Halcyon hosts its own 75th anniversary celebration

Worship services in Epworth Chapel were led by Scott Johnson. The scripture lesson came from the 2 Timothy chapter 4, and the message was “Be Prepared.” Dorothy Koehler played piano.

On Monday, July 11, Halcyon House celebrated the 75th anniversary of the WesleyLife corporation, under which it has operated since 1960. Residents, team members, and their families gathered under tent covers in the area just outside the Applewood Lounge for barbecued hot dogs, salads, fruit, potato chips, beverages and ice cream desserts. Children enjoyed pony rides, face painting, a bouncy house, bubbles, and numerous other games. “The Boyz” provided entertainment.

At the 75th Anniversary celebration, awards were presented to both nominees and winners in several categories. The Transforming Aging award, given to those who work to actively change the perception of aging, was given to Clyde Pearce and Fran Victor. The John Wesley Award was given to Chuck and Connie Atwood.

Recipients of this award are recognized for exemplifying the principles as stated by John Wesley, founder of the United Methodist Church: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”

The Wellbeing Award, recognizing an individual’s commitment to healthy living, was given to team member Deb Ramsey. The Heritage Award, given to team member Melinda Grove, recognized her as a community member whose life reflects the deeply rooted Christian values that form the fabric the company’s heritage. The Excellence Award, recognizing the high quality of a team member’s work, and was given to Muriel Thomson. Ethel Sieren was the recipient of the Innovation Award recognizing staff members who use their talents to bring fresh ideas to the workplace. Nominees for these awards were also recognized.

Fun awards were also given to the following team members who were voted on by their peers as people who demonstrate special abilities: the Squirrel Award (has the greatest stash of stuff) – Dan Gordon; the Early Bird Award (always arrives early) – Carly Burlingame; the Baby’s Bottom Award (is the smoothest in times of crisis) – Dixie Harrison; the Energizer Bunny Award (keeps going and going) – Denise Rathmel; and the Eager Beaver Award (always says yes to a task and puts their hand up for more work) – Brianna Garcia-Fite.

Also recognized were 22 members of the “10 Year Club” made up of employees of Halcyon House who have worked for the organization for 10 years or more. This included Vickie Banks, Becky Carter, Jeri Crile, Robin Earnest, Kim Ecklor, Tracy Heckethorn, Mary Jo Koehler, Tammy LaBelle, Jeanette Lackender, Dave Liles, Chris Marshall, Greg Peters, Amanda Pickering, Deb Ramsey, Kevin Randall, Denise Rathmel, Lisa Price, Ethel Sieren, Penny Stout, Muriel Thomson, Abigail Torres, and Susan Wellington.

Several Wedgewood residents enjoyed the 75th Anniversary celebration in the pleasant outdoors. On Wednesday, residents ate lunch in the courtyard due to good weather. The “Mystery Suitcase” program this week was about Sarah Ferguson who is an author, the Duchess of York, and a Weight Watchers spokesperson. Included in the program was a Sarah bridal doll and facts about her bridal dress; her wedding memorabilia; children’s books that she has written and stuffed characters from the Budgie series; and the little red doll book with the little red doll.

Several Sagewood residents were accompanied by team members to the 75th Anniversary party.

In the Rosewood household, residents played with a large parachute on which they tossed several beach balls. Cornhole (bean bag tossing) remains the residents’ favorite game. Bingo and a soda and sweets social provided special fellowship for the residents during the week.