Meadville Community Bicycle Drive

Ben Masters stands proudly with 4 of the over 20 bicycles that were donated to the Bicycle drive this past weekend.  Ben approached Juniper Village about getting involved in his program this spring.  After hearing his initial plan for the Community Bicycle Project, we knew we had to support his efforts in the spirit of healthy aging.  Ben initially started integrating what he learned abroad in the Peace Corps at Fairview Fairmont through an earn a bicycle program. He began looking to grow a sustainable inter-generational program focusing on bicycle education and implementation as a means of transportation in individuals of all ages.  It was at Fairview Fairmont where he met Diane Craven.  Diane works at Fairview Fairmont and she and her husband Dan are working with Ben to grow the idea into a reality.

Bike Drive day came.  The sun was shining, it was hot, but there was a cool breeze blowing and up drove our first van FULL of bicycles and Bonner students from Allegheny College (pictured above).  The same Bonner students who had previously worked on our Juniper Garden Project!  In the driver seat was one of our Juniper Village Family members!  I giggled with excitement and Ben turns to me and curiously says: "Do you know Diane?" 
Diane and Dan attended the event in support of both the program, the Bonner Students and Juniper Village.  It was on that beautiful Sunday afternoon that we all came together and realized we were already connected. 

Shortly after noon, Hagen Business Machines pulled up with another donation.  What support we were getting from our local community!  The afternoon was filled with reminiscing, laughter, and a pizza party.  The next two days brought even more community support as the bicycles filtered in.
Ben is currently working towards a non-profit status with his Meadville Community Bicycle Project.  He currently has over 75 Bicycles in his Grandmother's Basement and is hoping to secure an alternate location to set up the Bicycle Shop.  His goal is to recycle the Bicycles for the earn a Bicycle Program and give them back to the Community.  Ben can be reached directly at bdmasters@gmail.com. 
Ben is a Bicycle mechanic who just LOVES to ride his Bicycle, coupled with his energy and passion for growing awareness in the Meadville community, we look forward to seeing his vision for a Bicycle Friendly community grow!  Juniper Village supports the Bicycle Program, which is right in line with our philosophy of healthy aging and Maintaining an Active Body, Engaged Mind and Fulfilled Spirit.  I am not surprised to have found that Dan and Diane, the Bonner Students and Ben all were connected.  They have all been a part of our Juniper Family and have given back to Nurturing the Spirit of Life in each individuals life they touch.  Thank you all for your passion in what you do daily!  You can read more about Ben's Adventures in his blog: http://www.yearbybicycle.blogspot.com/

Sweets for the Soldiers

Juniper Village is home to 26 Veterans of War, several surviving spouses of Veterans and friends and families of those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As food month approached, and the June connections calendar was being planned, the soldiers were on our minds.  The brainstorming began... Food... Soldiers... Memories...Volunteerism... Hmmmm.  What could one possibly create to capture the essence of how we appreciate what all the Soldiers are doing for the greater good of our world?  We all remember the smell of sweet fresh baked cookies and how that felt to be with family.  Since smell is the sense closest linked to memory and emotion, the Sweets for the Soldiers cookie baking project was top on our list!   Imagine a life of MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat), re hydrated food and that complimentary miniature bottle of Tabasco sauce to spice up the nutrition.  Then imagine being in South-Central Asia, in what seems like worlds away from your family, and receiving 22 dozen home-made chocolate chip cookies made in the USA especially for you!  Imagine opening that box, not expecting the wafting of delicious cookies in the air.  Soon, one of our local police officers, David Gredler, who is serving in Afghanistan with the Provincial Reconstruction Team out of the Army's Bravo Battery in Oil City, will be opening just that! 

The Residents of Juniper Village are Baking cookies each Monday this summer to send to the soldiers in David Gredler's Outfit.  The Provincial Reconstruction Team is part of the effort to rebuild the schools and hospitals in Afghanistan.  The soldiers will soon be receiving the next batch of peanut butter cookies that are being packaged and prepared for shipment. 

David Gredler is the husband of our very own Chef Erin Gredler and a member of our Juniper Family.  The Residents of Juniper Village are delighted knowing they are Nurturing his Spirit of Life and bringing a smile to the faces of the Soldiers.  We all look forward to a visit from David upon his return, to which we plan to add some ice cold milk to some freshly baked cookies for him!  If you are interested in volunteering to assist in this project, please contact Connections Director, Pam Mitchell at 333.4400.  The Residents gather in the Colonel Walker room at Juniper on Mondays at 1PM. 

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.