Halcyon House News

Friday visitors of David Wright ?Kilowatt? were his son Ron and Tasha Wright along with the great grandkids Xander and Ryker of Keota. Little Ryker was so enthused about the Christmas tree in the library.

Mary Ellen Saforek?s recent visitors were her sister, Mathena and Wayne Barta, and granddaughter, Morgan Rechkemmer who is recently back in the states from husband Mat?s military duties in Germany. They are expecting their first child in February and relocating to Rhode Island. On Monday, Mary Ellen and her sister, Doris Hauenstein, enjoyed lunch at the Applewood Bistro.

?Over the hills and through the woods??that?s what Will Thornton is doing as he spreads Christmas cheer to his family here in Washington, then off to Illinois and on to South Carolina where his dad, his older brother and his mom are, stopping back at Illinois for a visit with an aunt and uncle and then to Washington to get a crushing hug from Gram Sybil before heading back to Drake to study for his second actuarial exam and to Math-Nasium to the part-time job that he is thrilled over. All this happened because of a little silver car.

Larry Shalla had pre-Christmas visitors from Astoria, Illinois. His first cousin, Wendell and Alice Clanin, traveled to spread a little holiday cheer. Also joining in the family fun was Larry?s daughter, Pam Newman.

Gene and Lori Hoyle entertained in the Day Lounge on Monday. The audience always appreciates having the Hoyles in the house.

On Tuesday a group of 20 students from Lincoln School visited Halcyon House to find that perfect person to read to. Each child was paired with a resident who intently listened to the reader?s story choice.

Members of the Holy Trinity Parish from Keota sang to a packed audience last Wednesday. It was a wonderful evening with a variety of Christmas carols.

Last Thursday the Sunrise Singers from Lincoln School were here to sing Christmas carols to the listening audience in the Timmins Dining Room. Julie Hill from Lincoln School along with her fifth-graders know how to liven the place up.

The Show Choir under the direction of Mike Jewell had all of the students introduce themselves to the audience and they dazzled everyone with their song selections. The program ended with a sing a long as they bid farewell and filed out of the room.

The residents enjoyed the company of Tom Hahn and Dianne Sheets from the Keota area. Dianne was at the piano and Tom sang and played his trombone.

Jodi Berhow presented a piano recital in the Morrison Center on Friday afternoon. Jodi and her daughter did several duets with their clarinets. Many of the piano students had the opportunity to experience their first recital for Halcyon House residents.

The Miracle of Christmas was an exemplary production hosted by the Marion Avenue Church. Members of the church write the script, produced, directed, built props, sewed costumes and prepared the church for the story of the true meaning of Christmas. The stage sets, musical talents, flying angel and live animals all bring the reason for the season to life. The Live Animal Christmas Play at the Marion Avenue Baptist Church was attended by Maxine Davisson, Pat Sieren, Walter Pacha, Eveline Adam, Sybil Thornton, Betty Osincup , Laurita Ross, Ginny Henderson, Ruth Bonnell, Margret Steinbeck, Carol Gingerich, Bess Edwards, Donna Guy, Ellen Glassel, Alta Maxted, Leo McGinnis, Anna Hysell and Jane Weber. It is a tremendous performance and the group from Halcyon House was most appreciative for the special performance.