Syl-View Happenings
By Betty Scarborough

Grandparents' Day was grand, as we had standing room only for the celebration. Our residents were dressed in their best, and the nursing assistants had put jewelry and makeup on them. Our men were shining as they wore their Sunday suits, and they were looking good.

The Sylvania Junior Woman's Club had arranged a great program. The program featured Livestock Festival queens from the past; and the current queen, Sara Potter, danced. Jill Bohannon Thompson sang "On My Knees," which was a blessing. Miss Sampler 2007, Victoria Bohannon, took part in the program, as she sang. Our 2006 Ms. Syl-View, Alma Almand, wore her sash and crown, and she helped decorate with her lush ferns. Ella Ree Chance, Ms. Syl-View 2007 and second runner-up to Ms. Georgia Nursing Home, was present with her crown and sash. It was a "royal" day.

The Junior Woman's Club served the hundreds of guests sandwiches, nuts, chips, sweets and punch. The room was hot and crowded, but there was love and friendship to overcome the problem.

Thanks to the staff, volunteers and club members who made it a special time for everyone. I had some young people and some adults who promised to become volunteers, and I look forward to seeing this come to pass.

We recently celebrated "Patsy Cline Day," and Vicki Bragg, our director of nurses, sang a selection of Patsy Cline songs for the residents. We are so blessed to have talented staff members who will entertain the residents. Many of our residents are fans of Patsy.

We recently had a pep rally for the Georgia Bulldogs, Screven County Gamecocks and Georgia Southern Eagles. My daughter, Susan, provided pompoms for us to use. This was exercise for the residents. Staff and volunteers were the cheerleaders, and the Georgia fight song rang out up and down the halls. Our Bulldogs were featured on the activity cart. Sadly, it wasn't enough to get a Georgia win, but we are still Bulldog fans.

We enjoyed a tailgate party following the rally, and we served chicken wings, chips, pickles and homemade pound cake. There were bottled Cokes served from a tub of ice. Bill and Dorothe Garrett, Jerry Hunter, Betty Purvis, Annie Simmons and Don Scarborough were the volunteers serving. Family members joined us, and they always lend a helping hand.

We will celebrate "The Birthday of the Hotdog." Bill Kellicker will sing along with Doug Schriner and, of course, we will serve hotdogs. This birthday began in 1884, a long time ago, but the lowly hotdog is a favorite of our residents. It promises to be a fun day.

We celebrated "Housekeepers' Day," and Dorothy Solomon and her staff were honored with appreciation and small gift bags of goodies. Dorothy heads the laundry and maintenance departments and she often states, "If it's dirty, we will clean it; and if it's broken, we will fix it."

Good job, Ms. Solomon, and we salute you and your staff.

We urge you to visit us soon, and thanks for reading our "happenings."