65 years and counting...

Mike and Anna Maruska celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Monday, January 24th. Juniper was a bustle of excitement in the moments leading up to the surprise party planned by Pam Mitchell, Connections Director. The party was strategically kept in secret as the Meadville Tribune photographer came in to take photos and delayed their entrance as folks gathered quietly. They had no idea that when they descended to the ballroom that they weren't just going down for some more photos. In they strolled...Surprise! Mike was grinning ear to ear and still is days later!

Residents, staff and family greeted the lovebirds and they were escorted to their head table where a beautiful cake sat positioned next to them. A blessing was given by Reverend Craig Lyman, fellow resident. Then there was cake! The traditional cake cutting was relived as Mike and Anna, once again, fed each other ceremonial cake...just like they did 65 years ago. Gentle music played in the background and everyone enjoyed their delicious cake.  Mike said this was the happiest day since his wedding day! Juniper  Village was the answer two and a half years ago, when they were looking for senior living where they would not be separated, they just never expected to find a home and such an extended family as they have with their Juniper Family.  Happy Anniversary!

There is a well known quote that Deborah Kerr says to Cary Grant in my favorite movie, An Affair to Remember..."Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories..." Juniper has warmed the hearts and memories of my own beloved family! Thank you so much.
-Mandy Maruska

Music through the ages

Music month has been abundant with volunteers who have stepped forward
to provide many opportunities for our Residents to embrace music and it's benefits. Mr. Massung, of Starline Classic DJ service, recently spent the evening reviewing music through the generations and exploring how the music has touched lives. The bubble machine erupted and residents took flight to the dance floor, as they heard familiar songs from the past.


Join us tomorrow, January 26th at 3pm to learn about Music as Therapy with Diane Hill.

Maintaining an Active Body!

Helen working out at Juniper Village

If you were to say only one thing about Helen Peterson, it is that she truly embodies vibrancy in life that most folks only dream about.  Helen moved into Juniper Village Senior Living Community this past August and we have been trying to keep up with her since!  Recently, her daughter, Nancy Stover went to visit Helen at the Wellness Extension (WE) to observe her fitness regime.  Helen attends the WE twice a week for one whole hour of aerobics.  Nancy peered on and Helen did not see her secret admirer.  “She did the leg lifts and band stretches; she was in constant move the entire time!”  The Instructress approached Nancy after the program and told her she had initial concerns about her mother “because of her age.”  After a few weeks with Helen, the instructress commented that Helen has increased her range of motion and her balance has greatly improved. Of course, Helen says to this, “this is why I don’t tell my age.  They think I am old!”  Nancy smiles and thinks “we should all be so old…”

When asked her age, Helen recalls that Jack Benny on the Radio said it best: “39 and holding!”  Helen describes her fitness routine as a mixed group of all ages who work out together and “we don’t stop, we really move the whole time!”  Helen attributes her youthfulness to her positive attitude and her husband saying “he was the best husband a woman could ever have; you never walked into the room without a smile on your face.” She further comments:  “The good Lord made me this way, I was just lucky!  I was fortunate God blessed me.” 

Helen feels exercises should be something you enjoy doing.  “Don’t be so serious about it, do it because you want to and because you like it…It will keep you younger and healthier, what more could you want?”  Helen prefers to keep her true age a mystery to the public, and she sticks by her original statement, “I am 39 and holding!”

Happy Birthday!

The monthly birthday party is celebrated for those Residents whose birthdays fall that month. In addition, each Resident is welcome to have their family and friends attend their birthday party. If you have a loved one living at Juniper Village, don't hesitate to attend their Happy Birthday Party! Call Pam Mitchell in Connections for details. Following the party, residents created a special birthday craft. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the birthdays! Helen Peterson stood to cheer when her name was called. When asked how old she reached, Helen simply stated "39 and holding!"

Roger...always a wiseguy!

Anna reads her Birthday card
aloud to the group with pride

Ringing in the New Year!

Juniper Village rang in the New Year with style! The celebration started at lunch and ran into the ballroom with snacks, celebratory beverages and old fashioned fun! January is all about music this month, and what better way to start January, than with a song among friends. Join us this Thursday for our Alive in All Seasons Friends and Family night with Elizabeth Tomcho on guitar. Dinner is at 4:30pm and the entertainment follows. Please RSVP to 814.333.4400 for this dinner event. Happy New Year!