One of the many challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been isolation, especially for older adults and those who live in assisted living or nursing facilities.

However, we’ve been glad to hear many recent reports of the community banding together to bring a little light into the lives of older adults and those who reside in assisted living or nursing facilities.

Wonderful examples of our community’s caring and creative spirit have been seen all over Marquette County in recent days, with parades of residents’ friends and families held at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Norlite Nursing Center and the Marquette County Medical Care Facility on Wednesday.

These events involved signs, costumes, decorations, and quite a bit of joy for all involved.

At the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, it was also a wonderful way to recognize the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, organizers told The Mining Journal.

“Memorial Day is special to us. Our activity department organized this event as a way for families and members to see each other and maintain social distance, and as a way for the community to share their feelings with our members on this special holiday,” Ron Oja, administrator at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, told The Journal.

At the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, which has been closed to visitors since March 12, it was a welcome opportunity for connection. While staff has “actively worked to ensure members stay connected with family through Skype or phone contact” since the visitor restrictions, “this event was a really sweet way for members and families to connect safely,” organizers said.

“I loved that all the staff worked together so every member and every family could have the best experience possible. The parade was breathtaking and from the heart,” said Lauren Anderson, an activity therapy aide at Jacobetti who spearheaded the event.

Over 100 members participated in the event, which organizers said included “so many beautiful moments,” all while following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans guidelines.

We commend all who organized and attended these events, as they surely brightened the day for hundreds of people and offered a bright spot of connection in these challenging times.