Memorial Day

Memorial Day was celebrated today at Juniper Village.  The Residents enjoyed delicious BBQ ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs and traditional sides such as potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans and of course, watermelon for dessert.

Jeanette Williams chuckles at the thought of her photograph being put on a "blogspot"...because technology is just so different these days!  Residents could be heard in the background reminiscing about picnics and family gatherings from their youth.    Pam Mitchell, Connections Director ensured all of the Veterans received special recognition and a carnation during the picnic celebration.    When asked what was the best food choice, it was unanimous...EVERYTHING!  Great Job Chef Erin, Clay Erford and the entire culinary team.  A special thanks goes out to all of our resident associates who helped make the picnic a success!

Words of Wisdom

Luella Seely, wellness associate recently spent some time taking a creative approach to enhancing our "My Life Story" through connecting with several residents. The My Life Story is a signature Juniper program that we use to develop individualized programs to meet unique interests and needs. The information we gather spans from childhood , adolescence, young adulthood, middle age through older adult hood. As our Residents were reflecting on all of these seasons of life, the answers Luella got to some of the questions are indicitave of what season the Resident focused on; so unfolded "Words of Wisdom from Juniper Village".

Lucy Echnoz: "Don't worry, be happy"
Joan Smallenberger: " Deal with what you have been given"
Donald Long: "Dont cry in your beer"
Genevieve Pazdyk: "Seek God for whatever you need"
Sophie Korn: "Say God Bless you"
Wilma Walker: "Just be happy and have a good life"
Daisy Chalmers: "Don't get pregnant"
Donna Church: "Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not to your own undertakings"
Edith Joel: "Believe in the Lord with all your strength and might"
Jean Wood: "Treat your fellow man just the way you want to be treated"
Marilee Richter: "Keep your mouth shut, particularly when it comes to politics and religion"

Eliza Scander: "Be faithful. Be truthful. No Sex before Marriage. No smoking. No caffeine"

George Sanders: "Save your money"
Joe Bruleigh: "Save your money for a rainy day"
Ed Hildebran: "Never lend money"
Mike Maruska: "Don't buy anything you don't need"


Knowing what is important to each individual helps our associates Nurture the Spirit of Life in each individual we touch. Luella's dedication to the Residents of Juniper Village is evident in her Juniper Spirit. Thank you Luella for your commitment to quality of life.

Get Fit Fair

Margaret Perrine practices Tai Chi in a modified version from a seated position as her fellow Residents observe the demonstration by Cootie Harris.



Residents, families, and business professionals stopped in to participate in the Get Fit Fair on the Juniper front lawn yesterday. A yoga demonstration by Leslie Blake, Tai Chi by Cootie Harris, and Zumba were the highlighted entertainment.



The YMCA attended with information on their programming and opportunities for seniors to join the aquatic classes they offer. Often seniors find the aquatic classes a good transition into a fitness program, as the water takes the pressure off of the joints as one exercises. For more information, please contact the YMCA at 336.2196. Discounts may be available to you.



Charris Brunot stopped in from The Meadville Tribune to participate in the Tai Chi demonstration. Charris took delight in the beautiful weather and strolled up from their downtown location. She was instantly drawn in by Cooties invitation to participate when she heard the movements were reminiscent of ballet.



Earl joined the Zumba ladies to learn a few new steps! Zumba is an activity that anyone can do, as you can see...children through elders enjoyed the upbeat music and fun steps.




Elizabeth Tomcho arrived to play and sing for the residents. She entered the drawing for the healthy fitness basket and won.

Jason Howles Landscaping donated a Butterfly Bush, which Resident Sally James won! When her daughter arrived today to pick her up for an outing, she was pleasantly surprised to receive the gift from her mother. "Please tell the Howles thank you!" her daughter mentioned with a warm smile.


Each attendee received a complimentary pedometer and healthy snack in celebration of Fitness month as a part of our Alive in All Seasons Connections program at Juniper Village.

Kung Fu with Cootie!

Cootie Harris works with Lucy Echnoz explaining the elements of breathing, balance and fighting the aging process. The Residents learned the importance of focus and control in your breathing as Cootie demonstrated Kung Fu. To learn more about what Tai Chi is and what it looks like, please join Cootie at the Get Fit Fair next Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at Juniper Village.

Below Mr. Anderson and the ladies practice loosening the arms while working on controlled breathing. Juniper Village believes Maintaining an Active Body, Engaged Mind, and Fulfilled Spirit are keys to healthy aging. Thank you Cootie, for showing us how fun and fulfilling Healthy Aging can be!

Mother's Day Victorian Tea Celebration

Mothers come in different forms, Birth mothers, In-Laws, Step Mothers, and even "adopted" mothers grace our lives in many ways. This Mother's Day, all of our ladies were treated like Queen Mothers during the Victorian Tea. Wellness Associate, Luella Seley takes a moment to serve Sally James, in appreciation.


Pam Mitchell, Connections Director, prepared the beautiful accouterments and embellished the ballroom in true Victorian Fashion.



Jennifer Musone, Executive Director, recalls the festivities of the day:

"The Victorian Tea on Friday was decorated with elegant Victorian Antiques and table centerpieces that included antique tea pots, hurricane vases, and flower petals. The flavored teas, cucumber sandwiches and hand dipped chocolate strawberries were a hit! Our ladies were all "Queens" for the day and were photographed with Tiara's underneath a beautiful lighted archway decorated with Begonia's. "

Monday morning, the ladies were still reminiscing in the family room, smiles beaming on their faces. Since a picture says a thousand words...Enjoy the photos...

...So while the ladies were being pampered, what were all of the gentleman up to? The Gentleman still enjoyed the Friday Afternoon Happy Hour, each other's company, and the fact that all of the ladies were so happy! Life in perfect balance.

Chocolate Spa Day

The ladies of Juniper Village were treated to an afternoon at the chocolate spa! Fresh cucumber slices and mud masks adorn friends Daisy and Mary. Daisy said "this was the best Mother's Day Gift!" Later in the day, she and Mary could be heard giggling about how their faces were as smooth again as a baby's bottom!

Decadent trays of chocolate treats layered the tavern bar top as soft sounds of nature and calm emanated from the ballroom where massages by Ms. Prettyman were being held.

Students from LTI-Laurel Technical Institute volunteered their time to give manicures and pedicures. The event was so inspiring for the students, that they have expressed interest in returning on a regular basis to pamper the ladies further! A request to which the ladies readily agreed!

The Alive in All Seasons Best Friends program was in full bloom, as Best Friends, Anna and Desiree shared in a precious moment of mud, masks and manicures!

Wellness Intern, Carol, who is sharing her last few days with us, takes time to pat clean Beverly's renewed and pampered skin.

Carol has been interning here at Juniper for the past couple months and her experience with our Alive in All Seasons programs have only inspired her to continue her work in the medical field. She has seen how "the associates do everything they can to make the residents feel special and feel at home." She further feels "this is the most caring place I have ever worked" and personally "Juniper has done more for me in the time I have been here, than my last job did in 5 years!"

The Juniper Culture lives in each and every associate at Juniper Village, and we strive daily to Nurture the Spirit of Life in each individual whose life we touch. Our Residents and Associates have embraced the Juniper Alive in All Seasons culture. A program in which Diane Byrne, VP of program, development, training and operational oversight, nurtured from its creation nearly four years ago. Each year we, as associates, challenge ourselves to take the programming to the next level. Programs like the Chocolate Spa Day, Gardening Project, Veteran's Recognition, Campfire Nights, Tai Chi, Yoga and Sweets for the Soldiers, are all examples of the new programming the Residents of Juniper Village are encouraged to enjoy.

We hope to see you at our Get Fit Fair, Wednesday, May 19th from 2pm to 4pm, to celebrate Fitness Month with us! The community is welcome.