Herndon Neighbors Wish Woman Happy Birthday Despite Coronavirus

HERNDON, VA — Muriel Turner turned 90 on Monday and her neighbors in Herndon decided not to let the coronavirus stop them from acknowledging that milestone.

Not only did they place a large sign on her lawn, they stopped by all day long, pounded on her door and wished her a happy birthday — all while practicing safe social distancing.

"Muriel is an inspiration to anyone who is walking on the Earth," said Paul Sullivan, one of the neighbors who dreamed up this effort. "She has more energy and more joy and just sets an example of how to live and always moves forward."

Sullivan and his fellow organizers posted a message on their neighborhood Facebook group, letting everyone in the community know to come by on Monday to wish Turner well.

"People have been dropping off wine bottles and gifts ever since 8:30 this morning," he said.

Turner is very active and something of a go-getter, according to Sullivan, so the neighbors knew it was difficult for her to stay inside during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We just wanted to make sure she felt as special as she is," Sullivan said.

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This is one in a series of articles Patch is writing about how Herndon residents are responding to the coronavirus pandemic. If you have a story to share, email Michael O'Connell or post it on the Herndon Facebook page. Small business owners can also add their the name of their business to our list of open businesses in Herndon and Reston.