Senior Living News, May 2025
Monark Grove Greystone
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - May 2025 - México
Resident's Birthdays
1st Sandra Jimmerson
20th Grace Weaver
25th Fred Keith
Month's Celebrations
1st National Day of Prayer
3rd Kentucky Derby
5th Cinco de Mayo
6th National Nurses Day
11th Mother’s Day
17th Armed Forces Day
26th Memorial Day
Events Spotlight
3rd Kentucky Derby Party
5th Cinco de Mayo Lunch
14th Birthday Luncheon
21st Memorial Day Cookout
28th New Resident Welcom
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.
Viva México
Alexa play "Huapango" from "Jose Pablo Moncayo"
There’s no Mexican who can listen this song without feel an immense joy and pride for México, even if you’re not Mexican it’s impossible not feel shivers listening.
Composed in 1941, Huapango is a brilliant orchestral piece that captures the soul of Mexican folk music, especially the vibrant spirit of the Huasteca region. Moncayo, a classically trained composer and conductor, based the work on the traditional sones huastecos
Exercise Tips
Include a Variety of Exercises: Aim for a combination of aerobic exercises (like walking, swimming, or cycling), strength training (at least two days a week), and balance exercises to enhance overall fitness.
Set Realistic Goals: Strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which can be broken down into smaller sessions throughout the week.
Focus on Safety: Choose low-impact exercises to reduce the risk of injury. Activities like yoga or tai chi can improve flexibility and balance, helping to prevent falls.
Stay Consistent: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, making it a regular part of your lifestyle.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to exercise and adjust your routine as needed. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
These tips can help older adults maintain their health and well-being through regular physical activity.
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.
Home Safety Tips for Older Adults
With a growing number of older adults living independently, it’s increasingly important to make sure that they’re safe at home. Falls, burns, and poisonings are among the most common accidents involving older people. Older adults who live alone may also become the victims of criminals who target older people. If you’re an older adult living on your own, or care for an older person living alone, here’s what you need to do to stay safe.
Keep emergency numbers handy
Always keep a list of emergency numbers by each phone. Write this information in large enough print that you can read it easily if you are in a hurry or frightened. Be sure to list numbers for:
• 911
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Family member or friend to call in case of emergency
• Healthcare provider’s office
Prevent falls
• Ask your provider if you would benefit from an exercise program to prevent falls.
• Don’t rush to answer the phone. Many people fall trying to answer the phone. Either carry a cordless or cell phone or let an answering machine pick up.
• When walking on smooth floors, wear non-slip footwear, such as slippers with rubber/no-slip bottoms or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well.
• If you have a cane or a walker, use it at all times instead of holding onto walls and furniture.
Safety-proof your home
• Make sure all hallways, stairs, and paths are well lit and clear of objects such as books or shoes.
• Use rails and banisters when going up and down the stairs. Never place scatter rugs at the bottom or top of stairs.
Protect against fire and related dangers
• When you’re cooking, don’t wear loose clothes or clothes with long sleeves
• Replace appliances that have fraying or damaged electrical cords.
• Don’t put too many electric cords into one socket or extension cord.
Prevent poisoning
Medications
• Keep all medications in their original containers so you don’t mix up medicines.
• Ask your pharmacist to put large-print labels on your medications to make them easier to read.
• Take your medications in a well-lit room, so you can see the labels.
• Bring all of your pill bottles with you to your healthcare provider’s appointments so he or she can look at them and make sure you are taking them correctly.
Traditions of May Day
Here’s a fun fact: The term “Mayday!” is not related to the “May Day” spring festival, but instead comes from the French phrase “M’aidez!,” which means “Help me!” If you hear “Mayday!” repeated three times, realize that it is an urgent distress call. (To signal that you need help but are not in a life-threatening situation, repeat the phrase “Pan-pan!” three times when calling for assistance.)
May Day has a long history and tradition in England, some of which eventually came to America. Children would dance around the maypole, holding onto colorful ribbons. People would “bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral hoops and hair garlands, and crowning a May king and queen.
Ever heard of the May baskets? People would leave a paper basket or cone containing spring flowers and sweets on each other’s doorsteps, usually anonymously. This tradition was popular through the 19th and 20th centuries, especially with children or sweethearts. The custom was to knock on the door, yell “May basket!” and then run. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss.
Among the many superstitions associated with May Day was the belief that washing the face with dew on the morning of May 1 would beautify the skin and bring good luck. We say go ahead! Walk outside and sprinkle your face with morning dew (or snow!).
On May 1, people in Britain welcome spring by “Bringing in the May,” or gathering cuttings of flowering trees for their homes.
Kids would go barefoot on May Day for the first time. Whatever your age today, walk barefoot in the morning dew (or snow?).
In parts of Ireland, people would make a May bush; typically, this was a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers and ribbons.
Beekeepers traditionally moved bees on May 1.
Traditionally, farmers planted turnips on this day. Other folklore has it that, to protect cucumbers from insects, they should be planted on May 1. For best results, they should be planted naked!
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Recipe Spotlight:
Simple Guacamole
Easy Guacamole
10 min · 168 cals · 4 servs
The best guacamole keeps it simple: just ripe avocados, salt, a squeeze of lime, onions, chiles, cilantro, and some chopped tomato. Serve it as a dip at your next party or spoon it on top of tacos for an easy dinner upgrade.
Ingredients
o 2 Ripe Avocados
o ¼ teaspoon Salt (more to taste)
o 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (or fresh lime juice)
o 2 tablespoons Red Onion (to 1/4 cup of minced, or thinly sliced green onion)
o 2 Serrano Chiles (stems and seeds removed, minced)
o 2 tablespoons Cilantro (leaves and tender stems, finely chopped)
o 1 dash Black Pepper (freshly grated)
o ½ Ripe Tomato (seeds and pulp removed, chopped)
o add Tortilla Chips (to serve)
Resident of the Month
Rosemary (Rosie) Mitchell
Congratulations to Rosie Mitchell for being selected Resident of the Month.
Rosie grew up in Birmingham. She graduated Rosie attended Ensley High School in 1963. In 1967, she received her college degree in Elementary Education from Anderson University in Indiana. She taught elementary/middle school for 10 years. During this time, she led a program that provided oversight to home schooling parents.
Rosie attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville and received her nursing degree in 1980. She has held various education and nursing positions in oncology, Red Cross, doctors’ offices, hospice, research, Medicare counseling. Last nursing position was at Huntsville Hospital on the Psychiatric Unit (where she learned a lot!).
Rosie met her husband Jerry in Huntsville in 1975. He was her Sunday School teacher with two little girls. She became an instant mom in 1978 when she and Jerry were married. Jerry called her Rambling Rose. She is so grateful for all three of them. Jerry passed away in 2023 after 45 years of marriage. She now has 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They call her Granny Ro.
Rosie returned to Birmingham in 2024 to be near her only sister and her husband, as well as her 27 first cousins and many high school friends who live in this area.
Rosie is passionate about The Chosen, Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, and Double Oak Community Church.
She is a Bama Fan and loves her Monark Grove Greystone friends who call her Rosie, Rosemary, Rose and Ro.
Associate of the Month
Nick Chapman
Congratulations Nick Chapman! You are the Associate of the Month for May.
Nick is the driver for Monark Grove Greystone. He has been with Monark Grove Greystone for one year. During his time here, Nick has developed great relationships with residents and staff alike. He has a true passion for taking care of the residents while transporting them to doctor visits, scheduled outings and other errands as requested. The residents have complimented him many times over the last year stating how kind and considerate he is when interacting with them.
Nick stated that the favorite thing about working at Monark Grove Greystone is “The people. It’s like having a little family”.
Nick attended Pell City High School. He now lives in Hoover, AL.
Collaborators
