Birdsboro Lodge residents treated to a parade

The residents at Birdsboro Lodge have been cut off from their families for over a month because visitors are prohibited to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus during the pandemic.

On a recent afternoon, they had a chance to see them briefly.

Chris and Laurie Gregg, who own the personal care facility, organized a parade for the residents.

Family members drove their cars around the facility’s parking lot, honking their horns and waving at the residents, who were gathered in front of the building that was decorated with balloons and sidewalk chalk art.

“We knew the residents were cooped up, and a lot of health care pros are getting parades and decided to put a twist on it,” Chris Gregg said.

All 11 residents made the trek outside to watch the parade that included sons, daughters, siblings, and even great-greatgrandchildren, Gregg said.

“They were excited. They couldn’t believe it,” Gregg said. “The family members made up signs and decorated cars. They couldn’t believe how much of a celebration it was.”

Gregg said maintaining a 6-foot distance inside the building and prohibiting visitors from the facility was starting to take a toll on the residents.

“We are kind of cooped up,” he said. “We are all making the best of it but figured we would try to do something to get the residents involved.”

Beverly Albright and her daughters McKinley Albright, 4, and Kennedy Albright, 15, hidden behind McKinley, wave and cheer for the girls’ great-grandfather, Elmer Davidheiser, a resident at Birdsboro Lodge, during a parade at the personal care home. Elmer is Beverly’s husband’s grandfather. She said she really misses him.

LAUREN A. LITTLE — MEDIANEWS GROUP Christine Sandritter of Exeter Township rings bells as she hangs out of her car’s sunroof while parading by the Birdsboro Lodge personal care home. She was there to cheer for her mother, Vangie, a resident of the home. Her husband Bryan Sandritter is driving the car.

LAUREN A. LITTLE — MEDIANEWS GROUP

LAUREN A. LITTLE — MEDIANEWS GROUP Birdsboro Lodge resident Joe Pinder waves at a parade of familes in their cars.