Classic Car Parade Planned Through Senior Residential Community

LAKE FOREST, IL — Residents of a local senior living community are set to be treated to an antique car parade while remaining sheltered in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At 2 p.m. on May 17, Packards of Chicagoland, a club consisting of owners of the classic automobiles, plans to slowly drive dozens of classic cars through Lake Forest Place at 1100 Pembridge Drive.

"Lake Forest Place has encouraged every resident to stay inside but keep an eye out for this unique procession of historic cars," Regional Director Claude Ohanesian said. The group expects about 35 antique and classic to be on hand for the event.

"The pandemic has created many challenges for the residents of senior centers," Ohanesian said. "Packards of Chicagoland, our club of Packard automobile enthusiasts, is very pleased to work with the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce to create what we hope will be a break in the monotony of isolation."

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Lake Forest Place, a nonprofit senior residential community operated by Presbyterian Homes, has implemented a number of precautions aimed at protecting the health of residents during the pandemic. That has meant restrictions on in-person group activities, dining and guests.

Compared to other Illinois nursing homes, it has reported relatively few cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff. According to Illinois Department of Public Health data released Friday, there were three confirmed cases of coronavirus and no deaths at the facility. Other nursing homes accounted for nearly two thirds of all deaths in Lake County.

Many of the automobiles due to take part in the parade were also featured in the group's October 2019 "Then and Now" auto show. Organizers of the car parade said they expect the physically isolated seniors to find the cars a welcome sight.