Parade at Local Retirement Community Salutes Pandemic Heroes

Every afternoon at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community, vehicles, bikes and golf carts promenade through campus and it’s become a huge hit. Responsibly distanced on their apartment balconies and villa driveways, you often see more than 100 residents wave, cheer, make noise with instruments and celebrate the motorized procession. The spirited display serves as a small gesture of appreciation to team members for their commitment, kindness and professionalism during this pandemic.

“I think it’s absolutely indicative of the culture here and the relationship between residents and staff,” said Becky King, the Virginia Beach community’s marketing coordinator, adding the daily 3 p.m. Shout Out parade has also become a routine social opportunity for residents, albeit at a responsible distance.

The tradition dates back to March, when the community first received stay-at-home orders and implemented their initial precautionary measures. Nearly four months later, the participation remains strong as community members enjoy a shared moment of levity in what’s been an otherwise uncertain period nationwide.

The route usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, with Kathy Parks, the community’s resident services director, often leading the way with music blaring and horns honking. The parade starts at Atlantic Shores’ clubhouse and makes its way past the various apartment buildings, villas and courts spread out across the community’s 100-acre property.