Senior Living News August 2025

The Goldton at Southaven Newsletter

2782 Star Landing Rd E Southaven, Ms 38672

August 1st 2025

Around the world with Atlas - August 2025 - England

Resident´s Birthdays

Month's Celebrations

Events Spotlight

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 "Time" from "Pink Floyd"

From the legendary album The Dark Side of the Moon, “Time” strikes like a reckoning. With its iconic clock intro and David Gilmour’s searing guitar solo, the song captures the creeping anxiety of wasted youth and the inevitability of aging. A timeless anthem wrapped in progressive rock mastery, The Dark Side of the Moon spent over 18 years on the Billboard charts, becoming one of the most enduring albums in history. “Time” remains its haunting heartbeat — a song that asks not if the years are passing, but whether we’ve noticed.

Associate of the Month

Shantil Watts Vining

Miss Shantil Vining, our Employee of the Month, is more than just a colleague. Hailing from Morgan City, Louisiana, she has been a part of the Goldton family for one year and five months. Her favorite part of working at the Goldton is the relationships she builds with her coworkers and residents, and the stories she hears and learns from daily, and she states that working at the Goldton is the best job she’s ever had. Her advice for those in her field is to love what you do and let your passion drive you every day. Beyond work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, cooking, shopping, and staying updated with the latest fashion trends. Shantil’s warm and welcoming nature is the first thing you notice, whether it’s on the phone or at the Front desk, making everyone feel appreciated. Please help us in congratulating Miss Shantil!

Basic Montessori Principles
for Dementia Care

Basic Montessori Principles for Dementia Care
By Kimberly West ADC, CDP, MDE, VMC

Dr. Maria Montessori originally developed the Montessori approach in the 1900s. Initially designed for children, her method emphasized independence, purposeful activity, and a carefully prepared environment that fosters confidence and natural curiosity. To accomplish this alternative learning style, she believed in hands-on, self-directed activities that catered to the individual’s pace and interests. These same principles have since been adapted to support people with dementia, helping them stay engaged, maintain dignity, and connect with their remaining abilities through meaningful tasks.

In dementia care, Montessori principles are thoughtfully adapted to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Rather than introducing new skills, this approach focuses on tapping into the person’s existing knowledge, long-term memories, and past interests. Long-term memory and familiar routines often remain intact longer than short-term memory. Activities are designed to be familiar, meaningful, and achievable. Activities include sorting household items, setting a table, or engaging in music or art that they once enjoyed. Providing structured, hands-on experiences and reducing distractions creates opportunities for success. Reducing frustration and extending needed supports offers a sense of purpose and identity, even when individuals struggle to initiate or complete tasks independently.

Tips for implementing a Montessori-inspired environment:

• Keep the space well-lit and free from hazards.
• Clearly label drawers, cabinets, and rooms with pictures and words to encourage independence.
• Allow participants to continue to complete tasks they have always done (e.g., folding laundry, setting the table, gardening, painting).
• Avoid making the activity too childlike by using real tools and materials whenever possible.
• Focus on the person’s abilities, not deficits.
• Look for creative ways to address deficits. (e.g., If pouring drinks out of a gallon pitcher is difficult, provide a smaller, more manageable option to ensure success.)
• Surround persons with dementia with familiar items like pictures, keepsakes, and music from their past.
• Participation in the task is more important than the outcome.
Embracing Montessori principles in dementia care isn’t about changing a person’s identity; it is about honoring who they have always been. With this in mind, we can turn daily routines into opportunities for connection and dignity.

Sources:
Association Montessori Internationale
Brush Development Company
Alzheimer’s Association – Daily Care Activities
The Montessori Method Applied to Dementia: An International Perspective
Tips for Using the Montessori Approach for Positive Dementia Care

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.

In astrology, those born between August 1 and August 22 take on the lion star sign of Leo. Leos are dignified, strong, and powerful, making good leaders and honorable friends. They’re also ambitious—reaching for the stars, working hard, and accomplishing their goals. Those born between August 23 and August 31 are Virgos, known for being industrious and efficient. They pay close attention to details and get the job done right.

Dog Days Of Summer

The hot and sultry days of summer, known as the “dog days,” stretch from July 3 to August 11. This period of time was named by the ancient Romans, who observed that the Dog Star, Sirius, was most visible in the night sky during this steamy season.

It makes perfect sense, then, that August 3–9 is Assistance Dog Week, a week honoring canines that help humans with disabilities. Guide, hearing, and medical-alert dogs are specially trained to accompany their owners anywhere and everywhere. “Detection dogs” sniff out everything from bedbugs to forest truffles to cancer.

In addition, August 5 is Work Like a Dog Day, a day for all those dogs who put in a hard day of work. Search-and-rescue, police, therapy, herding, hunting, tracking, guard, and sled dogs are not merely pets but are integral partners in working endeavors. For example, no other dog can compete with the bloodhound’s sense of smell, which is so reliable that it’s admissible as evidence in a courtroom. Bloodhounds can track a smell more than 300 hours old and trails more than 130 miles (209 km) long.

The Doberman pinscher was bred by a German tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann as a protective companion to assist him on his daily rounds. Not only is the Doberman a tough guard dog but also it’s one of the smartest dog breeds in the world.

German shepherds are renowned Hollywood actors as well as police and therapy dogs. The breed’s courage may be rivaled only by their charisma. When Rin Tin Tin debuted on the silver screen, he received more than 10,000 pieces of fan mail per week.

Journey Back To Oz

Journey Back to Oz August marks a celebration for fans of The Wizard of Oz—the 86th anniversary of the beloved film’s release on August 25, 1939. In addition, the 125th birthday of the classic book, first published in May 1900, was celebrated earlier this year. Whether you first met Dorothy and Toto on the page or the silver screen, their journey down the Yellow Brick Road continues to charm audiences of all ages. L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was a sensation from the start, quickly becoming a staple in American children’s literature. Over the decades, the story has inspired sequels, stage plays, and, most famously, the 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. The film dazzled audiences with its Technicolor magic, memorable songs, and a cast of unforgettable characters: Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and, of course, Toto (who was played by a female Cairn terrier named Terry). The book and the movie differ in small ways—Dorothy’s slippers are silver in the book but ruby red in the film, for example—but both deliver the same heartwarming message about friendship, courage, and finding your way home. The story’s appeal has lasted in part because it offers both adventure and comfort. As author Ray Bradbury once said, “Oz is what we would hope and like to be,” a place where villains aren’t so villainous and hope always wins out. The Wizard himself is a memorable figure, too. When his secret is revealed, he admits, “I’m really a very good man, but I am a very bad wizard,” reminding us all that sometimes, good intentions matter more than magical powers. So this August, why not revisit Oz? Dust off the book,
queue up the movie, or share the story with a grandchild or
other young friend. After all, as Dorothy reminds us, “There’s
no place like home”—and for many, Oz will always feel a little like home,too.

MARK

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Recipe Spotlight

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.

Resident of the Month

Robbie Chatman

Robbie Chatman, our resident of the month, is a proud Greenleaf, Ms. Native, who cherishes her upbringing in a large family and a close-knit community. Her perpetual smile and her ability to find the right words in any situation are a testament to her character. Robbie’s love for Goldton is evident in her appreciation for the delicious food and the dedicated dining staff. Her advice to the younger generation, to ‘stay at home until you can support yourself’, is a valuable life lesson. Please help us congratulate Miss Robbie Chatman!

Here are a few celebrities born in August:

P. D. James (writer) – August 3, 1920
Mata Hari (spy) – August 7, 1876
Alfred Hitchcock (director) – August 13, 1899
Julia Child (chef) – August 15, 1912
Connie Chung (journalist) – August 20, 1946
Cal Ripken Jr. (ballplayer) – August 24, 1960
Mother Teresa (nun) – August 26, 1910
Ingrid Bergman (actress) – August 29, 1915
Buddy Hackett (comedian) – August 31, 1924

Senior Living News August 2025

The Goldton at Southaven Newsletter

Around the world with Atlas - August 2025 - England

Resident´s Birthdays

Month's Celebrations