The ‘Reasons’ residents at HJ McFarland Nursing Home were smiling

Rob Manlow and Peter Rea brightened the day for quarantined residents at H.J. McFarland Nursing Home.

The two members of the County’s popular ‘The Reasons’ band played music outside three common areas while residents gathered for lunch.

The band members regularly bring cheer to the local homes but this performance was different, said Rea.

“They’re inside and can’t have visitors, so it really felt special this time. It was a bit chilly and my fingers were a little cold, but warmed up fast while we were playing.”

Rob Manlow and Peter Rea, of The Reasons, performed for HJ Residents. – Jackie Rea photos

The idea he said, came from Manlow, when he was talking about the walkway signs at McFarlands that welcome people to wave to residents while they’re walking by the windows.

“Rob is the best. He’s a terrific guy. He said, why don’t we play? and we made arrangements to play at three different windows around their lunch time. We know a lot of people by their name, so we could call out to them.”

The joy spread quickly.

“There were people up dancing and walking up to to window. We had to be careful to be distancing, so I would move back a bit. Some of them were motioning us to come in.”

Keeping his distance was tough for Rea, has he confesses “I’m a real hugger, so it’s difficult.”

The two played many favourites – including an extensive selection of Elvis favourites – including All Shook Up, Teddy Bear and Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Rea’s wife Jackie captured some video moments to share on Facebook and views soared to more than 3,000 plays in the first 12 hours.

The COVID-19 pandemic started out with panic and hoarding, said Rea, noting that now, it seems to have moved to people wanting to do something nice.

“It’s now more the Canadian way,” he said. “The County way. It’s time for everybody to pull together.”

The Reasons performers are already well known in the County for their support at fundraisers big and small.

They are regulars at The Waring House, and Rea notes the group may consider participating in virtual music, once one of its members completes a 14-day self-isolation.

“We’re not used to having evenings and weekends off, so this is strange territory for sure,” he said. “It felt good to cheer people up.”