Syl-View Happenings
By Betty Scarborough

Dorothe Deal Garrett was recently named the Second Wind Dreams National Volunteer of the Year. (Photo contributed)

Many exciting things are happening at Syl-View. We held a reception on Saturday, July 22, to honor Alma Almand, Ms. Syl-View 2006. It was a garden party held indoors, as the temperatures were so high outside. We used flowers as the theme, as Ms. Almand's greatest interest is flowers. She loves color, so we used a number of colors in the decorations. There were music and refreshments. She was excited, and family, friends and volunteers attended.

We received word that one of the Syl-View volunteers, Dorothe Deal Garrett has been named "Second Wind Dreams National Volunteer of the Year." Second Wind Dreams is an international non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for those living in elder communities through the fulfillment of dreams.

Dorothe is a faithful volunteer at Syl-View, and she helped fulfill six dreams for our residents this past year. She has given funds and promoted the dreams to the community and Syl-View volunteers, who have helped the dreams come true.

The dreams have included a trip to Pittsburg, a shopping spree to Statesboro, a new dress for the pageant, a trip to a resident's home church that she had not been able to attend in years and a special Christmas for one of our residents who does not have family. She provided decorations for the Christmas celebration and transportation for the trip to the church. The last dream she helped to fulfill was in helping make it possible for an 89-yearold resident to attend his family reunion in Florida. Congratulations to Dorothe for a well-deserved award.

Mr. Chuck Smith, a published author of the book "I Remember," visited Fannie Zeigler and presented her with a certificate of appreciation. Mrs. Zeigler was a student of his father, C.W. Smith, who served as principal of the first black school in Sylvania. He also visited with the Rev. Neal Tankersly, who remembered his father. He visited with Florrie Lewis, our 102-year-old resident, along with her sister, Hannah Pryor. It was great to hear them recall events and precious memories of the past.

We had groups enjoying "the cutest little pigs," as residents watched in amazement as pigs did tricks on a video.

We celebrated the birthday of Don Scarborough, one of the faithful Syl-View volunteers, with a hotdog party. Don has been very ill and has just returned to volunteer duty. He has been a volunteer at Syl-view for 24 years and has earned both state and national awards.

Our days are filled with music, laughter and the activity cart has displays for the residents' pleasure. We have flowers, colors, textures and sounds. And there are times when the cart is filled with tasty treats. There are many more exciting things planned for the coming months, and you are invited.