Halcyon house news

We will certainly miss our longtime friend Catherine Mattes that attained the age of 100 years young. Halcyon House has been her home for the past 17 years. Catherine was a kind, quiet and sweet lady that always greeted you with a smile and an offering from her goody basket. Our sincere sympathy to the entire Mattes family from all her friends at Halcyon.

Marilyn Davis has become a recent Halcyon House family member. Marilyn and her late husband, Marion were affiliated with Highland School as a coach and shop teacher and Marilyn served as a secretary for 30 plus years. Marilyn has three children, Jeff Davis of LeMars, Iowa, Teresa Hazelett from Ainsworth and Kim Wood in Washington. Marilyn enjoys knitting, visiting and getting out and about.

Don and Loretta Gardner were happy to have their son, Scott visit for a few days. While here, he planted flowers around the outside edge of their patio deck.

Martha Chabal accompanied Gladys Ferguson to Iowa City on Friday. It was such a beautiful spring day as they visited the cemeteries, reminiscing and placing flowers in remembrance of their children.

Rachel Pillar and Lorene Snider visited the Gardner?s on Thursday. They were joined by Gladys Ferguson in the Bistro for lunch. Rachel, Gladys and Loretta were all Wellman High School girlfriends that had lots of memories to share throughout the afternoon.

Phyllis Lyle is still celebrating her birthday of May 21. She is so pleased to have three of her four daughters here for a visit. Patty Treimer from Hartley, Iowa, Sarah Roegnes from Wisconsin and Lila Midtgaard from the Forest City area. Son, Trent Lyle and grandson, Jared Lyle from Keota joined them along with cousins and other relatives for a fun time in the Applewood Bistro.

Bess Edwards welcomed visitors, Martha Lowe and daughter, Sue from California and sister, Dorothy See. It was a beautiful day to be out and about.

Lela Garton was in rare form on Tuesday afternoon as she began her ?Topic of the Day.? The whimsical side of Lela came out as she began with jokes. After the funnies, she stated ?May is a delightful month as it starts with May Day.? Lots of memories come flooding in about the fun in creating the baskets and then delivering them in secrecy and the challenge of making a clean getaway without being seen. May means Mother?s Day! Folks in our area of Iowa in the 1930?s wore a flower on their Sunday clothes. A colored flower meant ones mother was alive and white flowers indicated that their mother was deceased. The month of May is also a symbol for graduations. A graduation blessing included, Lord, give me the discernment to live all of life from your point of view that I might know the blessing of a life lived wisely. Lela just remembered that it has been 62 years since she graduated from college. May also includes memory of our departed friends and family. The month of May is when we remember what our military men and women have done for us. Let?s not forget to thank each and every one for their service and show our patriotism all year long for the many sacrifices they and their families have made.

Halcyon House gives a heartfelt Thank You to the American Legion and F-Troop members, Lonny Milligan, Dave Stoufer, Rachael Nicola, Gene, Hoyle, Lori Hoyle, Mike Orris and Mike York for the wonderful Memorial Day Program they presented to a large audience in the Timmins Dining Room.

The farmers from the Avalon House had a road trip in the country on Friday afternoon. They commented on their days of working the land and how times have changed throughout the years. It was an afternoon well spent that ended with an ice cream cone.

The Halcyon House Wellness Department hosted a fun day out with shopping at the Coralridge Mall in Coralville, Bed Bath and Beyond, Gordmans and Michaels. Gladys Ferguson invited her good friend, Yvonne Buster to join the group. The day was topped off with a stop at the Ainsworth Dairy Mart for a tasty treat.

The Seated and Strength Exercise Class every Tuesday and Thursday at Lending Hands has been well received. The classes are composed of strength, endurance, flexibility and balance that everyone can benefit from.

The Sitler Assisted Living residents are enjoying the sisters, Mercy and Marjy as they host a social program and offer games such as Maneuver, Uno while they relax, have fun and of course have refreshments on Friday afternoons.