Submitted photo Old Brick Playhouse recently returned from hiatus to provide enjoyable entertainment weekly for residents and staff at ERCC. Pictured from left are: Melisa Armentrout McCollam, executive director, Katie Varchetto, and Phil Smith, assistant director, perform for ERCC residents dressed as hippies.

ELKINS — Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center residents and staff welcomed the members of Old Brick Playhouse back to the facility after a month-long hiatus.

Old Brick Playhouse is a non-profit theater established in Elkins in 1991. The theater group performs at ERCC on a weekly basis and has continued to support the residents and staff throughout the pandemic.

ERCC has worked hard to keep a safe record during the pandemic, which included suspending group activities and in-person visitation.

The recent return by Old Brick Playhouse shows residents that activities are returning to normal.

“Our employees have gone above and beyond to keep our residents safe and happy during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tara Shaver, ERCC administrator. “We are so happy to be able to provide our residents and staff with some much-needed community entertainment and interaction.”

ERCC opened its facility to the Old Brick Playhouse beginning in 2017, and it has always been a rewarding experience for residents, staff, and the actors. To keep residents safe, the Old Brick Playhouse actors are masked and remain socially distanced from residents and staff.

“We have always had a great relationship with Old Brick Playhouse, and everyone was excited about their return,” noted Shaver. “We have all worked so hard to keep everyone safe and to keep spirits high.”

Shaver went on to say that ERCC’s employees have been able to keep safety a number one priority during the pandemic due to their hard work and continued dedication to the residents.

“We provide complete compassionate care,” said Shaver. “Whether that is caring for our residents’ health and safety, assisting our employees, or providing fun entertainment for all to enjoy.”