February
The Goldton at St. Pete
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - February 2025 - Iceland
Resident´s Birthdays
Fred M. 2/01
Judy T. 2/02
Joanna S. 2/08
John W. 2/12
Becky J. 2/13
Paul B. 2/14
Carolyn W. 2/18
Merle 2/26
Lynda G. 2/28
Celebrating February
Black History Month
Pancake Week
February 17–23
Groundhog Day
February 2
Thank a Mail Carrier Day
February 4
Superbowl
February 9th
Galentine’s Day
February 13
Valentine’s Day
February 14
Presidents Day
February 17
National Margarita Day
February 22
National Cupcake Day
February 24
Ramadan Begins
February 28
Black History Month
Black History Month, celebrated every February in the United States, is a period dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history, highlighting their significant impact on American culture and progress.
In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. Few people studied Black history and it wasn’t included in textbooks prior to the creation of Negro History Week.
This week was chosen because it includes the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, and former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln led the United States during the Civil War, which was primarily fought over the enslavement of Black people in the country. Many schools and leaders began recognizing the week after its creation.
The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February since.
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, the band composed the songs for the album Inside a lighthouse in the Westfjords, Galtarviti, one of the least populous and remote areas of Iceland.
The album was release in 2002, Mum is well known for the use of multiple instruments, all sort of strings, winds, percusions, flutes, choirs and uncommon instruments, their music is an intricate and whimsical soundscape that feels both intimate and otherworldly. The album captures the essence of untouched beauty and serene isolation, a timeless ode to the remote magic of Iceland.
Around the World with Atlas
This month, in our Around the World with Atlas series, we will be exploring the fascinating country of Iceland.
Iceland was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Viking Age of exploration and was settled by a mix of Norse and Celtic populations. Early settlers, primarily Norwegian seafarers and adventurers, used Iceland as a base for further excursions to Greenland and the coast of North America, which the Norse called Vinland.
Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland sits on two tectonic plates, making it a hotspot for volcanic and geothermal activity. The country harnesses these natural resources for energy production and was recently ranked as one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. Nearly all of Iceland’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, making it a global leader in sustainable energy.
Iceland is also home to incredible natural wonders. Visitors can witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, a stunning display of neon lights dancing across the sky, or experience the Midnight Sun, a summer phenomenon where the sun remains visible for 24 hours.
Be on the lookout for special Around the World (ATW) activities throughout February! These will be highlighted in grey.
We also Celebrate
Langston Hughes – February 1, 1902
Ina Garten – February 2, 1948
James Dean – February 8, 1931
Jimmy Durante – February 10, 1893
Ronald Reagan – February 6, 1911
Toni Morrison – February 18, 1931
Sidney Poitier – February 20, 1927
Steve Jobs – February 24, 1955
Jackie Gleason – February 26, 1916
Elizabeth Taylor – February 27, 1932
We also Celebrate
If you were born between February 1–18, you are Aquarius, the Water Bearer. Witty, clever, and honest, Water Bearers desire independence above all and are not afraid to deviate from the crowd to pursue their own interests. Those born between February 19–28 are Pisces, the Fish. Selfless, spiritual, and intuitive, Pisces swim on an inner journey. They are emotional, compassionate people who are always willing to help others.
American Heart Month
It’s February – American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans.
President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who’d had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month.
Throughout the month, the American Heart Association’s “Heart to Heart: Why Losing One Woman Is Too Many” campaign will raise awareness about how 1 in 3 women are diagnosed with heart disease annually.
The first Friday of American Heart Month, Feb. 7, is also National Wear Red Day as part of the AHA’s Go Red for Women initiative. Coast to coast, landmarks, news anchors and neighborhoods go red to raise awareness and support for the fight against heart disease. Please join us on February 7th in wearing red!
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.
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
No-Bake Strawberry Chocolate Tart
Ingredients:
Crust
32 Oreo cookies
1/2 cup butter , melted
Chocolate Filling
7 oz. milk chocolate
3.5 oz. bittersweet chocolate
7 oz. heavy cream
10 oz. fresh strawberries
chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
Instructions:
Place Oreo cookies into the bowl of a food processor and blend until crumbs form. Add melted butter and pour over the crushed cookies. Process until evenly moistened. Press cookie mixture with the back of the spoon and your fingers where necessary, into the bottom and edges of a rectangular 5×14 inch (12 x 36 cm) tart pan. Freeze until you prepare the filling, just for a few minutes.
In a small saucepan, place cream over medium-low heat for a few minutes to get hot. No boiling or simmering is needed. Remove from heat, pour over the chopped chocolate, and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Stir until dissolved.
Pour chocolate filling over the Oreo crust, and top with fresh strawberries.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Resident of the Month
Jeri Emery
Meet our Resident of the Month, Jeri. Jeri has lived at the Goldton just over three years. She grew up in Indiana. She was an elementary school teacher and raised her three children in the Indiana area. She moved to St. Petersburg area in many years ago for the beautiful weather . You will find Jeri at just about every activity we offer here at the community with her favorites being: lunch outings, arts and crafts and bingo!
Associate of the Month
Sara Logwood
Meet Sara, our Associate of the Month. She has been a caregiver at the Goldton community since . Sara is a great caregiver that goes above and beyond for all of the residents. She never hesitates to step in when needed and is great at anticipating the needs of residents. She always comes to work with a smile and a great attitude. We are so lucky to have her as part of the team.
Collaborators
Lisa Stouffer
