For residents of Life Care Center of Valparaiso, the roar of vintage engines and the gleam of chrome brought more than just excitement. It brought back decades of memories.
In collaboration with the Winamac Old Auto Club, Life Care Center of Valparaiso hosted its annual car show, a community-focused event that has grown steadily over the years. The event welcomed classic car owners, local families, and residents alike to celebrate generations of automotive history and create connections across generations.
Business Development Director Angie Monahan has witnessed firsthand the emotional impact the event has on residents.
“The impact is just the smiles,” Monahan said. “They are so happy. It gives them the chance to reminisce. A lot of our residents here have either owned these cars or their family did.”
For many seniors, the cars on display represent more than just machines. They serve as time capsules. As they walk past a ‘63 Chevy or a vintage Ford station wagon, memories of first dates, road trips, and family outings often return vividly.
These memories frequently spark meaningful conversations between generations.
“It brings the generations together so there’s not a generational gap,” Monahan said. “You’ll see all the different ages talking about the cars, and then they just start talking. ‘Were you in the military?’ ‘Where did you grow up?’ It just grows from there.”
The Life Care Center team doesn’t curate vehicles to match specific decades. Still, that hasn’t lessened the event’s emotional impact. In fact, it has evolved into a community-wide celebration where even newer vehicles are welcome.
“We’ve been getting a lot of interest from people who just want to show their cars,” Monahan said. “It’s turning into more of a car meet feel, and we’re excited to keep expanding it.”
Ed Kubiszak, a local real estate professional and supporter of multiple senior centers across the Region, emphasized how therapeutic these shows can be.
“A lot of the seniors here grew up around these cars,” Kubiszak said. “For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, seeing a car from their youth can bring back a little piece of their memory.”
Kubiszak recalled one moment from this year’s show that highlighted just how meaningful the event can be.
“There was a veteran here today with his whole family,” Kubiszak said. “They asked for a photo in front of my car. It’s those little things—seeing something that brings a smile or a story back—that make it worthwhile.”
The Winamac Old Auto Club, active since 1950, plays a major role in keeping the tradition alive. Club President Glen Ewen shared the history of the organization and its involvement throughout the Midwest. He also spoke about the strong bond between the club and Life Care Center of Valparaiso.
“When I became president back in 2017, I told the nursing homes, ‘Just feed us well,’” Ewen said. “They remember us, and we remember them. That’s why so many members showed up today. They take care of us, and we’re happy to bring joy to the residents.”
As the car show continues to evolve, Monahan said the center is already planning its next event. A back-to-school supply drive is scheduled for July, leading up to the national Day of Giving Back on August 1. Events like the car show and the upcoming drive reflect the center’s broader mission to support the community beyond medical care.
“We just want people to know we are here for the community,” Monahan said.
For more information about Life Care Center of Valparaiso and its upcoming events, visit lifecarecenterofvalparaiso.com.
