Baby, it's cold outside!

Embrace the situation...that's what residents are doing these days with this weather! Jennifer brought the snow inside last week for some "snow painting". Kathryn Underwood decorated her snow with bright and beautiful springtime colors. She recalled the connections program days later when asked about the photos I found on the camera. She chuckled; "Oh that? We were painting the snow, and I hope we do it again soon! It was fun."

Edith Joel and Barb Schell also gathered in the fun. Perhaps they are all practicing early for our upcoming celebrated Art month in February! Somehow, I don't think the shelf life on these works of art will sustain until the Annual Art show in February. Of course, if they were to nestle them outside in the recent temperatures...one never knows!

To inquire about submitting your works of art in the Art show, please call Jennifer at 333-4400 extension 208. The Annual Art Show will be on display from February 13th through February 17th.

Nurturing the Individual Spirit!

Roy and Marion join together in the Colonel Walker Room to celebrate their own talents as they make music together. Staying Connected to one's individual passions and talents is one focus in the mission of our Juniper Community. We speak the words: Maintain and Active Body, Engaged Mind and Fulfilled Spirit, but ask any one of our associates what that really means to them, and you will probably be greeted with a heartfelt and sincere story about a moment such as this. When Tammy Foulk, Director of Wellness, captured this photograph, she exclaimed: "Roy said he hadn't played the Harmonica in 10 years! Cool, huh?" And knowing Tammy, she had tears of joy and pride welling in her eyes. We all celebrate moments like this. We find comfort in knowing we are making a difference in each individuals life we touch with our guiding principle.

One of the most important steps in our move-in process is completing a 'My Life Story' on each individual. This 'My Life Story' is a document that captures

important life moments, accomplishments and preferences of our Residents. There are so many more benefits to the Residents and Family than just getting to know the details...it's having the compassionate staff who puts those words into action. It isn't enough for us to collect the information, or to simply read the information; it's the ability to recognize those moments and opportunities that bring fulfillment to each individual. It's cultivating and enhancing those moments with encouragement and creativity. At times, our Residents require physical or cognitive adaptations in order to fulfill their spiritual needs, and our Juniper Team of Associates meets this challenge with more passion and creativity than I have ever seen in a group of co-workers. Whether it's gathering the materials necessary to complete a project, coordinating a special event, or encouraging someone to make music again after all those years, we deliver our commitment and our pledge to our Juniper Family. I am taken by these moments each time I am witness to the connections our associates make with our Residents. Although, I haven't quite figured out who is more fulfilled. It's in our nature to Nurture the Spirit of Life, and we as associates fulfill our mission daily so that our Residents can live fully and be Alive in All Seasons of Life.

204 and Climbing!

The food is starting to arrive from the friends and family of our Meadville community! Today alone, I collected 71 pounds from Byham's Insurance office. This brings our current total to just over 200 pounds! Thank you, Byham's for your support. They have volunteered to host a drop off location and the employees have been promoting the food drive.

The spirit of giving lasts all year long at Byham's...In addition to assisting us with our food drive, Angie Niedermeyer of Byham's has proven to be a wonderful community resource when residents and families are faced with choices regarding Medicare supplemental policies and insurances. Individual insurance needs change over the years and Angie has saved some of our families hundreds of dollars by educating them on newer products because their old policies no longer fit their needs!

So, when you are stopping by Byham's this month to see how you can save yourself some hard earned money, be sure to take along some food to benefit our Food Drive. Byham's can be found at 1098 Park Avenue. 100% of your donation will stay in Meadville. You can drop off your donation directly to Juniper Village 7 days a week through November 30th. Those interested in volunteering in other ways at Juniper Village, please contact our Connections Director, Jennifer Musone at 333.4400. We appreciate all of your support.

7th Annual Friends and Family Picnic

A cool and rainy Saturday afternoon emerged and one could sense there was something cooking by the aroma traveling down Chestnut Street. Even our friendly Mailman was curious enough to take a peek at the source! The wafting of delicious barbecued chicken, roasted corn and other summer fare welcomed family and friends as they gathered in the courtyard at Juniper Village. Families began arriving early for the event, with their sweet offerings in hand. Cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, and many other home made family recipes were proudly represented. Children’s laughter could be heard between the pattering of their feet as they joyfully played tag in the yard. Fellowship was shared among over 180 friends, family, staff, and residents who attended the 7th Annual Picnic.
There was much excitement and comedy surrounding the buttering of the corn. The theory was to dip the ears in a jar that was filled with hot water and butter floating on the top. Apparently, this has been known to make the buttering easier, however, the concoction became somewhat of a game to see who was making the biggest mess! It was a delightfully engaging memory making experience, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
The rain was kind enough to hold off until the festivities outside were winding down. But as the rain drops slowly fell, the families gathered in the living room and dining room reminiscent of any other family holiday gathering at Grandma’s. Cheers of accomplishment beamed from the winner’s of the gift baskets at the Chinese auction. Nearly 30 vendors donated baskets in order to support the Juniper Village Garden project. Proceeds totaling over $150 will be enough to build another 2 raised garden beds! Thank you to all who participated and supported this effort. We hope to see you next year at the 8th annual Friends and Family picnic, or at one of our monthly Friends and Family nights the second Thursday of the month. We welcome you to celebrate with our Juniper Family as we "Cherish the Journey".

What's with all the Red Hats?

What is the Red Hat Society and what is it doing at Juniper Village? Why, celebrating National Assisted Living week in style, of course!

"The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next."
- Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother

To learn more about the Red Hat Society please visit http://www.redhatsociety.com/.

Juniper Villages own Red Hat Society celebrated Assisted Living week with a fabulous luncheon. They dined on a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Erin and the culinary assistants, and a Flourless Chocolate Cake prepared by Chef Erin and Mandy Maruska, Community Relations. The cake is somewhere between the consistency of cheesecake and the inside of a truffle. Definitely a dessert fit for a Red Hat queen! Following dinner the residents enjoyed an aromatic exploration of holistic products, herbal teas, lotions, and soothing mists all compliments of Leslie Blake, certified herbalist. Jennifer Musone, Connections Director, once again, hosted another fulfilling and enriching community event. Other Red Hat Society members are welcome to hold an event at Juniper Village. Our ladies would welcome the opportunity. Please reach out to Jennifer Musone at 333.4400 to schedule your next Red Hat Ladies Event!

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