Halcyon residents do new activity, ‘As the Page Turns’

The worship service in Epworth Chapel on Sunday, May 30 was led by Roger Farmer from the Washington Mennonite Church. The theme focus was “New Growth.” Pianist Mrs. Litwiller and a ukulele trio provided music.

Pastor David Cotner from the Prairie Flower Baptist Church used Psalm 130 as the scripture for his sermon on “Salvation” for the service on June 5. Maurine Roberts played piano.

“Trivia Tuesday” was a brain activity event for residents of Sagewood. Teams of four competed, and the team who offered the most correct answers got the largest desserts during the regular supper that followed. Wednesday’s activity was several rounds of Bingo with prizes. A new event, “Throwback Thursday,” gave residents a chance to sit outdoors in the spring weather and reminisce. Questions focused on the days when residents went to school, and they answered such questions as, “Who was your childhood best friend?” and “What schoolyard games did you play?”. On Friday, “Brain Busters” included the popular 9-letter word game, alphabet categories and hang man.

A new activity has been added to Tuesday mornings in Wedgewood called “As the Page Turns,” during which Independent Living resident Connie Atwood read a book selected by the residents. This week’s book was Prisoners of War in Iowa by Linda Betsinger McCann. An interesting tidbit from this book is that approximately 25,000 prisoners of war were housed in Iowa during World War II.

Thursday was a busy day for residents with numerous events provided, including a game of dice, wheelchair rides to the pond to feed the fish and view the flowers on the way, and lunch outdoors in the courtyard that included strawberry pie. “Thirsty Thursday” concluded the day with a discussion about Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, with refreshments of homemade strawberry bars and the residents’ choice of beverage.

The courtyard in the Rosewood household was the location for numerous activities for the residents living there, including “Joggin’ Your Noggin” trivia and other brain games; planting tomatoes in the raised garden and talking about gardens; playing with bubbles; and singing oldies to entertain the birds. Residents enjoyed indoor games of cards and dominoes as well.

Warm congratulations go out to Beth Janecek who celebrated her 100th birthday on June 1.