The first community event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic attracted lots of media to The Waters on Mayowood senior living community in Rochester, Minn. on Sept. 24.

   Two of the Rochester television stations that cover stories in the market came out to find the parking lot transformed into a festival grounds for an event inspired by the City of Rochester’s annual SocialICE event that residents enjoyed so much last winter. "Fall Follies" featured an opportunity to socialize, and enjoy drinks and hors'dourves. . Every bar set up in the parking lot had a different theme, and of course social distancing was practiced, and residents and staff wore masks.

   Stories about the event ran during the evening newscasts on both KTTC-TV and KIMT-TV. 

   The next day, on Sept. 25, KIMT television returned to the community to put together another story. This one about the community's newest residents. About a month ago, a white parakeet later named Jasmine landed in the bushes at the community and didn't want to leave. Staff caught the bird and brought it inside, then decided to purchase three more parakeets. 

   The four newest residents of the community are said to be settling in nicely.