Senior Living News, May 2025

Madison at Oviedo Newsletter

1725 Pine Bark Point | Oviedo, FL 32765

May 1st, 2025

Around the world with Atlas - May 2025 - México

Resident´s Birthdays

Shirley L. 5/6
Michael C. 5/19
George O. 5/31

Celebrating May

National Star Wars Day 5/4
Cinco de Mayo 5/5
National Tourism Day 5/7
Mother’s Day 5/11
Mental Health Awareness Week 5/15 – 5/21
National Strawberries & Cream Day 5/21
National Senior Fitness & Health Day 5/28
National Creativity Day 5/30

Events Spotlight

Tuskawilla Bingo Event 5/1
American Legion Car Show 5/3
Mothers Day Tea Party 5/11
Dia De Los Muertos Event 5/19
Memorial Day 5/26

The famous Aztec Calendar, shown in its original colors, is also known as the “Stone of the Sun.” It depicts the Sun God Tonatiuh, the fifth sun, at its center.

Associate of the Month

Marry Serrano

We’d like to introduce you to Marry Serrano, she is one of our great caretakers in memory care. Marry has been here with us for just over a year and we couldn’t do it without her. Originally, she was born in Thailand and raised by her Puerto Rican father before coming here. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting and spending quality time with her family. Marry has worked in this industry for 35 years and found a passion caring for the elderly. Thank you Marry for your hard work over the years and for being a part of our team!

VIva México !!

Alexa play "Rogaciano el Huapanguero" from "Linda Ronstadt"

Featured on Canciones de Mi Padre, Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of this classic huapango blends heartfelt vocals with rich orchestral arrangements, paying tribute to Mexican folk traditions. Released in late 1987, the album became a global sensation and remains the best-selling non-English language album in U.S. history, with over 2.5 million copies sold. The record beautifully captures the depth and beauty of Mexican folk music. Musical direction was led by renowned Mexican composer Rubén Fuentes, alongside the finest mariachi musicians of the era.

Welcome to Mexico

Mexican culture is vibrant, rich in history, and filled with deep traditions that span centuries. The warmth of its people is reflected in the colorful festivals, family-oriented gatherings, and the lively music and dance that are central to the country’s identity. Mexican food, renowned worldwide, is a symphony of bold flavors—think spicy salsas, fresh tortillas, savory tacos, and rich mole sauces, all bursting with the essence of indigenous ingredients like corn, beans, and chilies. The atmosphere of Mexico, whether in bustling cities like Mexico City or quieter pueblos, is one of warmth and joy, with brightly painted buildings, lively marketplaces, and a strong sense of community. The mixture of indigenous and Spanish influences creates a unique cultural tapestry, making Mexico a place where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.

The Mayan civilization, one of the most advanced and influential in Mesoamerica, has deep roots in Mexico, particularly in the southeastern regions of the country, including the Yucatán Peninsula, Chiapas, and parts of Tabasco and Quintana Roo. The Maya developed a complex and sophisticated society over a span of more than 3,000 years, reaching its peak during the Classic Period (250–900 AD). Their influence extended across modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, and they are perhaps best known for their remarkable achievements in architecture, astronomy, mathematics, and writing.

Viva México !!
Around the World with Atlas

A Land of Spirit, Color, and Eternal Stories, Mexico is more than a country—it’s a heartbeat, a song carried by the wind across deserts, jungles, mountains, and beautyful beaches. A place where ancient civilizations whisper through pyramids and murals, and modern life dances to the rhythm of a strong and unique cultural heritage.

The word “México” comes from the Náhuatl words “Metztli” (moon) and “xictli” (navel or belly button), meaning “the belly button of the moon.” The Mexicas pronounced it “Meshico.”

According to legend, the Mexica people were the last of the nomadic tribes to arrive in central Anáhuac (yep, that was the ancient name for the heartland of what’s now Mexico). They came from a mythical island called Aztlán—which is why they’re also called Aztecs. They were searching for a sign sent by their main god, Huitzilopochtli: an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a snake. That was the sacred place where they were to build their city.

And they did find it—right in the middle of a vast lake called Texcoco. Legend says they took refuge on that small patch of land in the lake and founded their settlement, Tenochtitlan, around 1325. By the time the Spanish arrived in 1519, they were stunned by the sight of a majestic, dream-like well-organized metropolis—Tenochtitlan—one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honoring those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. More than a half dozen places have claimed to be the birthplace of the holiday. In October 1864, for instance, three women in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, are said to have decorated the graves of loved ones who died during the Civil War; they then returned in July 1865 accompanied by many of their fellow citizens for a more general commemoration. A large observance, primarily involving African Americans, took place in May 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. Columbus, Mississippi, held a formal observance for both Union and Confederate dead in 1866. By congressional proclamation in 1966, Waterloo, New York, was cited as the birthplace, also in 1866, of the observance. In 1868 John A. Logan, the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, promoted a national holiday on May 30 “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”

After World War I, as the day came to be observed in honour of those who had died in all U.S. wars, its name changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day. Since 1971 Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May. A number of Southern states also observe a separate day to honour the Confederate dead. Memorial Day is observed with the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, and by religious services, parades, and speeches nationwide. Flags, insignia, and flowers are placed on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries. The day has also come to signal the beginning of summer in the United States.

Mental Health Awareness Week

May 15th-21st is mental health week. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that affects how we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing everything from our relationships and work performance to our ability to cope with stress and challenges. Just like physical health, mental health requires care and attention—factors like genetics, environment, life experiences, and social connections all play a role in shaping it. Struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or stress, is common, and it’s important to recognize that these challenges are just as valid and treatable as physical health problems. Open conversations, reducing stigma, and seeking professional support are key to fostering better mental health for individuals and communities alike. Prioritizing mental well-being not only improves individual lives but also strengthens society’s collective resilience. Green is the color used to symbolize awareness for mental health. Let’s all dress in green throughout the week to show our support!

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Recipe of the Month:

Carne Asada

Ingredients:
2 pounds skirt steak trimmed of excess fat
Carne Asada Marinade:
1 jalapeño seeded and minced
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
juice of 1 orange
juice of 1 lime
juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. In a large glass baking dish whisk together Carne Asada marinade ingredients (jalapeño through black pepper) until combined.
2.Add skirt steak in a single layer, turning to coat with marinade.
3.Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 8 hours (longer will begin to break down the meat
4.When you’re ready to grill: preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill steaks for 7 to 10 minutes per side, turning once for medium-rare.
5. Remove steaks and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
6. Slice thinly across the grain and serve.

Resident of the Month

Donald Kitsmiller

Our May resident of the month is Donald Kitsmiller. Donald is a retired laboratory technician from Kansas, where he worked as an assistant chemist for 30 years. Along with being a dad, Donald is a grandfather of 14! In his free time, Donald is a phenomenal artist and enjoys painting and drawing techniques. On a relaxing day, you can catch him watching his favorite tv show with a slice of pizza or working on his latest painting. He is always pleasant to everyone in the community and continues to surprise us with his many talents. Thank you, Donald, for sharing your art, positivity and experience with us.