April

Madison at Oviedo
Newsletter

1725 Pine Bark Point | Oviedo, FL 32765

April 1st, 2025

Around the world with Atlas - April 2025 - Greece

Resident´s Birthdays

Joanne M. 4/3
Marian I. 4/7
Jean S. 4/8
Linda B. 4/10
Carol M. 4/12
Virginia F. 4/15
Olivia D. 4/19
Leon L. 4/24
Ruth L. 4/28

Celebrating April

Good Friday 4/18
Easter 4/20
Earth Day 4/22

Events Spotlight

April Fools’ Day 4/1
National Beer 4/7
April Birthday Bash 4/30

Associate of the Month

Luz Torres

We are pleased to introduce you to Luz Torres. She is a proud mother from San Juan, Puerto Rico and has been here at our community for eight years. Luz originally started doing both housekeeping and working in the kitchen and currently works extremely hard to ensure everyone has clean laundry. She has a deep passion for our residents and loves everyone, in her free time she enjoys going out in the city and making memories. Thank you, Luz, for all the years of hard work and for always having a smile.

Greek Heritage

Alexa play "Chariots of Fire Tile" from "Vangelis"

Chariots of Fire (1981) is an Oscar-winning film based on the true story of two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, competing in the 1924 Olympics. Its iconic score by Greek composer Vangelis became one of the most recognizable movie themes in history. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a symbol of perseverance and triumph.

Welcome to Greece

Spring signifies coming out of the darkness. We’ve tipped the balance from longer nights to longer days. Equinox means “equal night” of light and dark (roughly), and through the rest of the season we can benefit — experientially and metaphorically – from more time spent in the light. The season nudges us to the prosperous outdoors. In her diary, Anne Frank advised those who could, to “go outside, to the country, enjoy the sun and all nature has to offer. Go outside and try to recapture the happiness within yourself; think of all the beauty in yourself and in everything around you and be happy.” Because spring is as old as the planet, ancient religious traditions have evolved around its meaning. Spring is rebirth after the long death of winter, and traditional cultures didn’t take the return of food and better weather for granted. They prayed for it.

There’s even some science to the joy of spring. Research suggests that for many people, the extended daylight boosts mood, well-being and energy. Dopamine — a neurotransmitter associated with attention, motivation, pleasure and mood — seems to increase with more exposure to sunlight.

Greek Heritage
Around the World with Atlas

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, is a land where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture come together. From the awe-inspiring ruins of the Acropolis of Athens, where the Parthenon stands as a symbol of classical Greece, to the mystical sanctuary of Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient times, Greece is rich in heritage and mystical past.

The whitewashed cliffs of Santorini showcase Mediterranean charm. Whether exploring ancient ruins, sun-drenched islands, or dramatic landscapes, Greece captivates with its timeless beauty and profound legacy.

Easter

Easter is one of the most important holidays in Christianity, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. According to Christian belief, Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried, and on the third day after his death, he rose from the dead. This event is seen as proof of eternal life and the victory of life over death, sin, and the power of evil. Easter is celebrated on different dates each year, depending on the lunar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which typically means it can fall between March 22 and April 25. This timing is significant as it connects to the Jewish Passover, which was the event during which Jesus’ Last Supper occurred.

The story of Jesus’ resurrection is described in the New Testament of the Bible, in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Christians believe that through Jesus’ resurrection, humanity has the hope of being reconciled with God and receiving forgiveness for their sins. The celebration of Easter is a reminder of God’s love and the promise of eternal life.

Easter is also tied to various cultural and folk traditions. For example, the Easter egg, which symbolizes new life, is a common symbol of the holiday. The Easter Bunny is another popular figure, often associated with the delivery of Easter eggs, especially in secular celebrations. These traditions, while not rooted in the original religious meaning, have become intertwined with the modern celebration of Easter, especially in Western cultures.

Spotlight - Grace Wadford

March 21st, we had the opportunity to celebrate a remarkable 104th birthday is a truly extraordinary occasion, especially for a woman whose life has spanned over a century of change and growth. For reference, WWI was just coming around to an end at the time Grace was born, and much more has happened since. Reaching this milestone is a testament to her resilience, wisdom, and the many stories she carries with her. Each decade is unique and marks a new chapter in a life full of experiences. Her longevity is a reflection of her strength, grace, and the legacy she continues to build, a beacon of inspiration for those who are fortunate to know and talk to her. Grace, thank you for calling Madison your home and for giving us the honor of your presence. We share great moments together and we all love her dearly.

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Recipe of the Month:

Baklava

Ingredients:
1 pound chopped nuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
½ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13 dish. Combine nuts and cinnamon. Unroll and halve phyllo, keeping it covered with a damp cloth. Layer 2 phyllo sheets, brush with butter, and sprinkle with nut mixture. Repeat layers, ending with ~6 phyllo sheets. Cut into 4 long rows, then diagonally 9 times to create 36 diamonds, cutting all the way through. Bake for ~50 minutes until golden and crisp. While baking, simmer sugar, water, honey, vanilla, and lemon zest for 20 minutes. Immediately spoon syrup over baked baklava. Cool completely before serving uncovered.

Resident of the Month

Jose Enrique Vasquez

Jose Enrique Vasquez, a proud Puerto Rican, lived in New York and Florida. He enjoyed a simple, yet vibrant life filled with his favorite pastimes. Jose is a U.S. Army veteran who served for three years. He later worked as an air conditioner foreman. He was known for his strong work ethic, and friendly nature. He loves spending his days playing bingo, watching TV, and chatting about sports, especially baseball, boxing, and basketball. Jose has a soft spot for women and never passes up a good conversation. His favorite indulgence is ice cream and strawberry milkshakes. One of his favorite diversions, was going to the racetrack. In his quiet moments, nothing makes him happier than a good afternoon nap.

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