Around the world with Atlas - April 2025 - Greece
Resident's Birthdays
April 11: Green Cartledge
April 24: Patsy Depp
April 23: Linda Waldrop
Month's Celebrations
April 1: All Fools’ Day (April Fools’ Day)
April 12: Start of Passover (begins at sundown)
April 18: Good Friday
April 20: Easter Sunday
April 22: Earth Day
April 28: National Arbor Day
Events Spotlight
April 2: OUTING – The Olive Branch Mediterranean Cuisine for lunch
April 4: Jewelry Sale with Elise
April 5: Craft Sale with Christy
April 9: Penny BINGO with Lori (Sponsored by: Quality 1 Home Care)
April 9: Birthday Luncheon
April 9: IL Town Hall Meeting
April 10: Ambassador Meeting
April 11: Coffee Concert at UAB Alys Stephens Center
April 11: Candle Making with Candlelit by Cullen (Sponsored by Touching Hearts)
April 11: Egg Splatter Cross Canvas (Sponsored by Fox Rehab)
April 15: AL Town Hall Meeting
April 16: Greek Goddess Teatime in Courtyard
April 18: Men’s Grooming Day with Beth
April 19: Piano Concert with Hunter O’Neill
April 23: Shelby County Senior Picnic in Columbiana
April 25: OUTING – The Backyard in Leeds for Lunch and Mini Golf
April 26: OUTING – Wind Creek Casino
April 29: SCAMS: Presented by Shelby County Sherrif’s Department
April 30: Oak Mountain Elementary School Blue Bird Performance
April 30: New Resident Meet and Greet Reception
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.
Entertainer Touches Hearts
It is always a great day when you open your email and find such a kind and sincere email from a resident about one of fabulous entertainers. Thank you Blake Webber.
Cindy—I have intended this message since last Friday, when you booked Blake for Fun Friday. As a newbie resident, I did not know him but decided to go to the program anyway. Having lost my husband around eight weeks before, after over 71 years of wonderful marriage, I am missing him so much. Blake combined old country with gospel, Christian, cowboy music—talking about each piece before playing and singing—and the entire hour touched my grieving heart as nothing else has done in these weeks. Blake has such a feel for his audience, and he touched my love for the one I grieved—and taught me the steps I must do before hopefully, I can join my husband in Heaven. Cindy, please book Blake again soon, and thank you for all you do for Monark Grove. (Sonnie W.)
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.
Steady & Strong: Balance Exercises for Seniors
Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall-related injury. Falls aren’t just accidents — they’re often preventable with the right care and proactive measures. Research shows that regular strength and balance exercises can reduce the risk of falls by up to 40%. But for many seniors, knowing where to start — or staying motivated — can be a challenge.
April is a time of celebration, kindness, and happiness
April is the month when nature comes alive. Days get longer, and the weather gets warmer. Everyone looks forward to fun holidays in April. This month is full of events. Easter in 2025 will be in April again, not in March like last year. There are no federal holidays this month, but there are many interesting dates. Some have historical and religious significance. Others are just fun and unique. Ready to learn more?
Let’s get started!
April Fool’s Day (1st). This is a day for fun pranks. People play jokes on friends, coworkers, and family. Magazines, TV, and even companies create fake news. For example, Google once joked about launching a “smell search.” Don’t believe everything you hear!
Passover Begins (12th). This is an important holiday for the Jewish community. It lasts seven to eight days and honors the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt. People eat matzo (unleavened bread), read stories, and gather for festive meals.
Good Friday (18th). This day is important for Christians. It remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many churches hold services and processions. Some people fast and avoid eating meat.
Easter Sunday (20th). One of the most significant Christian holidays. People celebrate Easter in different ways. Children hunt for chocolate eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny. Families gather for special meals. Churches hold festive services. It’s a day of joy and springtime renewal.
Earth Day (22nd). A day to think about the planet. Cities organize environmental events. People clean parks, plant trees, and reduce plastic use. It’s a great time to care for nature!
Arbor Day (25th). Another holiday dedicated to nature. The main tradition is planting trees. Many schools, organizations, and individuals take part. A simple but meaningful tradition!
There are meaningful dates, important environmental initiatives, and fun holidays. You can do something good—plant a tree or help someone. Or simply enjoy a slice of pizza or a bowl of chocolate mousse and live in the moment. Pick the holidays that suit you best. Celebrate, have fun, and spread joy!
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Recipe Spotlight:
Quick and Easy Greek Salad Recipe
This easy Greek salad has authentic flavor and is so quick to make, it’s on the table in 5 minutes!5
Ingredients:
• 1 green pepper
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
• 1 long English cucumber
• 1/2 small red onion
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (I sometimes use reduced-fat feta, but the authentic sheep’s feta is the best!)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp Greek oregano
Directions
1. Wash and chop the green pepper and cucumber into bite-sized pieces at add them to a large bowl. Slice the red onion and add that too, along with the grape tomatoes.
2. Add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, basil and oregano to the bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together very well.
3. Add the crumbled feta cheese and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the Kalamata olives over the top, and you’re done!
Resident of the Month
Scott Morgan
The April Resident of the Month is Scott Morgan. Congratulations!
Scott was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. He attended Callaway High School in Jackson. After graduating from high school, Scott attended Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 1987.
Throughout his career, he specialized in design of fine homes and estates, specialty retail stores, historic renovations, office buildings, condominiums, architecture and planning for town and country. He started his own company, Scott Morgan Architect in 2000.
He is an avid Mississippi State fan. It doesn’t matter if it’s football, baseball or basketball, he loves the Bulldogs. Go Dawgs!
Scott moved to Monark Grove Greystone in May of 2021. Scott can be seen around the community helping other residents with a variety of problems. Any time there is an issue with movie equipment, phones, etc., someone always says “Scott will know.”
One resident stated that “Scott is so eager to help all of us! I have never heard him ever refuse anyone and always does it with such a gracious attitude. Every resident I’ve talked to agrees with me.”
Scott is also the King of Puzzles. He loves to do jig-saw puzzles. It’s been interesting to see how he sorts the pieces before beginning. Once the pieces are sorted, it doesn’t take him long at all to complete a puzzle. Many of them are hung in the activity room and he was generous enough to give some to friends and family at Christmas time.
Scott is also the Theatre Master. Any time there is a scheduled movie he is there to make sure the equipment is working correctly. He coordinates the Friday and Saturday night movie time so other residents can come in the theatre and enjoy a movie with other neighbors.
Scott enjoys playing Hand and Foot card games, doing crossword puzzles and trivia. Of course when residents are doing trivia and they don’t know what the answer is, someone will say “Scott will know.”
Congratulations again to Scott. You are loved by your neighbors.
Associate of the Month
Kentasia Smith
Kentasia is a Caregiver at Monark Grove Greystone’s Memory Care Community. She has over 10 years of experience working in this field and has worked at Monark Grove Greystone for 2 years.
Kentasia assists the Memory Care residents with compassion and care. She comes to work with a smile and is an absolute pleasure to work with.
Kentasia grew up in Sylacauga, Alabama and lives there now with her 1-month-old baby. Congratulations! She loves spending time with her family and reading.
Kentasia graduated from Fayetteville High School. After graduation, she received an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Kaplan University and then attended the Surgical Technology program at Gadsden State Community College. She is currently attending Central Alabama Community College majoring in Nursing.
Kentasia says the best part about working on Monark Grove Greystone is having an opportunity to provide comfort and support to the residents when they need it.
Collaborators
