KAPAA — Lolita Villanueva said she was told she could have her day off next week.
Thursday, she joined her husband William in reigning at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital Valentine’s Day gathering in the hospital’s auditorium, safe and protected from the cold winds and rains that blanketed the island.
“This has been a busy week,” Lolita said. “I’m supposed to have a day off, but they wanted me here. My husband, he look at me and said, ‘You can have day off next week.’”
The hospital went all-out in celebrating the reason for the “What day is today?” and “What is so
special about today?” morning session, where residents are quizzed to keep their minds alert.
“My boss Josie Pablo is not here today,” said Juvie Bercasio, one of the hospital’s recreation staff. “But she wants to see so I’m doing the phone picture.” Bercasio and her cousins, Mila Peralta-Maliare of Fresno, Calif., and Madeline Peralta-Tagavilla of San Jose, helping with live entertainment while the residents were wheeling into the decorated auditorium.
The hospital’s princesses for the day were Charlene Yoneji, Margie Ponce, Melody Pascual, Elsie Rivera, Helen Nishimura and Julia Bowman.
Chef Kingsley Simeona, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Kauai Region chef, unveiled trays of special treats, including cupcakes graced with strawberries. The festivities were topped with a contribution of rose vases, enough for each resident, provided by SonFlorist, which also ensured that there were enough vases to provide residents at Kauai Memorial Veterans Hospital in Waimea with special Valentine’s Day love as well.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
I am touched by the loving kindness I see here….so much needed in the world we live in today.
Thank you.