Senior Living News,
July 2025
Madison Heights / Kelley Place Enterprise Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - July 2025 - United States of America
Resident´s Birthdays
James Humphrey 7/1
Frances Blalock 7/3
Frances Hatcher 7/10
Glenda Waldrop 7/19
Month's Celebrations
Fourth of July 7/4
Events Spotlight
Fourth of July Celebration 7/2
Two by Two Petting Zoo 7/17
Birthday Celebration 7/24
One of the most enduring symbols in the United States is the bald eagle—a majestic bird chosen in 1782 as the national emblem.
With its fierce gaze and powerful wingspan, the bald eagle represents strength, courage, and the soaring ideals of liberty that define the American identity.
Associate of the Month
Ashley Layton and Christina Layton
Ashley Layton is 25 years old and lives in Elba where she was born and raised. She loves being a care associate and taking care of the residents at MHKP and loves each of them like her own family. Ashley said that working with the elderly and taking care of them is an amazing experience. Ashley has worked at MHKP as a care associate for over 2 years. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, shopping, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. When she is not at work, she says she is spending at much time as possible with her son, River.
Christina Layton is 22 years old and lives in Elba where she was born and raised. Christina recently got engaged and she has 2 wonderful stepchildren. Christina said she loves being a care associate at MHKP. She said she loves and cares for each resident as she would her own grandparents and treats every resident like her own family. She has worked at MHKP as a care associate for over 2 years. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dogs, floating down the river with her friends, reading, and baking. She said she is always getting her fiancé to try something new that she has baked.
Jazz Masterpieces
Alexa play "Take Five" from "Dave Brubeck Quartet"
From the 1959 Album, Time Out, this groundbreaking tune in 5/4 time became the best-selling jazz single ever. Its unusual rhythm and catchy piano riff helped jazz cross over into mainstream popularity.
Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame
Alexa play "Hound Dog" from "Elvis Presley"
Is fair to say that Rock & Roll was born a bit earlier.. but with swagger and rebellious energy, Elvis turned this 1956 R&B tune into a rock & roll phenomenon. It captured the spirit of teenage America and broke racial and musical barriers on national TV.
Wellness and Fitness for Seniors
Wellness and Fitness for seniors encompasses a range of physical and mental activities designed to promote overall well-being and improve quality of life. Key components include regular exercise, a healthy diet, social engagement, and mental stimulation. These activities can help seniors maintain independence, manage chronic conditions, and improve their physical and mental health. Some examples include swimming, yoga, pilates, tai chi, social outings, community events, puzzles, and activities that stimulates cognitive function.
Welcome to the United States of America
Around the World with Atlas
The United States of America is a vast and diverse nation, shaped by a bold spirit of freedom, innovation, and cultural fusion. From towering skyscraper cities to serene national parks, from the sounds of jazz and rhythm & blues to the electrifying pulse of rock & roll, the U.S. radiates a restless energy that has left a lasting cultural impact around the globe.
More than a global superpower in terms of industrial influence and technological innovation, the United States is also a leading force in the arts and cultural development. It has played a central role in shaping the modern world as we know it. The rise of Silicon Valley and the culture surrounding today’s tech giants is the result of a long legacy of American ingenuity and creative drive.
- The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued over 11 million patents since its founding in 1790.
- Among the most famous early patents: the light bulb (Edison), the airplane (Wright brothers), and the telephone (Bell).
- Home to world-leading research institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford.
- The Internet, GPS, and personal computers were all developed in the U.S.
- The birthplace of jazz, rock & roll, blues and hip hop.
Tips on aging gracefully
To age gracefully, focus on maintaining your physical and mental well-being through healthy habits like exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management. Prioritizing social connections, learning new things, and cultivating a positive mindset can also contribute to a fulfilling experience as you age. Some tips include strength training, swimming, aerobics, eating whole foods, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Sleep is also important in aging gracefully. Aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night to support physical and mental restoration. Using sunscreen and maintaining a good skincare routine are also great ways to protect your skin from damage and premature aging.
Benefits of art and creativity
Art and creativity offer numerous benefits for seniors, including improved cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Engaging in creative activities like painting, sculpting, music and dance can help reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, art can serve as a therapeutic outlet for seniors dealing with age-related cognitive decline. Art activities stimulate neural connections, improve memory, and enhance problem-solving skills. Creative expression can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Group art projects, whether simple or complex, can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement.
Key innovations in Memory Care
Memory care facilities are increasingly incorporating innovative technologies and approaches to enhance the lives of seniors with dementia. These advancements aim to improve cognitive function, promote social interaction, and ensure safety, all while fostering a sense of well-being and independence. Virtual reality experiences can transport residents to familiar places, stimulate memories, and reduce anxiety. Wearable devices monitor vital signs, track physical activity, and detect early signs of cognitive decline. Automated lighting, fall detection, and voice-activated assistants enhance safety and independence. Digital platforms offer brain games and exercises to slow cognitive decline. Benefits of innovations include, improved cognitive function, reduced anxiety and agitation, enhanced physical health, increased independence, stronger family connections, and greater peace of mind for families.
More Articles
Emotional Support for Aging Dads – What Senior Fathers Really Need
We talk about senior health. We talk about senior safety. But how often do we talk about senior dads and their emotional needs? The truth …
How Memorial Day Lives On in Senior Communities 2025
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Recipe Spotlight:
Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or use high-quality canned peaches, drained)
1 cup granulated sugar (plus a bit more for sprinkling)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm touch
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss peaches with lemon juice and 1/2 cup sugar; set aside. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining sugar. Stir in milk until smooth. Pour melted butter into a baking dish—do not stir.
Pour batter over the butter, then spoon peaches and juices on top. Do not mix. Sprinkle with extra sugar (and cinnamon, if using). Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream!
Resident of the Month
David Ward
David Ward, born 1/27/1935, in Dothan, AL grew up on a farm adjacent to Hartford Lake just outside Hartford, AL. He was raised by Jeff and Kate Ward, the youngest of 4 brothers and 4 sisters. One of his favorite and most frequently shared memories is of working in the fields with his brother, George, and seeing his future wife, Mary Charles Durant, ride by enroute to visit her grandparents. They waved at each other, and he told my Uncle George right then and there that he was “going to marry that little girl one day.” And he did!
As classmates at Geneva County High School, David and Mary Charles quickly became an item. David played football and drove a school bus, spending every available minute with his sweetheart, Mary C. They were elected Homecoming King and Queen their senior year and married Christmas Eve 1954 following graduation.
David worked a variety of jobs to provide a livelihood for them ranging from truck drivers to pharmacy assistants. He had joined the National Guard while in high school and remained active with them through monthly weekend drills and annual summer camps. This service provided him numerous educational opportunities, became a 2nd love and provided training for his life’s work as an avionics technician at Fort Rucker, as well as an artillery and mechanical specialist and trainer with the Alabama National Guard.
In addition to Mary Charles and the National Guard, David loves God, his family and friends and the Alabama Crimson Tide. As a lifelong member of Hartford Baptist Church, he served as Sunday School teacher for high school boys, chaperone for youth music camps, regular usher and was active with all men’s and eventually senior citizens’ programs. He supported his children’s extracurricular school activities through Quarterback Club, Band Boosters, and as Pee Wee Football Coach. His community involvement included Jaycees, Lion’s Club, and Gideons. His favorite past-times of recent years focused on mowing his lawn from his riding mower, working crossword puzzles and watching classic westerns.
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.