Halcyon House news

Pastor Rick Zickefoose, of Brighton Community Church, conducted worship services at Halcyon House on Sunday, Oct. 27. Scripture was from Luke 24:25-35, and the sermon title was 'Old and New Testaments.” Beth Janecek played the piano. Special guests John and Linda Nelson assisted with the services.

It's looking very ghoulish around Halcyon Households. The indoor trees are decorated, pumpkins have been carved and painted, spiders are hanging on the birdhouse, and the windows are looking frightful.

Monday's trivia program was 'Frost on the Punkin Day.” Everyone was given a small pumpkin on which to paint a frightening face. There were lots of smiles, and the residents shared their masterpieces with one another. For a pumpkin treat, those brave enough tried the oven-roasted pumpkin seeds. This treat wasn't for everyone; so for Plan B, out came the candy corn, to everyone's delight.

The Kids Club from the United Methodist Church trick-or-treated the households. Each resident received either a mini pumpkin with a ribbon attached to the stem, or a treat-size bag of candy corn. Everyone enjoyed talking with this great group of youngsters.

At the program 'In the Attic,” Don Kline shared his Halloween collection with everyone. Don and his wife have been collecting Halloween decorations for many years. From Halloween noisemakers to papier-mache primitive pumpkins, Don seemed to have it all. Everyone enjoyed his collection of unusual decorations.

On Friday, Oct. 25, Halcyon House welcomed the Bruce Punches Band. The Punches are a family musical group from Missouri, and performed a variety of music including country, gospel and some bluegrass. The group of singers includes Bruce, playing the mandolin; his wife, Bobette, on the bass; and fraternal twins Brook, on Dobro, and Emily, on guitar. Everyone enjoyed this toe-tapping program. One resident was able to get up and dance with Lifestyles Team member Laurie Pemberton. The band is becoming a resident favorite, and we hope to have them return for future performances. The Punches also perform at Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant every year.

Nora Redlinger, daughter of Kelsey and Deb Redlinger, of Kalona, stopped in to show everyone her monarch butterfly costume. Nora showed everyone how the wings on her costume worked. Lots of smiles were shared.

Halcyon House hosted a hymn sing on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. in the Timmins Event Center. The residents sang old-time favorites such as 'Amazing Grace” and 'The Old Rugged Cross.” Thanks go to Fred Metcalf for leading the hymn sing, and to Eva Gallagher for accompanying him on the piano. Also, thanks to Marcella Reed and Jocelyn Carter for assisting with getting the household residents to the hymn sing.

Halcyon hosted a blood drive on Monday, Oct. 28, in the Timmins Event Center. Thanks to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and to everyone who donated!

Halcyon House birthday wishes go out this week to Marlene Vogel and Karen McCreedy.

Halcyon House residents and team members extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Marshall.