February
Legacy Ridge at Brookstone Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - February 2025 - Iceland
Resident´s Birthdays
Jody H. 2/1
George P. 2/12
Donna B. 2/14
Patricia H. 2/14
Geraldine J. 2/20
Kenneth R. 2/24
Staff Birthdays
Melanie G. 2/15
Ausra B. 2/21
Gwen E. 2/21
Events of the Month
2/7 Wear Red Day to show your support for the awareness of heart disease.
2/7 Zaxbys Lunch
2/7 Birthday Celebration with entertainment Memory Care
2/12 Willowbrook hospice Hot chocolate bar
2/13 Birthday/Valentine’s Celebration with Entertainment- Assisted Living
2/21 Pizza Hut Lunch
Pet therapy with Neema 2/14 & 2/28 Mars Hill Community Church Every Sunday
Icelandic Vibes
Alexa, play “Don't be afraid, you have just got your eyes closed” from Múm
Finally we are no one is the second studio album by Icelandic band Múm, released in 2002, the band composed the songs Inside a lighthouse in the Westfjords, Galtarviti, one of the least populous and remote areas of Iceland. The album captures the essence of untouched beauty and serene isolation, a timeless ode to the remote magic of Iceland.
A Nose for Lies
On February 23, 1940, Walt Disney released Pinocchio. In honor of the wooden boy who could not tell a lie without his nose growing, enjoy the quiz below. Do you know which statements are true and which are false?
1. Pinocchio was created by Geppetto.
2. Jiminy Cricket serves as Pinocchio’s conscience.
3. The Red Fairy helps Pinocchio learn right from wrong.
4. Moby is the name of the whale in the film.
5. Pinocchio is turned into a real boy at the end of the movie.
ANSWERS: 1. True: Geppetto is the kindhearted woodcarver who creates Pinocchio. 2. True: Jiminy Cricket guides Pinocchio as his conscience throughout the story. 3. False: The Blue Fairy plays a significant role in teaching Pinocchio important life lessons. 4. False: Monstro is the giant whale that Pinocchio and Geppetto encounter. 5. True: Pinocchio becomes a real boy after proving his bravery and honesty.
A Message From Our Executive Director
Hello Family Members,
I want to make sure that everyone is aware of our Forever Friends move-in incentive program. Legacy Ridge at Brookstone believes our community creates longer, happier and more fulfilling lives when friends come together and support each other.
We want to make our community the best yet by encouraging your friends to move in! Every time you refer a friend who moves into our community, you both will receive $1,000 rent credit once the friend has lived at the community for 90 days. You both win by being closer and our community wins by making our neighbors stronger!
I would like to thank everyone that donated items to my non-profit organization, Langston’s Love. The women at Rebecca’s Tent were very appreciative and grateful to receive the hygienic products. 
If you have any pending concerns that need to be addressed, please feel free to email me at hlangston@legacyridgebrookstone.com or contact me by phone at 770-423-0080.
Sincerely,
Hudie Langston, ED
Leadership Team
Hudie Langston
Executive Director
Cady Ugolin
Sales & Marketing Director
Linda Lucas
Health & Wellness Director
Stacey Wheeler
Business Office Manager
Jamie Hatfield
Lifestyle Director
Shawn Brown
Dining Services Director
Bill Fluellen
Maintenance Director
Ausra Baker
Resident Care Coordinator
The Many Faces of Valentine
While February 14 is widely celebrated as Valentine’s Day, there is some confusion as to which Saint Valentine this day refers to. According to the Roman Catholic Church, 14 different saints are named Valentine. Some believe Valentine honors the bishop of Terni, in central Italy, who was condemned by Roman Emperor Claudius. Others believe Valentine was a Roman priest who secretly married Christian couples until he was discovered by the Roman authorities and sentenced to death. Perhaps the real identity of Saint Valentine is unnecessary since what is truly important is his enduring legacy of love.
ICELAND
Around the World with Atlas
Iceland’s dramatic landscape is shaped by its active volcanism and vast glaciers. It is home to over 130 volcanoes, including Eyjafjallajökull, and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
During summer, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, with almost 24 hours of daylight. In contrast, winter brings long nights, creating the perfect setting for Northern Lights displays.
Illuminating the New Year
The Chinese Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie, will be celebrated on February 12, 2025, marking the end of the Lunar New Year festivities. With a history that spans over 2,000 years, this festival has its origins in the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), when emperor Han Mingdi promoted the lighting of lanterns to honor Buddha. Over time, the tradition evolved into a broader celebration of family, community, and hope for the future.
At the heart of the festival are the colorful lantern displays, which light up streets, parks, and homes. In ancient times, these lanterns were simple paper creations illuminated by candles, but today’s festivals feature intricate designs, often shaped like animals or iconic symbols. Lanterns are believed to symbolize letting go of the past and embracing good fortune for the coming year. A unique aspect of the festival is the tradition of solving riddles attached to the lanterns. Dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), these riddles provide a fun, intellectual challenge for festivalgoers, with puzzles that range from playful to deeply philosophical.
Tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice dumplings, are a key part of the festival’s culinary traditions. Their round shape represents family unity and harmony, and they’re often filled with sweet sesame paste, peanuts, or red beans. The festivities also include lively performances, such as lion and dragon dances, along with dazzling fireworks displays that heighten the joyful atmosphere. Historically, the festival was one of the few occasions when young women could venture out in public, adding a romantic element for couples strolling beneath the lantern-lit sky.
The Lantern Festival remains a cherished cultural event in China, blending ancient traditions with modern celebrations and offering a moment to reflect on the past while welcoming the future with hope and light.
Jólabókaflóð
(Icelandic Christmas book flood)
A Love for Literature:
Iceland boasts the highest number of published authors per capita. The Icelandic tradition of gifting books during Christmas, known as Jólabókaflóð (Yule Book Flood), reflects their deep connection to storytelling and literature.
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Recipe Spotlight:
Kjötsúpa: Icelandic Lamb Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
3 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder or thick chops
1 medium onion, sliced
1/3 cup brown rice, or rolled oats
6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped
3 medium carrots, 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup diced rutabaga
1 cup cauliflower florets, optional
4 medium potatoes, 1/2-inch dice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes without browning. Add lamb and brown on all sides.
Stir in onion, sauté briefly, then add rice and water. Bring to a boil, skimming off froth, and boil for 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium, add thyme and oregano, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.
Add cabbage, carrots, rutabaga, cauliflower (if using), and potatoes. Cook for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Remove meat, chop coarsely, and return to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, serve, and enjoy!
Resident of the Month
Dennis B.
Please join us in congratulating Dennis B., our February resident of the month. A native of Marietta, GA, Dennis resided primarily in Powder Springs, Georgia. As one of seven children, Dennis was the youngest of three brothers and three sisters. His childhood interests included playfully teasing his siblings and playing baseball. Dennis graduated from Osborn High School in Marietta, Georgia, where his love for baseball flourished during his high school years. After completing high school, Dennis embarked on a 14-year career with the Cobb County Fire Department.
Dennis has a loving family, consisting of three children – one son and two daughters – and numerous grandchildren whom he adores. His loyal dog, Hershey, was his closest friend and companion. When reflecting on his childhood, Dennis fondly remembers cooking, a skill he learned from his mother, and taking care of his siblings, a responsibility he undertook despite being the youngest. He often remarks that he was intelligent enough to get into trouble without being caught, a comment that frequently surprises others. Dennis takes great pride in his children’s achievements, including their high school graduation and his service in the Cobb County Fire Department.
Dennis exemplifies exceptional qualities, including intelligence, helpfulness, outgoingness, kindness, and patience. He consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist others and provide sage advice. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Dennis here at Legacy Ridge at Brookstone for his outstanding contributions.
Associate of the Month
Katie T.
It is our pleasure to introduce Katie T. as our February Employee Spotlight. Katie has established herself as an invaluable member of our community, consistently exhibiting exceptional team leadership skills. Katie’s career progression within our organization is a testament to her dedication and hard work, having begun as a Care Associate and quickly advancing to the position of MedTech. Katie’s passion for her role is evident in her love of building relationships with our residents, and she derives great joy from spending individualized time with them, providing laughter, support, and companionship.
As a native Georgian, Katie is a devoted mother to two children, a son and a daughter, who participates in gymnastics and cheerleading, necessitating Katie’s frequent attendance at cheer competitions. She is now expecting her third baby, due in May! Katie prioritizes spending time with her loved ones and friends in her leisure time.
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Katie for her outstanding commitment to our community.
Collaborators
Hudie Langston
