TURNERS FALLS — When Jacqui Watrous’ husband, Brian, and son, Sam, told her to go outside on Monday, which was her 60th birthday, she suspected the two had something up their sleeves.
But the Turners Falls resident was surprised at the number of friends and relatives who showed up to make her day special.
Led by a Montague Police cruisers, with sirens blaring and lights flashing, a convoy of about 25 cars full of people drove by honking and shouting well-wishes, some coming from as far as Foxborough and Harvard while others made the trip from Connecticut.
After circling her block, the parade parked in the road. While police covered the intersections, the drivers and passengers got out to sing Watrous “Happy Birthday” and to pile up cards, balloons and presents at the end of her driveway.
Usually at this time of year, Watrous said, she would be in Tybee Island, Ga., with friends on vacation, but the COVID-19 health crisis has affected all aspects of life.
Still, that didn’t stop Robin Whiteman, Wendy Kendrick and others from making sure the milestone birthday was celebrated as best they could. They even had Watrous wear the “birthday beanie,” a tradition among their friends, complete with the signatures and dates of previous milestone birthdays they celebrated.
Reach Paul Franz at 413-772-0261, ext. 266 or pfranz@recorder.com.
