Halcyon House News

Friday, Dec. 23, the residents of Avalon watched ?The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? in the Day Lounge while munching on Grinch popcorn. They were surprised by a visit from Grinch himself (Jeramiah: dietary staff member). He brought smiles to their faces and took ?selfies? with them and the staff. He then passed out green ?Grinch? cupcakes and punch.

Many of the Avalon residents enjoyed visits from family and friends over the holiday weekend. Betty Porter enjoyed a visit from son Dick and wife Jolene of Urbandale, her daughter Patsy of Iowa City, Bobbie Anne and family from Washington. The group of 11 enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Timmins Dining. They gathered and talked the evening away. Betty was treated to Christmas goodies. Ruth Gardner had a surprise visit from son Craig and wife Margene of Marion, son Doug of Washington, Caleb and Allie Gardner of St. Louis. Vivian Wells was visited by granddaughter and great-grandchildren. Bob Gerot and wife Peg had a visit from their family on Christmas Day, Scott, Laurie and Mathew Pemberton of Washington. They enjoyed Christmas dinner together. Trusa and Roger Cutkomp were visited by their two daughters Tammy and Barb as well as their families. They included granddaughter Stephanie and two great-grandchildren. Gerald Schimmelpfenning was visited by grandson, granddaughter and family from Colorado. Ruth Bonnell spent Christmas Eve with her daughter in Richmond and her family. Edie Trotter was visited by niece Jane and a lot of family throughout the holiday season. Jan Lawless spent a lot of time at her home with family. She was excited about her family all wearing matching plaid shirts and taking a family picture.

In the Timmins dining room on Wednesday, Dec. 28, Ted Griffith?s granddaughter, Olivia Griffith entertained the large audience by playing the piano and singing. Olivia is a sophomore at UNI and majoring in performing arts and music. Eleven of Ted?s family all gathered for lunch before her performance.

Leo McGinnis enjoyed an outing with his family over the Christmas weekend. Rex Severt?s children, Allen Severt and Linda Dasovic, came to visit and ate lunch with the Arbor House residents this week. Pauline Skarda had a nice visit with her sister and extended family this weekend. Donna Wheelan enjoyed time with her family and Christmas church services. Ethel Hendrickson had family come eat Christmas dinner with her at Timmins DR.

Lois Greiner hosted her family at Halcyon House over the Christmas holiday weekend. The family was split between her apartment and the guestrooms at Halcyon House.

Several Halcyon House residents hosted family and friends for a Christmas Day brunch in the Timmins dining room. Those included: Virginia Tschantz, Betty Porter, June Miller, Bob Swift, Dwight Graber, Mary Dawson, Audrey Goldsmith, and Don and Loretta Gardner.

Betty Osincup returned to Iowa Christmas night from a 10- day holiday to enjoy time with her Miami, Florida, daughter and her family. Betty flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida accompanied by her eldest daughter and husband, Donna and Bob Olson. They were greeted at the Fort Lauderdale airport by daughter No. 3, Janet Hurly. Most of their pre-Christmas time was spent with family visiting, a little shopping, and special meals. Christmas Eve was celebrated with a special dinner and gifts were opened on Christmas morning. Their return flight to Cedar Rapids met with a questionable landing due to fog. They could not see the runway lights until they were 200 feet from the ground, but the pilot chanced it and all got home safely.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Audrey Stark and Roger Cutkomp.

Halcyon House welcomes the following new residents: Dick and Ann Chorpening joined us from their home in Wayland.