Classic Car Show Combined Into Patient Reunion Celebration

Under sunny skies on Saturday, August 8, Masonicare at Newtown celebrated the success of patients who had graduated from its rehabilitation program during the previous 12 months. This was the fourth annual Rehab Reunion and it was held in conjunction with Masonicare at Newtown’s eighth annual Classic Car Show, a popular event for its Lockwood Lodge Assisted Living and Masonicare at Newtown full-time residents.

“It’s a perfect weather day for our former patients and their families to mingle with employees and owners of these terrific classic cars,” said Dr Joel Feigenson, medical director of the program. In addition to great food and beverage provided by Masonicare at Newtown’s food service department, guests strolled around the unique cars and many could not resist dancing to the oldies provided by local DJs Seth Carley and Mark Edwards.

The Classic Nights Car Club of Monroe invited everyone to vote for his or her favorite classic car. First, second, and third place trophies were presented, with first place going to Brian Mauriello of Huntington for his red hot 1964 Chevy Corvette.

Former rehab patient Margarita Dietter of Bethel attended with her husband. She was happy, she said, to reconnect with the therapists who had treated her in September 2008 when she was admitted with pneumonia. She followed her inpatient stay at the Toddy Hill Road facility with outpatient rehab services, which have led to a full recovery following her illness.

“Everyone here was kind, understanding and patient with me. I went from being in a wheelchair unable to walk to now running after my students in class,” she said.

Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation, a nonprofit organization of volunteers, also greeted everyone with their four-legged friends to help raise public awareness about ex-racing greyhounds. These greyhounds are excellent pets and companions, and can be adopted through the organization. For information, www.greyhoundrescuerehab.org.