Halcyon House

It was windy and brisk, but that didn?t bother the diehard Demon resident fans who gathered and enjoyed the Homecoming parade. What an honor for all the candidates who were nominated for the Homecoming Court and special congratulations to our Halcyon staff member, Alex Gonzales for receiving the King?s crown.

Dick and Melinda Meeks were here recently from Mountain Home, Ark., to spend five days with Mary Meeks.

Edie Trotter enjoyed the company of her daughter, Pam and Gary Edwards, over the weekend. They had a great time visiting and sharing stories about their 3-month-old granddaughter and great-granddaughter, Coco.

Mary Ann Hennigan was seen heading to Case Field with an armful of blankets in preparation of a chilly night with the Washington Demons on the field. Having a grandson, Jacob Hennigan, playing drives one to the extreme and she witnessed firsthand the jubilation of a beautiful win.

Mary Dawson, daughter Ruth Craig and cousin Judith Swailes were in Iowa City on Friday, Oct. 3 to attend an artist reception for longtime family friend Denise Bell. This was a special reception for Denise and another artist prior to the Gallery Walk in October and November held at the Senior Center.

Rep. Dave Loebsack was on hand Saturday afternoon in the coffee shop to meet and greet. There was a full table of conversation as they gathered for an hou- long discussion.

Pastor Jim Stiles of the United Methodist Church provided the Sunday afternoon service in the Epworth Chapel. The Gospel Lesson was taken from Luke 7: 36-38 and the message was ?He Who is Forgiven Much.? Enid Tweeton served as the pianist.

Topic of the Day with Lela began with reading from a book titled ?Jump? that came in a box of Cheerios. That started the discussion about all the items that use to be in cereal and detergent boxes. Then she passed out ads to have each one choose and share information, along with trying to think about a commercial line that could be used and having others try to guess what their product was. There was lots of reminiscing and good conversation

This week is Fire Prevention Week and Ethel?s program choice was ?Mrs. O?Leary?s Cow? with the story that Mrs. O?Leary was responsible for the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It is said that Mrs. O?Leary died of a broken heart as she was blamed for the devastating event that destroyed 17,000 buildings, leaving 100,000 people homeless and causing 300 deaths. There were also perilous conditions of a severe drought, and the city was built almost entirely from wood that could have aided the fire that started the barn on fire that could have come from a nearby chimney spark. In 1997, the Chicago city council passed a resolution exonerating Mrs. O?Leary and her cow. This widespread fire was due to a long drought, a hot summer and the fact that most of the city?s buildings were built from wood. A poem titled ?God?s Gift of a Firefighter? was shared, as well as a ?Holy Cake? was served. The Fire Academy now stands on the O?Leary property.

Jackie Peck and Robert Sims better known as ?Keys and Squeeze? entertained in the Day Lounge Tuesday. This keyboard and accordion duo really put a spring in your step and had many swaying in their chairs to the rhythm. They received a great response from familiar songs they played for the audience.

Martha I. Witthoft?s celebration of life memorial service was held in the Day Lounge on Saturday, Oct. 4. Many gathered to say farewell to their great friend Martha and her late husband, Ralph, who was instrumental in gathering folks around a table for a game of cards. Her laugh was contagious and she will be missed. Condolences go out to her family.