Queen--and Her Court--for a Day

A queen and her court, music, dancing and refreshments were part of the celebration Friday as residents of the Meadows convalescent home observed Valentine’s Day.

“This is the highlight of the year,” said Joe Tinnerello, 80. “I love this.”

The party began as Valentine’s princesses Lilian Hadley, 90, and Claire Evans, 86, joined queen Nola Fillhouer, 69, in a procession to accept flowers and trophies.

“Queen Nola is outgoing, dedicated and has done much for this facility,” said Irma Bryan, the home’s activity director. “She is the president of the Meadows of La Habra’s residential council, and it is with deep appreciation that she was chosen to be queen.”

Fillhouer said the occasion was one she won’t forget. “This is terrific,” she said. “You get recognized one time in your life, and this is that special time for me.”

Last year’s queen, Carole Gant, 61, said the annual event helps “enhance your spirits. This makes us feel better.”

As part of the entertainment, longtime resident Rita Canett, 70, danced to old love songs including “Baby Face” and “The Alphabet Song.”

“I used to be a dancer in the ‘40s,” she said. “I still can dance even though I don’t have a partner on Valentine’s Day. But this party makes me happy.”

Most of the residents of the senior-care facility are widows or widowers, but finding a partner was not the point Friday, Tinnerello said. “We’re all friends here,” he said. “We all get along and like each other, so we’re all each other’s valentines.”