Warm weather attracts community to Elderwood car show

Story and Photos by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

Residents at Elderwood Grand Island and their families had the opportunity to enjoy some outdoor time together at the nursing home’s annual car show, held on a warm, sunny Sept. 10, said Activities Director Katey Dulak.

The car show featured about 200 cars. In addition, there were a variety of food trucks, as well as live music, face painting, balloon animals, a 50/50 raffle, and a basket raffle. Food trucks included Big Papa’s Ice Cream. Viola’s, Say Cheese, kettle corn and cotton candy.

“We have 20-25 vendors,” Dulak said. “We have Frank’s Concrete all the way to crafters. Then we have super cruise cars of all different varieties, both new and classic. Then we have people going around and taking pictures with the residents.”

“We (raise funds) for the resident council we have,” Dulak said. “We also have the children from the schools come here on Halloween to do trick-or-treating, and we have a trunk-or-treat. We use some of that money to buy candy for community events. It’s an intergenerational program.”

When asked what makes her happiest about the car show, Dulak said, “To me, the happiest part is seeing the faces of the residents and the people of the community reminiscing about the wonderful cars that are here. Everyone has something a little special. We’re seeing residents walk around with balloon hats on and with face painting. You can see their eyes open up. They’re up there singing to the entertainment. It’s just a very special time.

“We had a couple people get really emotional how the community has come out to support them.”

Dulak added, “We want to thank the community, the vendors, the food vendors and the people who came out, and the people who brought their cars here and the entertainers. Just to say that we’re so grateful and so thankful that they’re supporting our residents here. We want the people in the community to know that (the) Grand Island nursing home is here to provide rehab and long-term care. We have memory care in a secure unit. It’s a really hard time when you get that (dementia) diagnosis.”

“We do (the car show) to bring our community out. It’s important to us that they know that, just because you’re in a nursing home, you’re still here, you’re still vital, you still have a purpose and a quality of life,” Dulak said. “Allowing them to reminisce about the cars that are here, letting them know that the community still cares about them, that is very special. You see a lot of family members bringing their loved ones out. You see the community coming and stopping and dancing with the residents. A lot of them feel that it’s a really special event. We are so blessed.”

Tracy Amin, a hairdresser who offers salon service in Elderwood every Thursday and Friday, said the things that make her happiest about the car show are “the vendors, the food, seeing the residents outside, and the beautiful weather we’re having, and the music.”

Amin said she loves “the residents. It’s like being with my family. I love them. It’s better than therapy.

“When they’re brought up in the same area I was, and we’re talking about the neighborhood. And then, bringing them down, two at a time. It’s changed. We can’t bring them all down. Just to see them mingle. They’re in a salon setting. They’re talking to each other. It’s the best.

“I make it work.”

Hairdresser Tracy Amin checks out the Buffalo Bills merchandise offered by a vendor.