For nine years Activities Director at the Mineral Community Hospital Nursing Home and Assisted Living Center Cathy Jones has thrown a luau for residents to mark the end of summer.

Jones said the event is an opportunity for residents to visit with friends and family they might not get to see otherwise throughout the year.

“They get a chance to mingle with people that show up to the event and that interaction is so special,” Jones said.

This year’s luau was no different and both residents and their friends and families gathered on the grounds of Mineral Community Hospital on Friday at noon for a complete taste of the islands that included a full pig roast from Superior Meats with all the fixings as well as a local band performing traditional luau hits.

“The Eagles Nest Band went out of their way to learn nine luau songs for this and for these residents,” Jones said.

Volunteers from the community, including Jones’ daughters Patience and Arianna, were on hand to prepare dishes for residents and visit with them during the event.

“They just love it,” Jones said of the volunteers.

Laughter, music and good food were had by all who attended this year’s luau.

“I get to see the smiles on their faces and hear the laughter,” Jones said. “I could look at this all day.”