Marketing Director Karla Burn invited the community and family of residents at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, 408 Maple Avenue, Morrison, IL, to participate in a drive-through parade, beginning at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, May 8, 2020. “Just over 100” vehicles accepted the opportunity, taking 38 minutes to complete the circuit into, around, and out of the care facility. The goal was to brighten the lives of residents and staff. Family ties were affirmed and caregivers were honored.
It was a lovely, if chilly, spring day. Forty-eight men and women sat in the sunshine, stationed safely apart and bundled up with warm apparel and quilts or blankets. Many wore the now-required face masks; several held colorful pinwheels that twirled in the breeze. Staffer Jill Smith’s music playlist filled the air, blending with honks from vehicles. Up-to-51 residents could have watched the parade from behind windows.
Videographer Bryan Bobb covered the event for WHBF, Channel 4, based in Moline, IL.
Driver Jamie White, Morrison Fire Department, blew the siren announcing the beginning of the event; fireman Rob Hudson is pictured. It was followed by the Rock Falls, IL, Pink Heels Sauk Valley Chapter vehicle.
Burn had stated, “We would love to have you decorate your cars, make signs with words of encouragement, and honk as you go by. Residents will see the passenger side of your vehicle the best.” Many of those who came “to lift the spirits of all involved…and show support for our health care staff,” followed her suggestions. There were balloons, tossed candy, and hand-crafted signs; many offered specific messages to family.
“May 7 Happy Birthday, Ann” and “Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!”
“Rodney Weber, We Miss You” and “You are our Stars.”
“Hang in There!” read the sign on Nancy Dykstra’s door.
There were bits of humor in the decor. Meant for resident Ray Gilbert, two garden gnomes peeked out of truck windows. A white car’s trunk was filled with two patriotic children. Morrison resident Jacob Green’s sign prompted people to honk twice. His grandmother, Grace Green, is a resident in the Nursing area. The lone political entry advertised Whiteside County Republican candidates, Penny VanKampen and Dawn Young, and featured two people dressed in elephant suits.
Adding interest were vintage cars. Not photographed was a 1955 turquoise and white Chevrolet. Don Nowviock, Savanna, IL, brought an attractive, 1931 Ford Model A. It was restored 20 years ago by a previous owner. The wood box at the rear is called “a trunk,” he said. He enters this car in shows. There was a streamlined, white, Ford Thunderbird, and a sleek, black, Chevrolet Impala. The last car to leave was an imposing, two-toned sedan with suicide doors and a dog watching from the window.
