Halcyon residents quizzed on baseball, state fair trivia

Jason Collier from Ainsworth Community Church led Halcyon House of Washington’s worship service in Epworth Chapel on Sunday. The theme/sermon was on “forgiveness” using the scripture text Matthew 18:15-20. Linda McNeil shared her piano talents with the group.

Activities in the Rosewood household included morning exercises involving balloons and music. Table games and crafting utilized thinking and creative abilities, along with movies that include one of their favorite actors, John Wayne. Residents have enjoyed spending time outdoors during cooler times as fall approaches and look forward to more refreshing days.

“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” provided the theme for the Joggin’ Your Noggin event in the Wedgewood household that included a detective puzzle and trivia about the summer sport. The Thirsty Thursday theme brought a taste of the Iowa State Fair to the residents with such treats as corndogs, caramel corn, funnel fries and lemonade shake-ups, along with fair trivia and a fair-themed word search. The monthly special meal included hamburgers from the grill, potato salad, watermelon and monster cookie ice cream sandwiches.

Residents in the Sagewood household learned more trivia, including the fact that it takes 17 muscles to smile, and each person exercises those muscles on an average of 13 times a day when they laugh. Brain Busters required skills in creating anagrams out of nine-letter words, which is a favorite activity among the Sagewood and Wedgewood residents. A basket full of adorable kittens exercised resident petting skills on Waggin’ Wednesday. Fresh sliced tomatoes continue to give residents a taste of summer from the courtyard garden.

Residents in three households enjoyed a piano concert by Halcyon House staff member John Flannery. John plans to attend Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, this fall. He is the son of Dr. Ryan and Diana Flannery. We wish John continued success in his educational endeavors and thank him for sharing his talents with us.

In the Arborwood household, the daily crafting table contained supplies for rock painting. The residents also cut out photos of favorite items from magazines to create collages. They sang along with music by staff member Mary Jo Koehler.

Our sympathies are extended to the family and friends of long-time Halcyon House residents Ole Gingerich, who died on Aug. 28, and Ruth Bonnell, who died on Sept. 1.