Redstone staff in Murrysville arranges 100th birthday parade for 2 residents

For the staff at Redstone Highlands senior community in Murrysville, the simple act of throwing a 100th birthday party for residents is a complicated affair these days.

“It’s been challenging, just to make sure I’m crossing all my T’s and dotting all my I’s,” said Redstone Care Partner Megan Henninger, who arranged a small-scale birthday parade for residents Sally Born and Sara Palone on Monday.

Members of Murrysville’s volunteer fire companies, police, paramedics and even a stretch limousine from nearby Elite Coach did a quick drive-by to wish a happy birthday to Born and Palone, who were joined outside by socially-distanced staff members, family and friends.

“My brother is a fireman, and one of my coworkers is the Murrysville police chief’s wife,” Henninger said. “We’re all a big, big community that’s close.”

In addition to the complications involved with staging an outdoor event during the covid-19 pandemic, there was also the matter of bringing two 100-year-old residents out in windy, 40-degree weather.

“I’ve chased a couple of our balloons already today, and we’ve bundled everyone up because of the cold,” Henninger said.

The chilly spring air didn’t stop both women from waving to the parade participants.

For their children, Keith Born and Linda Roberts, it was the first chance to talk to their parents without a window or a video device separating them.

“It’s really nice,” said Keith Born. “Last week (my mother) turned 100 and they had a nice little party for her. With Sara turning 100 today, we were able to kind of tag along and it’s really great.”