Monark Muse

The Monark Muse

WINTER ISSUE 2023

INSIDE

STAYING HEALTHY DURING WINTER MONTHS

BEST OF RECENT EVENTS

WELLNESS IN MOTION

‘Tis the Season for Colder Temperatures!

The health and well-being of our residents is our highest priority. In October Monark Grove collaborated with local pharmacies across all communities to bring vaccinations to our residents in the comfort and safety of their home. To date, we’ve vaccinated hundreds of residents for flu and COVID-19.

Flu and COVID-19 Prevention

As we continue efforts to maintain a safe and healthy environment for you and your neighbor, we need your support. Older adults are at a higher risk of potential serious outcomes of flu and COVID-19 illness, you can assist with these efforts by:

• Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as recommended by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As you know, getting vaccinated can help reduce your risk of hospitalization as it relates to the flu or COVID-19.

• Take everyday protective measures to stop the spread of germs:

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Strengthen your immune system by getting adequate sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated and exercising regularly.

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and/ or sneezing with a tissue or elbow. Avoid coughing or sneezing in your hand.

• Wash your hands regularly with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers are strategically placed throughout all common areas in the community.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces

Winter Safety Tips

Some have the pleasure of indulging in sunshine and warmth all year round, not so much for others. The winter can be a joyous and exciting time -spending time with loved ones, partaking in family holiday traditions, or tons of fun in the snow. Snowy and icy conditions can result in slips and falls. Sadly, falling is a common occurrence in older adults around this time. The colder temperatures can be of concern for you as well. Here are a few tips to prevent serious injuries because of a fall:

• Wear shoes and boots with rubber soles

• Use handrails whenever possible

• Walk in well-lit areas

• Limit walking to areas that have not been cleared of snow and/or ice.

Take your time when walking

• Be careful when getting in and out of the car. Ask for assistance, if needed

Dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial especially when going outside to take a walk or participate in your favorite winter activity. You should also consider doing the following:

• Dress in loose layers as this helps you stay warm

• Wear a wind resistant coat, hat, scarf, mittens/gloves, socks, and waterproof boots

• Avoid staying out in the cold for long periods of time

• Eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal

• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water

Whether you look forward to old man winter or not, it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the colder weather.

Here’s to staying healthy and safe not just through the fall and winter, but through Monark Grove!

Warmly, Erica L. Patterson, BSN, RN,

Erica L. Patterson

CDP Director of Clinical Compliance, Senior Living

Meet Our Team

LEADING THE WAY IN EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

COLETTE

What is your favorite dessert?

Lemon Cream Cake

What is your favorite book?

The Shining – Stephen King

What is your go to “movie night” selection?

The Greatest Showman

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Key West

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Slime/Playdough

What is your favorite dessert?

I love a good banoffee pie or southern style white chocolate bread pudding!

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brian; wonderful book that showcases brotherhood in a historically accurate Vietnam

What is your go to “movie night” selection?

My go to movies these days has changed… does Moana count? haha

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

My favorite vacation would have to be snow skiing with my family or wreck diving the wreck of the Roan in the British Virgin Islands

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Anything related to sports was my favorite. Whether that was a toy or playing the sport it did not matter!

Focus on Madison

KEEGAN

EVERY DAY IS AN ADVENTURE

GREYSTONE

This December, our Signature Dinner featured a holiday themed meal, Santa, a horse drawn carriage ride, live music - and the largest crowd we’ve ever had!

Additionally, our Deck the Door competition got everyone into the holiday spirit!

CLARKSTON

Our resident showcased their holiday-inspired residences with a Tour of Homes for future residents and neighbors.

We also felt the holiday spirit with help from over 40 Girl Scouts who spread some holiday joy caroling through the community!

Wellness in Motion

• Bocce Ball

• Pickle Ball

• Cornhole, Toss/Darts, Putt-Putt, and other Lawn Games

• XL Jenga, Dominos, Dice + Scrabble for outdoor use

• Outdoor Entertainment: Live Performances, Dining Al Fresco

Water Aerobics

Recreational Pool Time

Bocce Ball

Cornhole

Water Aerobics

Recreational pool time

Family fun days at the pool

Pickleball - lessons available

Bocce ball

Bowling

Cornhole

Coming this summer - Pool volleyball & inflatable games!

Grove Oro Valley

Monark

MONARK GROVE GREYSTONE

MONARK GROVE CLARKSTON

MONARK GROVE MADISON

Eating in Full Color

INSPIRED DISHES FOR ALL TIMES OF YEAR

Do the seasons affect the way we eat? Absolutely. Whether it’s evolutionary conditioning, biological and hormonal changes, or learned behavior, our appetites tend to reflect the seasons.

In the spring and summer, humans are more active, spending more time outdoors. Hydration is paramount and we crave foods that are fresh and hydrating. We eat lighter, cooler foods like salads, fresh fruits, fish, and light dairy. These light foods require less energy to digest, which keeps our bodies cooler. We also enjoy an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables during this peak growing season.

As the weather turns colder and the days shorten, we are predisposed to changing our eating habits to include calorie dense foods and carbohydrates. The biological need to conserve energy and stay warm creates cravings for foods that are heartier and comforting. Foods such as roasts, stews, root vegetables, nuts and grains replace our warm weather urges for cooling salads, raw fruits, leafy greens, and citrus.

At Monark Grove, we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of seasonal foods in our communities. You will observe changes to seasonally appropriate fruits and vegetables each month on our core menus as well as on your weekly chef features. You’ll observe cooking styles change from grilled items in the warmer months, to more braised and roasted foods in the colder months. But regardless of the season, we strive to create wholesome, healthier, homemade menu options for our residents year-round.

Recipes From Our Kitchen

CHEF INSPIRED DISHES TO MAKE YOURSELF

MULLIGATAWNY SOUP

6 - 8 OUNCE PORTIONS

Have you ever had mulligatawny?

It’s a curry soup, most often made with chicken, vegetables, apples, and rice. Not only is it absolutely delicious, it’s the perfect example of seasons ingredients to form a enticingly delicious, warm winter meal.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1/4 cup cutter

• 1 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp curry powder

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 apple, cored and chopped

• 1/4 cup white rice

• 1 chicken breast - cut into cubes

• Dried thyme, to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, heated

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add onions, celery, carrot. Sauté until soft, 5 to 7 min.

3. Add flour and curry, cook 5 min, stirring frequently.

4. Add chicken broth, mix well, and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes

6. Add apple, rice, chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper.

7. Simmer until rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Just before serving, stir in hot cream

THREE BEAUTIFUL AWARD-WINNING MONARK GROVE LOCATIONS

MONARK GROVE CLARKSTON CLARKSTON, MI

MONARK GROVE GREYSTONE GREYSTONE, AL

MONARK GROVE MADISON MADISON, AL