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The King & Queen of Hearts Celebration

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Contributed by: Marian Caloz on 2/22/2007

The King & Queen of Hearts Celebration is an eagerly anticipated event each year at the West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center. Every year is unique, for we want our residents to experience something novel each and every time. Just like the lyrics of Carly Simon's song, It's making me wait, we understand the value of anticipation.

This year's festivities began last week, when letters were hand-delivered to each of our residents instructing them to vote. It came as no surprise that we had unanimous participation. Families were called to request something red for each resident to wear for this extra-special occasion.

Excitement buzzed in the air as we stopped by their rooms with a special Valentine-themed box into which they could cast their votes. Who would become this year's heirs to the Valentine thrones? So many smiles and so much fun filled our facility.

Would we have a special dinner? What about entertainment? How would we design the décor? How could we please our residents to the best of our abilities? So many questions, so little time.

The special day finally arrived and preparations began: The expert seamstress hand-tailored the rich, red velvet robes for our new royalty; the red carpet was laid in the dining room for this premiere event; tables were adorned in vibrant red cloth and candles; scrolled parchment menus bound by red licorice awaited each guest; the piano awaited the arrival of its pianist and accompanying violinist; and, last-minute touches addressed scepters and coronation crowns.

When the time came, the room was filled with broad smiles and bright eyes catching every detail. Then and there, we all knew that our 2007 King & Queen of Hearts Celebration was going to be a great success!

What we didn't yet know was who was going to have the privilege of walking under the grand balloon arch to claim their royal status in front of family, residents, and staff.

Suddenly, the room quieted. You see, by day, Sandy Gutierrez is our medical records expert, but by night she is summoned to be our "Master of Ceremonies." Swimming in the goldfish bowl of scrutiny, all eyes were upon her. The moment we were all anticipating had finally arrived, to the delight of every single guest in the house ...

Our new Queen would be Beatrice Fisher. The stunning, Jane Russell look-alike was completely blown away! It's no wonder that, if this contest were based on looks alone, one could easily understand why this beautiful lady would be chosen, hands-down!

Bea, however, is also one of the kindest and most concerned residents any skilled care nursing facility could ever wish for. Whenever she notices "someone new" enter our facility, she introduces herself to help them feel at home. She is "the big sister" you always wanted, and we are enormously proud to acknowledge her as our 2007 Queen of Hearts.

Harold Blatt was named our King. This melodious man fills our hearts and halls with his enchanting voice. Talk about "carrying a tune" - you name it and Harold can sing it, all by rote and a cappella. He has another "claim to fame" as well: he doesn't look at all like George Hamilton, but he tans like him. With even the slightest ray of sunshine, we'll find Harold on our back patio, soaking up the rays by our koi pond.

Now, what are we to do with a bronzed King vocalist and a movie star Queen, both residing in one facility? Firstly, we unanimously give thanks for our star-studded residents. And secondly, I guess we should call a casting director!

If you have any ideas, please call West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center at (818) 347-3800. God bless you all with February valentines that last throughout the whole year.

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