Juniper Communites, Lynne Katzmann, President and CEO arrived to deliver the Juniper Spirit Award, the Giraffe Awards and Staff Appreciation awards for years of service. Residents, Family Members and Associates gathered in the Allegheny Ballroom with great anticipation of who the Juniper Spirit Award winner would be...The ceremonies began with introductions by Tonya Moyer, Executive Director. Lynne Katzmann welcomed the group as she reminisced about the Ballroom itself. Not much more than a year ago the Ballroom was
occupied as a storage room until the Meadville Leadership Team breathed new life into the space. On this day, the room was witness to new memories in the making as Donald Breneman, Director of Operations, speaks from the heart and announces the accomplishments of the Juniper Village Meadville Associates ranging from one year of service to over 10 years of service!
You may wonder what those pins actually look like...Well, we have brought you a birds eye view, compliments of photographer Chef Erin, as I share with you my service pin for my year of service.
It seems like only a few months ago that I began my journey at Juniper Village, and nearly one and a half years later, I sit proudly as I see my fellow 
associate, Terry (photo left), collect his pin for over 10 years of service! Terry has seen a lot of wonderful changes here at this community, but there are a few things that haven't changed; his dedication to his job and our residents, and his commitment to his fellow associates. What an accomplishment! Yes, it was quite touching...is that a tear of pride and joy you are wiping from your cheek, Don Breneman?
The ceremony continued with the Giraffe awards by Lynne Katzmann; The Giraffe Awards are Lynne's special recognition to Juniper Associates. In true giving spirit, Lynne began her presentation with this humble statement: "There is not a whole lot I do by myself at Juniper
Communities...and this is something I do..." She was referencing the efforts and dedication of the entire Corporate Leadership Team who fulfill the company mission. The Giraffe awards are something Lynne has cherished as her own way of giving back to her associates. Lynne truly believes it "takes a village" but also recognizes individuality within the team approach. She proceeded to acknowledge special accomplishments of staff members at Juniper, in a way that some families in attendance described as "inspiring and memorable." Lynne began Juniper Communities with a concept over 21 years ago; to Nurture the Spirit of Life in each individual we touch. The concept became the mission statement, and the mission statement unfolded as the words became a reality and continued to cultivate into who we are today. As employees, we are all nurtured in our own ways and encouraged to fulfill our creative outlets. Our personal journey's are important to Lynne, and she never fails to ask about our families, our children, and our personal goals. The Giraffe award is a way for Lynne to recognize associates when they "stick their neck out". Why a giraffe? Giraffes have large warm hearts to pump the blood up through that especially long neck of theirs; big warm hearts and the willingness to stick their necks out, are what our associates have in common with the giraffe. Plus, Lynne was able to wear that fantastic giraffe print coat that we all coveted...
It seems like only a few months ago that I began my journey at Juniper Village, and nearly one and a half years later, I sit proudly as I see my fellow 
associate, Terry (photo left), collect his pin for over 10 years of service! Terry has seen a lot of wonderful changes here at this community, but there are a few things that haven't changed; his dedication to his job and our residents, and his commitment to his fellow associates. What an accomplishment! Yes, it was quite touching...is that a tear of pride and joy you are wiping from your cheek, Don Breneman?The ceremony continued with the Giraffe awards by Lynne Katzmann; The Giraffe Awards are Lynne's special recognition to Juniper Associates. In true giving spirit, Lynne began her presentation with this humble statement: "There is not a whole lot I do by myself at Juniper
Communities...and this is something I do..." She was referencing the efforts and dedication of the entire Corporate Leadership Team who fulfill the company mission. The Giraffe awards are something Lynne has cherished as her own way of giving back to her associates. Lynne truly believes it "takes a village" but also recognizes individuality within the team approach. She proceeded to acknowledge special accomplishments of staff members at Juniper, in a way that some families in attendance described as "inspiring and memorable." Lynne began Juniper Communities with a concept over 21 years ago; to Nurture the Spirit of Life in each individual we touch. The concept became the mission statement, and the mission statement unfolded as the words became a reality and continued to cultivate into who we are today. As employees, we are all nurtured in our own ways and encouraged to fulfill our creative outlets. Our personal journey's are important to Lynne, and she never fails to ask about our families, our children, and our personal goals. The Giraffe award is a way for Lynne to recognize associates when they "stick their neck out". Why a giraffe? Giraffes have large warm hearts to pump the blood up through that especially long neck of theirs; big warm hearts and the willingness to stick their necks out, are what our associates have in common with the giraffe. Plus, Lynne was able to wear that fantastic giraffe print coat that we all coveted...
One highlight of the event was when Michael Maruska, resident at Juniper Village, and my loving grandfather, proudly delivers a bottle of Juniper's own home made Strawberry Merlot wine to Lynne. The wine was made at the most recent wine making class held in the Lafayette Tavern. Michael was there every step of the way during the preparation of the spirits. And speaking of Spirit...Drum roll please...And the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. 
The Juniper Spirit Award! Perhaps, it wasn't a surprise to the many that know and work with Amy Vanderhoff, when she was announced the winner of the Juniper Spirit Award. I think we all somehow knew in our hearts that she was the winner. Her 6 years of dedicated service and professionalism and continued drive to Nurture the Spirit of Life is what won her this prestigious award. I think Samuel Rogers, 19th century poet, said it best: "to know her was to love her." Amy, your continued dedication to the Juniper Village Family is evident. To know you is to love you and we are all so very proud of you
!
The Juniper Spirit Award! Perhaps, it wasn't a surprise to the many that know and work with Amy Vanderhoff, when she was announced the winner of the Juniper Spirit Award. I think we all somehow knew in our hearts that she was the winner. Her 6 years of dedicated service and professionalism and continued drive to Nurture the Spirit of Life is what won her this prestigious award. I think Samuel Rogers, 19th century poet, said it best: "to know her was to love her." Amy, your continued dedication to the Juniper Village Family is evident. To know you is to love you and we are all so very proud of you
! A special thanks to Tonya Moyer, Jennifer Musone, Donald Breneman and Lynne Katzmann for delivering a beautiful ceremony for the recipients of the awards, our Families in attendance and the Residents who graced us with their presence. We are all here for one common mission: To Nurture the Spirit of Life in each individual we touch. Thank you again Amy for touching our lives so deeply with your compassion.
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