March
The Goldton at Spring Hill
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - March 2025 - Italy
Resident Birthdays
Kenneth V. 3/3
Gerry S. 3/3
Suzanne J. 3/7
Janice B. 3/14
Martha R. 3/15
Sally M. 3/16
Julia L. 3/27
Wayne W. 3/31
Staff Birthdays
Alana H. 3/6
Mario V. 3/12
Danett G. 3/17
Lisa M. 3/19
Ariel R. 3/20
Celebrate March
Mardi Gras 4th
St. Patrick’s Day 17th
Spring Begins 20th
Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, has its roots in ancient European pagan festivals that celebrated the arrival of spring. Over time, these traditions merged with Christian customs, particularly in Catholic countries, as a way to enjoy feasting and revelry before the solemn season of Lent. The celebration was brought to North America by French explorers in the 17th century, particularly in what is now Louisiana. By the early 18th century, French settlers in New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, established the first organized Mardi Gras festivities, incorporating masked balls, parades, and elaborate costumes. Over the years, the holiday grew into a major cultural event, heavily influenced by Creole, Cajun, and African traditions.
Mardi Gras is celebrated as a time of indulgence and festivity before the fasting and penitence of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday. It allows people to enjoy rich foods, music, and dancing while embracing themes of community, creativity, and tradition. Today, New Orleans is famous for its extravagant parades, which feature colorful floats, bead-throwing, and costumed revelers. The celebration is marked by symbols like the King Cake, which contains a hidden baby figurine representing luck and prosperity. While its religious significance remains for many, Mardi Gras has also become a cultural event that attracts visitors from around the world, celebrating the spirit of joy, inclusivity, and artistic expression.
Italian Tradition
Alexa play "The Ecstasy Of Gold" from "Ennio Morricone"
February Activity Highlights + New Game!
Italy has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years, shaping Western civilization and global culture. Home to the ancient Roman Empire, which dominated much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Italy was a center of political, military, and cultural power from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE. After the empire’s fall, the region fragmented into numerous city-states, kingdoms, and republics, including the influential maritime powers of Venice and Genoa and the cultural hub of Florence, which played a key role in the Renaissance. In the 19th century, Italy underwent a unification process, led by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Cavour, culminating in the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. The country faced turmoil during the World Wars and experienced a period of Fascist rule under Benito Mussolini. After WWII, Italy became a republic in 1946 and experienced rapid economic growth becoming one of the world’s leading industrial nations. Today, Italy remains a global cultural and economic powerhouse, known for its contributions to art, fashion, cuisine, and history.
The Tower of Pisa, also known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world. Located in the Italian city of Pisa, it is a freestanding bell tower of the city’s cathedral and is renowned for its unintended tilt. Construction began in 1173 and took nearly 200 years to complete due to interruptions caused by wars and financial difficulties. The tilt began early in its construction due to unstable foundation soil, which could not properly support the tower’s weight. Over the centuries, various efforts have been made to stabilize it, including counterweights and soil extraction. Despite its tilt, the tower remains structurally sound and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of tourists each year. its elegant Romanesque architecture, white marble exterior, and historical significance make it an iconic symbol of Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
Spring Begins!
The first day of spring, known as the spring equinox, usually falls on March 19th, 20th, or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the length of day and night is nearly equal because the sun is directly over the equator. The equinox marks the official transition from winter to spring, bringing warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the first signs of new life in nature. People often celebrate the arrival of spring with festivals, outdoor activities, and traditions that honor renewal and growth. As the days continue to lengthen, flowers begin to bloom, trees grow new leaves, and animals become more active, signaling the full arrival of the season of renewal.
One animal that loves spring is the bear. In spring, bears emerge from their long winter hibernation, hungry and eager to find food. After months of fasting, their bodies have used up much of their stored fat, so their priority is to eat and regain strength. As the snow melts and temperatures rise, bears search for fresh vegetation, berries, and any leftover food from winter. They may also hunt small animals or scavenge for fish in rivers and streams. Mother bears, known as sows, often emerge from their dens with their cubs, teaching them how to find food and survive in the wild. Spring is a crucial time for bears as they rebuild their energy and adapt to the changing landscape after the long, cold winter.
Italian Legacy
Around the World with Atlas
A Timeline “From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the visionary works of Renzo Piano, Italian architecture is a living testament to art across ages. Timeless.
Rome, the Eternal City, remains an open-air museum. Walk its cobblestone streets to see the Pantheon, Roman Forum, and fountains that whisper stories of empire and art.
With world-renowned cuisine, iconic design, and a musical legacy featuring maestros like Vivaldi and Verdi, Italy remains an eternal source of inspiration.
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th or early 5th century. As a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland, where he was enslaved and forced to tend sheep. During his captivity, he turned to Christianity and found strength in his faith. After several years, he managed to escape and return to his family. However, he felt called to return to Ireland as a missionary, dedicating his life to spreading Christianity among the Irish people. He is credited with converting many to Christianity, using symbols such as the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick’s influence on Ireland was profound, and he played a key role in establishing churches, schools, and monasteries throughout the country. Legends surrounding him include the famous tale of driving all the snakes out of Ireland, though historians believe this is more symbolic than factual. His death is believed to have occurred on March 17th, around the year 461 AD, and this date became known as St. Patrick’s Day. Originally a religious feast day, it has since evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades, wearing green, and festive gatherings. St. Patrick’s legacy remains strong, as he is remembered for his dedication to faith, education, and the spread of Christianity in Ireland.
Resident of the Month
Bill Roberts
Q: Where were you born?
Greenwood, Mississippi
Q: Tell us a little about your life story.
When I was 5 years old we moved from Mississippi to Texas because the Mississippi flood came in 1942 and wiped us out. Then when I was 14 years old, the family moved to Michigan. After high school, I worked in a Battery shop, making batteries. At 25, I joined the service, in the Army. I met my wife while in the Army and 2 weeks later, I had to go to Korea for the Army. After I left the service, we moved to Texas, and went to work for General Motors, where I was for 31 years. I worked on the assembly line, stocking, and inspection. My wife and I had 3 children and we adopted a baby boy. In 1965 I became a pastor, worked at GM during the week, and was a pastor for a church on Sunday. In 2018, I moved to Tennessee to be closer to my daughter. She and her husband bought me a house and 5 acres of land, I lived there for 5 years. When I got sick, I told them I wanted to look for Assisted Living and my daughter found The Goldton.
Q: What’s your go-to treat? Chocolate
Q: Favorite color? Navy blue
Q: Favorite song? Blessed redeemer
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you’ve always loved? Fishing. I lived on a lake in Texas.
More Articles
What’s the Smartest Healthcare Move Seniors Are Making Right Now?
Most people think of healthcare as something you turn to when there’s a problem—a doctor’s visit when you feel unwell, a prescription after a diagnosis, …
Rediscovering Love After 70s, Love Doesn’t Retire
Share our good news:
Recipe Spotlight:
Ragù alla Bolognese
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 small carrot, peeled, chopped
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. ground beef chuck (20% fat), patted dry
Kosher salt
3 oz. thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped
1 cup dry white wine
⅓ cup tomato paste
1 bay leaf
Pinch of finely grated nutmeg
2 cups (or more) homemade chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 lb. fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle, or dry rigatoni
2 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about ½ cup), plus more for serving
Directions:
Finely chop onion, celery, and carrot in a food processor. Brown ground beef in olive oil, then set aside. Cook pancetta until crisp, then soften the onion mixture in the same pot. Return beef, add white wine, and cook until evaporated. Stir in tomato paste, bay leaf, and nutmeg. Add chicken stock, milk, and salt. Simmer on low for 2–2½ hours until thick and tender. Cook pasta until al dente. Toss pasta with sauce, Parmesan, and pasta water.
Serve with extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Associate of the Month
Ashley Daubert
Q: What is your job title, and how long have you been part of The Goldton family? I am an LPN and have been part of The Goldton since October 2024.
Q: Why did you choose to work in senior care? Caring for seniors allows me to build lasting relationships, provide comfort, and ensure a quality standard of care. I find fulfillment in listening to my residents and advocating for their needs.
Q: Tell us a little about your life outside of work: I have twin boys who are 4, and my little girl is 5 years old. My children are active in sports so I spend time supporting them. I also enjoy rock climbing, working out, training Jiu Jitsu, and reading in my downtime. In the spring and summer, I climb and sell roofs!
Q: Favorite Food or go-to snack: My go-to candy is, Nerd Clusters.
Q: Favorite TV Show: Friends
Q: Favorite music: Worship music. My song of the moment is, Firm Foundation, by Maverick City
Q: Favorite quote or life motto: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”.
Italian Masters
(Renaissance Amazing Facts)
Tiziano Vecelli, known as Titian, was one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance, celebrated for his mastery of color and dramatic compositions. Born in the Republic of Venice around 1488–1490, he became the official painter of the Venetian Republic and worked for European rulers, including Emperor Charles V, who knighted him—an exceptional honor for an artist.
Collaborators
