Renaissance Lifestyle Renaissance Lifestyle
Executive Director’s Corner
Dear Residents, Family, and Friends: Summer is upon us, and with things heating up, I would like to take the opportunity to encourage you to stay hydrated! Be sure to practice sun safety by wearing and regularly reapplying sunscreen and covering your head with a hat when you go outdoors. We are pleased to welcome new members to the Wellness and Community Relations Departments. Darren Ingram is our new Wellness Director and will oversee the care needs of the Villas at Renaissance Village. Phil Mikelatos is our new Community Relations Director. We look forward to seeing the growth of their respective departments and the talent and skills they both bring to the Renaissance Villages Family.
I would like to personally invite you to our upcoming Luau on Thursday, August 1. We will have hula dancers, delicious tropical foods, and fun for the whole family! Be sure to wear your Hawaiian Shirt and hula on over for an evening in the tropics.Please call (951) 319-8243 to RSVP by July 25.
See you around the community!
Janae Orona, Executive Director
Resident Spotlight: Sonia L.
Sonia L. was born on January 16, 1939, in Guadalajara, Mexico, the eldest daughter of seven children. She had two younger sisters and four younger brothers, with about 15 years between her and her youngest brother. Sonia remembers her father as a disciplinarian and her mother as a homemaker.
Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was nine years old. Sonia and her siblings grew up in this vibrant and diverse city, and she developed a love for music and art. Her father often asked her to sing and dance when they had company over, and she would showcase her beautiful voice by singing Mexican and Spanish music. Sonia enjoyed being the center of attention and always tried to make others feel welcome and have a good time.
As she grew up, Sonia worked as a bookkeeper for a furniture store and went to trade school to learn secretarial skills to help support her family. Her hard work led her to assist the Chapman and Santa Ana Colleges administratively. Her exceptional organizational skills and commitment to excellence eventually landed her a prestigious position in the office of the President of California State University, Fullerton.
In this role, Sonia was known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex administrative tasks gracefully and efficiently. Her contributions were invaluable to the smooth operation of the university’s highest office. She enjoyed getting involved in those aspects of the position and spent over 40 years of service to these educational institutions.
Despite her demanding career, Sonia never abandoned her passion for art. She continued to draw and paint throughout her life, creating beautiful and evocative works that captured the essence of the world around her. Her art, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, reflected her keen observation and deep attention to the beauty around her. Some of these art pieces are also displayed in the homes of her children.
Sonia as a young woman.
One of Sonia’s many works of art.
Left to Right: Felicia, James, Raul, Sonia,Kris, Simone, & Rossana
Family has always been at the center of Sonia’s life. She raised six children: James, Rossana, Raul, Simone, Felicia, and Kris. She instilled the values of hard work, creativity, and compassion. Her home was a nurturing environment where creativity was encouraged and celebrated. As a non-denominational Christian, Sonia loves reading her Bible and taught her children scripture memorization at a young age.
often joins her on these walks several times weekly.
Sonia has also traveled extensively, visiting e Puerto Rico, Cabo, Mexico, and Ecuador. Her favorite is the Bahamas; she and her daughter, Felicia, took a cruise there earlier this year.
As her children grew up and started their own families, Sonia was blessed with nine grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, sharing her love of art and nature with them. Her family lovingly refers to her as the glue that holds their family together.
In her later years, Sonia moved to Renaissance Village Murrieta, where she embraced a quieter life surrounded by natural beauty. She enjoys taking long walks, immersing herself in the tranquility of her surroundings, and finding inspiration in the landscape for her artwork. Her son, James,
At Renaissance Village Murrieta, Sonia found a perfect balance between relaxation and creativity. She continues to draw and paint as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement. Sonia loves the staff, meeting new people, and the delicious food the Dining Room offers.
Sonia Leyva’s life is a testament to the power of balancing a successful career with personal passions and family. Her contributions to the academic world, her beautiful paintings, and her loving family are her legacy. Sonia’s story is one of dedication, creativity, and the joy of living a full and enriched life.
In her peaceful new home, Sonia continues to inspire those around her with her artistic talents and love for nature, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she meets.
Sonia & her daughter Felicia enjoying their cruise to the Bahamas.
Sonia with her kids and four of her grandchildren.
Sonia throughout the years.
GREAT DAYS AWAIT AT
Jodie, Linda, Desiree, & Rosemary enjoying lunch at Mad Madeline’s. Clare and her frog creation.
Catherine, Carolyn Jo, & Marsha at Wilson Creek Winery.
Anna and her family at the Mother’s Day Brunch.
Bill & Rae chatting at our New Resident Meet & Greet.
June enjoying a walk around the community.
RENAISSANCE VILLAGE!
Jodie and Jean at the Luau Themed Bingo Afternoon.
Anna taking some time to stop and smell the flowers.
Rae & Rose made pipecleaner flowers!
Savannah and Patricia sharing a smile and a hug.
Rosemary and Linda look fabulous taking advantage of our photo booth oportunity at our BINGO Fiesta event for Cinco de Mayo.
Howard & his new friend, Darla from Hugs & Hooves Therapy.
EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
April
Miriam P., Caregiver
While in high school, Miriam cared for an elderly neighbor and discovered her love of caring for the elderly. She studied Early Childhood Education at Saddleback College and furthered her experience in caregiving. Miriam loves our team’s upbeat, energetic, and friendly attitude and thinks everyone does a great job helping one another. She enjoys forming bonds with residents, hearing their stories, and creating great-days for them. Miriam enjoys spending time with her six-year-old daughter Aria or friends, attending concerts, and reading.
May
Arcelia C., Housekeeper
Arcelia C. loves cleaning and has worked with us for about two years. She spent time in Orange County working toward getting her CNA License. Arcelia enjoys helping others and loves to have fun while doing it. She loves working with residents and feels a lot of compassion toward them. Arcelia and her husband, J Marting, have been married for 35 years and have two boys, Eddie and Francisco. She enjoys gardening when she’s not working. Arcelia has an immense appreciation for the care we can provide our residents and thinks our community is a great place to work.
June
Jan C., Concierge
Jan enjoys working as the concierge because she meets many people and assists them in improving their days. She loves helping residents, their families, and other staff. Jan also did secretarial work and was Oak Grove Center’s HR Coordinator. She and her husband, Randy, celebrate 22 years of marriage. Jan also has three children: Jerry, Jamie, and Jennifer. She enjoys walking, swimming, and spending time with her new Shih-Tzu puppy. Jan enjoys getting to know residents’ personalities. She loves being part of the team and working to make a difference for residents.
Arthritis Friendly Exercises to Alleviate Discomfort & Enhance Mobility
Living with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to be inactive. In fact, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can be a powerful contributor to relieving the symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness. Exercise not only helps maintain joint function but also improves overall well-being. The key is to engage in the right kind of activities that increase strength and flexibility without exacerbating joint pain.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent types among seniors. While arthritis can impact mobility and flexibility, regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.
Engaging in appropriate exercises offers numerous benefits for arthritis sufferers: Exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness by lubricating the joints and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Regular movement can enhance flexibility and help maintain joint function. Strengthening exercises can stabilize joints and reduce the risk of injury. Mental Well-being: Physical activity releases endorphins, promoting a positive mood and reducing stress.
Participating in regular exercise can be beneficial in managing arthritis symptoms. Certain activities can effectively reduce joint pain while improving flexibility, strength, and endurance. Those include:
To maintain joint range of motion and relieve stiffness, stretching should be a core component of your routine. Focus on gentle stretches, holding each for 15 to 30 seconds, and avoid pushing to the point of pain. Exercises to increase
flexibility may include yoga and tai chi, which also incorporate mindfulness that can reduce stress.
Incorporate low-impact aerobics such as walking, biking, or using an elliptical machine. These activities promote cardiovascular health without placing undue strain on your joints. Aim for sessions that last at least 10 minutes, building up to a goal of 150 minutes per week.
Strength training is critical to build muscles that support arthritic joints. Start with lighter weights and gradually increase as your strength improves, aiming for two to three sessions per week. Utilize equipment like resistance bands or body weight exercises for safer resistance.
Engaging in water activities, such as swimming or water aerobics, reduces the impact on your joints due to water’s buoyancy. Warm water can also soothe sore joints. Aim for sessions that feel comfortable, and incrementally increase the intensity as your endurance builds.
Mind-body practices like Pilates and qigong enhance both your physical and mental wellbeing. These exercises improve balance, flexibility, and strength while also fostering a sense of calm and stress reduction. Embrace these practices regularly for holistic health benefits.
(951) 319-8243
(951) 319-8246 www.RenaissanceVillages.com
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