Senior Living News,
December 2025

The Oscar at Georgetown
Newsletter

December 2025
France, Around the World with Atlas

Around the world with Atlas - December 2025 - France

Resident´s Birthdays

Rose E. 12/01
Martha Mc. 12/06
Lillian B. 12/07
Barry M. 12/10
Martha M. 12/10
Gordon M. 12/10
Jim T. 12/13
Patsy S. 12/15
Kathy S. 12/17
Mary P. 12/22
Pat. D 12/23
Pete P. 12/24
Richard E. 12/24
Henrietta S. 12/24
Leslie R. 12/31

Celebrate December

12/04- National Cookie Decorating Day
12/13- National Cocoa Day
12/19- National UGLY Sweater Day
12/24- Christmas Eve
12/25- Christmas Day
12/31- New Year’s Eve

Events Spotlight

12/02- Men’s Lunch to Mexicano Bar & Grille
12/06- Georgetown Christmas Parade
12/09- Singing Bowl Sound Bath Meditation
12/09- Paint & Sip Polar Bears
12/10- Christmas Market & Winter Wonderland
12/14- Salado Christmas Stroll
12/15-12/19 SPIRIT WEEK
12/16- Pre-school Singers
12/16- Ladies Lunch to Salt Traders
12/17- Resident Staff Appreciation Party
12/18- Mercy the Mini Horse Visit
12/19- Pre-school Singers
12/19- UGLY Sweater Pageant
12/31- NYE Party!

Associate of the Month

Apolonia Uwayezu

Associate of the Month: Congratulations, Apolonia Uwayezu! ❤
We are delighted to celebrate Apolonia Uwayezu, our dedicated Care Associate, as this month’s Associate of the Month! Having been a cherished part of The Oscar team for a year and two months, Apolonia embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication that defines our community.

Passion and Dedication to Care
Apolonia’s role as a Care Associate isn’t just a job; it is truly her passion. She simply loves caring for the residents, and this pure enjoyment is what keeps her focused and motivated every single day.

When asked about the hardest part of her job, Apolonia shared that it is seeing residents she deeply cared for pass away. However, what keeps her strong is the comforting knowledge that she took amazing care of them during their time here.

A Valued Team Member
Apolonia greatly appreciates The Oscar’s supportive environment, noting that the management team makes it a great place to work. She also values the community’s cleanliness.

She believes that the core of a good workplace is teamwork and truly enjoys being part of her team. Her best advice to a new employee highlights her dedication to service:

“Take good care of the residents no matter what, and make sure you are on time.”

Family First
Apolonia is a natural “people person,” which she finds makes balancing her personal and professional life easy. The most important people in her life are her kids and her granddaughter. She lives by the principle that her family always comes first, followed closely by her residents.

In her free time, Apolonia enjoys going for walks and, most importantly, playing with her granddaughter.

Please join us in celebrating Apolonia Uwayezu for her dedication, teamwork, and compassionate care!

From France with Love

Alexa, play Minor Swing, by Django Reinhardt.

Django Reinhardt’s Minor Swing (1937) is one of the most electrifying pieces in French music history — a cornerstone of Gypsy jazz and a brilliant display of Django’s unmatched guitar mastery. Paired with Stéphane Grappelli’s effortlessly swinging violin, the track bursts with rhythm, improvisation, and the unmistakable flair of Parisian jazz cafés of the 1930s. Even today, Minor Swing feels fresh, bold, and unique — a timeless tribute to Reinhardt’s genius and the vibrant soul of French jazz.

Black Tie New Year's Eve Celebration at The Oscar!

Join us as we bid a fond farewell to 2025 and stylishly welcome the arrival of 2026! The Oscar invites you to our spectacular New Year’s Eve gala—a night of elegance, delicious food, and cherished memories.

🌟 Event Details

Date: New Year’s Eve (December 31st)
Time: 4:00 PM
Attire: Black Tie is encouraged!
No black tie? No problem! We simply want you to be here. Please wear your best and most festive outfit to celebrate in style!

🎉 A Night of Elegance and Fun

Get ready for an unforgettable evening featuring:
Wonderful Food: Indulge in a special, delicious menu prepared just for this celebratory occasion.
Great Music: Dance or tap your feet to wonderful music that will keep the festive atmosphere alive!
Sending Off 2025 with a Bang: Let’s toast to a year well-lived and all the excitement that awaits!

❤ Share Your Most Cherished Memories

As the year draws to a close, we want to reflect on all the wonderful moments we’ve shared. We ask everyone to take a moment to write down some of your most cherished memories from 2025 to share at the event.
This exercise is a beautiful way to:
Celebrate the terrific year we’ve had.
Move into the new year with positivity and gratitude.

🏡 Thank You for Choosing The Oscar

We truly thank each and every one of you for choosing The Oscar as your home. This has been a marvelous year, and we are certain that 2026 has even more joy and excitement to offer! We can’t wait to move into this new chapter with you all.
Let’s send this year off in style and welcome the new one together!

Spread the Cheer! Join Our Christmas Spirit Week!

Get ready to deck the halls—and yourselves! The Oscar is thrilled to announce our first-ever Christmas Spirit Week, running from Monday, December 15th, through Friday, December 19th.
Let’s celebrate the season, share some laughs, and create wonderful memories as we count down to Christmas!
Ugly Sweater Pagent & Prize!
On Friday, December 19th, the merriment culminates with National Ugly Sweater Day and a special competition!
Pagent Entry: We invite you to create a truly spectacular (and truly ugly) sweater! Homemade creations are eligible to enter our Ugly Sweater Pagent.
The Prize: Show off your handiwork for a chance to win a special prize!
We look forward to seeing everyone participate and help us fill The Oscar with warmth and holiday cheer!
Merry Monday-Dec. 15thRed & Green DayWear your most festive reds and greens to spread that classic holiday cheer!

Channel Your Flannel- Dec. 16thFlannel DayCozy up! Wear your favorite warm, winter flannel shirt.

Jolly Jammies-Dec. 17thChristmas Pajama DaySettle down (or stay up!) in your favorite Christmas jammies. Comfort is key!

Holiday Head Gear- Dec. 18thChristmas Hat DayAdorn your head with your favorite festive holiday hat, headband, or antlers!

Ugly Sweater Friday- Dec. 19thNational Ugly Sweater DayTime to pull out the most ridiculous, sparkly, and wonderfully tacky sweater you own!

Welcome to France
Around the World with Atlas

France is a country built on centuries of history, artistry, and revolutionary ideas. From ancient Gaul and the rise of the Frankish kingdoms to the birth of the modern French state, its story is one of transformation. The foundations of France took shape through the coronation of Clovis in the 5th century, the brilliance of Charlemagne’s empire, and the evolution of a nation that would eventually stand at the center of European culture and politics. Over time, France became known not only for its kings and cathedrals but for a spirit of curiosity and change that shaped the world.

French culture has left an indelible mark across the arts, philosophy, cuisine, literature, and fashion. From the Enlightenment thinkers who reimagined human rights to the painters who transformed visual expression — Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Degas — France has long been a beacon for creativity. Its influence extends into cinema, music, architecture, and the culinary traditions cherished worldwide, from buttery croissants to slow-cooked Coq au Vin. Every corner of French life carries a sense of refinement balanced with a deep appreciation for pleasure, beauty, and daily rituals.

To explore France is to step into a living tapestry of medieval villages, grand boulevards, vineyards, seaside cliffs, and cafés where time seems to slow down. It is a country that invites discovery — whether through the echo of cathedral bells, the quiet glow of a museum hall, or the simple joy of strolling along the Seine. France welcomes visitors not just to see its landmarks but to feel its spirit: a blend of elegance, history, and poetic charm that has captivated the world for centuries.

All-Day Holiday Fun: Market & Après Ski Winter Wonderland!

Mark your calendars for an entire day of winter magic and holiday cheer at The Oscar! Join us for a morning of festive shopping followed by a cozy, ski-village themed party.

🛍 Morning Merriment: Christmas Market on Main Street
Start your day by finding the perfect gifts and treats! We are thrilled to host a special Christmas Market right down Main Street.
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What to Expect: Various local vendors will set up an array of booths featuring unique items, including:
Delicious gluten-free baked goods
Handcrafted Christmas wreaths
Beautiful jewelry and purses
And much more!

⛷ Afternoon Delight: Après Ski Winter Wonderland
After a morning of shopping, warm up and step into a cozy ski-village themed celebration filled with winter charm!
Date: Wednesday, December 10th
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What to Enjoy:
Warm Treats: Warm up with our delicious Fondue Fountain, hot cocoa, and mulled wine.
Gingerbread Fun: Enjoy the fun of a Gingerbread House Contest—where residents can showcase their edible creations and vote for the best one!
Join us for a magical afternoon of festive flavors, friendly competition, and holiday cheer! We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

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Recipe of the Month

Steak au Poivre

Ingredients:
4 (6-ounce) beef tenderloin steaks
1 small shallot
2 tablespoons whole peppercorns, preferably a mix of black, white, pink, and red
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
1/2 cup beef stock
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:
Remove any twine from 4 beef tenderloin steaks. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, finely mince 1 small shallot. Coarsely crush 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns in a mortar and pestle, or place the peppercorns in a kitchen towel and crush them with a meat tenderizer or cast iron pan.
Season the steaks all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Use your hands to press the crushed pepper onto the top and bottom of the steaks.
Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter, then add the steaks and cook until medium-rare and a brown crust forms, 2 to 3 minutes per side (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the steak should register about 130°F). Transfer the steaks to a plate or clean cutting board and cover with aluminum foil.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter and shallot. Sauté until the shallot is translucent, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat. Add 1/4 cup Cognac. Return the pan to medium heat and simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, until mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup beef stock, increase the heat to medium-high, and simmer until reduced slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in accumulated juices on the steak plate or cutting board. Serve the steaks on a bed of the sauce, with more sauce spooned on top.

Happy Holidays! May this season bring you peace, happiness, and a little extra sparkle.

Resident of the Month

Jim Testerman

This month, we are delighted to honor Jim Testerman! Jim is a cherished member of The Oscar community, and we love hearing his stories and seeing his enthusiasm at our events.
A Foundation Built on Family and Success
Jim’s inspiring journey began in Sudan, Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in business, which was the springboard for his successful career. He built his own company from the ground up—a thriving venture he has since passed on to his children, Greg and Tamara.
Jim shared that one of his most cherished memories was the day his children were born; this pivotal moment gave him the drive to go to college and make a success of himself for his family. His proudest moments include graduating college, seeing his business flourish, and, most importantly, his children.
The Love of His Life
Jim met the love of his life when he was just 17 years old. He recalls meeting her for the first time in a shoe store: Although he didn’t know her, he instantly knew he would marry her someday—and two years later, he did!
Hobbies and Interests
When Jim isn’t enjoying the fun here at The Oscar, you can often find him focused on his favorite hobbies:
Reading
Listening to Music
Anything related to World War II
Life at The Oscar
Jim was drawn to The Oscar by the well-designed community and the genuine friendliness of all the employees. He finds great enjoyment in the variety of activities offered, with his favorite being Happy Hour with live music. He especially appreciates the various types of music played at different community events.
Jim shared that living here has truly enriched his life, especially by meeting so many nice people. He notes that the staff has been consistently helpful, always available in many different ways.
One time Jim felt particularly happy here was when he won the Stein Holding Contest during our Oktoberfest celebration!
Jim’s Advice for Moving In
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a move to a senior living community, Jim offers this valuable wisdom:
“Start looking into it before you actually need to. Go to multiple different communities and see what feels right for you”

Collaborators

Hannah Neuffer
Hannah Neuffer
Sara Snyder
Sara Snyder
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