Halcyon residents celebrate Mother’s Day

On May 8, the Sunday worship service in the Epworth Chapel at Halcyon House was led by the Rev. Kwang Song of the Washington United Methodist Church. The scripture lesson was from John 13:31-38. The topic was “Love Like I Loved You.” The Rev. Rick Zickefoose, pastor of the Brighton Community Church, led worship on May 15. The scripture lesson was from Psalm 139:16, and the message was titled, “God’s Sovereignty Over Life and Death.”

Mother’s Day was celebrated for the female residents of Wedgewood, Rosewood, Sagewood and Arborwood households with a tea in the Timmins Event Center. It was beautifully decorated with table linens including eggplant-colored runners and floral arrangements of hydrangeas and roses. Refreshments included a punch fountain, wine, iced tea and appetizers. Residents sang along to a Mother’s Day song and listened to a poem entitled, “How God Made a Mother.”

Spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine was a popular activity for Wedgewood residents. Lilac bouquets cut from bushes on the grounds of Halcyon House were artfully arranged by resident Carol Mottet, and residents enjoyed their scent. This week’s “Mystery Suitcase” was filled with antique baking utensils, as well as cookbooks from the surrounding area that included recipes from familiar people of the community. This brought about much reminiscing about residents’ favorite things to make, and how baking has changed over the past 100 years. The program finished with refreshments of banana bars and coffee. The week’s “Brain Busters” game was called “Word Trip,” which challenged residents to make words from sets of letters. Root beer floats provided afternoon refreshment.

Rosewood residents enjoyed many visitors during the week especially honoring the mothers. Residents continue to express themselves through works of art using watercolors. They enjoyed a view of birds at feeders in the courtyard that are visible through large windows just off the dining area.

Women living in the Independent Living and Sitler wings of Halcyon were treated to a combination Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day “Par-tea” afternoon event during the week. The women dressed in Southern-style clothes and donned special hats in the style of the annual horse race. Mint juleps and sweet tea were served along with Kentucky Hot Browns, a bourbon cheeseball and cucumber sandwiches. A centerpiece full of desserts and petit fours were enjoyed along with a program about the Kentucky Derby presented by Clyde Pearce, also a Halcyon resident.

The following week, Independent Living residents gathered to enjoy a “Share a Little, Learn a Lot” event during which residents were invited to bring photos, souvenirs, and stories of past vacations and trips to commemorate travel and tourism month. One resident had traveled to 48 states of the U.S. and 33 countries around the world, most of which were experienced through volunteer work. Another resident had traveled for two months to New Zealand, Australia and neighboring tropical islands, and brought to the gathering travel itinerary, pamphlets and maps that they had saved for over 25 years. When residents were asked where their favorite place of travel was, it was agreed that “Iowa” and “back home” were their preferred locations. Their advice to younger generations is to “travel while you can and enjoy it!”

Sitler residents enjoyed their weekly game of Bingo, after which they went home with prizes of candy, chips and soda. New volunteers have recently offered their services as callers, and the residents have learned new ways to play the game.

The Sunrise Singers from Lincoln Elementary School brought their musical talents to Sagewood. Residents from other households were invited to enjoy the music. Residents took part in weekly activities that included Bingo, Brain Busters and trivia time, and warm, sunny weather brought smiles and laughter into the household.

The Arborwood residents’ exercise activity this week was a cardio-drumming class. “Coffee and Conversation” was held on the back patio, the first of many days to come seated in comfortable chairs overlooking the courtyard. A game called “Who Invented It?” challenged residents to guess which of three countries – the United States, Australia, or Canada -- invented certain “wacky” products.

Birthday wishes are offered to Marcella Reed, Suzanne Greco, Eileen Russell, and Carol Mottet. Condolences go to the family and friends of Jeanette Libe, who passed away on May 5.