Fruitful First Year!

Wilma Walker chooses wisely and holds proudly her pickings of the day. 

The Garden Project has added a level of spiritual and vocational fulfillment that we all had hoped and  imagined it would.  Residents have dug in and have found purpose in connecting with mother earth.  It isn't uncommon to see Residents steer their families outside to show off "their garden."  To be able to garden again has meant so much to so many, and we thank all those involved along the way.

Soon, we will be pickling the veggies to preserve natures bounty.  Samplings will be available on September 24th at Friday afternoon Happy Hour at 2:30pm.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Who's having more fun?

The Residents of Juniper Village cozied up with a good book and some great company.  Day Care Attendants from the YMCA walked over to enjoy the companionship, and I am not sure who ended up having more fun!

Lucy Echnoz entertains not only the kiddos, but casts a smile to her own face.  Michael Maruska shows the children how reading can be fun.  Hazel McLaughlin, who can usually be found surfing the internet and challenging herself to online puzzles and games to "maintain her brain" in her spare time, is found today engulfed in a colorful story.

The Little Ones continue on their Journey, back to the YMCA down the street, leaving us all a bit more joyful.  Intergenerational Programs are many of our Resident favorites.  Juniper Village encourages connections with our greater Meadville Community.  Perhaps we will see the children again in September as our Residents head over to the YMCA for their "Water Walking" classes each Friday!

Jammin' at Juniper

As the sun peeked out of those looming storm clouds for the day last Sunday, passers by Juniper Village did a "Double Take" as they heard the second annual Jammin' at Juniper Concert.  "It was a perfect evening" stated Connections Director, Pam Mitchell, as the breeze swept in and cooled the crowd.  Lillian and Joe take the lead and move to the groove!  Lillian quickly spots her son in the crowd and heads onto the dance floor for another set!

Jenny waves to the camera as she smiles in delight of the musical selections.  Resident Beverly Moles stated "if you closed your eyes, you would think that the original artists were right there on stage!" Lou and his Daughter take a spot under a shade tree to take in the festivities.  The concert was described by many as "phenominal!"  The band delighted both young and old, from toddlers to folks in their 90's, as Double Take played into the evening.  Rick Croy lead singer, performed music from the 60's through today, with a bit of country music, to balance out a perfectly delightful show.  Associates, Residents, Children, Grandchildren and friends and neighbors gathered on the front lawn and enjoyed freshly popped popcorn.  Delicious Ice Cream treats from the North Pole Express ice cream truck were grand hit.  Walgreen's provided Alex's lemonade stand to benefit pediatric cancer research.  As you could feel the energy growing with the crowd, Connections Director, Pam Mitchell swings in to try some toe tapping with Joe!

"We would highly recommend the band to anyone who is looking for great music, astounding entertainment and a professional presentation!" said Executive Director, Jennifer Musone. "The band was spectacular!"


We hope to see you all next year.  

Meadville Women's Club Garden Division

Mary Wilber from the Meadville Women's Club Garden Division (GFWC) paid a visit to Juniper Village last week with many of her GFWC friends!  The Meadville Women's club has been instrumental in Juniper's completion of the beautiful garden boxes that now grace our courtyard.  The generous $200 donation enabled the remaining flower boxes to be constructed.  When asked where the money comes from, Mary Wilber explained how at each meeting money is donated by the clubs members.  At the end of the year, the Club decides who to give support to in our local community.  Juniper is on the list now of the nearly 30 organizations to benefit from the support of the GFWC Meadville Women's Club.  Pictured above, the group takes notice of the fruit and vegetables that are bursting by their kind donation.  Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, green tomatoes, peppers and many beautiful blooming flowers.

Mary joins residents, associates and her fellow Club members in the Reynold's Dining Room for an informative session on gardening.  Pictured to the right are the the colorful Irises from Mary's own garden.  As they proudly display their heritage, it is clear to see how the Iris is named after the Greek word for Rainbow.


Countless hours of Volunteer work have been put into the garden project by the Students of Allegheny College, associates and local churches, in addition to the donations from the Meadville Women's Club and the Meadville High School Students in their Quarter Wars. Our Residents have found nurturance in the gardens and are encouraged to cultivate their growth in the Juniper Village Garden Club by our Connections Director, Pam Mitchell.

It was over a year ago when Jennifer Musone, Executive Director, presented the proposal from Allegheny College to create the gardens in the location of the former David Mead Inn pool site.  The area was recognized as a part of our beautification initiative.

Please stop in for a look at what is sprouting this summer.
Bloom where you are planted!

From Afghanistan, With Love

As promised, Sargent First Class David Gredler stopped in while home on leave from Afghanistan to give a great big thank you to our Residents for their Sweets for the Soldiers project.  The Sweets for the Soldiers project will continue through the summer.  As an added thank you to our Veterans living at Juniper Village, a Veteran's Photo Project was initiated earlier this summer.  With the help of Victoria's Photography, Van Tuil's and our entire staff, we are pleased to announce the unveiling of our Project at our Friday Afternoon Happy Hour on Friday, August 6th at 2:30pm.  We hope to see you all in the Lafayette Tavern!

JV Meadville has BEAN up to something!

Today, during this glorious holiday weekend, our first green bean was ready to be picked!  Had it not been for our strong core of volunteers, ranging from the sprouting of the idea from Allegheny College to the cultivating of our local community members and high school students, the Garden project would not have been as fruitful!  We are slated to complete the final raised garden boxes this summer.  The rain basin is busy collecting rainwater to water the gardens and the compost bin is working towards fertilizing the earth.  Our back courtyard area is a symphony of earth-friendly efforts and will continue to Nurture our Spirit season after season.  Please consider joining us on July 26th at 3pm as the Meadville Women's club garden division's Mary Wilber will be discussing gardening.  Our greater Meadville community is welcome!  Bring your green thumbs, and if your thumbs aren't so green, an even better reason to join us to Nurture your own gardening spirit.

We Kicked off July with a Bang!

Ok, well maybe not a bang, literally, but Mr. Bangs joined some of the ladies today to beat the heat with a water balloon toss and popsicle treat on the front lawn.  We just can't let go of food month here from June as we slide into Volunteer Month this July.

Joan and Lucy were our last 2 Residents out on the Lawn tossing the balloons like they were bowling.  Hey, what ever technique works!  The rest of the gang headed down for Friday afternoon happy hour in the Tavern.

Since I am not used to being on the other side of the camera, Lucy thought it clever to snap a photo of Joan and I in the sun, sporting our Jeans for our "Casual for a Cause" Fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association.  On Fridays, employees can wear Jeans, make a donation, and support a good cause at the same time!  So far, Juniper has collected over $60 to donate to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Throughout the month of July, our Juniper Calendar is full of out door fun and Volunteerism.  Any one interesteed in becoming a Juniper Village Volunteer, please contact Pam Mitchell, Connections Director.