Syl-View Happenings
By Betty Scarborough

David Hall celebrated at the June birthday party at Syl- View, with his mother and aunt in attendance. (Photo contributed)

The big "happening" recently was the birthday celebration in honor of all the residents born in June. The party was sponsored by Opal Hall, mother of David Hall, who had a birthday on June 1. The party room was filled with residents, family members and volunteers. The birthday guests were seated near the front where Lee Baker entertained, as he played the keyboard and sang. He wore a 10- gallon hat with a birthday sign on the brim. He and his wife, Barbara, were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They bring so much fun and laughter as they provide music for our parties.

Heather Braxton and Dick Rogers, both Syl-View volunteers, danced, and soon a line dance filled the front of the room. We had nine with June birthdays, and three are members of the "90s club." Verdie Mae Smoak celebrated her ninetieth; Fannie Zeigler, her ninetyseventh; and Virginia Thompson is our oldest, at 99. The others were younger. We had decorated cakes, ice cream, music and balloons on our armchair travel to "birthday land."

We also celebrated the 25th anniversary of Toni Ellison on the Syl-View staff. We had a "hats off" celebration for our career nursing assistants, and they received a straw hat and a coin purse with a little something to treat themselves to lunch.

Our career nursing assistants, those who have served 10 years or longer, have a combined total of 224 years of experience. We had "Appreciation Day" for all our nursing assistants last week. Our administrator, Toni Ellison, expressed her appreciation for their services. Vicki Bragg, director of nurses, and Cheryl Roberts, assistant director of nurses, paid tribute to the group.

My birthday was on a recent Friday, and the department heads presented me with flowers and numerous gifts. Ms. Ellison hosted a luncheon at R&D's, for the department heads, in my honor. I appreciate all of the cards, gifts, flowers and the many expressions of love. I am so blessed to be the activity director at Syl-View.

We received word from Georgia Health Care that Syl-View won Teen Volunteer of the Year, which is Amanda Long, and Group Volunteer of the Year, which is the mission group of Memorial Baptist Church. We are also in the top three for Total Community Involvement and Special Public Relations. We will learn if we placed first, second or third at the awards luncheon in Sylvester. We are so blessed to have support and love of our community.