Senior Living News, October 2025
Monark Grove Madison Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - October 2025 - Germany
Halloween Special
Resident's Birthdays
Independent Living
Marianna Patterson 10/07
Milford Cobbs 10/13
Geraldine Meyer 10/14
Kay Moseley 10/14
Joanne (Jody) Griffin 10/20
Wade Smith 10/28
Sarah Crofton 10/29
Memory Care Birthdays
Deborah Lee Scott 10/15
Burson Williams 10/25
Month's Celebrations
October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month “
October 13th “Native American’s Day”
October 14th “National Dessert Day”
October 9th “Leif Erickson Day”
October 31st “Halloween”
Events Spotlights
October 16th “Cruise Giveaway”
October 23rd “Halloween Trunk or Treat”
October 29th “Fall in Love with MGM Fall Festival”
Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland
“Or, a lion rampant Gules armed and langued Azure within a double tressure flory counter-flory of the second”, meaning a red lion with blue tongue and claws on a yellow field and surrounded by a red double royal tressure flory counter-flory device.
German Music Legacy
Alexa, play Beethoven’s Symphony Number 9, Opus 125, Second Movement, Molto Vivace.
The second movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony bursts with restless energy and rhythmic drive. Marked Molto Vivace, it contrasts the solemn grandeur of the opening with a lively scherzo full of syncopated pulses and dramatic turns. By the time he composed this masterpiece (1822–1824), Beethoven was almost completely deaf, yet his imagination transcended silence, giving the world music of unparalleled vitality. The scherzo’s bold rhythms and jubilant spirit showcase Beethoven’s genius for combining structure and passion, paving the way for the symphony’s monumental choral finale.
6 Useful Tips for Senior Adults to Stay Safe During Autumn
1. Get vaccinated
Seniors are at greater risk of influenza during autumn. What’s worse, the flu can aggravate pre-existing health conditions and even require hospitalization. So, before the winter sets in, consult your physician and get the required flu shots.
2. Keep yourself warm
While it may not be cold enough to pull out your sweaters and jackets, you may want to put on additional layers of clothing throughout autumn. Go for non-skid shoes that will keep you from falling or tripping over.
3. Clear away the fallen leaves
Fallen leaves can get soggy from the rain, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Keep your driveways and sidewalks clean by getting the leaves cleared regularly.
4. Maintain your HVAC to regulate indoor temperature
Make sure that your heating systems are in great shape by scheduling regular maintenance. If you have a fireplace, get the chimney and furnaces inspected and cleaned to prevent fire hazards.
5. Keep the shovels ready!
Depending on where you live, you may experience a foretaste of winter snow and ice during autumn. So keep the shovels handy, and get help clearing the snow in case your area gets an early winter storm.
6. Light up your surroundings
The key to preventing unfortunate falls and trips is to watch where you are walking, which in turn requires your living space to be well-lit. Here are a few lighting tips that may help you:
o Place the lamp next to your bed within your reach
o Set up nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and any other room that you may use in the evenings
o Store flashlights in drawers and cabinets that are easily accessible
Around the world with Atlas “Germany”
FACTS
• One-third of Germany is covered in forests and woodlands
• You can find over 2100 castles throughout the country
• The most famous German food exports are sauerkraut, sausages and brezeln (pretzels)
• The Nürburgringis Germany’s most famous race track, consisting of two courses: the long and challenging Nordschleife (“North Loop”) and the shorter Grand Prix circuit.It is renowned as one of the most difficult and iconic race circuits in the world, known as the “Green Hell,” and is used for professional racing, public “Tourist Drives,” and testing by automakers.
• More than 800 million currywurst sausages are eaten every year in Germany. The snack is so popular that there’s even a museum dedicated to it in Berlin
• Germans take their bread seriously. With over 300 varieties, from dark, hearty loaves to lighter, fluffier options, it’s no wonder bakeries are a staple on every corner. Don’t miss trying a fresh-baked pretzel, too!
• Most German main dishes include meat and sometimes fish – the most popular kinds are pork, beef, veal or fish
• The sweet maker, Haribo, runs a scheme where local children can exchange acorns for sweets. Their acorns then get sent to nature reserves to feed animals.
• Oktoberfest is Germany’s premier folk and beer festival, centered in Munich’s Theresienwiese fairground from mid-September to the first Sunday in October, though the name suggests October.Originating in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, it has become the world’s largest folk festival, attracting millions.The celebration includes traditional Bavarian parades, music, traditional food, beer, and carnival rides.
• Think Venice is the only “bridge city”? Berlin has more than 1,700 bridges, crossing over its many rivers and canals. Exploring Berlin by boat offers a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant architecture.
• 65% of the highways in Germany have no speed limit and are called the Autobahn
• Germany sells around 6 million cars a year, making it one of the largest car producers in the world
• The first book ever printed was in German, and the first magazine was launched in Germany in 1663
• Germany has more zoos than any other country, we have over 400
• Fanta was created in Germany during the Second World War after Coca-Cola syrup was prevented from being imported into the country
Welcome to Germany
Around the World with Atlas
Germany’s history stretches back to ancient tribes such as the Saxons, Franks, and Goths, whose resilience left a mark on Europe’s foundations. From the crowning of Charlemagne in 800 AD to the rise of the Holy Roman Empire under Otto I, the medieval period saw the growth of a diverse cultural and political landscape. Moments of transformation, like Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation, sparked new ideas that influenced the world far beyond Germany’s borders.
In the centuries that followed, the rise of Prussia and the eventual German unification in 1871 brought together a patchwork of regions into a modern and power nation.
Though the 20th century was marked by hardship and division, after two awful wars, Germany was in ruin and divided by a wall, years of division goes by until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the re-unification of Germany opened the path to a new chapter. Today, Germany stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal—celebrated for its music, philosophy, literature, and innovations, as well as its role as a cultural and economic leader in Europe.
Resident of the Month
Georgia Simons
Georgia Simons, born on July 2, 1943, in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, is the youngest of eight children. Raised by a dedicated policeman father and a mother who ran a small café, she learned the value of hard work and community early on. With a passion for winter sports like ice skating and sledding, Georgia leads an active life by the majestic Mississippi River.
Marrying Ted, a devoted sociology professor, Georgia found a true partner and best friend. Together, they nurtured each other’s growth, instilling a profound love for knowledge in their family. They proudly raised two sons, one of whom excels as an engineer in Huntsville, Alabama.
As proud grandparents, they celebrate their grandson at Auburn University and their granddaughter at James Clemens High School. Georgia deeply appreciates her inspiring daughter-in-law, Tammy, a dedicated physics teacher who motivates her students.
Georgia’s professional journey exemplifies perseverance. After moving to Florida State University, she majored in social sciences and became a student assistant, laying the groundwork for her future research. Embracing change, she pursued a degree in computer science, leading to a rewarding career as a systems analyst. With over 17 years at Georgia Tech, she became a passionate supporter of the institution.
In her free time, Georgia finds fulfillment in needlework and knitting, while her love for travel unfolds through mystery novels. She devoted 40 years to volunteering with the League of Women Voters, making a positive impact to the local people in Georgia. Throughout her life, she has shared her home with cherished pets, and her current companion, Max, fills her days with joy and companionship.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:
• support people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with metastatic breast cancer
• educate people about breast cancer risk factors
• encourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer risk
• raise money for breast cancer research
World Series and the finals of the Rugby World Cup
The Men’s Rugby World Cup is a rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognized as the world champions of the sport.
The tournament is administered by World Rugby, the sport’s international governing body. The winners are awarded the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it.[1]
The tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; South Africa four times, New Zealand three times, Australia twice, and England once. South Africa is the current champion, having defeated New Zealand in the final of the 2023 tournament.
Sixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup and France hosted the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in Australia in 2027.
Starting in 2021, the women’s equivalent tournament was officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men’s tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the 2023 World Cup, World Rugby announced that all preceding tournaments would include the words “Men’s” or “Women’s” in their titles. The first event to use this convention will be the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, while the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup will be the first to include “Men’s” in its title.
Happy Halloween
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Halloween
Halloween’s roots go back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. Germanic tribes carried these traditions—bonfires and beliefs about roaming spirits—into Europe, where they blended with local customs to become today’s Halloween.
Associate of the Month
Yolanda Reynolds
We are pleased to highlight Logan Ingram, who hails from New Hope, Alabama. Logan grew up in a nurturing family environment, cherished by his numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attributes much of his knowledge and skills to his father, but he particularly acknowledges his grandfather for the foundational life lessons that fostered his problem-solving abilities.
Logan has a deep appreciation for nature, enjoying outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. He also immerses himself in the world of PC gaming. His inquisitive nature drives him to explore how things work, often taking apart objects to learn about their mechanics before reassembling them. Above all, he values the quality time spent with his wife and children, creating meaningful and lasting memories together.
At Monark Grove, Logan has made significant contributions by actively engaging with the community. He finds tremendous fulfillment in ensuring the residents’ satisfaction after addressing their maintenance needs. Logan’s commitment to service and his pride in his work together exemplify his genuine dedication to enhancing the community experience.
Collaborators
Julie Campbell
