- April 19, 2024
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Rose Declerco and Robert Nickerson wave from their balcony at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bonnie Ryan listens to residents sing "You Are My Sunshine," from her balcony at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Philip Levy, Dan Walters and Trienah Meyers perform "You Are My Sunshine," at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Rich Ryans plays "You Are My Sunshine," on his violin at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Residents step out on their balconies for the condo sing-along on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Holly and Will Templet sing from their balcony at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Cecelia Cutter shows some festive Easter spirit during the sing-along at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Helena Marsden sings from her balcony at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Residents sing from the balconies at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
John and Jan Bowden enjoy the small concert from a safe distance in the Ormond Heritage Condominium courtyard. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Al and Fran Eaton sing from their courtyard at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Pat Sample smiles as the musicians play "You Are My Sunshine" at the Ormond Heritage Condominiums on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Ormond Heritage Condominium courtyard resonated with music on Sunday, April 12, as residents stepped out on their balconies and joined together in song.
They used to have monthly social events before COVID-19, said condo Board President Jerry Cutter. They sat around, talked, danced and played music.
“We’re 156 apartments, and the only time we can get together is when we have a get-together," he said.
With social distancing guidelines in place because of the pandemic, the board got creative. Resident Janie Waters organized a sing-a-long featuring Board member and musician Rich Ryan, and the song lyrics to "You Are My Sunshine," by Johnny Cash were distributed in the complex.
Ryan, a violin player for over 30 years, had played at the Heritage's socials before. But never like this.
“Never outdoors," Ryan said. "Never on Easter and never with social distancing being observed. This is a whole different deal.”
Joining him were local musicians Philip Levy, Trienah Meyers and Dan Walters, all of whom assembled in the courtyard, and sang up to the residents on the balconies. Board Member Pat Sample getting together like this made sense.
“We all have to stay separate, and this is a way we can separate, but be on our balconies and be together," she said.
Why did they choose "You Are My Sunshine"? Ryan said it's because most people already knew the words.
“By golly, ‘You Are My Sunshine’ would be a nice sentiment in a time like this," Ryan said.
