Like everyone right now and for the past several months, I’ve been trying to cope with the realities and limitations of this pandemic. One story that has persisted since March is the toll that this pandemic is taking on the people in long-term care facilities. The loneliness and isolation suffered by those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is a major health concern.
I wondered what I could bring, creatively, to this problem. I remembered years ago when I attended the Vermont Studio Center and had the opportunity to see the world famous Bread and Puppet Theater on their home turf in Glover, VT. They were so inspiring to me. They put on elaborate skits, pageants and parades with the simplest of materials. Their stages, props, puppets and costumes were made from bed sheets, paper maché, cardboard and found objects. These simple materials came alive with the energy and creativity that they put in them with messages of community, civic engagement, hope and generosity. This is what inspires me to organize a safe, outdoor, socially distant parade for my local long-term care facility, Presbyterian Homes.
This parade will be held on December 20th at 1pm and is open to anyone who wants to participate and especially those who are relatives and friends of residents of the facility. We will stage the parade outdoors and move around the facility with home-made props, musical and noise instruments. I have a number of demonstrations folks can watch to create their props or costumes. Participants are not required to create anything for the parade in order to march; just showing up with a pot to bang on or some balloons or a sign is really enough. The important thing is to come out to support our community of seniors and assisted living residents in a fun and safe event.