Halcyon House

Halcyon recently welcomed Carlton and Marilyn Mangold to the family. They are longtime Washington residents who owned and operated Mangold TV and Appliance. Carlton was instrumental in the Red Brick School restoration, planting marigolds some three miles through town and involved with volunteer work in the community. He was a member of Kiwanis, Jaycees, and the city council. Marilyn enjoys her bridge clubs, reading, volunteering at the WCH Gift Shop and is a member of P.E.O. and T.T.T. They are parents of John and wife Julie of Washington, Nancy and Jeff Zear of Iowa City, Mark and Gretchen in Lakewood, Wash., and Cathy and Dana McAvoy of Seattle, Wash. They are also proud of their eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We are glad to have you here!

Jo Swartzendruber?s recent guests were great-granddaughters Addison and Sidney Swartzendruber of Cedar Rapids. They had a grand time visiting and eating at the Applewood Bistro where they met a great lady named Ione Burham. They soon discovered they had a lot in common as the girls learned that Ione was also a twin, and they exchanged twin stories. They shopped at the Emporium, which made fun memories for GG Jo, Addison and Sidney along with Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Pat Swartzendruber.

The Live Animal Christmas Play was thoroughly enjoyed by several Halcyon residents and staff members. The Marion Avenue Baptist Church has provided 40 years of unbelievable presentations for the public to enjoy. Washington can be proud of the dedication, talents and hard work that is involved to host this miracle that unfolds as the true meaning of Christmas is portrayed.

The Monday evening movie feature was ?Snow Brain Freeze.? It was a trip to a magic mirror that leaves Santa with no memory with only days before Christmas. His trusty wife tries to help him in time for his midnight ride.

The Show Choir directed by Mike Jewell consisted of a lively group attired in Santa hats and colored sparkly neck scarves who delivered pure enjoyment to a full house last Friday morning. The selections of music were joyful and so appreciated by all who attended. A resident commented, ?It was awesome and if you missed it, you missed a lot.?

Tom Hahn and Diane Sheetz entertained on Friday afternoon to a welcoming audience. Diane played several piano selections and accompanied Tom as he played the trombone. They sang Christmas songs and spread a lot of cheer.

The Sunrise Singers, 26 student voices strong from the Lincoln Elementary School, presented a music program in the Timmins Dining Room on Monday afternoon. The group appeared in tie-dyed shirts and sang lively Christmas songs under the direction of Mrs. Hill, who has been dedicated to this program for many years.

On Tuesday, the Lincoln third-graders were transported by their trusty bus driver, Linda Crone, to the Halcyon front door where the students and teachers Tess Steinhart and Bethany Bombei delivered a variety of skits. They were so organized. They filled the room with energy, delivered tons of kindness and made everyone smile. They ended the program with several familiar Christmas songs. The audience joined in with the children.

Mrs. Uitermarkt brought her kindergarten class. They shared their many talents by making crafts to share and visited with the residents. Everyone was entertained with the little ones and had a great time.

David Goos from Johnston presented two wonderful holiday-filled music programs on Tuesday in the Morrison Center and Day Lounge. Mr. Goos has a beautiful voice and encouraged the audience to sing along.

The Independent Living and Assisted Living residents gathered for their Christmas celebration on Tuesday evening in the Bistro and Morrison Center. Wellness directors Becky and Mercy were hosts to a great array of assorted soups, breads, eggnog, sweet goodies and a delightful holiday punch. Once again, the novel idea of a $1 gift exchange was a hit, and as the game progressed, ?stealing? the gift of choice, not to mention the ?Bruke? German soup.

The Washington Church of God led the congregation in worship on Sunday afternoon in the Epworth Chapel. Pastor Dean Elmore?s message was the ?Love of God? with the Scripture reading from 1 John 4:7-16. Pastor and wife Marie provided special guitar and piano music for the service.