Celebrating 50 years of Chamber Membership
Written by Jamie Anderson, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships
I had the pleasure of touring Sunny View Care Center and chatting with Activities Director, Michelle Hamilton, regularly known as “SMILEY”. In under ten seconds, it was easy to see why the nickname very much fits Michelle! With her contagious energy, friendly welcome to residents and staff (knowing them all by name), and decorative headbands she not only always has a smile on her face, but easily receives smiles back from those around her.
Michelle Hamilton, Activities Director
Sunny View Care Center opened its doors in 1972 and recently celebrated 50 years of membership in the Chamber! Bonnie Ballard was the original Administrator upon opening and served for 16 years. Sunny View Care Center recently welcomed Tasha Stauffer to the role. With over 90 rooms at Sunny View Care Center and 35 apartments at its sister property, The Suites of Ankeny Assisted Living, there is something for everyone. From Ice cream socials, walk & rolls to Ankeny Farmers’ Market, exercise classes, trivia, and everyone’s favorite BINGO, the residents have so many activities to choose.
Tasha Stauffer, Administrator
FILL THE BUCKET
A great way to help support the residents at Sunny View Care Center is the Fill the Bucket Program which helps grant the “bucket list” wishes for residents. Family, friends, and the community are welcome to donate to help support these wishes. The Fill the Bucket Fund is also where employees will pay $1 to wear jeans on Friday & $2 to wear their jeans on any other day of the week. The residents chosen then get their bucket list wish fulfilled. These wishes have included a visit from horses at a petting zoo, a performance from ballet dancers, and even music from a mariachi band.
During their 52 years of operation, there have been remodels/upgrades to the center. They are currently finishing room remodels which is an exciting time for their residents. Upon my tour, I was shown the Veterans Wall of Honor. Twice a year staff and residents pay tribute to the Veterans that live on site. They celebrate these individuals with Vet Talks, patriotic sing-a longs, and thank you cards. They are very proud of the men and women who served our country.
For the community each year, Sunny View continues to host the EGGStravaganza on the Saturday morning before Easter, a Family & Friends BBQ in September, and Trick & Treats on Beggar’s Night. How can you get involved? They are always looking for volunteers, donations and Adopt a Grandparent for their residents. You can reach out to Michelle Hamilton at mhamilton@sunnyviewcarecenter.com
“Sunny View Care Center is a resident-centered community of care based upon respect for the individual. We are committed to a 360-degree perspective of total health – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Personal dignity, the highest standards of medical and residential care, and a compassionate spirit all contribute to the happiness and brighter quality of life enjoyed by every member of the community.”