Halcyon House News

Halcyon House Wellness Department kicked off their 5 month journey around the world ,Blue Zone Journey, Monday, April 4, in the Day Lounge by hosting a Blue Zone Health Fair. Halcyon House wellness intern, Annemarie Hoyt, organized educational displays and materials for each of the 5 Blue Zones, Blue Zone Prezi PowerPoint presentation and a Power 9 display. Nuts, Greek bean salad, Feta cheese, Italian cheeses, organic Japanese teas, avocados, smoothies made from fresh kiwi, mango, oranges and Greek yogurt were available for residents and staff to taste. Literature regarding moving naturally,being connected, family first, plant slant, right outlook, and wine at 5, living in a faith-based community and a purposeful life.

The first stop on our journey to longevity was to Sardinia, Italy. Tuesday, April 5, Lorraine Williams and Tsalika Rich presented information about the healthy lifestyles of Sardinia?s centerarians. The Wellness Department decorated the Morrison Center and the serving table while Café Dodici provided authentic, healthy hors? d?oeuvres, desserts and an assortment of Italian wines. During the evening a full screening of the Sardinia culture and beautiful landscape run for residents and community people to watch while they enjoyed the delicious cuisine. Our next stop is Ikaria, Greece, in May. The Blue Zones Passport program is opened to the public.

Betty Porter?s children hosted a 93rd birthday party for her on Saturday, April 2. Those attending were Betty?s son Dick Porter of Urbandale daughters Patsy of Iowa City and Roberta and Joe Schiebel of Washington grandsons Tom and Jim Schiebel of Washington and Mike Schiebel of Arizona, Mike and Laura Porter and two daughters Genevieve and Lillian from Ankeny, granddaughter Teresa Shepherd of Washington, great-grandchildren Mckenna Durian of Cedar Rapids, Jaccuyla Riley of Fort Dodge. Great-granddaughter Isabella Izick and Robert, Betty?s nephew Steve Green and wife Barb of Iowa City.

Mary Meeks attended the open house at the Conservation Center in Marr Park honoring Wayne Brock for his 85th birthday. His children had prepared a potluck dinner before the open house. Later they all gathered at the Pizza Hut for supper. Twenty-nine of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from the Omaha area, Bloomington, Ohio, New Hampton, Harlan, Waterloo and Washington, were present.

Monday night at the movies was the western comedy ?The Apple Dumpling Gang.? Head for cover! Don Knotts and Tim Conway are Wild West outlaws who can?t hit the broad side of a barn but never miss when it comes to rounding up laughs.

Steve Morris, from Prophetstown, Illinois, entertained everyone with his drum playing and singing to the oldies Tuesday afternoon. Steve plays everything from the Big band era to the Beatles, 70s and 80s rock or country music.

At Topic of the Day Lela Garten discussed growing green beans and the secret to growing huge tomatoes. Next week Lela will be bringing in a French string bean to show everyone.