Hello and welcome to Syl- View Happenings. I have missed being in The Millen News, and I plan to be back on a regular basis. I’m sorry that I was unable to continue, but I am now much improved and look forward to sharing our happenings with you.

We had lights given at Christmas in loving memory of Marie Dwelle by her daughter Jean. Marie was a faithful volunteer through the years and every spring daffodils bloom in our courtyard which she gave years ago. I was looking at an old scrapbook this week, and Marie’s picture appeared often as she took part in the activities.

David Hall has been enjoying the food and fun activities. At Christmas he was joined by his mother, aunt, sister and a darling baby. We enjoyed a number of special programs during the holidays. David’s mother, Opal Hall, contributed to the activity fund to help brighten the holidays. There were trees with decorations and bright lights aglow through the facility and outside on the porch and lawn. I was unable to help as had a brace from my hand to my shoulder. But I was there to help direct the staff and volunteers who worked to make the home festive and bright. We celebrated New Year’s at the lunch hour on New Year’s even. There were hats and noise makers for all the residents and staff/volunteers.

Johnny Gross gave oranges so we could make and share ambrosia. Betty Sue Parker provided punch for many of our celebrations. At the New Year’s party, we service sparking grape juice in champagne glasses as we toasted the New Year with a prayer. We sang Auld Lang Syne and enjoyed treats provided by a resident’s daughter. We look forward to a great year and invite you to visit and help make it great for our residents.

Our fun nights have a parade directed by Mary Louise Gentry, one of our volunteer dancers. Memorial church members served as models. We have the fun nights on the fourth Monday of each month 7-8 p.m. Veronica Howard and Union Baptist hosted the January fun night.

Marcie Brannen, a teen volunteer, has decorated the facility for February with a Valentine tree and red and white hearts. She decorated the halls for the Christmas season. Amanda Long and Jordon Zeigler, teen volunteers, sing and dance at the fun nights. Macie Brannen also dances for the residents. We appreciate all of our volunteers for they are great.

Jerry Hunter, volunteer, planned and organized a community celebration for Martin Luther King which was held at Syl-View. It was a special celebration with Toni Ellison serving as mistress of ceremonies, and the mayor brought a devotional. Community leaders and pastors gave speeches and provided music. Refreshments were served following the meetings.

We are proud to serve as a community center. We look forward to hearing from you and urge you to attend some of our happenings.