Published September 22. 2021 11:47AM
Residents of Renaissance Senior Home, 1001 Washington Ave., Northampton, wrapped up the summer with an outdoor luau in celebration of their COVID-19 case-free streak. The facility was under strict protocols over the course of the pandemic, which allowed them to stay free of the virus but forced the residents to sacrifice family visits and group gatherings.
As the health of seniors stayed steady, staff agreed it was time to relax and celebrate their efforts.
On Aug. 28, the back lot of the senior home was transformed into the perfect picnic - complete with a potluck buffet and a pig roast. Seniors sported leis and sat in “pockets,” mingling between friends, family and even some therapy dog visitors.
The area was decorated with balloons and beach backdrops.
Administrator Michele Moser and assistant administrator Rose Yanger began planning the event a couple of months ago as a toast to everyone’s health. Scarce social activities had caused morale to sink around the senior home, but spirits were definitely lifted as residents enjoyed their first group gathering in months.
PRESS PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA DAYOUB Residents of Renaissance Senior Home, 1001 Washington Ave., Northampton, enjoy time with family and friends during a luau Aug. 28 to celebrate a COVID-19 case-free streak. This was the first large gathering the senior living facility has hosted in several months. Residents were spread around the back lot and were seen chatting, laughing and enjoying the fresh air.
Staff members Michele Moser, left, and Rose Yanger are the duo behind the luau celebration. Moser said she has kept the residents under tight regulations over the last year-and-a-half and added she was incredibly happy to be relaxed and celebrating during this time. Also pictured is Moser's dog, Zoe.
Darryl McElroy, the electrician at Renaissance, sets up the pig roast for the event.
