Halcyon House News

Pastor Jason Collier, Ainsworth Community Church, led the weekly service with Halcyon House residents this past Sunday. The sermon was titled ?Faith is Amazing? and included readings from Luke 7:1-17. Pianist Linda McNiel shared her talents on the piano.

Avalon residents enjoyed listening to a presentation by John Marshall, postmaster at Washington post office and husband to Halcyon?s executive director, Chris Marshall. He gave an interesting and informative talk during the ?Know Your Neighbor? program about the complex computer tracking mail delivery system and the many years of experience he has with the U.S. Postal Service. The next day, residents were entertained by Skip Clarquist of Silvis, Illinois, who sang and played the keyboard. He entertained the residents in the Day Lounge with a wide range of favorite tunes.

On Thursdays, residents enjoy the Classics Et Cetera musical program presented by Richard Colby in the chapel. Game lovers enjoy coming to the kitchenette and playing Dice with Carol Mottet. In the afternoon, Al and Lorna Olson sing Hymns and facilitate a Bible study group that the residents are really enjoying.

On Fridays during ?Arm Chair Travels? residents learned facts about Olympic National Park in Washington state and watched a video created by Cedar Rapids based Stamats Communications. Residents were also treated to a visit by Washington High School?s FACS teacher Erin Riley and her gourmet cooking class. They shared a treat with the residents of chocolate fondue which they dipped strawberries, raspberries and bananas. All were thrilled at the arrival of Mike Bender who brought with him three German short-haired pointer puppies who were 3 1/2 weeks old. They were passed between students, residents and staff for many hugs and kisses. Mike promised to bring them back for another visit at a later date so they can see how the puppies have grown.

In honor of the Superbowl, Avalon residents were treated to little smokies with cheese, crackers and punch throughout the game. On Tuesday the 7th, in honor of John Deere?s birthday, Jake Thomsen, store manager of Sinclair Tractor in Washington, came and gave an informative talk with the residents about current trends in farming and advanced technology in machinery. The residents were amazed at the changes in agriculture since many of them first began farming.

In honor of Boy Scouts of America Day which started in 1910, Adam Todd, who is also a senior at Washington High School, came and gave a wonderful presentation about his experiences with Boy Scouting up through the rank of his earning his Eagle Scout. Adam is a Halcyon House team member in the dining services. The residents and staff are all very proud of Adam?s amazing accomplishments.

On Feb. 3, Halcyon House and Lending Hand residents and team members celebrated ?GO RED DAY? in honor of Heart Health Month. Approximately 20 Independent Living residents hopped on the Nu-Step for a grand total of 630 minutes. Twenty-four Health Center residents and some team members racked up 730 minutes and five high school students, plus one teacher, accumulated 76 minutes. The Wellness Department holds this challenge every year, and every year new residents and staff start using the Fitness Center equipment. Almost all residents and team members wore red that day in honor of Heart Health month.

It was a great time at the Super Bowl LI Potluck on Sunday. Several gathered to watch the game on a large screen TV in the Game Room. Halcyon House provided chicken drummies, little smokies, beverages and sugar cookies in the shape of a helmet with red or blue frosting honoring both teams. Residents rounded out the meal by bringing a nice variety of snacks and goodies.

In the last week, the Wellness Department has had two new residents attend a group exercise class. Owen Roth and Burdell Huisinga agreed it was certainly good for them.

Wellness team members, Becky Carter and Mercy Brinning, recently became certified in Barre. This workout is geared more towardscommunity and team members. However, Becky and Mercy will use many of the principles in their resident group exercise classes to help with functionality and balance.

Betty Osincup and youngest daughter and son, Elyse and Ben Chapman went to the University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections Division at Iowa City recently. Betty had been invited up there to be interviewed on video and recorded about the Brinton things she was donating to the division. Betty had attended Indiana ?Ina? Brinton auction of the Frank and Indiana Brinton estate possessions following the ?Ina? Brinton?s death 1955. Betty was interested in costumes and clothing of a bygone time. Betty presented them with a roaring 20?s three tiered beaded fringed skirt on an intricately hand beaded, beautifully colored georgette bodice gown, which Betty had appraised for over $2,000 at the Antiques Roadshow by experts when the Roadshow was in Des Moines several years ago. She also had an ostrich plumed tricorn velvet hat, a large feather gold spoked fan, a white silk fringed grand piano scarf throw and a mandolin which she gave to the special collection. Although Betty never met Ina, her husband, Herb Osincup, delivered medications to Ina. Ina was a nudist and would us an apron coverup when Herb arrived on deliveries. He told Betty one day upon arrival for a delivery Ina greeted him with her apron cover on backward! Betty was interviewed and photographed for about an hour about the Brintons, Betty and Herb?s time at the State University of Iowa, and following their graduation their life here in Washington.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Peg Gerot and George Davison.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the friends and family members of Lela Garton. Lela was a longtime volunteer at Halcyon House.