Senior Living News,
December 2025
Madison Heights / Kelley Place Enterprise Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - December 2025 - France
Resident Birthdays
Gary Crumpler 12/3
Ruth Wise 12/23
Betty Scofield 12/27
Month's Celebrations
Christmas Day 12/25
Events Spotlight
Resident/Family Christmas 12/15
Birthday Celebration 12/18
Associate of the Month
Jenny Stephens
For the past 13 years Jenny Kuhn Stephens has been making her mark in the health care industry. She was 47 when she went headfirst into nursing school, where she defied the odds that age made a difference. She was unstoppable, even though in the face of her late husband being severally injured she persevered. She went to school then back to Birmingham to be with her husband, taking care of her teenage daughter all the time. After achieving her goal, she worked in nursing homes and with children. Though these children were tough, she struggled with realizing she couldn’t be everyone’s mother, but that didn’t stop her from trying. She always goes above and beyond for her patients no matter who they are. She is compassionate, strong and a hard worker. She will put everything she has to offer into her job and then give a little bit more even when her tank is empty. Nursing is more than a career to her; it is a passion and her way to make a difference in this world. Anyone who gets to know her knows she will be in their corner and any facility who has the honor of employing her is all the better for it. Thank you, Jenny, for going above and beyond and making a difference in every way that matters. We are blessed to have Jenny on our team at MHKP!
From France with Love
Alexa, play Le Moulin, by Yann Tiersen.
Yann Tiersen’s score for
Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (released in 2001) catapulted him to international fame. “Le Moulin” is one of the most poetic pieces on the Amélie soundtrack. With its gentle piano and soft accordion, it creates a warm sense of nostalgia, reflecting Amélie’s quiet world and her love for small, magical moments. The repetitive, circular melody feels like a memory turning slowly, capturing the film’s mix of wonder and melancholy.
The Importance of Holiday Celebrations and Seniors
Holiday celebrations are crucial for seniors because they combat loneliness, improve mental and emotional well-being, and provide cognitive stimulation through familiar traditions. These activities foster a sense of community and belonging, help maintain cultural identity, and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It also helps connect them with their loved ones by commemorating their past. Participating in traditions offers cognitive stimulation through reminiscing and familiar rituals, strengthens social bonds with family and community, and can improve mood and reduce stress.
Welcome to France
Around the World with Atlas
France is a country built on centuries of history, artistry, and revolutionary ideas. From ancient Gaul and the rise of the Frankish kingdoms to the birth of the modern French state, its story is one of transformation. The foundations of France took shape through the coronation of Clovis in the 5th century, the brilliance of Charlemagne’s empire, and the evolution of a nation that would eventually stand at the center of European culture and politics. Over time, France became known not only for its kings and cathedrals but for a spirit of curiosity and change that shaped the world.
French culture has left an indelible mark across the arts, philosophy, cuisine, literature, and fashion. From the Enlightenment thinkers who reimagined human rights to the painters who transformed visual expression — Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Degas — France has long been a beacon for creativity. Its influence extends into cinema, music, architecture, and the culinary traditions cherished worldwide, from buttery croissants to slow-cooked Coq au Vin. Every corner of French life carries a sense of refinement balanced with a deep appreciation for pleasure, beauty, and daily rituals.
To explore France is to step into a living tapestry of medieval villages, grand boulevards, vineyards, seaside cliffs, and cafés where time seems to slow down. It is a country that invites discovery — whether through the echo of cathedral bells, the quiet glow of a museum hall, or the simple joy of strolling along the Seine. France welcomes visitors not just to see its landmarks but to feel its spirit: a blend of elegance, history, and poetic charm that has captivated the world for centuries.
Seniors and In-home Care
To provide effective in-home senior care, focus on creating a safe environment, maintaining a consistent daily routine, and keeping the senior engaged mentally and socially. Prioritize organizing important medical information and planning for your own support, including seeking professional help when needed. Making the home safe is also important. Always remember these small tips for safety: remove fall hazards such as throw rugs, eliminate clutter, add grab bars in bathrooms and near toilets, ensure all rooms are well-lit and add nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
Assistance for Caregivers
Family caregiver assistance includes a variety of programs and services like financial support, respite care, counseling, and training to help unpaid caregivers care for loved ones, according to sources like the ACL Administration for Community Living and the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Services are often coordinated through local agencies and can be accessed through state and federal programs such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or state-specific Medicaid waivers
Activities for keeping an active mind
To keep your brain active, engage in mental challenges like learning new skills, playing games and doing puzzles. Physical exercise, a healthy diet, social interaction, and quality sleep are also crucial for maintaining brain health and sharpness. Try things such as taking up a new hobby, learn a musical instrument, engage in activities like crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, or board games to challenge your memory and reasoning skills. Reading books and other materials of interest will stimulate your brain and can improve cognitive function. Regular interaction with friends and family, joining clubs, or volunteering can help maintain cognitive skills and combat stress and depression. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and managing stress can all have positive impacts on your mind as well.
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Share our good news:
Happy Holidays! May this season bring you peace, happiness, and a little extra sparkle.
Resident of the Month
Fran Blalock
Fran Blalock was born on July 3, 1936, in Holmes County, Florida, where she grew up with her loving parents, James Monroe and Bamma Sellers. She attended Holmes County School, where she was an active student and enjoyed playing basketball. Fran graduated in 1954.
Shortly after graduation, she began dating Johnnie Mack Blalock. The two married in 1955 and shared a wonderful marriage that lasted 52 years. Together, they raised two sons and traveled the world as part of Johnnie’s military career.
Their first son, John Marcus Blalock, was born in Germany in 1957 during one of their overseas assignments. Fran and her family spent a total of seven years abroad, completing two tours in Europe and visiting many countries and historical landmarks along the way.
After returning to the United States, the Blalock’s were stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, where their second son, Gary James Blalock, was born on November 19, 1958. In 1966, the family returned to Germany for another tour and again embraced the adventure of traveling throughout Europe.
In 1969, the Blalock’s came back to the States and settled in Andalusia, Alabama, where Johnnie served as an Army recruiter. During this time, Fran shared her love of homemaking by teaching Home Economics at local schools. The family later moved to Enterprise, Alabama, where Johnnie was promoted to Sergeant Major, and both of their sons graduated from Enterprise High School.
Johnnie’s final military assignment brought them to Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio. After his retirement, the couple returned home to Florida to enjoy their well-earned years together.
Fran continued to live on the family homestead after Johnnie’s passing in 2006. Her strength, grace, and lifelong devotion to family remain an inspiration to all who know her.
Collaborators
Madison Heights and Kelley Place is the first specialty care community to focus on memory care in Enterprise, Alabama. Naturally, their weevil had to represent the individuals and families who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia daily. 
