Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC) continues to closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As such, in early March, SVWC closed our doors to all visitors, for the safety of residents and staff members. Since that time, families of residents are growing more and more eager to lay eyes on their loved ones.

Due to the need for family connection, SVWC's Administrator, Michael Williams, suggested that we host a parade to create an opportunity to spread love and joy to all residents. We invited family members to join us on campus for an exciting gathering while maintaining strict physical distancing.

The “Sharing Love - Spreading Joy Parade” took place this past Saturday at 10:45 a.m. Jeannie Shiley, President, and CEO, and Leila Orndorff, Sales Counselor, led the line of 50 vehicles, in a golf cart as they wound around the complex. Despite the chilly May weather, residents from all levels of care could view the stream of visitors either from sidewalks or their apartment windows. The parade also meandered through the cottage neighborhoods so that no one was left out. Once the cars were moving, guests wound windows down, honked horns, cheered, waved, sent air hugs and kisses, shared posters of love, and connected in the safest way possible.

Donielle Palmer, Director of Resident Services and Leila Orndorff, Sale Counselor, coordinated the event. Both were extremely pleased with the turnout and the terrific response they received from residents and their family members. There were smiles everywhere, and even a few happy tears. As they say, EVERYONE loves a parade! For further information, please contact Kitty Zuckerman, Marketing Communications Specialist, at 540-665-5915.