Arc of the Bay’s Drive-Through Parade
By Joan White with the Arc of the Bay“Here they come!”
“Woo-hoo!”
“Hey, everybody!”
These are the shouts heard by passing cars and neighbors outside of the St. Andrew Bay Center in Panama City. The Arc of the Bay staff is outside raising quite the ruckus as students and caregivers come and join in our weekly drive-through parade. Music is playing, and staff members are performing dance numbers for student’s entertainment. Everyone is excited to see each other and to pick up their weekly activity packet. The smiles are big and bright as everyone waits their turn to come onto the campus and make their way to the drive-through.
I’m not sure who is more excited, the students or the staff! Everyone is so appreciative of the activity packets and books handed out. The local Bay County Library donated more than 100 books to pass out to students. Miranda says it best, “I love my Arc of the Bay family, and they love me!”
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, The Arc of the Bay was unable to open in June as expected, pushing the date back to July 1. However, we have lots of activities planned to help keep our students busy during this time off. On Monday mornings (9:30-11 a.m. CT) we will host Bingo sponsored by the Civitan Club. On Wednesdays (10-11 a.m. CT), the talented Tara Dent will offer her specialized Music Movement Therapy classes. And, of course, every Thursday we have our drive-through parade, beginning at 1 p.m. CT.
All activities will take place in our Sandy Stanley Community Center. To stay in compliance with CDC guidelines on social distancing, we will only accept a maximum of 50 people per event. To RSVP, please call June Connor at 850-265-2951.
We look forward to seeing you there! Stay safe, my friends!
Arc of the Bay staff eagerly awaits students at the weekly drive-through parade.
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