Senior Living News, September 2025
Tribute at Black Hill Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - September 2025 - Scotland
Resident’s Birthdays
James B. – 5th
Sharon S. – 8th
Louis “Father Lou” F. – 10th
Staff Birthdays
Leliany Franco 9/10
Seble Demissie 9/11
Mesert Zegye 9/12
Jinky Edwards 9/13
Eric Knowlen 9/20
Patience Zaranyika 9/24
Michiko Honda 9/25
Rita Bemou 9/25
Kathleen Adams 9/26
Melissa Sesay 9/30
Month's Celebrations
Atlas Around the World: Scotland
Labor Day 9/1
Grandparents Day 9/7
End Of Summer Bash 9/19
Bag Pipes 9/20
Rosh Hashanah 9/22
Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland
“Or, a lion rampant Gules armed and langued Azure within a double tressure flory counter-flory of the second”, meaning a red lion with blue tongue and claws on a yellow field and surrounded by a red double royal tressure flory counter-flory device.
Scottish Heart
Alexa, Play: “Why” by Annie Lennox
“Why,” the opening track of Annie Lennox’s debut Diva (1992), reveals a vulnerable, intimate voice beyond her Eurythmics years. With sparse piano, strings, and soaring vocals, it captures regret and reconciliation. As the lead single, it redefined Lennox as a solo artist—elegant, raw, and unforgettable.
Alexa, play “No More ‘I Love You’s’” by Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox’s 1995 cover “No More ‘I Love You’s’” turns heartbreak into art. Her soaring vocals and orchestral drama transform the song into a haunting classic, earning her a Grammy and cementing its timeless power.
Dog Days of Summer Open House!
We celebrated the Atlas Dog Days of Summer Open House with plenty of sunshine, laughter, and wagging tails! Residents enjoyed a special treat from a visiting ice cream truck, while also giving back to the community by collecting donations for our local ASPCA.
It was a day filled with sweet moments—delicious ice cream, joyful conversations, and the heartwarming feeling of supporting animals in need. Events like these bring our community together in fun and meaningful ways, reminding us that kindness is best shared with both people and pets alike!
Welcome to Scotland
Around the World with Atlas
Scotland: The Land Beyond the Wall
When the Roman Empire pushed north into Britannia, it met fierce tribes the legions could never conquer. To mark the limit of their reach, the Romans built Hadrian’s Wall, and further north, the Antonine Wall — yet beyond lay the untamed lands we now call Scotland.
By the 8th century, Scotland began to take shape as a kingdom, often in conflict with its southern neighbor, England. Centuries of wars, heroes like William Wallace, and an enduring sense of independence defined its story. In 1707, Scotland formally united with England, creating Great Britain, which later grew into the United Kingdom alongside Ireland.
Still today, Scotland remains proudly distinct — with its Gaelic roots, tartans, castles, and legendary landscapes reminding the world of a culture that was never fully subdued.
Scents That Make Sense
Essential oils have proven benefits for people’s mood and well-being and have become commonplace. They can be found in grocery stores, online, or discount stores like Ross or Dollar Tree.
Should you buy the most affordable essential oil? Or are there reasons to avoid some oils? Researchers have tested oils and found that without certain properties, they don’t stimulate the olfactory gland’s connection to the brain. They may smell pleasant, but they don’t reach a person’s brain to stimulate, relax, or remind them of a happy memory. Here’s what you should look for in an essential oil to get the full benefits. Reputable oils will have these printed on the containers or boxes:
• Name of the plant used
• No synthetic additives, carrier oils, or contaminants
• Grown without pesticides
• Extracted with steam or cold-pressed
• Stored in dark glass bottles to prevent degradation
Although essential oils aren’t regulated like medications, some tests ensure their quality. One of the following tests should have been performed on an essential oil you purchase.
• GC/MS tests determine if an oil has too many added fillers.
• Trained experts can smell and taste essential oils to determine their purity.
• Gravity tests check the oil’s density to ensure it matches its expected density.
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends the following essential oil scents for people with dementia, especially at twilight, when agitated behaviors known as sundowning may appear.
• Lemon oil is considered one of the most useful essential oils, although it tends to be expensive. It has been shown to relax people, help sleep, and ease indigestion.
• Lavender is thought to be calming and helpful in reducing anger or agitation.
• Peppermint is energizing without being overstimulating.
• Rosemary can help with appetite.
• Bergamot and ylang ylang both might be helpful for insomnia and are also known for elevating the mood of not just people with dementia but also their caregivers.
A few tested and well-respected essential oil brands that are not too expensive are Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain Oils.
🐾 Pawsitive Moments: Pet Visits 🐾
Nothing brightens a day quite like a wagging tail or a gentle purr! Our residents enjoy special visits from furry friends who bring smiles, laughter, and comfort to our community.
The Benefits of Pet Visits:
-Reduce stress and promote relaxation
-Encourage social interaction and conversation
-Boost mood and emotional well-being
-Provide companionship and comfort
-Even help lower blood pressure!
Pet therapy is more than just cuddles—it’s a meaningful way to support health and happiness. Whether it’s a dog eager for belly rubs or a cat ready to curl up in a lap, these moments remind us of the unconditional love pets bring.
The Power of Pets in Our Lives
Emotional & Mental Benefits
Reduce loneliness & stress Boost happiness & joy Provide companionship & unconditional love
Physical Benefits Encourage gentle exercise & mobility Lower blood pressure & support heart health Improve balance and flexibility
Cognitive & Social Benefits Spark conversation & memories Increase social interaction Provide comfort for seniors with dementia
Whether it’s a wagging tail, a soft purr, or a warm cuddle, furry friends truly brighten our days and improve quality of life!
Director of Nursing
We believe true care goes beyond medicine—it’s about listening, connecting, and sharing meaningful moments together.
Our nursing team is always ready to lend not only their clinical expertise but also a compassionate ear. These everyday conversations remind us that wellness is about mind, body, and spirit—and that feeling heard is just as important as feeling cared for.
We are grateful for the dedication of our Director of Nursing and the entire care team, whose kindness continues to make Tribute feel like home.
The Benefits of Adult Coloring for Memory Care Residents
Coloring isn’t just for kids—it’s a wonderful, relaxing activity for adults too! For our Memory Care residents, adult coloring offers meaningful benefits:
Stimulates the mind – encourages focus and creativity
Reduces stress & anxiety – calming, soothing effect
Supports motor skills – gentle hand-eye coordination practice
Boosts mood – brings a sense of accomplishment and joy
Encourages socialization – residents enjoy sharing and admiring each other’s artwork
Adult coloring is more than art—it’s a therapeutic activity that promotes relaxation, creativity, and connection for our residents.
More Articles
5 Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Assisted Living
There are moments in life that come with no manual. Moving into assisted living, whether for yourself or someone you love, is one of them. …
Atlas Senior Living Expands to Washington D.C. with Four New Communities
Share our good news:
Scottish Lentil Soup
Healthy & Hearty
Warm, comforting, and full of nutrients, Scottish Lentil Soup is a traditional dish with a healthy twist. Packed with fiber, protein, and vegetables, it’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in garlic and cumin, and cook for 1 minute more.
Add red lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are soft.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Blend slightly with an immersion blender if desired, or serve chunky.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Why We Love It:
This soup is rich in plant-based protein, naturally low in fat, and full of flavor. Lentils are a Scottish pantry staple and offer heart-healthy benefits while being gentle on the stomach and easy to prepare.
Resident of the Month
Jim Hyndman
Jim moved into our community to support his wife, Michie. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Jim also lived in Whittier before beginning a life full of travel and service. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, where his assignments took him across the world—Texas, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, Illinois, Montana, and Wyoming. During his time in Japan, he met his wife, Michie, and together they built a beautiful life, raising three daughters: Marylee, Teresa, and Janine.
After retiring from the Air Force, Jim dedicated another 20 years of service working with the VA. Skilled with his hands, Jim is an experienced carpenter and mechanic who enjoys working on machines, electrical projects, plumbing, and yard work. He also loves traveling with his family, having visited more than 30 states.
Here in our community, you’ll often find Jim walking with Michie and their beloved dog, Yuki (“Yuki” means snow in Japanese). We are proud to have Jim serve as our Resident Council President, where his leadership and dedication continue to shine.
Associate of the Month
Roshawna Marshall
Meet Roshawna Marshall, a valued member of the Tribute at Black Hill team! Roshawna has been with us for nearly a year and has truly enjoyed building meaningful bonds with our residents while being a part of their care journey.
Currently, Roshawna is in nursing school and set to graduate this December. Her passion for helping others and being a true “people person” has made nursing a natural path, allowing her to connect with residents on a deeper level while providing compassionate care.
Outside of work, Roshawna loves relaxing by scenic views, staying active at the gym, and exploring new coffee shops. Looking ahead, her goals include participating in medical mission trips, becoming a nurse practitioner, and eventually opening her own practice to serve her community.
We are so grateful to have Roshawna on our team and look forward to celebrating her continued growth and future achievements!
Collaborators
