Senior Living News,
October 2025
The Goldton at St. Pete
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - October 2025 - Germany
Halloween Special
Resident´s Birthdays
Gary P. – 10/2
Anna A. – 10/3
Beulah F. – 10/7
Melvin H. 10/10
Richard D. – 10/10
Richard M. – 10/18
Georg M. – 10/20
Eugene F. – 10/21
Melvin W. 10/23
Celebrating October
Homemade Cookie Dday
October 1
James Bond Day
October 5
Octopus Day
October 8
Columbus Day
Indigenous People’s Day
October 12
Sweetest Day
October 18
Wear Pink Day
October 24
National Cat Day
October 29
Halloween
October 31
Royal Arms of Germany
The coat of arms of Germany, also known as the Bundeswappen, displays a black eagle with a red beak, a red tongue and red feet on a golden field, which is blazoned:
Or, an eagle displayed sable beaked langued and membered gules.
Meet Becca, Our New Dietary Manager
We’re excited to welcome Becca to our community as our new Dietary Manager. A proud mom of three, ages 11, 6, and 2, Becca brings both heart and creativity to everything she does.
Originally from Tampa, Becca followed her love of food to the Art Institute’s culinary program, where she honed her skills and discovered a true passion for baking. When she isn’t creating delicious meals, you can find her crocheting, embroidering, or working on other fun and creative projects.
Family is at the center of Becca’s world; she has four sisters and has shared ten wonderful years with her husband. Her personal motto, “Everything is always better with kindness,” shines through in the kitchen and beyond.
Whether she’s whipping up a new recipe or lending a helping hand, Becca brings warmth, talent, and a welcoming smile to our dining team. And if you’re a Taylor Swift fan, you’ve already got something in common, Becca is a Swiftie, too!
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.
Around the World with Atlas-Germany
Our country this month for our Around the World with Atlas journey is Germany, a land rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. Picture a country where storybook villages sit beside grand castles, where rivers wind through green forests, and where every town square tells a tale of history.
Castles and Countryside
Germany is home to hundreds of castles, each with its own legend. Perhaps the most famous is Neuschwanstein, perched high in the Bavarian Alps. Its soaring towers inspired the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Beyond the castles, you’ll find rolling hills, dense woodlands like the Black Forest, and peaceful vineyards along the Rhine River—perfect scenery for daydreaming.
Charming Cities
Every German city has its own flavor. Berlin blends modern art and fascinating history. Munich celebrates Bavarian traditions, complete with lively music and festivals. Along the riverbanks, half-timbered houses in towns like Heidelberg and Rothenburg look as though they belong in a fairy tale.
Flavors of Germany
German cuisine offers comfort and warmth. Soft pretzels, crisp schnitzel, and hearty potato dishes are classics. For a sweet treat, try Black Forest cake, layered with cherries and cream, or buttery apple strudel served with a cup of coffee.
Music and Celebration
Germany is also the birthplace of composers such as Bach and Beethoven, whose music still fills concert halls today. Seasonal festivals—from sparkling Christmas markets to cheerful Oktoberfest—bring people together with lights, laughter, and song.
Though our chairs remain still, our imaginations can wander. Germany’s castles, music, and welcoming spirit remind us that the joy of travel lives not only in distant places, but in every story we share. Please look for the activities highlighted in grey and join us on our armchair journeys!
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.
A Spook-tacular Halloween for All Ages
Halloween isn’t just for trick-or-treaters—it’s a wonderful time for seniors to enjoy a little autumn magic. From cozy décor to tasty treats, there are plenty of easy ways to celebrate.
Festive Touches
Brighten your space with mini pumpkins, colorful leaves, and soft twinkle lights. Add smiling jack-o’-lanterns or friendly paper ghosts for a playful look that’s simple and cheerful.
Simple Costumes
Costumes don’t have to be elaborate. A witch’s hat, fun scarf, or black-and-orange outfit sets the mood. Group themes—like favorite book characters or matching T-shirts—spark conversation and laughter.
Tasty Treats
Enjoy the flavors of the season with caramel apples, pumpkin bread, or a warm mug of cider. For a lighter option, try apple slices with cinnamon or roasted pumpkin seeds.
Fun Activities
Host a pumpkin-painting session, share lighthearted ghost stories, or plan a classic movie night with favorites like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. A costume parade or “best hat” contest adds excitement and plenty of photo moments.
Bring Generations Together
Invite grandchildren, neighbors, or a local school group to join in. Intergenerational activities bring energy and create memories that last well beyond October.
Halloween is a celebration of creativity and community. With a few simple touches, seniors can enjoy the season in a way that’s festive, comfortable, and delightfully spirited.
Check out the calendar for our Halloween inspired activities.
In astrology, those born between October 1–22 balance the scales of Libra. Libras seek harmony and value fairness and justice. Although they’d rather avoid conflict, they are excellent team players—tactful and polite. If you were born between October 23–31, you are a Scorpio. Scorpios are powerful investigators who stay abreast of all the comings and goings of their peers, take control, and lead the way to success.
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Recipe Spotlight
Snickers Dip
Ingredients
12 ounces fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped
1 cup chopped SNICKERS Fun Size bars, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
4 ounces milk chocolate, melted and cooled for 10 minutes
⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce
30 chocolate wafer cookies or pretzels, for serving
Directions
1. In the bowl of an e|lectric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine, 1 minute more.
3. Add the peanuts and SNICKERS, and mix on low speed to incorporate.
4. Pour the cooled milk chocolate and caramel sauce over the mixture and use a rubber spatula to fold it in. Don’t fully combine–you want it to look swirly.
5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped SNICKERS and serve with chocolate wafers or pretzels.
Resident of the Month
Joe Dayton
Meet Joe, our October Resident of the Month!
Originally from Boston, Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964. He completed a year of basic training in El Paso, Texas, before serving the rest of his tour in Vietnam.
After his military service, Joe built a long and varied career. He worked as an all-around machinist for General Electric, later retiring from the company. He also spent time as a truck driver for several companies, including driving propane trucks in New Hampshire.
Joe’s adventures didn’t stop there—he lived in Las Vegas, where he drove an airport-to-hotel shuttle bus, before settling in Florida, where he has called home for the past 25 years.
These days, Joe enjoys music, creating and finding old and new songs on his phone and loves life at The Goldton. You can often find him in the evenings playing Skip-Bo with friends and sharing stories from his incredible life journey. We’re proud to celebrate Joe and the rich experiences he brings to our community!
Associate of the Month
Armando Artiles
Our associate of the month is Armando!
Armando has been a valued member of the Golden community since 2019. He truly wears many hats! Primarily part of our maintenance department, Armando also serves as our community driver, safely taking residents to appointments and outings. In addition, he willingly lends a hand to the housekeeping team whenever needed.
Known for his strong work ethic and positive attitude, Armando is always ready to help wherever he’s needed. We’re grateful for his dedication and the care he shows to both residents and staff every day
Celebrities born in October include:
Jimmy Carter – Oct. 1, 1924
Margaret Thatcher – Oct. 13, 1925
Roger Moore – Oct. 14, 1927
Evel Knievel – Oct. 17, 1938
Jennifer Holliday – Oct. 19, 1960
Mickey Mantle – Oct. 20, 1931
Jeff Goldblum – Oct. 22, 1952
Annette Funicello – Oct. 22, 1942
Collaborators
Lisa Stouffer
