Residents of The Bower Hill at Mt. Lebanon enjoy afternoon balcony party

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Residents of The Bower Hill at Mt. Lebanon enjoy afternoon balcony party

Kristina Serafini | Friday, April 24, 2020 7:39 p.m.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Residents of The Bower Hill at Mt. Lebanon wave flags and sing Neil Diamond songs from their balconies during an “Afternoon Soiree” on Friday, April 24, 2020. Each day, at 5:30 p.m., resident and retired nurse Alice Oakes plays three songs through a speaker on her balcony for the enjoyment of her neighbors.

The sounds of Neil Diamond filled the air as residents of The Bower Hill at Mt. Lebanon sang, danced and waved flags from their balconies Friday.

More than 100 people, spanning the facility’s two buildings, enjoyed the hits “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Coming To America,” and “Sweet Caroline” which were blasted from a speaker on retired nurse Alice Oakes’ balcony.

Since the beginning of the covid-19 stay-at-home orders, the residents joined together to show support for one another. It first began as an expression of “cheers” orchestrated by resident Pat Mute before evolving into the 15-minute party. It has given those who are feeling isolated something to look forward to each afternoon.

Each day, Oakes selects three songs to be played beginning at 5:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Saturdays). She takes requests from residents, which include everything from oldies to popular songs of today.

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