Category: Cooperative

  • Getting the most out of these long days with extra time outside

    Getting the most out of these long days with extra time outside

    As the days get longer, it’s easier and easier to squeeze in extra time outside – more dog walks, biking to the store to pick up the missing ingredient for dinner, visiting friends for back yard hang-outs, skipping rocks, more dog walks, etc. I have been noticing a shift in people’s mood with the uptake in greenery and vitamin D.

    • +10 cheeriness
    • +5 stopping to admire gardens
    • +15 smelling blossoming trees
    • +10 walking all over the place

    Another thing I have noticed, not only in others but with myself as well, is a tendency to use the overload of activity during summer to distract from the goings-on of the rest of the world. And while we DO need to take mental health breaks, rest, and recharge, we are now seeing our neighbors who we didn’t see all winter, more people stopping to chat in the front yard, and people visiting from around the country. Use this extra time outside to connect with your community.

    Seeing more people? Take advantage and build community

    Now is a great time to grow our network of real community connections. For some people, it comes naturally; for others, it takes some practice. And there are various levels of effort depending on your comfort level. Here are a few ideas, from small to large:

    • Equipment sharing – yard tools, power tools
    • Offer to be help neighbors in a pinch (i.e. their car has a flat tire and they need a ride to work)
    • Find a local mutual aid organization to donate time or needed items
    • Get involved with a cause you care about (from local, national, and international)
  • Article about Halcyon House from MCCD

    Article about Halcyon House from MCCD

    Halcyon House Featured by MCCD & Important Duluth Parking Updates

    Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) recently published a wonderful feature article about Halcyon House. We are incredibly honored by their spotlight. MCCD continues to be an invaluable resource for the local cooperative community. They provide expert guidance and advice to cooperatives in both urban and rural areas across the state.

    Here is a fun cooperative fact for you. Minnesota actually leads the entire United States in cooperative formation! We are incredibly proud to be part of this thriving, community-focused movement. If you want to learn more about our specific history, business formation, and cooperative development, please take a moment to read the full piece.

    Advocating for Better Parking in Downtown Duluth

    We also want to provide a quick follow-up to our recent discussion regarding the new downtown Duluth parking changes. Our team directly contacted the Duluth Parking Commissioner, Mark Bauer, at 218-730-5177 or emailing him. We shared how these new parking adjustments directly impact our community. Right now, we are actively advocating for better downtown accessibility. We are also pushing for longer maximum limits on all on-street parking spots. If you want to help, please consider calling the commission to voice your opinion too! 218-730-5177 or email them.

    In the meantime, we want to help you avoid parking tickets. If you usually need 90-minute or 120-minute parking sessions, we recommend skipping the meters. Instead, try using the Muffler Clinic lot on Michigan Street. Another great option is the Tech Village parking ramp located right behind Pizza Lucé.

    To pay, simply scan the QR code displayed on their lot signs to set up your parking session. We completely agree that the online payment system can be frustrating. If you ever need a hand figuring it out, just let us know. We are always happy to help you navigate it!

    Muffler Clinic Lot

  • Welcome Sara Sheppard

    Welcome Sara Sheppard

    Welcoming Sara Sheppard: Holistic Occupational Therapy at Halcyon House

    We are thrilled to welcome a fantastic new addition to our team! After collaborating with Robin for their popular Tea Talk – Nervous System Regulation for the Holidays and the Art of Wintering Well classes, Sara Sheppard is officially bringing her deep experience and clinical knowledge in-house.

    Sara has been serving clients as a dedicated Occupational Therapist since 2008. In 2010, she expanded her practice to become a certified Craniosacral Therapist. She brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to our community, focusing heavily on somatic healing and long-term wellness.

    Holistic Therapy Services Offered

    Sara provides targeted care for both children and adults. You can book the following specialized sessions with her:

    • Pediatric Therapy: A 45-minute focused session tailored for children.
    • Individual Therapy: A 60-minute comprehensive session for adults.
    • Nervous System Education: An intensive 8-session series built for deep healing.

    An Individualized and Compassionate Therapy Style

    Sara utilizes a deeply individualized, holistic occupational therapy approach. Her treatment philosophy seamlessly blends nervous system regulation, sensory processing, and gentle manual therapies. By incorporating craniosacral and fascial techniques, she helps clients foster true balance and ease in everyday life. Her gentle methods are perfect for anyone looking to reduce chronic stress or recover from physical tension.

    What is Holistic Occupational Therapy?

    The primary goal of occupational therapy is to support meaningful daily living. Sara provides the essential education you need to understand your own nervous system and unique sensory processing traits.

    Every single session is rooted in a client-centered approach. Sara combines somatic awareness, nervous system education, and practical home programming to fully support both body and mind. Her gentle, somatic-based manual therapy includes myofascial techniques and craniosacral therapy. These practical strategies help you move toward your personal health goals with clarity and confidence. Partner with Sara today to build lasting resilience, sustainable well-being, and physical balance.

    Update

    For Pediatric Occupational Therapy sessions, reach Sara at the Masonic Children’s Clinic.

  • Welcome our newest board members

    Halcyon House Welcomes Three New Cooperative Board Directors

    Here at Halcyon House, our community thrives because of dedicated leadership. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome three new Directors to our Board: Robin Davidson, Kimberlee Grogan, and Kelley Minor. Each of these incredible individuals brings a wealth of unique knowledge, professional skills, and diverse life experiences to our Cooperative’s Board of Directors.

    We want to extend our deepest appreciation for our board members, both new and returning. As a cooperative, our leadership team plays a vital role in shaping our future. They guide our mission, support our staff, and ensure we remain a trusted resource for wellness and connection. The commitment of our board ensures that Halcyon House stays deeply rooted in community values.

    Meet Our New Board Directors

    Our new directors join us at an exciting time of growth. They bring fresh perspectives that will help us expand our community impact:

    • Robin Davidson adds unique experiential knowledge that enhances our holistic approach to local care.
    • Kimberlee Grogan offers strategic skills that strengthen our cooperative development and long-term vision.
    • Kelley Minor brings valuable insights that align perfectly with our community education and outreach efforts.

    Grateful for Cooperative Leadership

    Stepping into a board position requires a generous investment of time, energy, and heart. We truly cannot thank our board members enough for stepping up to serve. Their guidance helps us navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and create a welcoming space for everyone.

    Please join us in giving Robin, Kimberlee, and Kelley a incredibly warm welcome! We look forward to achieving great things together in the coming months. Thank you to our entire board for your unwavering dedication, passion, and support. You are the backbone of our cooperative family.

    Halcyon House board member portrait of Robin Davidson

    Robin Davidson

    Halcyon House board member portrait of Kelley Minor

    Kelley Minor

    Halcyon House board member portrait of Kimberlee Grogan

    Kimberlee Grogan