Senior Living News, November 2025

The Goldton at Adelaide
Newsletter

November 2025
Australia, Around the World with Atlas

Around the world with Atlas - November 2025 - Australia

Resident's Birthdays

Pat Sullivan 11/3
Jackie Fitts 11/4
Lou Cross 11/20
Rose Cirilli 11/25
Pat Parrot 11/28
Ed Upton 11/30

Staff Birthdays

Mary Robinson 11/5
Therase Johnson 11/15

Month's Celebrations

First Responder Breakfast
11/21 @ 8:00 a.m.
Family Thanksgiving Luncheon
11/25 @ 12:00 p.m
Thanksgiving Day! 11/27

Associate of the Month

Therase Johnson

Congratulations to Mrs. Therase Johnson for being our November 2025 Associate of the Month! Therase has been working for The Goldton as a Care Associate for 8 years! She is always willing to help residents and the team with anything and always wears a great smile on her face while she does it! Therase makes The Goldton a great work environment, getting along with everyone and always showing respect to all those she encounters. She is truly a loyal and trustworthy team member – we are SO grateful to have her!

Australian Joy

Alexa, play Down Under, by Men at work.

Released in 1981, “Down Under” quickly became a defining song of Australian identity. With its catchy flute riff and witty lyrics, it celebrates the country’s laid-back spirit, humor, and pride. More than a global hit, it remains an unofficial anthem—an upbeat tribute to Australia’s culture, people, and sense of adventure.

The Importance of your Voice

A thriving senior living community is built on respect, communication, and the belief that every resident deserves to be heard. One of the most impactful ways to ensure resident voices shape their home is through an active resident council.

A resident council gives seniors the opportunity to express their ideas, share concerns, and collaborate with staff to improve their daily life in the community. It creates a direct line of communication – making sure decisions are made with residents, not just for them. Whether it’s suggesting new activities, discussing dining options, or advocating for safety and comfort, the council empowers residents to take part in shaping the environment they live in.

This involvement isn’t just practical- it also supports emotional well-being. Having a say fosters independence, dignity, and a strong sense of belonging. When residents are engaged in leadership and problem-solving, they feel valued and connected to their neighbors and staff.

Ultimately, a Resident Council strengthens community spirit. It reminds everyone that senior living is not just a place to stay – it’s a place to thrive. By honoring residents’ voices and opinions, we build a home where everyone feels respected, included, and a part of something truly meaningful.

With this all being said, we are very happy to announce our newly appointed 2025-2026 Resident Council:

Chairman – Ann Bonner
Council Members – Mary Ann Arnold, Jan Grady, Larry Doo Little, Jim Collins, Kit McDonald, and Fay Boyett

Welcome to Australia
Around the World with Atlas

Australia, the world’s largest island and smallest continent, is a land of striking contrasts—from its vast deserts and tropical rainforests to its bustling coastal cities. Indigenous Australians have lived on the continent for over 60,000 years, developing rich spiritual traditions and deep connections to the land. Their art, music, and stories remain an essential part of the nation’s cultural identity today.

European settlement began in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet from Britain, marking the start of Australia’s colonial era. British influence shaped the nation’s language, institutions, and political systems, though this period also brought immense hardship to Indigenous communities. Over time, Australia evolved from a collection of colonies into a unified federation in 1901, forging its own democratic and multicultural identity.

Modern Australia is known for its relaxed lifestyle, love of the outdoors, and vibrant cultural mix. From iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru to its world-class art, music, and sport, the country reflects both its ancient heritage and modern dynamism—a place where tradition and innovation coexist under the southern sun.

Keeping your mind active at an older age

To keep your mind active at an older age, consider the following strategies:
• Keep Learning: Engage in lifelong learning activities such as reading, watching documentaries, or taking classes. This can help maintain cognitive function and prevent memory loss. Go try Spintopia or Trivia to keep the mind going!
• Use All Your Senses: Learning through multiple senses can enhance memory retention. For example, pairing images with smells can improve recall.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in brainboosting nutrients can help protect against cognitive decline and keep your mind sharp. Foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and nuts are particularly beneficial.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports brain functions by delivering nutrients and removing toxins. Even mild dehydration can lead to cognitive decline.
• Engage in Brain- Stimulating Activities: Activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, board games, and learning a new skill can significantly enhance cognitive health.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help maintain a healthy mind and improve cognitive function as your age.

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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and togetherness. Rooted in early harvest feasts shared between settlers and Native Americans, it has grown into a cherished American tradition.

To give thanks for all blessings in life

Golden Wattle, a possible inspiration for the choice of colours, this is Australia’s national flower

The national colors of Australia are green and
gold. These colors were officially proclaimed
on April 19, 1984, and have since become
synonymous with the country’s identity and sporting heritage.

Recipe Spotlight:

Cheesy Potato
& Zucchini Bake

Ingredients: 1kg potatoes peeled, 2 large zucchini, ½ brown onion, 300ml cream, 1 clove garlic crushed, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 125g three cheese mix.

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a large baking dish
2.) Using knife or mandolin, slice potatoes and zucchini into thin rounds. Very finely slice the onion.
3.) In a large bowl, whisk together cream, garlic, and mustard. Add vegetables and stir to coat well in the cream mixture.
4.) Layer potato and zucchini slices in prepared baking dish. Pour over any excess cream and onion. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove foil and sprinkle over cheese. Return to the oven for a further 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Resident of the Month

Mary Ann Arnold

We are so happy to announce our November 2025 Resident of the Month, Mrs. Mary Ann Arnold! Mrs. Mary was born and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina. She later went to college at Columbia College at Columbia Place. She met her husband, John Robert Arnold, while she was working for a church in South Carolina. Once they married, Mary Ann moved to Sessums, MS, just 8 miles out of Starkville. Both Mary and her husband were very active in the Sessums community club, as Mary still is to this day! They were blessed with 5 beautiful children together. She now has 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and another on the way! Mary’s favorite activity is, as always has been, reading. She feels very fortunate to have such a great family, stating that “family is very important to her”. We are so lucky to have Mrs. Mary Ann as part of our family at The Goldton!

Benefits of Spirituality

1. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spirituality is linked to improved mental health, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness can promote relaxation and emotional resilience, helping individuals cope with life’s challenges.
2. Sense of Purpose and Meaning: Spirituality often involves seeking a deeper understanding of life and one’s place in the universe. This quest can provide individuals with a sense of purpose, guiding their actions and decisions, and helping them navigate difficult times with hope and clarity.
3. Community and Connection: Many spiritual practices foster a sense of community and belonging. Participating in group activities, such as church services or meditation groups, can enhance social support networks, which are vital for emotional health.
4. Personal Growth: Spirituality encourages self-reflection and personal development. It can lead to greater self-awareness, compassion, and empathy, allowing individuals to grow emotionally and spiritually.

Collaborators

Ali Buskirk Activity Director
Ali Buskirk
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