Senior Living News, August 2025
Monark Grove Madison Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - August 2025 - England
Resident's Birthdays
Independent Living
Judy Porter 08/02
Madeleine Sparks 08/02
Joyce Boggs 08/03
Jeffrey Joyce 08/06
Barbara McBride 08/30
Memory Care Birthdays
Earlean Jackson 08/27
Month's Celebrations
August 19th Tuesday – “National Potato Day”
August 22nd Friday- “National Folklore Day”
August 29th Friday – “National Lemon Juice Day”
Events Spotlights
08/14 Royal Retreat & Spa
8/27 Signature Dinner “England”
8/29 August Birthday Bash
The Tudor Rose
A timeless symbol of unity, the Tudor Rose combines the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York—emblems of rival houses during the Wars of the Roses. When Henry VII united the two through marriage, this floral symbol became a lasting emblem of peace and the English crown.
English Heart
Alexa play "A day in Life" from "The Beatles"
The final track on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band isn’t just a song — it’s a cinematic experience. John Lennon’s dreamlike verses collide with Paul McCartney’s everyday rush, stitched together by swelling orchestras and a final, crashing chord that rings into eternity. As the closing note of one of the most revolutionary albums ever made, “A Day in the Life” captures the dizzying blend of wonder, boredom, and beauty that defined a generation.
Fun facts about August
August was originally called Sextilis, the sixth month in the Roman calendar. In 8 BCE, it was renamed to honor Emperor Augustus Caesar, Julius Caesar’s adopted son.
Augustus didn’t want his namesake month to have fewer days than July (named after Julius), so he added a day—giving August 31 days.
August is known for the spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower, peaking between the 11th and 13th. A perfect excuse for stargazing under summer skies.
The month has two birthstones: Peridot, a bright green gem said to bring luck and ward off nightmares, and Sardonyx, a stone symbolizing courage and happiness.
It also boasts two birth flowers: the Gladiolus, symbolizing strength and honor, and the Poppy, often linked to remembrance and tribute.
August is home to famous Leos like Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, and Neil Armstrong, and Virgos such as Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Michael Jackson.
A Chance to Win a Cruise
Here is another chance you can win $5000.
Welcome to England
Around the World with Atlas
England’s story begins long before it was called by that name—when Celtic Britons inhabited its misty hills and Roman legions reached the edge of their empire in a land they called Britannia. Though Rome left its mark with roads, baths, and Hadrian’s Wall, the far north—home to fierce tribes and enigmatic druids—remained unconquered. After the Romans withdrew, waves of Saxon settlers shaped a new identity, giving birth to a nation where myth and history often blur.
At the heart of this early tapestry is the legend of King Arthur, the once and future king said to have united Britain with the help of Merlin the wizard, the sword Excalibur, and the noble Knights of the Round Table. Whether myth or memory, these tales reveal England’s deep-rooted fascination with destiny, honor, and the magic of storytelling—traditions that would shape its greatest literary voices.
From the poetic grandeur of Shakespeare to the epic realms of J.R.R. Tolkien and the modern wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, English literature has enchanted readers across centuries. And in music, few countries have left such a global imprint. With sounds ranging from the rebellious rock of The Rolling Stones to the dreamscapes of Pink Floyd, and the timeless genius of The Beatles and David Bowie, England’s cultural output is as powerful and enduring as its history.
Resident of the Month
Elsbeth (Liz) Glocker
Liz Glocker was born in Rhineland, Germany, and her family made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States in 1952. She grew up in Duisburg, a small industrial city, before decisively moving to Madison, Wisconsin, where she had the advantage of being surrounded by 27 cousins.
After an impactful 30 years in Colorado Springs with her husband, Carl—together they have built a strong partnership over 64 years—they relocated to Monument. They enjoy the pride of raising two sons; one who lives in Athens and the other in Minneapolis.
Liz has established herself as a committed high school teacher, expertly educating students in German and Social Studies across all grade levels. Furthermore, she broadened her experience by working and living at Rocky Mountain National Park after completing her education. We are proud to have Liz as an essential member of our Monark Grove Madison family.
Fun facts about England
• London is the only city to host the Olympic Games three times — in 1908, 1948, and 2012.
• For over 300 years, French was the official language of England.
• The quirky sport of cheese rolling has taken place annually at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester since 1826.
• England’s national dish? Chicken Tikka Masala — a spicy blend of cultures.
• No matter where you are in England, you’re never more than 72 miles from the sea.
• The world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in England in 1840.
• Queen Elizabeth II, during her 70-year reign, visited over 100 countries — without needing a passport.
• The Tower of London always keeps at least six ravens; legend says if they leave, the kingdom will fall. Each raven has a name, and there’s even a royal Ravenmaster.
• The King is head of state but isn’t allowed in the House of Commons, where the country’s laws are made.
• Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric sites, is over 5,000 years old.
• London is home to the world’s first underground passenger railway — the Tube.
• England has a legitimate claim to inventing sparkling wine, even before Champagne.
• The Industrial Revolution began in England, changing the world — and so did the World Wide Web, invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.
• Football (soccer) is England’s most beloved sport — and yes, they claim to have invented it.
Summer Fitness Tips for Older Adults
• Grab a friend and try these options: Stay inside in your A/C and do strengthening exercises with resistance bands or find a yoga or Pilates video to follow. Check out classes at your local senior center – try Tai Chi or Yoga. Go for a swim in an indoor pool. Some hotels let you pay a small guest fee to use theirs.
• Summertime might be the best time to try a cooler, slower-paced sport: Been eyeing that yoga studio down the street? Many studios have newcomer specials. Take advantage – just avoid “hot yoga” classes, which are styles of yoga practiced in a heated room.
• Haven’t been to the local pool recently? Grab a swimsuit and goggles and swim a few laps! Been meaning to catch up with a friend? Grab a pair of sneakers and hit your local bike path or walking trail for a walk-and-talk. Are there boat rentals at a local pond or lake? Upper-body workouts are sometimes hard to come by in the great outdoors, and paddling is sure to give you just that!
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Recipe of the Month
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
A warm and comforting English favorite, perfect for sharing. This dish layers seasoned ground lamb (or beef), soft vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes — then bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground lamb or beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or cooked fresh)
2 tbsp tomato paste
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme
2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
Directions:
In a skillet, cook meat and onion until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, vegetables, and seasonings. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
Spread mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Associate of the Month
Veronica Sunday
Veronica is a shining example of dedication, commuting by bicycle to her job every day at Monark Grove Madison. After the loss of her husband, she moved from Africa to Alabama with her two wonderful boys and has embraced this new chapter of her life for the past five years. In her leisure time, she finds joy in reading and singing gospel music. As a vital member of our community, Veronica’s commitment to serving our residents, along with her appreciation for the supportive and friendly kitchen team, motivates and inspires those around her.
Collaborators
Julie Campbell
