Jay said.
Two fire trucks decorated with balloons and crepe paper from Coshocton and Jackson Township brought up the rear.
“We asked Coshocton Fire Department if they could be in the parade. Jackson Township Fire Department called us and asked if they could bring a fire truck because they were grandchildren of one of the tenants,” Johnson said.
Some of the tenants were surprised. They didn’t even know there was going to be a parade. They were shocked when they saw their family members.
“It went smooth, there wasn’t a lot of traffic. It was a little windy and I’m glad the rain held off. It was a perfect day,” Johnson said.
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