Senior Living News, June 2025
Monark Grove Greystone
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - June 2025 - Peru
Resident's Birthdays
1st Barbara Perry
4th Ann Casaday
10th Betty Piell
14th Mary Oppelt
18th Cheryl Smith
23rd Dick Turner
25th Gail Vendel
25th Laine Grove
25th Elaine Lacroix
Month's Celebrations
14th Flag Day
15th Father’s Day
Events Spotlight
5th @ 3:30 Meet & Greet New Director, Will Devening
11th @ noon June Birthday luncheon
17th @ 4:00 Sail Away Pool Party & Cookout
25th @ 2:00 New Resident Meet & Greet
While the Inca Empire is the most renowned civilization of Peru, it was preceded by a rich array of cultures that laid the groundwork for its eventual rise
Sounds of Peru
Alexa play "Cucurrucucú" from "Juan Diego Flórez"
Cucurrucucú Paloma, is a Mexican traditional song—another great example of the huapango genre.
In his album Bésame Mucho, a stunning compilation of Latin America’s most cherished songs, Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez delivers a superb interpretation.
Cucurrucucú Paloma demands both technical mastery and emotional nuance—qualities that Flórez brings in abundance, no doubt he is one of Peru’s national treasures.
Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults
North Shelby County Library visits Monark Grove Greystone on a monthly basis to bring and share books with our residents. The residents look forward to seeing the new titles being shared and keep the Monark Grove library doors busy.
Although most enjoy reading for pleasure, there are also many benefits to reading.
- *Reducing stress
- *Enhancing sleep quality
- *Improving memory circuits
- *Sharpening decision-making
- *Possibly delaying the onset of dementia
- *Improving capabilities such as memory, cognition, and attention span, especially in seniors
- *Slowing the degenerative process of dementia and Alzheimer’s by keeping the mind limber
FOX Rehab Provides Monthly Health Talks and Exercise Program
FOX Rehab presented a Health Talk on fall prevention in your Monark Grove home during May.
Residents who attended were given basic safety tips to help them around their homes. There was such an interest in learning more, that FOX Rehab has agreed to continue to provide a monthly Health Talk.
FOX Rehab is scheduled to meet with residents on Thursday, June 5th at 10:00 and on Thursday, June 26th at 1:00 in the Physical Therapy Room to discuss and demonstrate CORE body and arm exercises.
Welcome to Peru
Around the World with Atlas
Land of Ancient Echoes and Living Wonders
Peru is a place where time weaves a magnificent tapestry of past and present. From the dizzying heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Peru is a country of contrasts—mystical, colorful, and vibrantly alive. It’s home to ancient civilizations, awe-inspiring landscapes, and cultural traditions that still pulse with life today.
Whether you’re drawn by the lost city of Machu Picchu, the flavors of peruvian cuisine or the haunting sound of Andean flutes, Peru invites you to explore a land where legends walk beside everyday life.
🦙 Amazing Facts about Peru
Machu Picchu Is One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Built in the 15th century by the Incas and rediscovered in 1911, this mountaintop citadel is Peru’s most iconic site—and a breathtaking symbol of human ingenuity.
Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults
*Maintain a regular exercise routine.
*Use physical therapy to gain or maintain balance.
*Support brain and heart health.
*Check vitamin levels.
*Take inventory of your medication use.
*Avoid or reduce alcohol consumption.
*Stay physically active.
*Remove hazards from the home.
*Discuss medications and changes in your exercise routine with your doctor.
*Ask a friend or family member to help check your home for trip hazards.
Benefits of Ballroom Dancing
1. Regaining Movement and Agility
Whether you choose a slow Waltz or quick-paced Salsa, each ballroom dancing style provides seniors with physical advantages. Practicing and holding dance positions improves posture alignment. In turn, it reduces the risks of falls, restores natural flexibility, and increases energy levels.
Plus, dancing burns more calories and boosts blood circulation than other types of exercises. Each graceful movement helps maintain muscle tone and coordination too.
2. Brain and Mood Booster
Memorizing steps and dancing to old classics have a significant impact on brain health and cognition too. Studies show that participating in activities that target ‘physical, mental, and social stimulation’ reduces the risk of age-associated brain disorders such as dementia.
Brain benefits of dancing include:
*Increase in memory formation and retention
*Regeneration of brain cells due to active stimulant
*Healthy secretion of happy hormones such as dopamine
*It revives brain health, making you feel alive and active.
*An Excellent Way to Socialize
The benefits of ballroom dancing for seniors are limitless. The structured movements and physical requirements improve posture, balance, and heart rate. It improves mental health.
More Articles
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How Memorial Day Lives On in Senior Communities 2025
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Recipe Spotlight:
Iconic Peruvian Ceviche
Fresh, zesty, and effortlessly elegant, this is Peru on a plate.
Ingredients (serves 2):
250g fresh firm white fish (sea bass, corvina, or halibut), diced
Juice of 4–5 limes
½ red onion, very thinly sliced
1 small red chili or ají limo, sliced
Salt to taste
A few cilantro leaves, chopped
Optional: cooked sweet potato and corn (for the traditional side)
Directions:
Combine fish, lime juice, salt, and chili in a bowl. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes until the fish turns opaque (“cooked” by the citrus). Add red onion and cilantro just before serving. Serve cold, with sweet potato and Peruvian corn if available.
Resident of the Month
Carolyn Gafford
Carolyn Gafford moved into Monark Grove Greystone in 2022. She is actively involved in activities, arts and craft projects, and serves as a Resident Ambassador.
Carolyn was born in Ft. Payne, AL to Virginia Sweeney and Alexander Wisniewski. She just recently discovered she has a half-brother she didn’t know about and is enjoying spending her time getting to know him.
She married Bert Gafford and had 2 children, Bertram Norman, II, and Kandace Mitchell.
Carolyn’s work history began with Public Relations with the State of Alabama. She worked in Information Systems for the State of Alabama. She travelled throughout the state of Alabama with her jobs. She earned her RN degree in mid-life and worked at Baptist Hospital in Montgomery for 7 years.
When Carolyn was 30 years of age, she joined the Alabama National Guard and retired after 20 years. She was one of the first women to join the National Guard.
She said she “enjoys life and loves living at Monark Grove. It’s like a resort. Great people!”
Associate of the Month
Jarrett Bowie
Jarrett Bowie has been with Monark Grove Greystone for 11 months. He works in the Dining Services Department.
Jarrett grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham.
Jarrett has a dog named Chole. He enjoys playing music (keys) and is a gamer.
Jarrett comes to Monark Grove with over 5 years experience in dining services. Jarrett says his favorite part about working at Monark Grove Greystone is “being in the kitchen and helping the residents”.
Collaborators
