February
The Goldton at Spring Hill
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - February 2025 - Iceland
Resident Birthdays
Linda N. 1st
Ann S. 2nd
Carol K. 9th
Sheryl B. 10th
Nancy B. 23rd
Randall S. 29th
Staff Birthdays
Hayley L. 5th
Victoria C. 11th
Destiny B. 20th
Estela V. 21st
Bryana H. 23rd
Tonesia A. 25th
Kierra B. 25th
Celebrate February
Dress-Up Days!
National Wear RED Day – 7th
Valentine Spirit Week
10th Hearts, Polka Dots, or Stripes
11th Anything White
12th Men: Wear Black Women: Wear Pink
13th Men: Wear Grey Women: Wear Purple
14th Valentine’s Theme
MC Resident Spotlight Lynda Mae Nutt
Lynda was born in the small Kentucky town of Island. As a teenager in the 1950s, she loved rock-n-roll music, dancing to Chuck Berry, Elvis, and The Everly Brothers, who hailed from the next county. Always active in the United Methodist Church, she studied Christian Education at Kentucky Wesleyan and Scarritt College. Moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1962 for a job at First United Methodist, she was introduced to an eligible young bachelor teacher named Dennis Nutt. They married in 1963 and had a daughter, Lynda Denise, in 1964. Dennis encouraged Lynda to begin teaching, launching her 30-year career as an educator in first and second grades. When he died in a tragic accident in 1969, her teaching was the blessing she needed to support her family. She remained active in church, and after retirement, joined Edgehill United Methodist in Nashville, where she worked tirelessly for peace and justice for all people. While Lynda touched many lives, her most precious loves were her grandchildren, Daniel, Maylen, and Jackson. She never missed an event, generously shepherding them around, and hosting sleepovers. Named “Ahmama” by her oldest, she is a constant in their lives, filling them with love and delicious Chicken Pot Pie (no onions). They are her very heart. With a host of friends from childhood through the present, we hope you love and admire her as much as we all do.
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”
February Activity Highlights + New Game!
Who’s Who Here At The Goldton?
We are starting a new Newsletter Trivia Game. Read the 5 clues and see if you can guess who the employee is. Whoever the first resident who tells Jennifer Nolan (Activity Director), the correct employee, gets a Gift Card from Walmart!!! (one guess per resident)
Here are the clues: #1 I’m a huge Elvis fan. #2 I love to cook and bake. #3 I have lived in Tennessee my entire life. #4 I have two grandbabies. #5 I got my first perm when I was 12. Good Luck!
Activity Highlights
MEN’S CLUB: All the guys are invited to our Men’s Club. Morley is a volunteer who comes to talk to you! Please join us on Mondays at 11 am in the Private Dining Room. We will have DOUGHNUTS AND COFFEE, so you can’t say no to that!
The Goldtones CHOIR: You don’t have to sing perfectly to join the choir. We are looking for more residents to join our wonderful choir, led by Merle. If you would like to check out the choir and see if it’s something you might like to do, come on Wednesday 2/12 at 11 am, upstairs in the Mezzanine. Please ask Jennifer Nolan or Merle if you have any questions about the choir.
Big Deal Game Hour: On Wednesday, February 19th at 3:00 pm, we will have a fun time playing Bingo, easy trivia, true or false, guess how many, and we will have a raffle. I will have amazing prizes, not your dollar store prizes. Do NOT miss this one!
ICELAND: This month we are traveling to Iceland. Don’t miss our “Iceland presentation and “A taste of Iceland” activity. I will talk about the history of this interesting country while you enjoy some food that those in Iceland love to eat. Here is one fun fact about Iceland – Iceland is the land of “fire and ice” it sits on two tectonic plates, making it a hotspot for volcanic and geothermal activities. Iceland leans into these natural resources to make power. It was recently ranked one of the eco-friendliest countries in the world and since almost all the electricity in Iceland is produced using renewable energy sources, it’s easy to see why.
Iceland's Animals
Iceland’s unique geography and climate have given rise to a fascinating array of animals, many well-adapted to the island’s harsh and unpredictable environment. Among the most iconic are the Icelandic horses, renowned for their small stature, hardy nature, and unique gait known as the tolt. These horses are not only a symbol of Icelandic culture but are also highly protected – once exported, they are not allowed to return to the country to prevent disease. The Arctic fox, Iceland’s only native terrestrial mammal, has thrived on the island for thousands of years, adapting to the cold with its thick fur and ability to camouflage with the changing seasons.
Birdlife in Iceland is equally impressive, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers from around the globe. Puffins, with their colorful beaks and charming appearance, are perhaps the most famous avian residents, nesting in cliffs along the coastline during the summer months. The island is also a haven for seabirds like guillemots, Arctic terns, and eider ducks. In the surrounding waters, a rich marine ecosystem supports a variety of marine mammals, including seals, dolphins, and whales, making Iceland one of the best places in the world for whale watching. These animals, both on land and at sea, contribute to Iceland’s vibrant and diverse natural heritage.
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.
The importance of Fat and Protein
Protein and fat are essential macronutrients that play vital roles in maintaining overall health and supporting bodily functions. Protein is the building block of the body, crucial for repairing tissues, building muscle, and producing enzymes and hormones. It also plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting growth and development. Consuming adequate protein helps sustain energy levels, manage appetite, and support recovery from physical activity. Foods rich in protein, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy, provide essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Fat, often misunderstood, is equally important for a balanced diet. It serves as a concentrated energy source and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Healthy fats such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, support brain function, hormone production, and cell membrane integrity. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat, are particularly beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation. While it’s important to limit unhealthy fats like trans fats, incorporating sufficient amounts of good fats and protein into your diet is essential for optimal health and well-being.
Resident of the Month
Felix Figueroa
Felix was born in Cuba, one of 12 children (8 boys and 4 girls). He grew up helping his family on their farm. He always had a strong mind for numbers. He was the first of his family to finish school and become an accountant. He met his wife and was married for 55 years. Felix and his wife, a teacher, left Cuba because of the communist regime in the late 1960s. They traveled to Spain to begin their lives again. They worked hard in their respective careers, Felix as an accountant for a lucrative accounting firm and his wife as a teacher, so they could save up to continue their dream of moving to the USA. Eventually, along with their only daughter, they moved to New York where once again they worked hard to have the American dream. Felix had a job with Proctor & Gamble and his wife returned to school to get her Master’s in Education, (she had a PhD from Cuba). They had plans to live there; however, they quickly realized that the Bronx was no place to raise a child in those days. A friend in Miami, Florida offered Felix a job and they relocated again. Their time in Miami was a continued blessing. They both kept working in their careers and eventually became restaurant owners. If you ask Felix why his life has gone so well despite what many would say were difficulties, especially trying to come to America, which he loves; he would say this: love the Lord your God always and obey His commands. Have faith and trust that God’s ways are better. Felix moved to Tennessee to be closer to his only daughter and three grandchildren shortly after the passing of his wife. He loves to help, serve, and tell jokes. His favorite pastimes are reading his Bible, watching baseball games, and doing word searches.
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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!
Associate of the Month
Lizeth Cardoso
My name is Lizeth and I have been working at The Goldton for almost 4 years!! I really love to work here, and I especially love helping people. I am from Mexico, and I am married with 3 kids, 2 boys and 1 girl. I have been living in Spring Hill for 5 years. Back in Mexico, I was a teacher, I have a degree in Education, but now I am caring for people. I also have other jobs. I work at the YMCA in the daycare, and I work at Begin Anew where I am a children’s program coordinator. I love and enjoy all my jobs and I love my family. I want to be here for all the residents at The Goldton. When they need me, I will be there for them! Thank you for thinking of me for employee of the month! Thank you, Lizeth, you are truly a huge help for our residents, and when something needs to get done, you are on it, and give 100%. The Goldton is very lucky to have you!
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
Donna Stephens
