Trees of Christmas Winner: GFWC Meadville Woman's Club

Early in December, participants of our annual trees of Christmas began to decorate the ballroom with their beautiful contributions!  The women of the GFWC Meadville Woman's Club were excited to find recently that their tree had once again placed first. Their charity was the Meadville Free Clinic, who will be receiving a $50 donation in the Women's Club name.

The group photo includes the decorating team: Group picture from left to right: Karen Eiler, Norma McClay(Pres.), Toni Mangretta(NW District Director and Past Pres.), Lee Petersen and Carole Hoffman (first Vice Pres.). Karen and Lee are members.

"We had a lot of fun and thank Juniper for making it possible for a charity to receive a monetary donation. All of the gifts under the tree and those used in decorating will be taken to the Free Clinic." Norma McClay, President

Thank you, Norma, and your group for participating and creating such a festive tree for charity.  The Residents, guests and associates all enjoyed the fun throughout December!  You brightened our days with your kindness.  Other participants were SouthernCare Hospice, AsceraCare Hospice, Juniper Village Veterans, and the Juniper Village Red Hat Ladies.  We thank you for being a part of our Juniper Family and wish you all a safe and Happy New Year! 

Carole Hoffman, First Vice President.
Norma McClay, President.

Holiday Preparations!

The Residents of Juniper Village are busy beautifully decorating cookies and various volunteers have prepared tasty desserts for the annual Holiday Celebration this evening.  The Tavern is decorated and awaiting the Friends and Family of our Residents and Associates.  Stay tuned for an update on all the festivities!

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Our Annual Best Friends pumpkin carving contest was a huge success!  Residents and Best Friend Associates gathered to carve their pumpkins this season!  Mr. Crabtree shows off his sweet crooked grin on his pumpkin! Juniper's Best Friends program was designed to offer connections between our Resident's and Associates beyond the scheduled diverse programming.  It offers an opportunity for our Associates to spend quality time with their "Best Friend".  The program was designed to Nurture the Spirit of Life in our Resident's lives, but we often see Associates part from these special programs with smiles just as grand as our Residents!  Happy Holidays from our Juniper Family to yours!

Oil Heritage Region Tour

Neither rain nor wind could keep the Residents of Juniper from traveling to Titusville to take their anticipated train ride! Mother Nature showed her colors for a spectacular treat as the Residents cuddled up in their warm jackets and blankets.  Laughter and fond memories were shared by the group!  As fall gracefully begins to exit and the winter solstice gains ground, we hold close the bond of fellowship and family this November.  Families, please remember to RSVP for the Annual Holiday Thanksgiving Dinner by November 6th.  Our Dinner will be held November 10th at 4:30pm during our Monthly AIAS Themed dinner.  We look forward to celebrating with you!

Oktoberfest Fun!

Oktoberfest was full of tradition this month as our Residents gathered to Show their Colors! Polka music resounded as residents and staff clapped and danced and ate, and...Drank some beer, of course!  We are currently scheduling a winter Polka Fest, as our Residents enjoyed the festivities too much to wait until NEXT October!  Stay tuned for photos of our celebration at our Annual Trick or Treat on Chestnut Street last Thursday.

Knot your typical outing

Our Residents recently took a trip to the Flagship Niagara to visit the Historic Ship that won the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.  The day was filled with reflections and stories of their own battles at war for some and for others, humor was found in some of the photo opportunities.  Whether it be a day in or a day out, these gentlemen are often found reminiscing and sharing stories. Juniper Village at Meadville is home to nearly 30 Veteran's.  Look for our upcoming invitations to our Veteran's events in our monthly Village View Newsletter and Connections Calendar.  An online calendar can also be found by clicking on the Monthly Newsletter link on the blog.

Friendship and Volunteerism!

Students from Allegheny College recently attended a morning of volunteering at Juniper Village. They met with residents, gave manicures and reminisced. In turn, the residents provided the students with homemade apple butter! The students were delighted to receive the special homemade gifts.  Volunteerism reaches our Residents in many ways, whether it is from a visit by the Students at Allegheny College or Seniors from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), or a friendly visit from the Pups at PAWS therapy to the Residents themselves participating in a Volunteer opportunity to Nurture their own Spirit of Life!  Volunteerism and Friendship seem to go hand in hand at Juniper Village.  Inquire today about your chance to make a difference in the lives of our Seniors.  We have openings to fit your schedule!  Opportunities include reading, art classes, movie nights, games, reminiscing, Friends and Family Dinners, and many more!  Call Pam Mitchell at 814.333.4400.

Rope Making and Honey Tasting!

Frances receives a sweet treat from his
friend and fellow resident Angelina

What a way to wrap up Environmental month! We had a guest visitor in to teach us the old fashioned way of making ropes! Making ropes the old way, uses strict manpower, and no fossil fuels...The residents had a wrangling good time!  As a further focus on the environment and local resources Cathy Vorisek, "the Bee Lady" of Backyard Bee Farm gave us the buzz on bees!  Residents enjoyed tasting the local honey and sharing in some sweet time together!