Last week was National Nursing Home Week, and the theme was “Enriching every day”. My day on Friday was enriched when I stopped by The Millen News and was able to meet Deborah Bennett, editor. I shared with her how The Millen News shared with the residents at Syl-View and enriched their day. We have so many connections with Millen and Jenkins County. We are grateful for the opportunity to receive The Millen News and to have a column in the paper.

We added these special events to our regular schedule to celebrate the National Nursing Home Week.

Sylvania Christian Church which holds worship services every Sunday morning at Syl-View had a special worship service to begin the week long celebration.

On Monday, we hung the framed photo of Margaret Lovett, Ms. Syl-View 2010 who also was the third runner-up in the Ms. Georgia Nursing Home Pageant, on our Wall of Fame. This area features photos of the 21 Ms. Syl- Views who were state semi-finalists. Five of them became finalists, and three wore the crown of Ms. Georgia Nursing Home.

Our volunteer photographer Don Scarborough has been taking pictures of the Syl-View activities to provide memories for 28 years, and we appreciate the pictures that line the hallways and enrich every day.

Following Bingo on Tuesday, we had buggy rides provided by a volunteer. Residents, Staff and volunteers were able to create a memory as they went for a ride. We provided Western hats and bandanas for pictures to be made of these moments to remember. The group enjoyed guitar music to touch the heart and mind by volunteer Ralph Dixon. Hot dogs and cold drinks were served in the courtyard.

On Wednesday, Mrs. Toni Ellison, administrator, held an ice cream social for staff appreciation in the gazebo.

Thursday was filled with our regular group activities with volunteers providing that special touch.

Friday we held a Queen’s Tea to honor Margaret Lovett, Linnie Frawley, Charity Bragg and Ella Rae Chance. The solarium was decorated in pink and mint green with spring hues.

Volunteers provided and served refreshments and a Volunteer Elvis entertained with songs. We are blessed to have a wonderful corps of volunteers who enrich every day at Syl-View.

We are working to plant a Memory Garden in the courtyard to pay tribute to our deceased and also to honor our present residents. If you would like to be a part, please contact me at Syl-View. Your help is needed and appreciated.