Halcyon House News

Betty Osincup has been spending time with her youngest daughter, Elyse Chapman and ?grand dog? Moses, as grandson Ben is attending the evening sessions of drivers education and classwork at the Washington High School. Betty accompanied Elyse and Ben to North Liberty where they met the newlyweds, Donna and Bob Olson along with Karen and Don Johnson for a pre-Christmas family lunch at a local cafe. They were joined by Karen?s daughter Brittany and friend Nick. Betty, Donna, Elyse and Ben then attended the Iowa Holiday Concert Matinee at the Paramount Theater in Cedar Rapids. Virginia Tschantz?s daughter-in-law, Jan Tschantz was singing and a member of the concert chorale.

Mary Meeks returned home after spending 16 days in Missouri and Arkansas with her children and families. Mary had Christmas with Richard and Malinda in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Her granddaughter, Mejo Meeks of Nashville and grandson, Glenn Meeks and children, Nicholas and Lauren of O?Fallon, Missouri, joined them. Mary traveled on to Republic, Missouri, where she visited four days with Mary, Tom and Leslie Meeks. Her next family visit was to Lewis and Cathi Meeks in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, where she had the pleasure of watching the walls being erected in construction of their new home. Lewis and Cathi delivered Mary back to Washington safe and sound. She can always count on her children for transportation and was pleased to report a nice early Christmas in almost 60 degree weather.

On Monday evening Betty Osincup and Elyse enjoyed the Mid-Prairie High School Vocal and Jazz Band along with Concert Band Cocoa and Carol Concert. Grandson Ben sang a duet with Taylor Hildebrand. This Christmas marks the first time she is staying at her Halcyon home for Christmas in the past 13 years. since she and late husband, Herb made Halcyon their home.

Larry, Brenda, Kyle, Kaitlyn, and Stephanie Fishback joined Gertrude Jones on Christmas Day. They enjoyed dinner in the Timmins Dining Room and family time together.

Isy Flander was a busy lady and on the move Christmas week. Gary and Maureen Flander flew in from Denver, Colorado on Wednesday; also joining Isy in the family fun were Melinda, Tim and Brianna Holden along with Murray and Jane Flander at the home of Randy and Cindy Flander that evening. On Christmas Eve they all attended Mass at Keota with a family gathering at the home of Jane and Murray Flander.

Christmas Day guests of Randy and Cindy Flander were Isy, Gary and Maureen, Shaun and Mary Flander, Kelli and Adam Schmidt, Murray, Jane and Kyle Flander. On Saturday, Gary, Maureen and Isy Flander drove to Cedar Rapids where they visited with Isy?s sister, Bibi and Dan Chadwick with Murray and Jane joining them at Unc and Neph's for supper that evening. One can never get enough of quality family time.

Joining Betty Porter in the Timmins Dining Room for Christmas dinner were family members Bobbie, Joe, Jim, Tom and Kaden Schiebel, Patsy Schiebel, and Jason and Teresa Shepherd. The dining staff outdid themselves with a fabulous meal.

Joe and Josephine Triplett are enjoying their visit from son Kevin (child No. 5), wife Sandra, children Caleb and Aniah along with granddaughter Karen Benson, husband Richie and their children Bailey and Logan, who traveled from Georgia.

Lela Garton was here to meet with her ?Topic of the Day? group and of course made sure that everyone received a wrapped package. Lela is always on top of her game with interesting and unusual topics and what a witty lady she is. Thank you, Lela, for your years of volunteering, sharing your knowledge, and humor with us and we hope you continue your programs at Halcyon House forever.

Well, unfortunately, whatever goes up, has now got to come down. Most of the holiday hoopla is coming to an end and so the chore of dismantling trees, decorations and putting them in storage is around the corner. Not to mention, the lack of lots of chocolates and goodies. It is back to the treadmill and time for healthy foods.