January 2016 Events in Meadville, PA: Welcome New Beginnings

Happy New Year! January is the time when we all welcome new beginnings and set resolutions to make this year better than the last. But how does one keep those resolutions throughout the year ahead? The New York Times offers four suggestions: First, make a concrete plan, something visual to embed it to memory. Second, put something you value on the line – is it your health or your pocketbook – keep that in mind when you are tempted to break your resolution. Third, bundle your temptations. For instance, you want to exercise more, but struggle getting to the gym and you also have a fondness for gossip magazines but feel they are a waste of time. Combine the two – read the magazines only at the gym! And fourth, seek social support. You can achieve more by pursuing goals with the help of a mentor.

Still haven’t made any resolutions? Resolve to join us every month for a wide variety of events and activities. This month we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choir. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings and make regular visits to Juniper Village part of your new year’s goals!

Our fabulous January 2016 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  New Year’s Celebration with live music as we celebrate a new year, new you, and new chances, with music by Carl and Barb Hultman on January 1^st at 2:00 pm.

§  Alive In All Season’s Dinner: The History of the Dulcimer for a free supper and a brief history of the Dulcimer with Carol Myers who will also be performing live dulcimer music on January 14^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Lunch & Learn Benefits of Creative Expression for a complimentary meal accompanied by an informational seminar on Creative Expression and the benefits of the arts with the talented and energetic Marcy Williamson on January 20^th at noon.

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

Alive in All Seasons, Christmas Celebration

Christmas time is always a special time around Juniper Village at Meadville!  This year’s Alive in All Seasons Celebration was better than ever.  Friends and families were able to gather for this yearly holiday celebration with tons of hors d’oeuvres, live holiday music and of course a glass of wine.

We continue to celebrate the holiday season every day with our beautifully decorated building, Christmas music playing in the living room and multiple holiday related activities.  Neighboring school children have made multiple stops to sing their Christmas carols and play their musical instruments.  The residents and staff have enjoyed all of the extra visitors that the holidays bring.

We are all looking forward to a special visitor, you know, the jolly guy all dressed in red!  Not sure which day he will stop by, but it is something we all look forward to every year, don’t you worry, we are all on the nice list this year!!!

Christmas ROAD TRIP, Juniper style

Our ever dedicated, super fun and always up for an adventure Connections Director, Renee, took 10 of our residents to Kraynak’s “Santa’s Christmas Land” which is a 300 foot indoor starlight avenue of uniquely designed artificial Christmas Trees located in Hermitage PA.  With approximately 80 decorated trees on display plus many other seasonal favorites the residents really got the Christmas spirit in high gear after this trip.

After the tour, the group headed to Bob Evans for a hearty lunch which was enjoyed by all!

Everyone is looking forward to getting the holiday season underway!  Stay tuned to our blog for more fun seasonal holiday posts in the upcoming weeks!

December 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Celebrate Little Things

This month is all about celebrations! Not only will we be celebrating holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, but we will also celebrate the little things that make life worthwhile. Little things such as the reassuring touch of a friend’s hand, a kind word from an acquaintance and a warm smile from a stranger.

In our all too busy lives we sometimes forget to honor the simple things in life that bring us peace and joy. Most experts recommend that we allow 10-20 minutes of relaxation and stress relief each day. Making time for that can even be a stressful experience! During this busy month of baking, shopping, visitors and juggling tasks take time to remember what is really important.

Here are some tips to keep holiday stress in check: Acknowledge your feelings – you are not alone as holiday stress is not uncommon. Be realistic with expectations – you can only do so much, learn to say no. Ask for help when needed – everyone wants to be needed and may feel more included by being able to contribute. Plan ahead to minimize unplanned expenses and tasks. Take a breather – take a walk at night and do some stargazing, listen to soothing music, or get a massage. Above all enjoy all the holidays have to offer by sharing time with others.

Join us during the busy month of December for our annual cookie exchange and holiday celebrations. Take time to Celebrate Little Things with those you love.

Our fabulous December 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Lunch & Learn Beating the Wintertime Blues for an informative presentation from Dr. Lisa May about staying upbeat when the weather turns cold and the sky is gloomy and enjoy a complimentary meal on December 2^nd at noon. (RSVP by November 30^th to 814-333-4400.)

§  AIAS Christmas Gathering for hors d'oeuvres, fun and family, as we will be having lots of wonderful snacks upstairs, then don't forget to join us downstairs for fun and drinks on December 10^th at 4:30 pm. (RSVP by December 4^th to 814-333-4400.)

§  Barber Shop Chorus right in the main dining room, so you won’t have to go far to hear the joyous tunes on December 22^nd at 6:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

Juniper Village Meadville "Gives Thanks"

Thanksgiving 2015 is in the books and this year we all have so many things to give thanks for!  First and foremost we are all grateful for each other, for our family, our friends, our caregivers, and our co-workers.  For the people that love us, take care of us and think of us on a regular basis.

Our residents are touched on a regular basis by their families that visit with them throughout the year, and especially at the holidays. The friends that they live next to and share their daily lives with.  The staff that cares for them every day, taking extra care to make sure all of their daily needs are met.  The community members that come in to assist with activities, music, spiritual messages or just a friendly visit.

Our staff is also grateful for the support we receive from our corporate office, our local management team and most of all from each other as we work together to help provide the best care possible for our residents that we all truly love and appreciate.  We are also appreciative of our families and friends outside of work that love, support, and encourage us on a daily basis and give us the strength and determination to do what we do every day.

One fish, Two fish, Red fish, TROPHY!!!!!!

Well the title may not rhyme but who cares, WE WON!!!!

The Meadville Junior Chamber of Commerce (CAYCC) sponsored the 49th annual Halloween Parade and Juniper Village Meadville entered a float in this year’s parade!  The parade was held in downtown Meadville October, 31 2015 at 6:30 pm and this year’s theme was “Seussville”.

Meadville’s Juniper Village, pulled out all the stops with characters and book covers from several of the famous Dr. Seuss books, some were well known and others not as common.  The staff spend countless hours planning and preparing for the big parade and then building the masterpiece!

The day of the parade we had 15 staff members and 4 residents actually in the parade all dressed in Seuss characters.  No one more in the crowd more excited then our own Executive Director, “The Cat in The Hat”, Monica Blood!

At the end of the night, a first prized trophy was in hand!

Big thanks to all of the staff and the residents that put in all of the time and effort to make this years float a huge success!

Juniper Village at Meadville celebrates veterans, today and everyday!!!

This year’s Veteran’s Day celebration was a busy day around Juniper Village at Meadville.  We are so proud that we currently have 16 US Military Veterans living here at Juniper Village.  For me personally,  as a proud mother of a young Airman with the PA Air National Guard currently serving at Al Udeid Airbase in Doha, Qatar makes this Veteran’s Day just that much more special!

This year’s celebration involved a trip to Sagertown Elementary with a few of our veterans where they were honored for their service to our Country.  We then had a well-attended luncheon with our residents as well as members of the community.  This year’s luncheon was graciously served by the Meadville Women’s Club and Pastor Aabye was our featured speaker and he spoke about our Country’s vast war time history as well as his own personal military experiences.

No Veteran’s luncheon would be complete without an appropriately themed homemade dessert from our own chef, Erin!

Thank you to all of our staff for making this day extra special for all involved!

A Day in the Gem City

It was a perfect fall day filled with sunshine for the residents of Juniper Village at Meadville to go to Erie for lunch and a drive around Presque Isle State Park, a 7 mile stretch of public beaches, wetlands and fishing sites. They learned many fascinating facts about Erie and the peninsula like The City of Erie, Pennsylvania has had many names such as The Bay City, The Lake City & Gem City.  Erie is the name that stuck largely due to the lake but also because it was the name of the Native American tribe that once resided on the southern shore.  Nothing better than a visual to absorb a bit of our great states history.

November 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Cherish The Journey

Family is a simple word, with complex meaning. To some family is the people you are related to by blood, but to some family is the people you choose to hold in high regard, and to others family isn’t people at all, but animals – our beloved pets.

Regardless of the definition, family plays an important role in our personal journey. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, colleagues or pets, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.

This month we celebrate family and reflect on our personal journeys while creating new memories for the future. Join us as we reminisce about these journeys through autobiographical journaling. Plan to share with those less fortunate through our annual food drive from November 1-30 with all non-perishable food items being donated to a local food bank. Also interact and share with others through our community support groups, and know that you are not alone. Throughout the month we will also be hosting several family events as we celebrate family and give thanks. We encourage you to review our calendar and join us for any or all of our events and Cherish The Journey!

Our fabulous November 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Veterans Day Luncheon for a complimentary meal to help us cherish and thank our Veterans as we will be holding a Veterans service with a special guest speaker on November 11^th at 11:30 am. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by November 5^th.)

§  AIAS Thanksgiving Dinner as we give thanks with family and friends for our Alive In All Seasons Thanksgiving Dinner that is free for residents and $5 for guests with kids 5 and under eating free on November 12^th at 4:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by November 6^th.)

§  Lunch and Learn Crawford County Historical Society for the Mead Family Genealogy Presentation to learn about the David Mead family genealogy at the historic David Mead Inn as you experience a special part of Meadville history with a complimentary lunch provided on November 20^th at noon. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by November 15^th.)

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Cherish The Journey.

Oktoberfest

It was a gorgeous October evening here at Juniper Village at Meadville. The music was hoppin' and the lederhosen were stylin'. Oktoberfest has been a tradition since October 12, 1810 when the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese Von Sachsen-Hildbughausen was celebrated. Each year at Juniper Village, we like to keep the traditions alive with a polka band, a beer and a great time!

October 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Show Your Colors

Every October we turn our Alive in All Seasons focus to holidays and sports as we “Keep the Spirit” during this last celebratory quarter of the year. Sporting events are inevitably part of that celebration for many families.

According to Dr. Renee Clauselle, founder of Child and Family Psychology, “Bonding over sports — the highs and lows of the game — strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things.” Think of sports as an opportunity to connect with others over a favorite – or even rival – team and learn more about each other. Even strangers can learn more about where they grew up, which teams they support, which sports they played and how those sports are different today. You may even learn something about your loved ones that you never knew. Perhaps great-grandma played softball in a women’s league during college. That would be something to pass along to future generations! Watching a sporting event can become so much more than plays and scores; it can become an opportunity to learn the history of someone you love.

Join us this month and “Show Your Colors” as we sponsor a local sports team, get into the spirit of the season with our Halloween Costume Party and honor those associates who go above and beyond with our annual Juniper Spirit Awards.

Our fabulous October 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Oktoberfest Celebration featuring the Keystone Bavarians and social networking with delicious refreshments on October 8^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Lunch and Learn Seminar with Genesis Therapy about how to stay active in the later years and the benefits of continued physical fitness on October 16^th at noon.

§  Trick or Treat on Chestnut Street as Halloween is a favorite holiday for many and we all enjoy seeing the cute little children in their costumes on October 29^th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Show Your Colors.

Nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit with Juniper Village at Meadville

The residents at Juniper Village in Meadville had a great time learning the many benefits of laughter for the mind, body, and soul with Meg Maly of Asera Care Hospice. This was just one of our many featured events during National Assisted Living Week and part of our ongoing wellness programs.

September 13 – 19 is National Assisted Living Week

Understand the senior living options available

This year, National Assisted Living Week’s theme is Nourishing Life: Mind, Body and Spirit and celebrates the countless ways assisted living caregivers nurture the whole resident. This has been the basis of Juniper Village at Meadville’s mission since we began and is certainly a goal of the industry.

With the percentage of the U.S. population over age 65 steadily increasing, it is important to understand the many options available in specialized residences and the level of care they provide for the growing and varied needs of seniors.

In addition to the type of community, it is equally important to find one that offers compassionate care, unparalleled access to healthcare – preferably onsite, programming that will stimulate you such as Music & Memory, and a commitment to continued improvement.

Personal Care/Assisted Living residences are for seniors who require the least amount of care. Meals are provided along with assistance in medication management, bathing, and dressing, if needed. Housekeeping and laundry services may also be available. Community social activities or outings may be offered, and depending on their preferences and budgets, residents may have the option of choosing a private room or a shared apartment.

Although some Assisted Living residences may provide services for seniors with cognitive impairment, a Memory Care residence is a specialized community for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Providing 24-hour supervision and security, the Memory Care environment is designed to meet the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s patients.

A Skilled Nursing Care residence, sometimes known as a nursing home, provides the highest level of care for its residents as well as round-the-clock availability of medical care. Seniors in these communities may be incontinent or require assistance with eating, walking, and moving about the bed.  Skilled Nursing Care residences usually provide long-term care for seniors who are too sick or frail for other types of residences.

In recognition of National Assisted Living Week, remember, when independent living becomes too difficult, moving into a senior living community that offers appropriate levels of care based on an individual’s need can often be the best solution.

September 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Spread Your Joy

As the air begins to cool and summer wanes, Juniper Village ends our “Stay Connected” series by recognizing Friendship and Joy. What is it that brings you joy? Is it the wet nose of a newborn pup? The smile of your first grandchild? The taste of a triple chocolate ice cream cone? Whatever it is we invite you to share that joy with others at Juniper Village this month.

Much attention has been paid to studies regarding the effects of stress on your health, but what about the effects of joy? The landmark “Nun Study,” as it's often known, revealed that positive emotion is correlated with longevity: 90% of the most cheerful quarter of nuns was alive at the age of eighty-five, whereas only 34% of the least cheerful quarter lived to that age. Similarly, 54% of the most cheerful fourth was alive at age ninety-four, versus 11% of the least cheerful. Of the 678 sisters in the original study about four dozen are still living. So go ahead, grab that triple chocolate cone it might just extend your life!

This month we invite you to “Spread Your Joy” as we honor our friendships in our Red Hat and Villager clubs and our Best Friends events; get our hands dirty at our Friendship Daffodil Project; and celebrate with our Birthday Party and House Warming Initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Laughter, Love and Friendship Dinner for a meal and a laugh as Meg Maly from AseraCare will speaks on the vibrancy you can have in life by inviting in love and friendship on September 10^th at 4:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by September 4^th.)

§  Dolls from Around the World with Nancy Manning from SouthernCare Hospice as she displays and presents information about dolls from around the world and all participants are encouraged to bring their own dolls that are special to them for sharing on September 15^th at 3:30 pm. (No RSVP required.)

§  Celebrating Friendships and the Little Things in Life Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kent from Cochranton Community Church will present on the importance of friendships and celebration in life as a complimentary lunch is served on September 15^th at 3:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by September 14^th.)

We look forward to sharing our September 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Spread Your Joy.

It’s never too late to make new friends at Juniper Village at Meadville

On Monday, August 24, 2015 Juniper was blessed to get an unexpected visitor, David Mead. This story starts about 20 years ago when a family friend had brought Dave a brochure of the David Mead Inn, which is now Juniper Village at Meadville and since then it was a lifetime dream of Dave's to come to Meadville and visit the David Mead inn.

David and his gorgeous new wife, Ang of 2 days came to Meadville, PA from Paris, Ontario, Canada for their honeymoon. When David and Ang got engaged they knew without a doubt that Meadville would be part of their honeymoon.  “We got married 2 days ago and this is our first stop, and it has been a most memorable day,” stated Ang Mead.

“To be so welcomed in the former David Mead Inn was great and everyone was so friendly in finding memorabilia for us to look at. Meeting Roger was truly an honor, to hear his stories and to be able to chat with him was without a doubt the highlight of our day,” stated Ang.  The couple was delighted to find Roger had written a book on the history of the David Mead Inn. Roger, a long-time resident of Juniper Village at Meadville presented them with a signed copy of the book as a keepsake to always remember the David Mead Inn and Meadville, PA being a stop on their honeymoon travels.

“I know for Dave, and myself, meeting Roger and hearing the history of your beautiful building first hand is a memory we will treasure; Dave can finally scratch this off his bucket list, it has been an extreme joy and pleasure” stated Ang.

Juniper Village at Meadville: Your Partner for Successful Outcomes

We want to be your partner of choice in the new shared savings environment. At Juniper Village at Meadville, we have been collecting critical data for nearly 10 years. For example, we closely monitor residents to assure successful returns from either the hospital or rehabilitation setting.

The ability to manage pressure ulcers is key to minimizing hospitalizations. Low rates of facility acquired pressure ulcers are the result of a high level of wellness/clinical oversight and an indicator of quality care and service.

Another common cause of both initial hospitalizations and rehospitalizations is medication errors. Changes to medication regime whether after a scheduled physician appointment or emergency hospitalization can leave patients confused about what medications are most current. Our wellness team is responsible for medication reconciliation and management, a process which virtually eliminates medication errors.

Communication is key and Juniper Village at Meadville takes communication to the next level through:
• Use of Electronic Health Records (Point Click Care)
• Optimized care transitions protocols
• Full implementation of INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers)
• Use of a highly recognizable and consistent transfer information packet
• Focus on resident and care giver education and engagement
• Individualized care and service

Juniper Village at Meadville's Monica Blood Promoted to Exceutive Director

Juniper Communities is proud to announce that Monica Blood is the new executive director of Juniper Village at Meadville. She was appointed to the position earlier this summer. Prior to this, Monica served in the role of Director of Wellness for two years.

As executive director, she will manage the day to day operations of the community to ensure the maximum levels of resident, family, and staff safety, wellness and satisfaction through maintaining regulatory compliance, Juniper’s philosophy, hallmarks, and policies and procedures.

Growing up in Cochranton, PA she attended the school system through high school. Her post-secondary education was obtained from the College at Fortis Institute in Erie, PA. Monica graduated top of her Nursing class and she continues to be an Advisory Board member for their Nursing Program. She began her career as a CNA in 2005 at a local skilled nursing facility. After obtaining her nursing degree she worked for a hospice agency for two years before taking a position with Juniper Village at Meadville.

“It is an honor to work for a senior living company whose signature programs ensure that all residents maintain an engaged body, mind and spirit through all seasons of life. Juniper’s philosophy is to nurture the spirit of life and we truly follow this pursuit,” expressed Monica Blood.

Juniper has recently implemented several new programs, most notably, Connect 4 Life which is a triple aim approach to integrated care in senior living that provides better care, higher quality, and lower costs. “We are also one of the first industry adapters of Electronic Health Records, Electronic Medication Administration Records, and Electronic Interact. The Interact program allows Juniper to provide real time information to all providers in the care continuum. Additionally, Juniper is environmentally conscious.

“During the past two years, I have assisted with the implementation of several of these tools and tracking outcomes data and have witnessed the quality and benefits. I am very proud to say I work for a company that is always striving to be ahead of the curve and think outside the traditional healthcare box,” stated M. Blood.

A current resident of Linesville, PA she resides with her husband Steven Blood and their 7 year old black lab Bandit and 6 year old Boston Terrier Razor.

August 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Breathe in Life

As we continue our summer focus on Staying Connected, we devote our August 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village in Meadville to connecting to the Environment. One of our Signature Programs is the Green Canopy Program. This program is designed to support healthier living for our residents and staff through environmentally conscious communities and events. This program directly supports this month’s focus on the environment and our vision to make the world a better place, a place where each of us can live fully throughout all seasons of life.

Margaret Mead reminds us that “We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” To that end, Juniper Village has created Green Teams in each of our communities to support our environmental initiatives by assisting with our recycling and energy efficiency programs – such as using CFL light bulbs and Energy Star rated appliances, while making suggestions for additional programs to increase quality of life and promote sustainability in our communities. Have you met your Juniper Village Green Team? This month during our August 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville our Green Teams will share their mission with the greater community by heading up initiatives to help others learn how to live a more sustainable life through our Wide-Scale Recycling Programs, our Environmental Stability Program and the Implantation of our Green Teams. Stop in for one of our educational programs, recycling and upcycling events or anything else that strikes your fancy this month with our August 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville as we Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  All Things Wild Presentation an interactive visit to the world of wildlife as we meet exotic animals from around the globe on August 5^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Alive In All Seasons Friends and Family Dinner as we celebrate life and friendship with residents at our monthly themed meal this month featuring entertainment provided by Carol Meyers playing the dulcimer on August 13^th at 4:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by August 8^th.)

§  A Walk in the Meadow Lunch and Learn with Mark B. Fiely, horticulturist, who will discuss the types of plantings done with seeds produced by Ernst Conservation Seeds used for erosion control, environmental mitigation, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic enhancement on August 21^st at noon. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by August 16^th.)

We look forward to sharing our August 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Breathe in Life.

Ernst Trail Walk

Juniper Village at Meadville residents hosted a walk of the Ernst Trail in celebration of staying physically fit along with members of the community.   The sun shone abundantly on the wildflowers, trees, and other plants cultivated by the Ernst Seed Company as residents put their knowledge to the test identifying all of the different species. 

Pymatuning Lake Boat Outing

A few clouds won’t keep residents at Juniper Village at Meadville from being active!  The response to our Pymatuning Lake boat outing was so great that we had to rent 2 boats to accommodate everyone! Who wouldn’t want to jump at the chance to go boating, taking in the sights of landscape and wildlife while having fun racing the other boat?

July 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville this month we kick off our summer quarter Alive In All Seasons theme “Stay Connected” where we will strive to stay connected to the community and the environment. Throughout July we will focus on staying connected to our community through Volunteerism, where we Stand In Integrity. The biggest and most visible benefit of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers work magic in unifying communities. Through volunteer work you are able to connect with your community on a deeper level and help to make it a better place to live and grow. But what we don’t always realize is that volunteering is a two-way street. Volunteers benefit as much as the causes they support. Through volunteering you make new friends, expand your professional, social and support networks and boost your social skills. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of giving of yourself.

If you are looking for opportunities to share your time, check with our Connections Directors to see what opportunities we have, or join us in one of our volunteer projects. Also plan to join us during our July 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville as we recognize our Ambassador Program, focus on our Resident Computer Center and training or any other calendar item that catches your eye.

Our fabulous July 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Medicare Fraud Presentation because every year $60 billion are lost to fraud and abuse in Medicare, so join us as John LeGuard discusses how to protect yourself and Medicare from fraud on July 9^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 814.333.4400 by July 8^th)

§  AIAS Friends & Family Dinner to stay connected with family and friends at our Alive in All Seasons dinner and enjoy a concert performed by our very own Juniper Jinglers, as they give back to the community with the sounds of the bells on July 14^th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 814.333.4400 by July 5^th)

§  Alzheimer’s Awareness Presentation with Kristen Bires of the Alzheimer’s Association who will lecture on bringing awareness to the disease, facts about the disease process, the fight against it, and how can you be a part of the fight or advocacy groups on July 14^th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 814.333.4400 by July 13^th)

§  Lunch & Learn with Crawford County Conservation District’s Brian Pilarcik who will be speaking on the recent, and ongoing, project of planting trees along waterways and lakes in the region as many have volunteered to make this project successful, so learn the purpose of trees along the shores and banks of these local treasures while a light meal is served on July 17^th at noon. (RSVP to 814.333.4400 by July 12^th)

§  Soup Kitchen Volunteerism as Beverly Nutter shares how you can make a difference in the lives of those the soup kitchen serves, as so many of our residents have done on July 29^th at 1:00 pm. (No RSVP required!)

We look forward to sharing our July 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with you as we Stand in Integrity.

Rockin’ Around the Clock

A snapshot of some random Wednesday fun at Juniper Village at Meadville!  What else do you do when “Rockin’ Around the Clock” starts to play, but get up and boogie?  Resident Barbara Young and associate Amanda Miller did just this!  It’s those little times of fun and interaction that can make anyone’s day!

Blood Drive

Tuesday, June 16th Juniper Village at Meadville hosted a blood drive to do a small part of fulfilling an urgent need.  Associates of Juniper Village and members of the surrounding community came together in support of the American Red Cross to donate blood and save lives!  Pictured, you will see Christina Bush (Juniper Wellness Team Member) and Kelly Diley (Hospice of Crawford County) graciously giving time from their day to participate in this great cause!

Honoring Our WWII & Korean War Veteran’s

Memorial Day was extra special this year for WWII and Korean Veteran’s at Juniper Village. Art Price, Eugene Kline, Ralph Hagen, Richard Lord and Sylvester (Dudley) Schall, all received recognition as participants in the Meadville Memorial Day Parade. While riding the parade route, in vintage army vehicles, the crowds waved American flags and shouted “Thank you for your service”. With tear filled eyes and smiling faces Juniper Village Veteran’s proudly returned many waves to the crowd.

A special recognition was given to our resident, Dudley Schall. Although his service ended decades ago, he has served veterans by his participation in the Meadville Area Memorial Day Observance Committee. Being one of the original members, he has served proudly as its treasurer for many years and recently was named “Treasurer Emeritus”.

After arrival at the gazebo in Diamond Park, the crowd enjoyed music by Andrew Sister’s look-a-likes, complete with vintage hairstyles & outfits. The Gettysburg Address and Flanders Fields were read by the Governor & Lt. Governor of Meadville High School student body. Patriotic songs were played by Meadville High School band and the guest speaker was U.S. Army General Mark A. Bellini.

Much honor and thanks are given not only to those men that were in the parade, but to each and everyone that served our country.

June 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Live in Wellness

We close this quarter’s theme of Healthy Aging: “Let Wellbeing Thrive” with a focus on Food, as we Live in Wellness through our June 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville. Hippocrates advises, “Let food be thy medicine”. Research shows that eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. But, food has other benefits. There are also emotional needs that are satisfied by food. Most of us have fond memories of food from days gone by. Whether it was our mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, a hotdog from a street vendor or our wedding cake, food has a way of transporting us back to the past. It is in that spirit that Juniper’s dining program is called the H’art and Soul of Dining. The philosophy is that we impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through the sharing of good food. In addition to meeting our resident’s unique nutritional needs, we also meet their emotional and social needs as well.

Join us for our June 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville to share in our hydration program, complete with healthy snacks and learn more about healthy food and wellness with our dietitian presentations as we continue to Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Alive In All Seasons: Friends & Family Dinner as we invite all friends and family members to enjoy a healthy meal as entertainment is provided by dulcimer performer, Carol Meyers, on June 11^th at 4:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by June 7^th.)

§  Creative Cooking with Chef Erin as You are invited to join us for a great culinary experience and to celebrate a food of the season with a new creation for your recipe box on Wednesday June 17^th at 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by June 15^th.)

§  Fitness Walk with Community Residents as we are gearing up for the summer, and more outdoor exercise opportunities, so come enjoy the fresh air as residents host a walk of the Ernst Trail with a free healthy giveaway to all who join on June 24^th at 10:00 am.

§  Lunch & Learn: Effects of Nutrition & Wellbeing with Mary Damiano of the Mind, Body, Wellness Center, who will be speaking of various diets and nutritional needs for a healthy lifestyle and how you may be affected by nutrient deficiencies on June 26^th at noon. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by June 21^st.) 

We hope to see you at one or more of our June 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville!

2015 Juniper Leadership Conference Awards

Juniper celebrated its 27^th anniversary this year.  Each year communities are honored for their achievements in critical operational and financial areas.

Awards were presented at the 2015 Juniper Leadership Conference, held this year in Baltimore’s historic inner harbor.  Awards were presented by Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, and Diane Byrne, Vice President of Program, Development, Training & Operational Oversight.

At the recent Juniper leadership conference, Juniper Village at Meadville was presented the Juniper Associate Engagement Award in recognition of achieving 100% associate response rate for the engagement survey in 2014.

Mom’s Style

This year we not only celebrated Mother’s Day with residents and family, we were also dazzled by four of our lovely ladies in fabulous outfits provided by a local consignment shop, Ooh La La!  The show was emceed by Kim, a staff member of the store. The outfits ranged from casual to very formal.  Nansi Janes, June Crabtree, Betty Wetsell and Teresa Brown had a great time walking the runway, modeling two outfits each.  Sue Ellen Shirk, Juniper’s own Connections assistant and Faith Peterson joined the residents as they showed off new fashions.  All of the ladies did a beautiful job!

Along with the fashion show, we had a Chinese auction that was made possible through awesome donations from local businesses. An array of baskets ranging from home goods, pampering and car care were given away, and there were many joyful winners.  The proceeds from the auction will go to the connections department to assist with funding a pontoon boat ride on Pymatuning Lake later this summer!  We are thankful to everyone that helped to make the show a success!

May 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Grow Strong Daily

Fitness is on our mind during our May 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville with our Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily”. As you know, physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally. Regular physical activity can help you to continue to do the things you love and stay independent as you age. Exercise can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and reduce symptoms of some chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and balance issues.

But, if exercise has not been a part of your daily routine how do you take that first step? Start by making it fun! Turn a walk around the block into a scavenger hunt – search for daffodils, birds, squirrels or lucky pennies. Instead of a dip in the pool, create an adventure as you pretend to swim with the dolphins. Rather than send your co-worker an email, walk to her office and communicate face to face, double the benefit with a smile! What’s important is to make it fun and just start – today!

Join us for our May 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville as we will Grow Strong Daily with Fitness Five, and walk “cross country” with our Route 66 Walking Program and learn more about keeping our hearts fit at our Healthy Heart Luncheon. We look forward to sharing these and many other activities with you this month. Peruse this month’s calendar, and we will see you soon!

Our fabulous May 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

§  Restructure Your Life and Let Well Being Thrive Workshop facilitated by Lifeworks of Erie this FREE self-management class and discover fresh, easier ways to live better and healthier on May 6^th at 9:45 am. (RSVP by May 5^th to  814-333-4400)

§  Alive In All Seasons Friends and Family Dinner with Villager’s Meeting as we invite all to join our celebration of strong bonds with family and friends while Doug Messerall of the Calvary Biblical Counseling Ministry presents on “Growing Strong in Relationships” on May 14^th at 4:30 pm. (RSVP by May 8^th to  814-333-4400)

§  Lunch and Learn Meal with Pilates Class featuring nutritional, heart healthy foods followed by a new exercise session led by Carla Moss on May 15^th at noon. (RSVP by May 13^th to  814-333-4400)

§  Introduction to Sign Language Seminar as Linda McCarl strengthens our ability to communicate with one another using gestures instead of words Thursdays in May at 1:00 pm. (RSVP by the Wednesday prior to  814-333-4400)

We hope to see you at one or more of our May 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville!

Mismatch Day

At Juniper Village at Meadville, we appreciate our associates and embrace our silly sides. Between our "silly hat and scarf day" to our "mismatch day", we believe that laughter is some of the best medicine!!

Giving to those who care for us!

As part of the Alive in All Seasons program, Juniper Village of Meadville residents and associates worked together making treasure candles.  The month of March was themed “Your Treasure is Within.”  As the beautifully scented candles melt treasures of crystals and charms may be discovered!

These candles were made to give away to loved ones and those that care for us!  March signifies National Social Work Month along with March 30^th being National Doctor’s Day.  We used these as a gesture of thanks from the Juniper family for their care of the Meadville community!

Thank you to all caregivers in every community!  You are all “treasures”!

April 2015 Events in Meadville, PA: Believe in Yourself

Welcome to April - the name derived from the Latin word Aperire meaning “to open”; the month when everything starts to bloom and come alive. What better time to really put forth your best efforts and see the true beauty inside than the month in which everything begins anew! Diana Ross, in the Wiz, advises “believe in yourself, right from the start. You'll have brains; you’ll have a heart; you’ll have courage to last your whole life through if you believe in yourself.” So let’s put our best foot forward, believe in ourselves and we can move mountains!

Join us for our April 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville as we pull pranks on April Fool’s Day; honor Jesus Christ on Good Friday, followed by hiding Easter eggs; celebrate the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery on Passover; and celebrate mother earth on Earth Day and Arbor Day. Peruse this month’s calendar as we focus on the brain through our Daily Brain Builders, Wii tournaments and our Healthy Brain Luncheon. Plan to join us for any and all events. Also, check out our Healthy Aging Resource Library to learn more about the brain or any number of health related topics. We look forward to seeing you during this fun filled month.

Our fabulous April 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville include our:

Ø  Restructure Your Life and Let Well Being Thrive Workshop facilitated by Lifeworks of Erie to discover fresh, easier ways to live better and healthier on Wednesdays in April from 9:45 am to noon. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by COB the Friday before)

Ø  AIAS Friends and Family Dinner for a delicious meal with loved ones in a celebration of ourselves on April 9^th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by April 3^rd)

Ø  Lunch and Learn: Brain Boosting Health for a complimentary lunch as Kristen Bires from the Alzheimer’s Association presents “Healthy Habits for a Healthier You” that will focus on optimizing physical and cognitive health as you age on April 7^th from noon to 1:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-333-4400 by April 13^th)

Ø  Juniper Village and Genesis Rehab Theralink Open House to learn more about our on-site, comprehensive therapies and coordinated fitness programs provided through this exciting new partnership on April 22^nd from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our April 2015 events in Meadville, PA at Juniper Village at Meadville!

Meet Summer!

Summer and her brother Noah had entered some fantastic works into our annual “Awaken Your Passion” Art Show.  What a talented family!  Between the two, they had entered 6 items.  Truly exquisite was Summer’s Ukranian Egg.

Summer has been making Pysanky Eggs for the past 3 years.  A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist (batik) method. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax. She discovered how to create these true works of art by attending a demonstration at Campbell’s Pottery in Cambridge Springs, PA.  We and the community were impressed with the detail and patience that is put into each one!

Along with her recently found talent in these creations, Summer enjoys other forms of art and crafts including: watercolor, needle felting, sewing, miniature work, along with many others.  She also enjoys Tae Kwon Do, professional clowning and babysitting.  She gives credit to her creativity because she has been homeschooled all of her life, and that allows her to “go at her own pace.”  She and her brother, Noah, enjoy a fun and exciting schedule and they try many new adventures.

From Juniper Village at Meadville and Summer's family…HAPPY EASTER!

Art Show at Juniper Village at Meadville by Our Talented Friend Doris

by Doris (an email from our friend)

My eyes were immediately focused on the announcement in the newspaper of the upcoming Art Show to be held at Juniper Village at Meadville and seeing the words “AWAKEN YOUR PASSION.” This is my story and perhaps I will have enough courage and inner strength to enter my paintings to be judged.

My name is Doris and I am 78 years of age. After retiring, my husband Bob and I moved to Meadville in 2001; we are proud and very happy to call this wonderful community our permanent home.

And so, my story begins: I am laying in a hospital bed recovering from a stroke and experiencing difficulty speaking or moving. My eyes were closed and I began to see bold, brilliant flashes of color that were immediately overwhelming and fearful. After a time, I began to see the beauty and wonderment of all this and a beautiful peace and calm over me. With time and patience I recovered enough to function at a lesser level and feel quite Blessed by God to be living and able to enjoy the love and encouragement of my Family.

Over the next year, I began to feel a strong desire to try to paint a picture; I began with a watercolor of a seascape and moved on to oil painting of landscapes. I learned by practice, reading books and watching videos regarding the art of painting.

So, to complete my story, I must tell you that my firm faith in God and with the assurance that He has “Awakened My Passion” with the gift of creativity and perception of beauty that comes from within. God has given me so much, but I must continue to do the work.

It is with a humble and grateful heart that I would like to thank Brenton Steiger and the staff at Juniper Village at Meadville for hosting this Art Show and giving me this remarkable and uplifting moment in time to make my dream to become reality: “NURTURE THE SPIRIT OF LIFE.”

Oh, let me mention that I did win a Blue Ribbon for one painting and Honorable Mention for another one at the Art Show.