A Senior’s Happy Birthday Surprise
by Denise Wright
Schodack resident Virginia Scheibly woke up on March 12 ready to celebrate her 90th birthday, but was surprised by several family members and friends who stopped by to wish her a happy birthday in several heartwarming ways.
Fellow Schwartz Senior Center volunteer Kathy Blake described Scheibly as an “amazing person and volunteer.” Her willingness to stay active and keep seniors involved has been an inspiration to people who know her.
Member Cindy Olsen talked about how when the pandemic closed the senior center, Scheibly called members to meet in her yard under a big tree with social distancing. Olsen described those meetings as “much needed for everyone.” Green Meadow kindergarten teacher Kelley DiBella enjoyed having Scheibly as her senior volunteer in her kindergarten class for ten years. She brought her class outside across the street from Scheibly’s home, where they displayed birthday signs and serenaded Scheibly with “Happy Birthday.”
Her many friends from the Schwartz Senior Center surprised Scheibly with a “beautiful” car parade with signs and balloons expressing their birthday wishes and admiration for her. Leading the car parade was her grandson, East Greenbush police officer Max Scheibly who said he was honored to do this for his grandmother. Ginny Sheibly said she was “overwhelmed” by this birthday surprise, and she truly appreciated everyone for making her birthday day so special.”