February
Madison Heights / Kelley Place Enterprise
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - February 2025 - Iceland
Resident´s Birthdays
Marie Thrush 2/01
Emma Armstrong 2/14
Patsy Wood 2/20
Month's Celebrations
Groundhog Day 2/2
Valentine’s Day 2/14
President’s Day 2/17
Events Spotlight
Resident’s Senior Prom/Dance 2/11 (both communities)
Birthday Celebration 2/20
Associate of the Month
Carrie Breashears
Carrie was born in East Texas, and she was raised in Dallas, Fort Worth. She has lived in Enterprise since 2016. She has 2 beautiful daughters age16 and 17. Helping others is her passion. In her spare time, she enjoys any activities that involve water, and she LOVES ANIMALS. Carrie LOVES each and every resident like thy are her own family.
Icelandic Vibes
Alexa, play
“Svefn-g-englar” from Sigur Rós
Sigur Rós, is the iconic Icelandic band that weaves ethereal soundscapes and transport listeners to the beauty of their homeland. Known for their haunting melodies and atmospheric textures, their music feels like a journey through Iceland’s glaciers, volcanic fields, and aurora-lit skies.
The album “Ágætis Byrjun” from 1999, gained international recognition and was famously featured in the film Vanilla Sky (2001), perfectly encapsulating the film’s dreamlike and introspective tone.
*The Icelandic phrase
“Svefn-g-englar” translates to “sleepwalkers” or “sleep angels”
Pet Therapy for Seniors
Pet therapy can help those with dementia by improving their quality of life and reducing feelings of isolation. It can also help with behavioral problems and increase physical activity. Benefits of pet therapy include social interaction physical activity, improved communication, reduced agitation, improved short-term memory, improved self-esteem and reduce medication usage. Per therapy can also help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
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.
Benefits of Health Screenings
Health screenings are crucial for Seniors. Health screenings offer numerous benefits including early detection of health issues, improved quality of life and potentially longer life expectancy. There are several types of screenings including diabetes screening, blood pressure, colon cancer screening, bone density, eye exams, osteoporosis screening, cancer screenings, dental screenings, hearing test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, hearing loss screening, skin exam, colonoscopy, influenza, lung cancer screening and more.
Seniors and Fitness
Wellness and fitness are both very important for seniors. Some tips for seniors include exercise regularly, incorporate strength training, improve balance and flexibility, stay hydrated, make exercise convenient, listen to your body, eat and sleep well and go to the doctor regularly for checkups. For seniors who do not like to exercise alone getting an exercise partner to keep you motivated is always a great idea. It is very important that seniors stay as physically and mentally active as possible.
Art and cognitive function in seniors
Art and creativity can help seniors improve their quality of life, cognitive function and social connections. Creative arts can also help seniors feel more connected to their community and have a greater sense of purpose. Art and other forms of creativity engage your brain and spark many of the processes needed for sharp cognitive function. Even just viewing art can increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate the formation of new neural pathways. Some activities for seniors include painting, sculpting, learning a new instrument, creative writing, making memory boxes, making painted rocks, making beaded bracelets and making wreaths.
More Articles
Smart Downsizing Guide for Your 2025 Senior Living Move
The process of downsizing goes beyond simply sorting through belongings—it’s a deeply personal journey of discovery and renewal. It invites you to reflect on what …
End the Year Right: Discover Why Now’s the Best Time for Senior Living Moves
Share our good news:
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
Brenda Conatser
Brenda is a Texas native. She grew up near Abilene where her father owned a shoe store in the small town of Snyder. She was married 20 years to an army soldier, living several places including Germany. She then spent several years living in Oklahoma City and working as a typist for the State Department of Transportation until she retired. Brenda has 3 daughters, 8 grandkids and 4 great-grandkids. She especially enjoys children and music. Brenda was a part of the singing group and National A Cappella Performers, The Sweet Adeline’s.
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.
Collaborators
Madison Heights and Kelley Place is the first specialty care community to focus on memory care in Enterprise, Alabama. Naturally, their weevil had to represent the individuals and families who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia daily.