Halcyon House

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Weekly church services were provided by Pastor Maureen Howard, of Immanuel Lutheran Church. The sermon was 'Welcome Aboard!” Scripture from Luke 15:10 was shared with those in attendance. Beth Janecek played the piano.

The households celebrated Colonel Sanders' birthday with a delicious KFC lunch, with a trivia program before lunch on how the Colonel got his business started. In 1952 at age 65, Harlan David Sanders began Kentucky Fried Chicken. He began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. His first 'Kentucky Fried Chicken” franchise opened in Utah in 1952. About 1,000 farmers supply KFC with around 23 million chickens each year and its chain sells almost 400 pieces of chicken every minute. Everyone enjoyed this finger-licking meal.

The Zion Christian Fellowship choir entertained the residents in the Timmins Dining Room, Thursday evening. There were a lot of smiles listening to this harmonizing group of singers.

On Friday, staff wore Iowa State or Iowa Hawkeye shirts to show support for their favorite team. During the day a tailgating cart full of goodies was shared. There were Little Smokies, chips, dips, virgin bloody Marys and Margaritas to celebrate the upcoming game on Saturday.

On Monday last week at Lending Hands we played our favorite game, Bingo. Participants anticipate a prize after the game is done. The afternoon event on Tuesday involved trivia, stretching minds and memories. The trivia games provide for a lot of fun and a little competition! On Wednesday we sang along with familiar songs led by Mary Jo; and on Friday, participants watched the movie 'Watership Down.” On Thursday we went to the Model Railroad Club building in Washington. Several club members showed the elaborate scenarios along which ran several lengthy model trains in two gauge sizes. One scenario was set up to replicate the tracks and buildings in a section of Washington in 1947. Operating trains included replicas of steam and electric engines, coal tenders, car carriers, passenger cars (with lights and people) and many other carriers that have been a part of typical rail transport of both recent and older times. The 3D effect was enhanced by the addition of miniature scenery and people. Lending Hands held a special event on Saturday called 'Dementia Live,” during which guests were given the opportunity to understand the inner world of people with dementia. They were given tasks to complete while undergoing sensory input that simulated the experience of a person with dementia. The event was well-attended, and several guests said they had a greater understanding of individuals with this difficult illness. Another event will likely be held in the future.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Nancy Maere and John Kenneth Crone!

Halcyon House residents and team members wish to extend their deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Mary Ann Hennigan.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

The weekly church services were provided by the Rev. Kwang Song, of Washington United Methodist Church. Scripture was from Luke 15: 21-24, and the sermon title was 'What Is God Like?” Beth Janecek served as pianist.

Sybil Thornton reported enjoying a fabulous Labor Day weekend. Son, Mike, and grandson, Will, of Des Moines, visited her. They dined and stayed overnight in the Dodici queen suite. They also enjoyed Catfish Keith at the Mills Seed Store.

Lauren Cory, Roger Cutcomp, Connie Sorrell, Denny Sorrell and Fred Stark took part in corn hole toss Tuesday in the Timmins Event Center.

Lori Seubert, of Ankeny, and Lori Seigrest, of Cedar Rapids, were guests of Gladys Ferguson on Thursday. They enjoyed eating lunch at the Applewood Bistro and a time of visiting.

Halcyon House Wellness Coordinator Megan Richardson, and Wellness Director Becky Carter kicked off a Well Ahead Fall and Prevention Program, Wednesday, Sept. 4. Tish Cory, Fran Victor, Jan Stiles and 13 additional residents practiced a variety of balance exercises. Hand-on-rail toe-ups, close-foot leans, one-hand tandem stance and several other exercises were included in the class. There are pre- and post-assessments, evidence-based programming, use of technology to enhance outcomes, and integration of people and services. Select Rehab Therapists will be assisting with the implementation of the classes.

Spanish Wayfarers class was led by Clyde Pearce on Friday morning. The class will next meet on Sept. 27. It is open to the public.

Fred and Nan Stark attended a ceremony honoring astronaut Peggy Whitson, Saturday in Mount Ayr. Whitson graduated from Mount Ayr High School. Fred Stark was her elementary band instructor and started her out on the clarinet.

Lending Hands Adult Day Care Center programming for the past week included a reminiscing game, 'sports day,” in which we enjoyed the beautiful weather on the patio playing bean bag toss, a game of hangman on the topic of dog breeds, and listened to classical music with Dick Colby. Each time we enjoyed the patio, we kept our eyes on our tomato plants, which haven't yet begun to ripen. We also welcomed Rhonda as a new participant and look forward to getting to know her. Several rounds of Bananagrams and Yahtzee kept us busy during our free time.

The Bistro patio was a great place for the Chmelar cookout for the Labor Day holiday. The menu included rib-eye steaks, Hawaiian burgers, and all the trimmings. Meat was prepared by Master Griller Bill Chmelar. Attending were: Larry and Micki Chmelar, of Casey; Audrey Chmelar, and Grace Chmelar, both of North Liberty; Tim Chmelar, Chris Chmelar, and Susan Ethridge, all of Riverside; and Millie Guy and Bill Chmelar, of Washington. A family message read, 'We decided to get together for the end of summer holiday weekend for Dad Chmelar to serve up some of his barbecue pitmaster rib-eyes. It's always a good time for Dad to give everyone a hard time and to share some of his original humor. Time was spent doing some light studying for the driver test, and Dad (Bill Chmelar) passed it.”