Halcyon House News

The Washington High School Marching Band led the way for this year?s fifth annual Healthiest State Walk held on Oct. 7. There were 15 team members and 35 Halcyon residents who were honored this year to walk with the Washington Community High School and faculty in a joint effort for the state of Iowa in the one-kilometer walk. What a beautiful day it was and certainly a sight to behold as 550 people took to the street.

Margrette Utech celebrated her 95th birthday on Oct. 8. She started celebrating at her family reunion the prior Sunday that was held at Jumer?s Casino in Rock Island, Illinois. A card shower was held complete with birthday buttons that featured Margrette?s photo with thanks to her daughter, Kay Bennett. The actual birthday began with a decorated cake presented by Kay with several family members and friends sharing birthday wishes. Margrette was also treated to a great lunch at the Applewood Bistro.

Donna Schoonover was so pleased to have her son, the Rev. Douglas Schoonover, home for a visit. He lives in Discovery Bay, California where fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested for shipment, which is not far from the Sacremento area. They covered a lot of ground with trips to Nauvoo, Illinois, the Amana Colonies, Kalona Fall Festival, just to name a few.

Recent visitors of Larry Shalla were his harem of daughters, Beth Stuck of Des Moines, Laurie Shalla of Redonda Beach, California and Pam Newman of Riverside. There is always action when those three girls get together.

Rex Severt had a good time with his daughter, Linda Dasovic, who traveled from Omaha, Nebraska to spend a couple of days. Linda reports that she always learns something new from her dad with each visit.

Drew Burham of Des Moines visited his mother, Ione Burham. We always enjoy visits from Drew with his quirky humor. Drew continues to be a source of entertainment for all who know him, especially when he accuses his mother of cheating at cards.

Residents gathered in excitement ready to meet the Washington High School Homecoming candidates along with Principal Erik Buchholz and Director of Student Affairs Brent Van Weelden. The audience listened as they introduced themselves, relayed family information, what plans they have in place after graduation, followed by a question-and-answer session.

The Homecoming float became a reality with the guidance of Becky Carter and Mercy Brinning with a lot of the credit going to the residents for their participation and school spirit. In case you missed the parade, the theme was ?We Rock Aging But Not From a Rocking Chair.? The amusing and good sports were Denny Sorrell, Connie Sorrell, Alice Edgin, Wes Madsen, Carol Madsen, Marcella Reed, Betty Osincup, Rosie Stelton, who were dressed as heavy metal rockers and jammed out the entire parade route. Mary Meeks, Larry Shalla, Carolyn Levy, Ethel Hendrickson, and Bill Chmelar were dressed in their ?Demon clad? and climbed aboard the Shalla pickup to show support for the Demons. Other residents who helped with the float preparation were Bea Johnson, Reta Beemblossom, Mary Ann Hennigan, Virginia Tschantz and Mona Paul. The Halcyon team members who lended a helping hand were Dave Liles, Sherri Horak, Mary Richardson, Chris Marshall, Pat Dessner, Denise Franzen and Jarek Pozarycki. The completed float looked like a true rock concert stage complete with microphone stands, electric guitars, drums and a keyboard. Many thanks to resident Larry Shalla, Don and Pam Newman, Marek Farms, and Mark and Sheila Reed for the float props ,and Donnie and Bryan Brinning for their assistance.

The folks at Lending Hands have been busy with activities. Monday was bring a treasure that you would enjoy sharing with the group. An interesting single bolt from an oil rig was displayed that measured a foot long and weighing in at 10-plus pounds. Vintage Halloween decorations were shared with the group., such as a calendar from 1927 with notes about the date of birth and happenings that year. Participants enjoyed a VIP (Very Important Person) day with invited guests for fun and treats. The game Yahtzee continues to be a favorite, with several having the good fortune to roll a Yahtzee quite often, with spectators thinking and chuckling ?with that kind of luck, they should be at the casino or in Las Vegas.?