June 2026 – Honoring Old Glory
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14 as Flag Day. It honors the day in 1777 when the first version of the flag, featuring 13 stars and 13 stripes, was adopted as the nation's official flag.
Take a Meditation Break
You can’t take years off your age, but you may be able to take years off your brain age. Some researchers believe meditation may help. Studies have shown that the brains of meditators appeared several years younger than those who did not meditate. Even 10–15 minutes of daily meditation may improve cognitive abilities.
Man-go for It
This summer, treat your taste buds to a mango. Called the king of fruits, one mango contains more than 20 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and folate.
Fifty Years of Fever
In 1976, journalist Nik Cohn published an article about teenage New Yorkers escaping daily worries through disco dance competitions. The article inspired the classic film Saturday Night Fever (1977). Years later, Cohn admitted that much of the story had been fictionalized.
Father’s Day Is June 21
The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day. Show your gratitude for the dads and father figures in your life with a card, gift, visit, or phone call.
Playgrounds Made for Seniors
Playgrounds aren’t just for kids anymore. Multigenerational play spaces are becoming more common, giving older adults a place to work out, walk, swing, and have fun. These parks help promote flexibility, balance, coordination, and social interaction.
Summer Solstice
Sunday, June 21, is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.
Employee Spotlight: Cris Nico Ortega
This month we are excited to feature Cris Nico Ortega. Born in Cagayan De Oro City in the Philippines, Cris moved to the United States in 2014 and settled in Southern Oregon in 2018. Family is very important to him, and he enjoys spending time with friends making music and attending concerts. In his free time, Cris enjoys rave festivals, creating music, and staying active at the gym. His passion for memory care was inspired by the passing of his grandmother in 2025. He hopes to pursue a career as an EMT and is dedicated to helping seniors and making a difference in their lives.
Celebrating Freedom
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, news traveled slowly, making Juneteenth a powerful symbol of freedom and equality. Today, Juneteenth is often referred to as America’s second Independence Day and is celebrated through community gatherings, education, and cultural events.
Father’s Day Luncheon
Residents, families, and loved ones are invited to join our annual Father’s Day Luncheon. This special event celebrates the strength, wisdom, kindness, and love that fathers and father figures have shared throughout their lives. Events like these help create meaningful memories while encouraging connection, conversation, and engagement among residents and families.
Thank a Nursing Assistant
June 11–17 is dedicated to recognizing nursing assistants and certified nursing assistants who provide hands-on care every day. Their compassion, patience, and dedication make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve.
Community Shoutout: Bugs-R-Us
A special thank you to John from Bugs-R-Us for providing engaging educational programs each month. Topics range from insects and spiders to wildlife, trees, and even dinosaurs, making learning both fun and accessible. John's enthusiasm and storytelling ability encourage curiosity, laughter, and meaningful engagement throughout the community.
Activity Spotlight: Live Entertainment
Village at Valley View is fortunate to welcome a variety of musicians, educators, and entertainers each month. From live guitar and accordion performances to educational presentations and community groups, residents enjoy many opportunities for connection and enrichment. Live entertainment is especially beneficial for memory care residents, helping improve mood, reduce anxiety, encourage participation, and create joyful moments through music and social interaction.
Historical Highlights
- 1917: U.S. Army troops arrive in France to fight in World War I.
- 1937: Pennsylvania becomes the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.
- 1949: Hank Williams Sr. makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, earning six encores.
- 1963: Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman to travel into space.
- 1973: A U.S. patent is granted for the automated teller machine (ATM).
- 1990: Arsenio Hall is named TV Person of the Year by TV Guide magazine.
- 2002: Brazil wins its fifth FIFA World Cup title.
- 2019: Ali Stroker becomes the first performer in a wheelchair to win a Tony Award.