Senior Living News June 2025

The Goldton at Athens Newsletter

22171 Traditions Way | Athens, AL 35163

June 1st, 2025

Around the world with Atlas - June 2025 - Peru

Resident´s Birthdays

M. Shirley 6/6
E. Fendley 6/13
C. Collier 6/15
J. Menefee 6/30

Staff Birthdays

Anthony Bonavia
Family Fun Night

Month's Celebrations

Father’s Day
Juneteenth

While the Inca Empire is the most renowned civilization of Peru, it was preceded by a rich array of cultures that laid the groundwork for its eventual rise

Leader of the Month

Zina Bennett was born, Zina Marie Lesser on August 6, 1966, to the parents of Carloyn Martin and Joseph Lesser in New Orleans, La… She was later adopted by her father Jack Bennett Sr… She was raised with her two siblings (Jack Bennett Jr. and Kirk Bennett). Ms. Bennett attended John F. Kennedy Sr. High School in New Orleans, La. after graduation she attended Southern University, didn’t finish her degree until Central Christian College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management assistance. Ms. Zina has one child (Stephen Magraff Jr.). Ms. Zina Bennett came here when it was Traditions of Athens and worked her for 4 years before leaving in 2022. She returned as the concierge May 1, 2023, and was promoted as the Activity/Lifestyles Director in April of 2024. Zina is a Christian/ Spiritual she attends Franklin Ave. Baptist Church online. The thing that Ms. zina Bennett enjoys the residents, the team she works with, but most of all the leadership team she is a part of is the best. When Zina isn’t working you may find her to friends from home, watching television, and working on things for the residents.

Sounds of Peru

Alexa play "If I could" from "Simon & Garfunkel"

“El Cóndor Pasa” is so iconic that, in 2004, Peru declared it part of the nation’s cultural heritage. The original version is an orchestral piece from the 1913 zarzuela El Cóndor Pasa, composed by Peruvian musician Daniel Alomía Robles and inspired by traditional Andean music.

The most internationally recognized version is “El Cóndor Pasa (If I Could)” by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1970 on their album Bridge over Troubled Water. Among hundreds of officially recognized adaptations, this rendition introduced the song to a global audience.

Pet Therapy

Many of the residents had animals before moving into The Goldton at Athens. When someone brings a animal (dog) in the Goldton their eyes light up. They immediately start talking about the dog, cat, or any animal they raised before moving here. The new dog that they have been introduced to for pet therapy made every one of them feel comfortable. This dog is a part of the greyhound family and she’s friendly. The residents that live here with their dogs are great at letting other residents have time with their little furry friend.

Welcome to Peru
Around the World with Atlas

Land of Ancient Echoes and Living Wonders
Peru is a place where time weaves a magnificent tapestry of past and present. From the dizzying heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Peru is a country of contrasts—mystical, colorful, and vibrantly alive. It’s home to ancient civilizations, awe-inspiring landscapes, and cultural traditions that still pulse with life today.

Whether you’re drawn by the lost city of Machu Picchu, the flavors of peruvian cuisine or the haunting sound of Andean flutes, Peru invites you to explore a land where legends walk beside everyday life.

Amazing Facts about Peru
Machu Picchu Is One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Built in the 15th century by the Incas and rediscovered in 1911, this mountaintop citadel is Peru’s most iconic site—and a breathtaking symbol of human ingenuity.

Crafty Crafters

There are several crafts that are done for each month that we’re doing while we’re traveling around the world with Atlas. One of the crafts that we do is the flag of each country that we visit. While we were in Mexico the residents painted the flag of Mexico. The residents asked for pictures of the flag of Mexico and decided to glue the eagle on the painting of the flag. They also did steppingstones, with (Richard Wiley) who is the son of E. Wiley. The residents had to make their own design for the steppingstone and had to let them dry for three days before taking the steppingstone to their apartments.

Mother's Day and Father's Day

Many of the residents here at The Goldton at Athens like it when they are treated special. Trying to make them feel special when special days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day come along it is sometimes hard to plan an activity to make them feel special. The ladies started getting massages last year and the men started getting haircuts and shaves. For the women many of them have never treated themselves to a body massage and having the ability to do that is great. The men won’t go to the hairdresser that comes because some of them feel they can do it themselves, but when it’s free and just for them more of them take advantage of it. It’s just a way of saying we the staff find you special enough to celebrate.

Resident of the Month

Katherine Horton

Kathrine Horton was born Katherine Yarbrough October 2, 1923, to the parents of Virginia Mitchell and David Yarbrough in Elkmont, TN… The family moved to Athens, Al. after the birth of her twin brothers in which one passed away after birth. Katherine was raised with her living sibling Daivd Archie Yarbrough. Ms. Katherine attended Athens High School, after graduation she attended Auburn University. Katherine knew her husband Mr. Donaldson Branch Horton from childhood. They never dated while attending school. Mr. Donaldson Horton served in the United States Army in which he was wounded. Ms. Katherine and Mr. Horton didn’t start dating until years later after meeting again after playing bridge through his sister-in-law played. Ms. Katherine and Mr. Donaldson Horton were married in 1954. During their union they had five children (Mac Horton, David Russell, Lesile Russell-Pate, Kathy Horton-Garrett, and John Horton). The family continued to grow with ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one on the way in September. Ms. Horton is a member of The First Methodist Church of Athens. Ms. Katherine Horton says she enjoys the people, staff, and all the friends she has made over the years.

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How Memorial Day Lives On in Senior Communities 2025

May 20, 2025 No Comments

Why This Day Matters Deeply in Senior Living Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a national day of remembrance honoring U.S. ...

Recipe Spotlight:

Iconic Peruvian Ceviche

Fresh, zesty, and effortlessly elegant, this is Peru on a plate.

Ingredients (serves 2):

250g fresh firm white fish (sea bass, corvina, or halibut), diced
Juice of 4–5 limes
½ red onion, very thinly sliced
1 small red chili or ají limo, sliced
Salt to taste
A few cilantro leaves, chopped
Optional: cooked sweet potato and corn (for the traditional side)

Directions:
Combine fish, lime juice, salt, and chili in a bowl. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes until the fish turns opaque (“cooked” by the citrus). Add red onion and cilantro just before serving. Serve cold, with sweet potato and Peruvian corn if available.

Associate of the Month

Marilyn Carter

Marilyn was born July 21, 1988, in Lawrence County, TN. to the parents of Bobby and Mary Boyd. She has two sisters, and one brother. Marilyn attended Clements High School. She met her husband of 17 years while attending high school. They said their vows on January 22, 2008. Marilyn is a mother to two beautiful girls, Abby who is 18 years old and Briley who is 11 years old. She has been an employee here at the Goldton since July 1, 2024. Marilyn says she is a Christian. Marilyn says what she loves most about working here are the residents, and the fantastic atmosphere! When she’s not working you can find her spending time with her family.