Renaissance Lifestyle Renaissance Lifestyle
Executive Director’s Corner
Dear Residents, Family, and Friends:
As we step into the summer season, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our new residents and team members. We’re so glad you’re here and look forward to the many ways you’ll contribute to our vibrant community.
This is a wonderful time to get involved! Our calendar is full of upcoming activities and events designed to bring us together and make the most of the season. I encourage you—residents and families alike—to join us. Your presence and participation truly make our community special.
With the warmer weather, please remember to take care of your health. Staying hydrated is especially important this time of year. Water stations are available in both the Bistro area and the dining room, so please take advantage of them regularly. Also, be mindful of sun exposure when spending time outdoors. A hat, some shade, and sunscreen can go a long way in keeping you safe and comfortable.
Here’s to a summer filled with connection, laughter, and good health!
Juan Vergara, Executive Director
Resident Spotlight: Martha S.
Martha S. was born on February 5, 1943, in Los Angeles, California—just 17 minutes after her twin brother, William. He never let her forget that he was the older sibling, a fact he lovingly reminded her of throughout their childhood. They were the eldest siblings of the six children, three boys and three girls. Both her parents were from Mexico; her mother was born and raised in Culiacan, Sinaloa, and her father was from Guadalajara.
Martha, her siblings, and their mother.
Martha remembers her parents supporting everything the kids did and taking them to places like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. The kids knew never to schedule anything for Sundays, as the day was reserved for visiting her aunt and uncle. Martha loved school and was very involved in leadership positions, holding titles like President and Vice President of Student Council. She loved engaging in activities and offering up her ideas. Martha also worked at the telephone company, performing secretarial duties.
Faith and community were deeply woven
into her upbringing. Her family lived across the street from a parish and often witnessed the nuns bowing in prayer each evening. One of her younger brothers became a Carmelite priest, and Martha herself once studied to become a nun. She moved to Adrian, Michigan, to attend Siena Heights College, where she studied Spanish, followed by a master’s in theology at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in Dubuque, Iowa. Martha also lived and taught in Buffalo, New York, for a few years. She ultimately chose not to take final vows, realizing she hoped to marry and start a family one day.
After her time away, she moved back to California and lived with her parents. She got a second master’s degree in education at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. Martha went on to teach Spanish and Religious Studies at Catholic high schools for 47 years. In her last position, she served 16 years as principal in a president/principal administrative model at Cornelia Connelly School. As principal, her primary responsibilities were to work with faculty and develop the curriculum. Martha also taught one class in addition to her administrative duties. She retired in 2017, and they presented her with a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Martha met her husband, Peter, at his sister’s
Our Lady of Guadalupe Painting
family gathering. They started dating, and he later asked that question she longed to hear: “Honey, would you like to marry me?” To which she answered, “I would LOVE to!” Peter was an engineer and worked for Boeing for many years. She enjoyed his sense of humor, compassion, and sensitivity toward the needs of others. He was always willing to help others as best as possible, and everyone loved him. They got married and soon after, their son
Peter was born. Martha loved caring for her son. She enjoyed finding ways to make him happy and get him involved with others. Since Martha was a teacher, he had to do his homework, but she helped him too. They often went on trips to Mexico because her and Peter’s parents were from there. Martha and her husband Peter were married for 18 beautiful years, but he unfortunately passed away. Although their time together was shorter than she had hoped, Martha holds dear the life they built and the love they shared, which continues to guide her through each new chapter.
Martha was fortunate to travel to Spain, Italy, France, China, and Japan with her family and on student trips. Her sister was always a great asset because languages came naturally to her. Martha had a strong desire to go to India. However, the
day before she was supposed to leave, she got a nasty stomach flu, preventing her from going on the trip. She hopes to travel to India someday soon.
Martha’s son, Peter, got married, and he and his wife had two sons, Peter and Levi. They speak Spanish, and Levi refers to Martha as “Ita,” which is short for Abuelita, which means grandma in Spanish. Martha lived with them for a few years but decided to return to California because the kids are getting older and going to school. Her siblings, family, and friends are here, and she likes being close to them. However, FaceTime allows her to stay in touch with her grandsons and see them grow. Martha considers herself a bookworm and is currently reading Battlefield of the Mind and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Martha is a new resident of Renaissance Village Murrieta, but she’s settling in beautifully. She appreciates the variety of activities available daily and enjoys participating in the exercise classes, bingo, and crafting activities. Martha recently painted a lantern that she’s incredibly proud of, and she gifted it to her niece. We’re thrilled to have Martha as part of our community—her joyful spirit, rich life experiences, and love of learning add so much to the Renaissance Village family.
Peter (Husband) and Martha.
Martha in front of The Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre in Paris France.
GREAT DAYS AWAIT AT
Catherine let that pinata have it on Cinco de Mayo.
Barbara painting a wooden bunny.
Rosemary learning the art of chess.
Sonia and her beautiful flower arrangement.
Marlene and the Easter Bunny at our Easter Brunch.
Larry casting his fishing pole at the Harveston Lake.
RENAISSANCE VILLAGE!
Tom, Larry, and Melceena at the Father’s Day Lunch.
Celebrating Mert’s Birthday!
Rita and Karen enjoying bubbles on a nice summer afternoon.
The Easter Bunny and Cheryl at Easter Brunch.
Our residents had a wonderful treat of hearing live mariachis on Cinco de Mayo.
Jodie and Catherine enjoying a glass of wine at Lorimar Winery.
EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
April
Ailyn P., Caregiver
Ailyn P. became a caregiver because she enjoys caring for others. Assisted living is not a new industry for her; prior to working as a caregiver, she was also a server in another community. She enjoys collaborating with her coworkers because everyone is friendly and supportive. Ailyn loves seeing the smiles on residents’ faces, which makes her day so much better and more rewarding. She and her husband, Joshua, celebrate eight years of marriage and have one child, Rheon. When she’s not working, Ailyn loves spending time with her family and dog, Koa.
May
Olivia C, Housekeeper
Olivia is a long-time employee of Renaissance Villages with eight years of service. We appreciate her hard work and dedication to residents. Her favorite part of working with residents is making them happy and getting to talk with them. Olivia enjoys good communication and how well her co-workers get along. She believes our community is an excellent workplace. When Olivia is not working, she likes going on walks. She has one son, Christopher, and he’s 35 years old.
PERIODIC TABLE CROSSWORD
June
Tiffany T., Concierge
Tiffany brings warmth, dedication, and a true heart for service to her role as concierge at Renaissance Village. With over a year of experience and a strong background in hospitality, she consistently goes above and beyond to support residents and her team. Tiffany enjoys learning about residents’ lives, forming meaningful relationships, and making a lasting, positive impact every day. Her love for helping others and her passion for creating connections make her an invaluable part of the Renaissance Village family.
Mindful Mornings: Routines and Rituals for a Positive Day
There’s something magical about the quiet promise of a new morning. For many, the way we begin our day sets the tone for everything that follows. This is especially true for residents in assisted living communities, where a sense of routine and purpose can make all the difference in fostering happiness, health, and connection.
A mindful morning routine isn’t just about filling time; it’s about creating moments of intention, joy and self-care. Studies show that having a consistent morning ritual can reduce stress, improve mood and boost cognitive function. For seniors in assisted living, these benefits are amplified. A gentle, positive start can help ease transitions, provide structure and foster a sense of independence and accomplishment.
Here are several mindful morning rituals that residents can try with each designed to nurture body, mind and spirit:
Gentle Stretching or Chair Yoga: Movement in the morning wakes up the body and mind. Simple stretches, either standing or seated, can increase circulation, loosen stiff joints and provide a gentle energy boost. Chair yoga classes or guided routines can be a wonderful way to start the day, with the added bonus of connecting with others in a group setting.
Mindful Meditation or Deep Breathing: A few minutes of mindful meditation or deep breathing can work wonders for mental clarity and emotional well-being. Residents can try guided meditations (available on CDs or apps), or simply sit quietly, focusing on their breath. This practice helps reduce anxiety, promotes relaxation and cultivates gratitude for the day ahead.
Musical Mornings: Music has the power to uplift and inspire. Playing favorite tunes, singing along or even gentle dancing can transform the mood of a morning. Residents might create a playlist of songs that evoke
happy memories, or participate in a group sing-along to start the day on a harmonious note.
Journaling or Affirmations: Writing down thoughts, dreams or daily intentions is a powerful way to center oneself. Residents can keep a gratitude journal, jot down positive affirmations or simply note what they look forward to each day. This ritual fosters mindfulness and reinforces a sense of purpose.
Savoring a Special Breakfast: Enjoying a nourishing breakfast, perhaps with a favorite tea or coffee, can be a mindful ritual in itself. Residents might savor the flavors, appreciate the moment, and even share a meal with friends for a sense of community.
Connecting with Nature: If possible, spending a few quiet moments outdoors or by a sunny window can be incredibly grounding. Residents might listen to birds, watch the sunrise or tend to a potted plant, soaking in the sights and sounds of the new day.
At Renaissance Villages, we believe that every morning offers a fresh opportunity for joy and connection. By encouraging residents to explore and personalize their morning routines, we help them build resilience, independence and a positive outlook. Whether it’s through meditation, music, movement or simply savoring a cup of tea, mindful mornings can be the foundation for a fulfilling day and a vibrant life.
Enjoy some time out in nature!
