Grace L. Ogden

COMMUNITY News:

Charmian Schaller and her family wanted very much to give a party for the 100th birthday on July 9, 2020, of her mother, Grace L. Ogden—but Grace lives at Aspen Ridge Lodge, which is completely locked down right now because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It turns out, however, that a little creativity and a lot of cooperation can produce miracles.

Schaller got permission for her family members (nine in Los Alamos) and a few friends to gather—masked and well spread out—at 2 p.m. on July 9 at the outside, southeast window of the Aspen Ridge Lodge Sunroom, where parties are frequently held (inside).

Aspen Ridge agreed to have staff members bring Grace to the window at exactly the right time. (They also brought the flowers that Schaller had bought earlier, and gave Grace a “100th birthday” hat.)

And, at 2 p.m., the visitors began ringing bells and waving posters that Charmian and her son Eric had made. The signs wished Grace a happy 100th and told her they loved her.

Each of the grandchildren in the group waved a red poster that said, “Happy 100th!”

And, after a lot of waving and laughter, the “crowd” sang “Happy Birthday”—twice.

The smile on Grace’s face made it clear that she enjoyed her “party.” No glass window could block out the love.

And the Schallers made a point of thanking Aspen Ridge Director Ruben Martinez and all the staff members who came and helped. Without their assistance, Charmian Schaller said, it wouldn’t have been possible.