January 2016 Events in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Understanding the Benefits of Music Therapy with WB Music Therapy, a company that provides individual and group music therapy to several personal care, assisted living and nursing care facilities in the south central PA region as they help people living with Alzheimer’s disease and/or Dementia: decrease agitation, communicate and make music in group activities, interact with others, recall and process memories, increase range of motion, participate in reality-based interactions, express and process feelings in a supportive environment, and improve quality of life, so join us to learn more about WB Music Therapy and how these specialized programs can help your loved ones and community residents at this complimentary program that will be held in The Club of the Community House with a light lunch provided on January 13^th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. (Please RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

§  Blood Drive For Central PA Blood Bank because each pint of blood donated can save as many as three lives, so join us at Juniper Village to make your contribution to the Central PA Blood Bank set-up in The Club of the Community House, and everyone’s participation is encouraged and much appreciated, plus a special “Goody Bag” will be given to each participant on January 19^th from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

§  Drum Circle Therapy with Wendy and Scott Gilbert of Drum2B1 who will share their passion and the therapeutic benefits of “beating the drum” at this hands-on session that will lift your spirit and soothe your soul, so please consider joining us in the Village Lobby as you won’t be disappointed on January 28^th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. (Program is free, but please RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

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

Holiday Open House with Cookie Exchange and Special Visit from Santa!

The residents, staff, families and visitors of Juniper Village at Lebanon were treated to a special visit from Santa at our annual Holiday Open House.  Santa brought gifts for all of the residents and for the children in attendance, and everyone, regardless of size or age, got to sit on Santa's lap.  After getting their picture taken with Santa, each person moved on to the Cookie Exchange table to get some goodies and fill up a take-out bag with cookies!  Special music was provided by Allen Kohl on the accordion in The Village, and by Gary Cohen on the piano in The Club.  It was a very relaxing evening where everyone was able to linger over cookies and drinks and catch up with relatives they haven't seen in a while.  A special surprise came from our director, Joan-Marie Norman, whose husband Chuck brought in a beautiful mailbox for letters to Santa, which was made by his students at the Reading Vo-Tech School.  Santa was very impressed, and it was only minutes before someone was already putting a letter into the new mailbox, which is located in the Village lobby.  Many thanks to everyone who made cookies and helped in any way to make this a wonderful evening for all!

Santa’s Mailbox

Santa came to visit.  We have an original Santa mailbox for families to drop those important letters. Mailbox made by Joan-Marie Norman’s husband’s Career & Technology students.

December 2015 Events in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Juniper Village at Lebanon Supports the Toys For Tots Program as a proud drop-off site for our local Toys For Tots campaign, we are asking you to help us make a difference in a child’s life by donating new, unwrapped toys in our collection boxes at the entryways to both the Village and Community House buildings that will then be distributed to less fortunate children in Lebanon County, so thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity during this holiday season, and please drop off on December 1^st to 31^st from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

§  Holiday Open House with Cookie Exchange and Visit from Santa Claus as we celebrate the holidays with music, laughter and love, so bring a tray of your family’s favorite cookies with recipe attached to share, and let your little ones have their picture taken with Santa on December 10^th at 6:00 pm.

§  New Year’s Party and Bologna Drop to start celebrating early by joining us for festive holiday music with Karl Hausman, as we celebrate 2016 with our own Lebanon Bologna drop and toast to the New Year at this fun event held in the Village Lobby on December 30^th at 6:00 pm.

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

Avid Seamstresses Enjoy the 2015 Quilt Show

On Friday, Nov. 13th, three Juniper Village residents attended the Quilt Show at the Lebanon Expo Center.  Over 150 quilts were on display, plus there were several interactive booths, a silent auction and vendors selling fabric and supplies for sewing.  All three ladies were avid seamstresses, and two of the three have their own sewing machines here at Juniper Village.  Sara Jane is currently making dresses for her great-granddaughters, and Katie is making pillowcases for children at Hershey Medical Center, where recently the 1 millionth pillowcase was presented from all quilt guilds in the Central PA area!  Katie commented that she wishes that she was younger, as she would like to try to make some of the quilts that she saw that day.  Sara Jane, a former 4-H leader, ran into many people that she knew from her days of helping with the Home Ec. Area of the Lebanon Fair, and Elizabeth was hoping to be able to buy a quilt.  There were some "mug rugs" for sale for only $2.00, some of which were made and donated by Katie!  Everyone had a wonderful day looking at all of the beautiful quilts and getting inspired to keep sewing!

Katie's more than one-in-a-million!

Recently, the one-millionth pillowcase for kids in hospitals across the U.S. was presented at the Hershey Medical Center.  Our very own Katie Faiola (age 93) has made dozens of these "Cases For Smiles" in the past year, and she's still cranking them out on her sewing machine in our Activity Room here at Juniper Village at Lebanon.  But that is just one of the charities that Katie has helped with her sewing.  She has made some personal sized quilts, which were included in our Quarter Auction for Arthritis.  She also entered a block in the Lebanon Fair, and although she didn't win a prize, it will be made into a larger quilt and auctioned off at next year's fair to raise money for the 4H Club.  She also made two pillowcases for one of our interns, Yomarys, who supplied all of the material.  It was a wonderful goodbye present when her internship came to an end.  Katie's newest project is making "Mug Rugs" for the Lebanon Quilters Guild.  These were featured at the Quilt Show at the Lebanon Expo in November.  Katie also makes table runners for the different seasons that we use around Juniper Village, and she made a beautiful wall-hanging last Christmas.  Even though Katie can be seen at her sewing machine nearly every day for hours at a time, she won't run out of projects or charities to support any time soon!  The possibilities are endless, so keep sewing, Katie!

November 2015 Events in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Juniper Village Fall Food Drive as Residents are collecting canned goods and nonperishable food items for our Third Annual Fall Food Drive, to feed the hungry by filling the donation boxes located in our entryways, with all proceeds to be given to Lebanon County Christian Ministries, so drop off anytime from November 1^st to November 30^th.

§  Veterans’ Aid & Attendance Information Session as Veterans who qualify for the Aid and Attendance Program may find their financial situation actually improves, so find out if you qualify by attending this free informational meeting in The Club of the Community House, which is open to all veterans and their families on November 4^th at noon. (RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

§  Cultivating Inner Wisdom unique program is open to the community and will be held in the Village Garden Room with Therapist Michele Miller, who will provide techniques you can use to cultivate the wisdom you have acquired throughout your lifetime, and provide suggestions on how that wisdom can be used to help others from a mind, body, spirit perspective realizing that they are interconnected, and an integrated approach to wholeness and healing, “Working with the whole person offers a complete and integrated way of being and doing that makes life's journey more manageable,” on November 9^th at 3:00 pm.

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

An Unusual Visitor Arrives at Juniper Village at Lebanon... A GIANT TORTOISE!

The Residents of Juniper Village at Lebanon were amazed to see a giant desert tortoise walk through the back gate of the courtyard.  "Toto" is the family pet of co-worker, Becky Duke, Connections Assistant.  Becky's son Jeff raised Toto from a 15 pound baby tortoise to his current weight of 62 pounds.  Residents were amazed to hear that tortoises can live to be over 100 years old and over 150 pounds. Jeff told them about Toto's eating preferences, which included some of the flowers and juicy, ripe tomatoes that were growing in our courtyards.  Everyone was amazed at how fast Toto explored both courtyards from end to end.  He seemed to have as much fun as the residents, who were still talking about him the next day.  The residents love all pet visitors, but this was the first time any of them had ever seen such a large turtle!

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME...

A multi-generational group set out from Juniper Village at Lebanon to journey to Pennsylvania's capitol city of Harrisburg to see the Senators play a team from Maryland. Everyone had a fantastic time, thanks to resident Sharon Mingo, who won 20 tickets to watch a baseball game from a Skybox and decided to share them with us!  We took the elevator to the top floor and entered our air-conditioned suite, although nearly everyone opted for the deeply padded outdoor armchairs instead.  Sharon even bought water bottles for everyone.  The youngsters in the group (grandchildren and great-grandchildren) were thrilled to get their pictures taken with the team mascot.

The view of the capitol buildings across the river from the back of our suite was breathtaking!  There was as much action taking place on the river as there was on the ballfield!  Many thanks to Sharon for her generosity and for providing this memorable day for all of us!

A Picnic with Butterflies, Ducks and a Pig!

Who would believe that within a few miles of Juniper Village at Lebanon we would be able to picnic with butterflies, ducks and a pig?!

Residents boarded the bus and traveled a few short miles to Dreamscapes Watergardens and Butterfly House, just north of Lebanon.  The weather was perfect, and we got up close to the butterflies, with some landing on our residents.  The guides told us about the types of butterflies that were in the house and about their lifecycles.  One young visitor was proud to show Betty Werner a "butterfly on a stick"! There was also a potbellied pig and a beautiful duck just a few steps away from our picnic tables in the pavilion.

The residents enjoyed the coolness of the gift shop and the many beautiful Koi Ponds there.

Music and Memory: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks

Earlier this year Juniper Communities introduced the Music & Memory program in all of its Wellspring Memory Care communities. The response to this innovative program has been overwhelmingly positive. We are proud to announce that we are now rolling out the Music and Memory Program into our Assisted Living, Personal Care and Skilled Nursing communities as well.  Juniper Village at Lebanon is proud to kick off this program with two events scheduled in the upcoming months and invite you to join us!

October 12 at 11:30 AM: ALIVE INSIDE SCREENING An inspirational and emotional story left the audience humming, clapping and cheering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. The film dramatically portrays the power of music and memory. A complimentary lunch will be served during the screening along with discussion on how music impacts each of us daily, especially those who live with dementia. Please RSVP by calling 717-272-8782.

 

November 17 at 6:00 PM: MUSIC SOOTHES THE SOUL Katherine Hoopes, music therapist and resident of Juniper Village at Lebanon, will share the clinical benefits of, and her personal experiences with, the positive effects of music. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Please RSVP by calling 717-272-8782.

If you are able to make any of our upcoming events, or have questions about Music and Memory, please contact our Connections Director at 717-272-8782.

October 2015 Events in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Wounded Warrior Fundraiser Motorcycle Ride as our sister community, Juniper Village at Mount Joy, is coordinating a Wounded Warrior’s Fundraiser Motorcycle Ride and the riders will be stopping by our campus to take a short break from their ride in the Village Lobby, and close to 60 bikers are expected to participate, so please come out to greet these individuals and thank them for their support of the PA Wounded Warriors, on October 3^rd at 10:30 am.

§  “Puttin’ on the Glitz” event in The Club of the Community House as we join the Lebanon Valley Home Economics Association for a fashion show explaining ways to spruce up your outfit with Whimzee Boutique providing all of the accessories with an opportunity for you to purchase them on October 7^th at 7:00 pm.

§  Family Farm Fair Costume Party and Trick-or-Treat with all young children and family pets invited to participate as Juniper Village will transform into an old fashion farm fair, complete with a miniature pony, pot belly pig, fair-style games, hayrides and fun snacks with Juniper Village Residents handing out candy for the children and biscuits for the dogs on October 31^st at 2:00 pm.

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

Harold Mohn, Resident of Juniper Village at Lebanon, Receives Paul Harris Fellowship Award

On Thursday, September 10, Harold Mohn (pictured in the center) was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Myerstown-ELCO Rotary. Recognized for his lifetime efforts and accomplishments through his poetry, Mohn has touched the lives of people here in Lebanon County, throughout the United States and around the world. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, or who have contributions made in their name.

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 Lebanon’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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Pet Therapy with Friends of All Animals because there’s just something about animals that warms our hearts and soothes our soul and no one can resist petting the soft fur of a dog or listening to the sound of a cat’s gentle purr on September 3^rd at 6:00 pm.

§  Drum Circle Therapy as Wendy and Scott Gilbert of Drum2B1 will share their passion and the therapeutic benefits of “beating the drum” during this hands-on Drum Circle session will lift your spirit on September 17^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Reflections Life Review and Reminiscing interactive program that provides insight on how and why this phenomenon occurs and the benefits it provides as individuals achieve affirmation, resolution and hope through sharing their life stories on September 25^th at 6:00 pm.

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

August 2015 Events in Lebanon, PA: Breathe in Life

As we continue our summer focus on Staying Connected, we devote our August 2015 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village in Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon as we Breathe in Life!

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

§  Hybrid Cars Hosted by Frederick Chevrolet to share some basic details about how hybrid cars work or just how much it can actually help save the environment and, if available, will have a Chevy Volt on display on August 13^th at 10:30 am.

§  Understanding Medicare and How to Prevent Medicare Fraud with The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE) facilitating this program to help seniors, their families or caregivers understand the various Medicare services and resources available on August 13^th at 10:30 am.

§  National Parks Educational Presentation as Harold Young from the Delaware Water Gap shares information about the upcoming 100th Anniversary celebration next year and shares his stories with the National Park System on August 25^th at 4:00 pm.

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

July 2015 Events in Lebanon, PA: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Understanding the Voting Process with Lori Oliver, Director of the Lebanon County Voter Registration office, who will help explain the voting process in our ever changing world because as technology advances, so does the way we vote, so Lori and her deputy will help take some of the mystery out of the new voting computers and explain what an absentee ballot is, who can use one and how to complete it at this free event to which everyone is invited on July 22^nd at 3:00 pm.

§  Hot Diggity Dog - It’s National Hot Dog Day to enjoy a delicious hot dog right off of the grill with a variety of traditional and unique toppings at this free get-together you won’t want to miss on July 23^rd from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm (RSVP to 717-389-0007).

§  First Responders Appreciation Drive-Thru for all first responders (EMTs, Firefighters, Police, etc.) are invited to stop by Juniper Village at Lebanon for a FREE cup of coffee and BG’s Donuts as is our way of saying thank you for all you do for us and our community on July 29^th from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

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

June 2015 Events in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon. 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Behavioral Health Assessment, Suicide Risk Assessment and Treatment Options Across the Life Span as Kate Ketter, Director of Assessment & Referrals for Haven Behavioral Hospital, will present this course on understanding mental health assessments and depression screening approaches across the life span, and will share interview techniques appropriate for each developmental stage, ways to recognize common psychiatric conditions, and how to recognize the components of a biopsychosocial formulation and a suicide risk assessment; everyone is welcome to attend including nurses, nursing home administrators and personal care administrators, and lunch will be provided on June 4^th from 11:30 am to 2:15 pm. (RSVP to 610-406-4362; though free to attend CE fee for social workers is $15 for NASW-PA members and $25 for non NASW-PA members.)

§  Preventing & Living with Diabetes Free Information Session will be held in The Club of the Community House as Karen Bachman, diabetes educator for the Good Samaritan Health System, will share valuable tips and best practices for preventing and living with diabetes, so Learn how diet and exercise can help prevent and reduce the symptoms of diabetes and don’t let diabetes get the best of you on June 18^th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

§  Concert on the Green at Juniper Village at Lebanon as we celebrate the first day of summer with musical entertainment by the Keystone Band of Rehrersburg, accompanied by summer refreshments; family, friends and children of all ages will enjoy the concert and summertime celebration, and there’s no cost to attend, so we hope to see you here on June 21^st from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

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

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 Lebanon was presented the Juniper “You’ve’ Got a Friend” Award in recognition of having the highest close rate for friends and family referrals in 2014.

Resident Leroy Felty Still on the Move After Sprint Car Career

He blazed around area speedways for nearly four decades as one of Lebanon County's most celebrated and accomplished race-car drivers ever. Today, at age 86, Leroy Felty is still on the move. Only now, he's usually on foot.

"I just had a physical and passed with flying colors," Felty said proudly last month while sitting in the living room of his home at Juniper Village in South Lebanon Township. "I don't take any medications -- nothing."

If you live in South Lebanon or are driving along Route 422 east of the city, you might see Felty and his wife of 61 years, Betty, on one of their mega-walks.

"We walk to Home Depot," Felty said with a smile, "then we go to the bank, then we cross (Route 422) and go to CVS and Giant. And then we walk home."

Felty says he has another walking route in South Lebanon that covers 2 1/2 miles. As you might have guessed, he loves to walk. He also rides a bicycle and owns a moped that he occasionally takes out for a spin.

He credits his excellent health to staying active, steady exercise and avoiding "sitting around the house." He shovels his own sidewalk in the winter and helps neighbors with their snow removal. He volunteers at Juniper Village, calling bingo games twice a week. He and Betty also enjoy working on puzzles and playing cards with friends.

Mementos of his 37-year racing career are tucked away in a corner of his garage. Painted on a large mirror are images of more than a dozen race cars he drove at speedways on the East Coast. Surrounding the mirror are photos, plaques and trophies from his career -- although most of his trophies are gone, thanks to an act of generosity and humility.

"I had 110 trophies, and we moved from the big house we had in Jonestown," Felty recalled. "We didn't have any place to put them. I loaded them up on a truck and took them to Port Royal and told the PA announcer, 'Tell the kids to come down and get a free trophy.' We gave 110 trophies away to kids that day."

Read the full story from Lebanon Daily News.

May 2015 Events in Lebanon, PA: Grow Strong Daily

Fitness is on our mind during our May 2015 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  National Senior Health and Fitness Day as during this fun-filled event, seniors will have the opportunity watch a healthy cooking demonstration, learn how to line dance, take a walking tour, learn yoga and so much more on May 27^th from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

§  Community Yard Sale and Book Sale with all proceeds, including the food sales, will support the American Heart Association on May 30^th from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

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

Juniper Village at Lebanon Resident Creates Items to Ease Children's Fears

At the age of 92, Katie Faiola's seamstress skills are still being called upon to help.

A resident of Juniper Village in South Lebanon Township, Faiola sews colorful pillowcases to be given to young patients at the Hershey Medical Center. When the kids leave the hospital, they can take their cheery pillowcases with them.

Patterns of bears and dolls, dogs and cats on their pillows help to make the kids' stay a little less threatening.

A Lebanon resident all her life, last year, after the passing of her husband, Herman, Katie moved to Juniper Village, an assisted living facility.

The pillowcases are a project of the Lebanon Quilter's Guild, and in 2013, the crafters of the Guild sent more than 4,000 pillowcases to children at HMC.

Faiola has created hundreds of the cheery pillowcases, usually making one or two a day.

"When I have something to sew, I'm happy," Faiola said. "I try to keep after with making them, because I have a lot of time on my hands, instead of just sitting in my room. Although, I do read, too."

Rebecca Duke, public relations manager for Juniper Village, said Katie's work is very much appreciated.

"The quilters' guild is such a dynamic organization," Duke said. "They give about 100 pillowcases a month (to HMC), and Katie can crank these out a couple a day. She makes bags for residents' walkers and table runners, too. It gives Katie something meaningful to do."

As Faiola sits before her Sears sewing machine in an activity room at the Village, she carefully inserts straight pins into the cuff of a lavender pillowcase before she turns to sew it by machine.

"I'm doing this for the sick kids; that's why I like doing this," Faiola said.

Read the rest of the story from the Lebanon Daily News. 

Photo credit Jeremy Long of the Lebanon Daily News.

April 2015 Events in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon 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 Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

Ø  Understanding and Coping with Stroke presentation by Amanda Mae Marbarger, stroke coordinator for the Good Samaritan Health System, who will provide insight into stroke including the signs and symptoms, early intervention, treatment options, as well as support groups on April 7^th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Ø  “Sweet & Sassy Seniors” Line Dancing performance lead by Peggy Confair, followed by interactive participation as Juniper Village has partnered with the Maple Street Senior Center to provide dancing for fitness on April 14^th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Ø  Juniper Village Open House where throughout the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to tour our beautiful campus and participate in various workshops such as information on our new Theralink program, end of life and estate planning and real estate options, while light refreshments are served and everyone will go home with a “goody” bag on April 30^th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

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

Talent Among Us

Juniper Village Residents showcase their talents during the month of March in celebration of "Performance." 

Katherine Hoopes, Resident and wife of Juniper Village's Chaplain, is a gifted violinist.  She shares her talents by offering private violin lessons in her Cottage. Katherine and her students performed for the Juniper Residents during a violin recital titled "Fun with Fiddles."

Kit Nitrauer, currently our most senior Resident at 102 years old, shares her musical skills while providing piano accompaniment to our Joyful Noise singers.

Some Juniper Village Residents and Staff participate in a musical group called, One Achord, which performs at local healthcare communities.

When one comes to visit us at Juniper Village, Nancy Moyer can be found sitting at the piano in the lobby playing a beautiful collection of hymns to her friends who gather around her at the piano.

Juniper Village at Lebanon is blessed to have such talented individuals among us.

Juniper Communities Introduces Theralink for Onsite Integrated Therapy at Juniper Village at Lebanon

Juniper Communities, a national owner-operator of Juniper Village senior living communities, is rolling out Theralink in all its facilities, and locally at Juniper Village at Lebanon. Theralink is an on-site program designed to help residents regain and maintain independence, fitness and overall wellbeing. It is being implemented through a newly established partnership between Juniper Communities and Genesis Rehab Services.

“Rehabilitation, restorative services, and fitness are vital to healthy aging and whole person wellness,” explains Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “Coordinated with other clinical services permits, Juniper will be able to provide integrated post-acute care onsite at the communities through Theralink. This is especially important for Juniper’s residents who want and need more intensive rehabilitation services in their ‘home’.”

Grant Welson, Area Director for Genesis Rehab Services states, “Juniper is taking an industry lead by creating Theralink to offer onsite therapy services where they are integrated into everyday patient care. Feedback from preliminary implementation from Juniper’s residents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Theralink program will provide physical, occupational, speech, and when needed respiratory therapy that is integrated into the care Juniper currently delivers. Elements of Theralink include special balance and strength training, and fall prevention programs; technology and apps that facilitate and record personal fitness training; dementia management programs that integrate cognitive and occupational therapies; cardiopulmonary management; and monthly assessment reports.

March 2015 Events in Lebanon, PA: Your Treasure Is Within

Treasure hunting has been around forever! The search for riches has evolved from archaeological digs revealing lost treasure to present day treasure hunts such as television’s “The Amazing Race”. Much has been written about the allure of treasure, but one thing that we’ve come to realize is that the treasure within is the most valuable of all. Each one of us has a treasure within and through our March 2015 events in Lebanon, PA we will be exploring that treasure at Juniper Village at Lebanon - be it your ability to sing, play a musical instrument, recite dramatic prose or balance a spoon at the end of your nose. No treasure is too small! In the immortal words of Captain Jack Sparrow, “Not all treasure’s silver and gold, mate.”

With our March 2015 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon we end our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Performance. Please join us during our March 2015 events in Lebanon, PA while we recognize “Your Treasure is Within” as we provide opportunities to express yourself through our weekly drama clubs and by attending theatrical performances. If step dancing and corned beef and cabbage is more your thing, sample all that is Irish with our annual St. Patrick’s Day party or walk the red carpet and share your movie trivia skills at our Oscar Party.

Our fabulous March 2015 events in Lebanon, PA include our Estate Planning Basics special complimentary informational session on understanding wills, living wills and power of attorneys (POA) with Michele Calvert, an attorney with Reilly, Wolfson, Sheffy, Schrum and Lundberg LLP, while a light lunch is served on March 5^th at noon; or our St. Patrick’s Day Party with Irish tunes featuring traditional instrumentations and harmonious melodies performed by Bonnie Koons on March 17^th at 3:00 pm; our Spring Fling Business Reception complimentary to individuals in business, nursing, hospital care, rehab facilities, et cetera to build business connections while enjoying light refreshments on March 19^th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm; or our Spring Egg Hunt as all little ones up to age 10 are invited to hunt for colorful eggs in our charming courtyards on March 28^th at 10:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our March 2015 events in Lebanon, PA, so check out our calendar for more!

Talent and Creativity Blossoms at Juniper Village at Lebanon

Our residents had an exciting afternoon expressing their creativity. They decorated cupcakes with a variety of frosting flavors/colors and decorative tips. The finished results looked amazing and delicious! Immediately following this activity was a Red Hat Party where the residents learned how to draw flowers. Their drawings are beautiful. Our residents had a great time exploring their creative side and discovering their talents!

Magic is in the Air

The Residents of Juniper Village celebrated an evening of merriment with magical surprises. Magician, Mike Clark from The Magic Workshop, put on a fun and interactive magic show. Residents, their families and staff all got in on the act. However, the show was stolen by the appearance of over 7 live rabbits. Everyone enjoyed cuddling these magical creatures.

Awaken Your Passion: February Events

This month at Juniper Village we continue our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Art.

Creating art for many of our seniors has been a lifelong passion, for others it may have been a casual hobby or serious vocation. Whatever the reason, art has substantial benefits to our bodies, minds and spirits! In Successful Aging, John W. Rowe, MD, and Robert L. Kahn, PhD, discuss key aspects of successful aging: low risk of disease, high mental and physical functioning, and being actively engaged in life. Expressive art activities promote active engagement in life in positive, healthy, and fulfilling ways - in other words, nurturing the spirit of life. Recent studies further indicate that older adults who participate in art programs have fewer doctor visits, use less medication, and experience a lower rate of depression – all resulting in lower healthcare costs.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our Hands-On Pottery Workshop as local artist M.J. McFalls from Elmlock Pottery teaches us different pottery techniques to make a small item to keep on February 11^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (RSVP to 717-272-8782); our Art Show and Reception a complimentary event with light refreshments to be held in The Club in the Community House that is open to the public on February 19^th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm; or our Photography Workshop with Ralph Ashburn who shares helpful tips on taking great photos during this free workshop that is open to everyone, no matter what level of experience you may have, on February 26^th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Look through our calendar and plan to join us this month and “Awaken Your Passion” as we explore various mediums to expression through weekly art programs and visits to local art museums. Or, if art isn’t your thing, tailgate with us during the Super Bowl, await the Ground Hog’s prediction, our join in one of our festive celebrations on Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day or Mardi Gras.

Happy New Year!!

2014 ended with a clink of champagne glasses at Juniper Village at Lebanon.  The Residents sang in the New Year while pianist, Karl Hausman played their favorite party tunes.  Noise makers and party hats added to the festivities.  The Resident's toasted to another year of fun and friendship at Juniper Village.