Halcyon House

Enid Tweeton is excited to announce the marriage of her son, David L. Tweeton to Diane C. Martin. The couple was married on Dec. 20, at the Immanuel Church. What a blessing they are!

Santa and Mrs. Claus landed in Washington and made an appearance at Halcyon House on Tuesday, Dec. 23, just in time to personally greet and hand out gifts. The Avalon House residents and family including staff shared a spectacular potluck in the Day Lounge and Garden View Dining Room. Chris Marshall was seated at the Clavinova playing Christmas music to add to the festivities.

The week before Christmas was a busy one for Mary Meeks. Richard and Malinda Meeks from Mountain Home, Ark., arrived for an overnight stay on Thursday evening. They had a gathering at the Pizza Ranch where they were joined by Audra Williams and her daughter, Jeannie, along with Wayne Brock and his son, Ron. Mejo Meeks arrived on Saturday afternoon to spend a couple of nights with grandma. That evening they dined at the Pizza Hut where they met Richard and Malinda, grandson Glen Meeks and daughters Samantha and Lauren, and son Nicholas from O?Fallon, Mo. Sunday brought a road trip to North Liberty for Mary and Mejo, where they had Christmas supper in the home of grandson Joe and Melissa and children, Jackson, Austin and Andrew. Also, joining in the family supper and exchange of gifts were Aaron and Laura Adam with children Sage, Elliott, Evelyn, Josephine and Hazel from Oskaloosa. On Monday, everyone left and Mary had her recuperation time. What a grand time!

Recent guests in the home of Victoria Griffith were her grandson, Doug Griffith wife Carrie and daughter Savannah from Texas. Roger Griffith was back from Colorado to spend a few days with his mother, Victoria.

Phyllis Lyle was blessed to have her daughter, Nancy Crites and friend Debbie Barnard of Manassas, Va., spend three days with her. They enjoyed visiting relatives in Keota, and took a road trip to Nashua to the Little Brown Church where Phyllis and her late husband, Richard, were married 68 years ago. Phyllis enjoyed a gathering in the Marshall Game room where 35 family members shared a great time with lots of visiting which made for a wonderful Christmas. Everyone was so grateful for the nice traveling weather.

Mabel Lenz welcomed her family for the holiday. Her sons-in-law Mark Mosier of Washington, Al, grandsons Jeff, Todd and wife Donna Seawell were here from Wisconsin and the East Coast. They enjoyed an outing to the Riverside Casino where they dined and added more family memories.

Martha Chabal traveled to Columbia, Mo., for the Christmas holiday with her daughter, Sheila Corey. They did some last minute shopping and prepared Christmas dinner for the family with Jeff, Martha?s grandson, putting the final touch on the prime rib. The group had lots of outings and eating at different venues. The four generations will be together again as they prepare for a June wedding.

On Christmas Day, Mary Meeks and Susie Thompson enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Timmins Dining Room.

Victoria Griffith welcomed a new great-grandson on Dec. 8. Cullen Griffith Fisher was born to Nathan and Betsy Fisher of Davenport. Baby Cullen, all dressed in his Santa outfit, came to share the day with Great-Grandma Victoria and the Griffith family for a special Christmas dinner.

The Martha E. Witthoft family celebrated Christmas in the Day Lounge on Christmas Day.

The Timmins Dining Room was hustling and bustling Thursday as they served 75 residents and guests a fine Christmas dinner fit for a king.

Mary Meeks enjoyed the company of her cousin, Larry and wife, Ruth O?Connor from Altoona. They had a catch-up session of the family news.

Delores Franzen was pleased to have her daughter, Diane and Gary Spurgeon of Normal, Ill., at Halcyon House for a visit.

A huge thank-you to Don Hendrickson for his years of service as the treasurer of the Resident Council. Don always goes above and beyond and is so appreciated.

First Christian Church provided the Sunday afternoon service in the Epworth Chapel on Sunday afternoon. Eva Bickhart?s message was ?Story of Peter with Jesus,? John 21.

After-Christmas guests of Paul Pacha were his daughter Pat, grandson Ryan and granddaughter Ellie from Chicago. They spent several days in the area and just enjoyed the company of one another. Gracie Mae and granddaughter Amanda was also here to visit Paul. The granddog, Gracie Mae, arrived in her sweater and frilly collar, and is a loving, beautiful black 2 ½-year-old Great Dane who stands waist high and attracts a lot of attention.