Halcyon residents travel to Clive for WesleyLife 75th anniversary

Worship services were held in Epworth Chapel on the campus of Halcyon House in Washington on July 3 under the leadership of Pastor Jason Collier of the United Church of Crawfordsville. The theme of the message was forgiveness, based on Psalm 32. Communion was served. Debbie Lowe served as accompanist. On July 10, Pastor Rick Zickefoose from Brighton Community Church led worship using a scripture reading from Luke 13:31-35. The sermon was titled “Overcoming the Fear of Political Disapproval”. Maurine Roberts was accompanist.

Independent Living residents have started a bingo group and play every other Saturday. Pies, candy and other gifts have served as prizes. The group enjoys ample competition and the friendly camaraderie.

On Thursday, July 7, several Halcyon House residents and team members rode in a charter bus to Clive, Iowa, for the WesleyLife 75th Anniversary Celebration. Friends from all WesleyLife communities gathered to reflect on the theme “Celebrating Our Past, Reimagining Our Future” where they enjoyed dancing, eating, fellowship, and a trip through the decades of the service that WesleyLife has provided to many communities across Iowa and into western Illinois.

Bean bag toss games were a popular sport in all four households in the past weeks. Bowling also provided movement-related activity for residents. Five-week-old Corgi puppies came to visit in the households, along with Maddie Sue, the pup. In Rosewood, an impromptu hula hoop contest was held. Residents enjoyed watching team members show off their skills.

Art activities in Rosewood included colorful puff paint butterflies using the folded mirror image technique. Bingo was a new activity in this household with many residents taking part. A book entitled “Making Our Own Fun” encouraged residents to reflect on life during the depression days. The field corn watch continued as the six stalks gained height each day, and tomatoes are also being monitored. Friday movies have been a hit with residents. Favorites so far have been “A Champion Heart” and “The Dreamer”.

Arborwood residents made homemade ice cream in bags which they immediately ate and enjoyed. Mary Jo Koehler provided a sing-along with guitar on Thursday, July 8.

Sagewood residents joined the Wedgewood residents for the weekly Thirsty Thursday event. They shared a veggie, fruit and cheese platter along with crackers, chocolate and beverages, and competed in trivia and a game of Who and What Is It?.

Resident Fran Victor led a Bible study in Wedgewood, bringing in several participants from various households. Residents are appreciating the ability to gather once again following months of COVID-19 restrictions.

Congratulations go out to Roger and Trusa Cutkomp, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday, June 30.

Our sympathies are offered to the families and friends at the passing of residents Beverly Johnson, Ardice Blankenhorn, and Kendall Neil.