Around the world with Atlas - April 2025 - Greece
Resident´s Birthdays
Frances Armitage 4/6
Bea Murphee 4/6
Beth Childress 4/7
Buddy Nelson 4/7
Marianne Atwell 4/8
Kathy Jochum 4/8
Joretta Rampey 4/10
Alline Long 4/14
Helen Duncan 4/15
Larry Wilson 4/21
Celebrating April
Stress Awareness Month
Jazz Appreciation Month
Adopt a Greyhound Month
Golden Rule Week
April 1–7
Passover
April 12–20
Tartan Day
April 6
Metric System Day
April 7
International Moment
of Laughter Day
April 14
Easter
April 20
Earth Day
April 22
DNA Day
April 25
Hug an Australian Day
April 26
Events Spotlight
Easter Egg Hunt 4/19
10AM
Associate of the Month
DeAsia Anderson
Our April Associate of the Month is DeAsia Anderson! Dede has been a CNA for a short time and has learned so much already. She has always wanted to be in the medical field because of her compassion for others and her family. Dede’s mom has been a CAN for more than ten years and she has two aunts that are in the medical field as well, this has inspired her to follow this journey. She enjoys working at Oakview Park because of the interactions she has with the residents. Dede works as a caregiver on third shift and tries her absolute best to help them have a good start to their day. The residents are beginning to feel like family, and she loves them like her own. Dede has so much joy when she sees the smiles on the residents’ faces, and that makes her happy.
Greek Heritage
Alexa play "Zorba’s Dance" from "Mikis Theodorakis"
The Song: Zorba’s Dance by Mikis Theodorakis (1964) became an iconic Greek melody, famous worldwide.
The Dance: The sirtaki dance, created for the film, becoming a symbol of Greek culture.
The Movie: Zorba the Greek (1964), starring Anthony Quinn, was based on a very famous greek novel and filmed in Crete, won three Oscars and was nominated for seven.
Raining Cats & Dogs
Cats and dogs have long held the title of “humans’ best friends,” but April shines a special spotlight on their roles in our lives. From cuddly companions to tireless helpers, these animals bring joy and purpose to millions. This month, three events highlight their importance and the incredible humans who support them.
World Stray Animal Day on April 4 reminds us of the countless cats and dogs in need of loving homes. Globally, millions of stray dogs and cats live on the streets or in shelters. Organizations worldwide work to rescue and rehome these animals, giving them a second chance at life. If you’ve been considering adopting but can’t, donating time, money, pet food, or gently used blankets and towels can make a world of difference.
Later in the month, Therapy Animal Day on April 30 celebrates the unique bond between people and therapy animals. Did you know therapy dogs and cats can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels? These specially trained animals provide comfort and emotional support in hospitals, schools, libraries, and nursing homes. Their calming presence has even been shown to improve recovery times in patients.
Let’s not forget Volunteer Appreciation Week, running
April 20–26. Behind every happy adoption are volunteers who give their time and hearts to help animals. Whether it’s walking dogs, cleaning kennels, or fostering kittens, these heroes make a significant impact. Many shelters report that volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year, saving lives and creating happier futures. This week is a great opportunity to thank them, or even join their ranks!
This April, whether you’re celebrating a beloved pet, supporting therapy animals, or helping stray cats and dogs find homes, take a moment to appreciate the furry friends that make life brighter. And remember, even small acts of kindness can have a major impact.
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.
Laugh it Off
You may be laughing until it hurts, but that laughter is doing some powerful healing. Pull up a chair next to the class clown or the office cutup because April is Humor Month. Humor may be one of the oldest and most effective methods of social bonding. No matter what your culture or background, all laughter sounds the same. Better yet, studies show that the more you laugh, the more attractive you become to the opposite sex… or perhaps that’s just a joke?
Most laughter doesn’t come from listening to jokes. Most laughter comes from spending time with friends and family. Furthermore, people tend to laugh more when they’re in groups. Laughter truly is contagious. In fact, laughter strengthens immune systems by increasing infection-fighting antibodies.
Doctors have become wise to the positive health effects of laughter. Laughter has been shown to decrease blood pressure, improve the function of blood vessels, increase blood flow, and decrease hormones associated with stress. Laughter even reduces pain by stimulating the release of endorphins. One doctor believes laughing is such good exercise that he calls it “internal jogging.” One minute of laughing, he says, is equal to 10 minutes on a rowing machine.
Laughter is not just good for the body; it’s also good for the mind. Humor stimulates creativity, improves problem-solving abilities, enhances memory, and teaches resilience. All April long, make sure to take “laughter breaks” every day. Avoid the news and instead watch a sitcom or funny movie, read the daily comics, perform a sight gag, tell a joke, play games, spend time with children, and most importantly, do these things with friends. Hoot and holler with reckless abandon, and your body will thank you.
Dig into Deep Dish
It’s a pizza that stands apart from all the rest, with three-inch-high walls of buttery crust holding in a simmering stew of sauce, cheese, sausage, pepperoni, peppers, onions, and whatever else your stomach desires.
The Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has become such a culinary icon that it bears its own holiday, Deep Dish Pizza Day, on April 5. The deep-dish pizza debuted in 1943 at Chicago’s Pizzeria Uno restaurant, but locals debate its true roots. Was it the Malnati family, working at the first Pizzeria Uno, who invented the deep dish? Did the Malnati family matriarch develop the dough recipe for another restaurant entirely? The best way to settle the debate is to take one of Chicago’s Deep Dish Pizza Tours and eat until you’re as stuffed as a Chicago-style pizza pie.
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Recipe Spotlight:
Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Ingredients:
4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 cucumber, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
½ cup olives (dark or green)
1 block of feta cheese (about 200g)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Crusty bread (for serving)
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
Add the olives and gently toss everything together. Place the block of feta cheese on top of the salad. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar (if using). Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.
Resident of the Month
Bobbie Gravley
Our April Resident of the Month is Bobbie Gravley! To know her is to love her. Bobbie grew up in the tobacco fields of the farmland in Sandford, NC. She had three kids, two boys and one girl. The family loved going to the Carolina Beach in the summertime when the kids were small. One of Bobbies favorite past hobbies was collecting antiques, she has quite the collection of eclectic items. She is full of energy and there is never a dull moment when you are with her. Bobbie has a love for puzzling as well and playing bingo and playing cards. Anytime there is a kid visiting in our community, Bobbie lights up and goes straight into grandma mode. We are so happy she is our resident of the month.
The Story Behind the Plate
On April 25, 1901, New York became the first state to require license plates on vehicles. At that time, the state didn’t provide the plates. Rather, individuals created their own license plates out of leather, brass, or whatever was available. When people began to create unlawful plates, state governments stepped in and began making their own.
In 1903, Massachusetts became the first state to issue plates. The very first license plate was number 1, issued to a man named Frederick Tudor. Amazingly, his family still maintains an active registration, which gives them the right to use the number 1 on a modern plate.
The first plates were made of iron covered in porcelain enamel. The background was a dark blue with the numbers in white. There were no standard sizes back in the early days of license plates. The more numbers on the plate, the larger the plate got. Motorcycles, too, needed license plates. The first looked identical to car plates, but started with the letter Z.
As if letters and numbers weren’t enough, many plates have had slogans touting a state’s fame or history. In our quiz below, try to connect each state with one of its license plate slogans.
1. Idaho A. Sunshine State
2. Missouri B. Vacationland
3. New Hampshire C. Land of Lincoln
4. Washington D. Garden State
5. Illinois E. Stars Fell On
6. New Jersey F. America’s Dairyland
7. Pennsylvania G. Live Free or Die
8. Wisconsin H. Show-Me State
9. Florida I. Keystone State
10. Alabama J. First in Flight
11. Maine K. Evergreen State
12. North Carolina L. Famous Potatoes
Having trouble? Perhaps a road trip is in order….
Answers: 1. L; 2. H; 3. G; 4. K; 5. C; 6. D; 7. I; 8. F; 9. A; 10. E; 11. B; 12. J
Collaborators
Jennifer Klein
