Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
Community
Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer Dave Stoner, flanked by Cissy Wacht, left, and Amelia Harris, is in his second year of taking patients from the HCR ManorCare facility and giving them rides in his 1915 Model T Ford touring automobile. Local resident takes many seniors for a grand ride By Melinda Latham ManorCare residents got a treat on June 5—they traveled back in time. The machine: a 1915 Ford Model T, owned by longtime Sunnyvale resident David Stoner. About once every year, Stoner, 66, brings his shiny black touring car to the care facility, where he gives rides and shows off his beloved vehicle. Stoner likes to think that by doing this, he's giving something to the senior community. "A lot of these folks can relate to a car like this because of their age," he said. "And they like this." Jaleh Behzadi, activities director at ManorCare, noticed how the car brightens spirits. "The family members are here," she said. "They are all excited. This is one of the best programs. ... You see the smiles on their faces and the excitement." Not only does the car appeal to senior citizens, Stoner says, it draws people of all sorts. People smile and wave from the sidewalk when he drives by, and Stoner says the kids around his neighborhood are always clamoring for a ride. About once a week, he treats them. "This is a bridge—an ethnic, gender, age bridge," Stoner said. "Everybody likes an old car." Approximately five years ago, Stoner retired from his position as labor relations director at Lockheed Martin and poured himself into antique cars. This car, one of four antique cars that he owns, has won the First Junior Award at an Antique Automobile Club of America meet. It has also won in its division in the Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance, a prestigious, long-running car show. As much as Stoner loves to show the car, he says, he doesn't let its pristine condition impede him from having fun. He likes driving around on the side streets of the townžafter all, with a top speed of about 30 mph, he can't really go anywhere but around the neighborhood. Behzadi likes how the event brings ManorCare and the neighborhood together and encourages people to get involved with the residents at the care facility. "This is another way to encourage the community," Behzadi said. "This shows how much volunteers can provide for the community. Maybe we can find other people to volunteer." |
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