Box Filled For Toys For Tots!

Resident Julie Kitsock made it her personal mission to make sure that the Toys For Tots box was filled by the time the Marines came to pick it up in mid-December.  At her persistent urging, many staff and residents put items into the gigantic empty box in the Village lobby, and some put money into the nearby jar.  We also held a Quarter Raffle at the end of November, which besides being fun, enabled people to find Christmas gifts at a bargain price, just one quarter per ticket! On December 16th, Julie was able to present Toys For Tots representative John Gingrich with over $80.00, plus a full box of toys!  Way to go, Julie!!!

Santa Visits Juniper Village at Lebanon

Juniper Village at Lebanon was in full holiday celebration mode on December 8th, with two simultaneous parties and cookie exchanges. Both parties had visits by Santa, with gifts for all residents and their young guests.  And both parties featured live entertainment, with Sandy Heisey on the piano at The Village, and Amy Rose singing beautiful holiday music in The Club.  The cookie exchange was abundant in both buildings, with plenty to take home in special bags provided. The hot chocolate and egg nog really hit the spot!  Everyone got their picture taken on Santa's lap, including the Juniper Village team members who were present that evening.  It was a wonderful evening with many fond memories made by all!

December 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Celebrate Little Things

Juniper Village nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit. This month this custom is more evident than ever as we share our celebratory spirit - mind, body and soul. December is a month filled with holidays and celebrations, but at Juniper we like to kick it up a notch! All around the community all of your senses will be stimulated as you see traditional holiday décor, hear joyous laughter and singing, smell heavenly treats baking and taste them as well. We will celebrate all the joyous little things that make this time of year so special. Traditions both old and new will be honored. And through sharing our numerous cultures and traditions with each other we will learn more about each other, opening the door to deeper understanding.

This month take a moment to reflect on the little things that bring joy to your life. Reminisce about the traditions from your past and the new traditions you have started with your family. Celebrate the holiday season with us as we share a bit of ourselves with our annual cookie exchange and ethnic holiday celebrations. December is always an eventful month and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Our fabulous December 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Juniper Village Supports the Toys For Tots Program as we are proud to support and be a drop-off site for our local Toys For Tots campaign, so help us make a difference in a child’s life by donating new, unwrapped toys during the month of December, as we will have collection boxes at the entryways to both the Village and Community House buildings so these toys can be distributed to less fortunate children in Lebanon County any time until December 31^st.

§  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, as little ones have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa, so don’t miss this opportunity to share the holiday spirit with your Juniper Village family and friends on December 8^th from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.

§  Your Life. Your Wishes. Advance Care Planning Presented by Jennifer E. Wagner, Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health held in The Club of the Community House for a thought-provoking conversation to help make your wishes known, as well as learn vocabulary, reflect on your values, choose a healthcare agent, explore goals for treatment, and take the first steps toward completing an advance directive with no cost to attend this informational session and breakfast will be provided on December 15^th from 9:00 am - 10:30 am. (RSVP by December 13^th by calling 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Celebrate Little Things.

Best Friend Bracelet Fun at Juniper Village

Many thanks to our Business Office Coordinator Assistant "Extraordinaire" for sharing her talents in jewelry design with our Best Friends group recently.  Lindsay brought her own beads and everything else needed to make gorgeous bracelets for staff and resident Best Friends.  We also had special autumn-themed bracelets on stretchy cords for those who preferred that type.  Some crafty people made one of each!  It was very helpful to have a Best Friend to help choose colors and patterns and prevent beads from going everywhere! Everyone went home with a beautiful new creation.

Cedar Crest School District Salutes Our Veterans!

Seventeen people from Juniper Village at Lebanon were treated to a front row center table at the recent Breakfast for Veterans held at the Cedar Crest Middle School.  The chorus sang several patriotic numbers, and then everyone enjoyed a multi-course breakfast with all the "fixins"!  Several members of the student council stopped by our table to make sure that we had plenty of everything.  Then Major General (Ret.) Randall Marchi gave a moving tribute to all veterans. Imagine how surprised we all were when we got a knock on our bus door just as we were about to leave, and General Marchi came onboard to get a photo with our group!  It was the perfect ending to a very special morning for all of us!  To all Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel, thank you for your service!

A Spooktacular Day for the Juniper Village Halloween Event

The weather couldn't have been nicer for our annual Halloween Event at Juniper Village at Lebanon.  This year we had a Carnival theme, complete with a hayride and a variety of canine "Trick-or-Treaters"!

Over 50 children attended the event, spinning for prizes, playing games, doing crafts, and filling their candy bags.  The residents wore a variety of disguises and costumes and probably ate more candy than they handed out!  It was wonderful to see all of the generations having fun together.

November 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Cherish the Journey

Each November we turn our attention to Family with our Alive In All Seasons Theme: Cherish the Journey. We have always enjoyed helping our residents chronical their individual life journeys through journaling. In addition to keeping track of the daily happenings in our lives, journaling has surprising health benefits as well. University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. He also believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of stress on your health. Other research indicates that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientific evidence also shows that writing your thoughts down can help clarify your thoughts and feelings, help you to know yourself better, reduce stress, and problem solve more effectively. An additional benefit of journaling is that you are leaving a legacy for future generations. Review your journal together! Reminiscing about the events in one’s life is a way to affirm who they are, what they’ve accomplished in life and relive happy times. So, pick up a pen and Cherish the Journey, the benefits are endless!

Join our journey through November as we honor and celebrate family and the journey of life with our autobiographical journaling. Help us support our greater community with our annual Food Drive and our on-site support groups. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our fabulous November 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  4^th Annual Juniper Village Fall Food Drive as Juniper Village Residents are collecting canned goods and nonperishable food items for their Fourth Annual Food Drive, help us fill the empty baskets located in our entryways to donate to Lebanon County Christian Ministries by dropping off non-perishable goods anytime during the month of November.

§  Veterans’ Aid & Attendance Information Session because 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 session, which is open to all veterans and their families on November 9^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by November 7^th by calling 717-272-8782.)

§  Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale when Juniper Village Residents, their Friends and Relatives will be selling handcrafted one of a kind items perfect for Holiday gifting, and we will also be having a bake sale with all proceeds going to Lebanon County Christian Ministries, so don’t miss this opportunity to get a jump-start on your holiday shopping in The Club of the Community House on November 12^th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

§  Farm-to-Table Series Cooking from the Heart with Kaitlyn Berkheiser, RD, LDN of WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, for a lunch experience that demonstrates how to prepare healthy alternatives to holiday favorites at this FREE informational session with a light lunch provided held in The Club of the Community House, so bring a guest and learn the value of working together to create healthy nutritious meals on November 16^th from noon to 1:30 pm. (RSVP by November 14^th by calling 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Fashion Show at Lebanon Country Club

Several Juniper Village at Lebanon ladies (and one gentleman!) enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Lebanon Country Club for lunch and a Fashion Show by Head to Toe Boutique in Annville.  The event was sponsored by The Woman's Club of Lebanon to benefit The Harmonia Music Association. It was a beautiful day for a bus ride to the country just outside of Lebanon.  There was an hour for shopping and purchasing raffle tickets, followed by a nice luncheon, and then the Fashion Show.  Over 150 items were shown by models of all ages and sizes.  Nearly everyone on our bus won a door prize or a raffle item, and some won two or three items! A few people also purchased items.  For many, it was the first time they had ever been to the Country Club, so it was an exciting and fun-filled afternoon for everyone.

Inaugural Balloon Volleyball Tournament!

The Juniper Village at Lebanon team was invited to a Balloon Volleyball Tournament held at Juniper Village at Mount Joy on October 11th.  Two other communities were also invited.  Two teams of three residents played each other, and the winner of those matches played each other for the championship.  We were proud that our team came in second by a very narrow margin!  Our players had some spectacular sets and spikes, and our cheering section did their best to encourage the players, but in the end, the home team at Mount Joy came in first. Everyone shook hands after the games were over and then enjoyed smoothies, snacks and special piano music.  We especially enjoyed the beautiful autumn scenery to and from Mount Joy.  Many thanks to Juniper Village at Mount Joy for hosting this memorable event!

A Trip Back in Time to Colonial Pennsylvania!

The residents of Juniper Village at Lebanon were recently treated to a special visit from Stew and Judy Walton.  Judy, dressed in Colonial attire, taught everyone how to make spatulas made from Pennsylvania cherry wood.  Everyone sanded and then applied mineral oil to make one-of-a-kind gifts for their family and friends.  Judy talked about how these spatulas would have been used in Colonial times, and she had several different types on display and for sale.  Judy's husband Stew serenaded us on the Musical Saw while we sanded and oiled.  Then we signed cards telling about the spatulas and put everything into clear bags tied with ribbons.  Everyone seemed very pleased with the end results!

Juniper Village Heart Walk Team Reaches Goal!!!

Juniper Village at Lebanon co-worker Patty Spancake had a dream of reaching $1,000.00 for our team to be able to turn in at the annual Heart Walk that we have been participating in for the past four years. Even though we have been working all year long having various fund raising events such as The Big Yard Sale in May, bake sales, book sales and quarter raffles, it is doubtful that anyone thought we would ever reach Patty's goal for us.  But then WE DID!!!  Resident Mary Behney did the final count of the money, and she came up with around $850.00, well short of our goal.  That was our total even as we began to pick people up on our bus, which was full of residents ready to walk;  however, our Environmental Services Director, Jon Davies, pulled into the parking lot while we were still loading up our picnic lunch and gave us the rest of the money to reach our goal and even beat it by $1.00!  So we were able to turn in $1,001.00, truly a Juniper Village miracle!  Thanks for dreaming big for us, Patty!  And thanks so much to everyone who participated in one way or another throughout the year--every quarter and every dollar plus all of the many donated items helped us to reach our goal!  Get ready--we'll be starting in November with another quarter raffle to reach our goal for next year:$1,002.00!!!!!

The Joyful Noise Singers "Summer Tour"!

The Joyful Noise Singers were on the road a lot this summer bringing their singing talents to several area facilities.  First, they sang patriotic songs at the VA Hospital in Lebanon, which had some of the veterans in tears by the end!  Then they sang a complete set of familiar hymns at Countryside Christian Community in Annville.  Those residents commented that they were so happy to hear hymns that they could sing along with.  Then, just three days after that concert, the Joyful Noise Singers provided special music for Grace U.C.C., the home church for two of our choir members.  Later that same week, they did an encore presentation of the hymns concert for the residents at Juniper Village.  One resident in the audience commented that she thought it was their best performance ever!  They do seem to improve with each performance, and they always seem to do better in the actual concert than they sound at practice!  One singer was asked to put her autograph on the program when it was noted that she is a direct descendant of the famous hymn writer Fanny Crosby, who wrote one of the hymns that we sang.  We are all looking forward to our next concert in November at Juniper Village:  a Comedy Revue!  We have also been asked to do a Christmas program at The Lebanon Senior Center in December, so we have a lot of practicing ahead of us, which this group seems to enjoy as much as the show!

October 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Show Your Colors

As we say good bye to Indian summer, we welcome the cooler air and slower pace of the autumn season. From warm apple cider, everything pumpkin and end of season hiking trips, there are so many reasons to enjoy autumn. William Cullen Bryant says it best, “Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” With the seasonal changes now in full swing we see fall flowers appearing where summer blooms once stood and leaves changing into vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. The evening air has a slight chill and carries the scent of campfires, leaves and cinnamon spice. Our activities turn from swimming and baseball to raking leaves and football. Not only is Mother Nature showing her colors, but we begin to show our team colors with a focus on sports! Join us throughout the month as we bond over sporting events while cheering on our favorite teams, complete with tailgate parties and snacks.

Throughout October we will show our colors as we sponsor and support local sports teams. We will honor our associates who show their colors by “nurturing the spirit of life” with The Juniper Spirit awards. Alas, October would not be complete without celebrating the season with our annual Halloween Costume Party, which is open to ghosts and goblins of all ages. Join us this month and Show Your Colors!

Our fabulous October 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Kidney Smart®... Learn How to Manage Your Kidney Health during this program, you’ll learn what causes kidney disease, diet resources that can help keep you healthy, and how to manage other related conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure because a kidney disease diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but early education can help you feel more prepared, and there is no cost to attend and a light lunch will be provided; this event will be held in The Club of the Community House on October 19^th from noon to 2:00 pm. (RSVP by October 17^th to 717-272-8782.)

§  Shoulder Pain Relief is Within Your Reach so don’t let chronic pain stop you from enjoying the activities you love; join Dr. Anthony Helwig of WellSpan Orthopedics to learn about current treatment options to help you find relief; there is no cost to attend this informational session and a light lunch will be provided; this event will be held in The Club of the Community House on October 28^th from noon to 1:30 pm. (RSVP by October 26^th to 717-272-8782.)

§  4^th Annual Family Halloween Carnival as all young children and pets are invited to participate in our Halloween costume party and trick-or-treat event; Juniper Village will transform into an old fashion carnival complete with fun carnival games and snacks; Juniper Village Residents will be handing out candy for the children and biscuits for the dogs; we look forward to seeing everyone there on October 29^th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Show Your Colors.

Making Upcycled No Sew T-shirt Tote Bags

Recently the crafters at Juniper Village learned how to make tote bags out of old t-shirts.  It was fun choosing which shirt to use, and it was amazing how quickly a shirt could be turned into a tote bag!

Every bag was unique, depending on the use of beads, the size of the shirt, and any other embellishments that were added.  The pictures tell the story:  everyone was thrilled with their final results, thanks to Tanya's expert instructions and ideas!

More S'mores Please!

On Labor Day, the residents of Juniper Village at Lebanon decided to have an impromptu S'mores Party on the patio, led by Connections Director Tanya Flemming.  There is nothing quite like the combination of toasted marshmallows, Hershey's chocolate bars, and graham crackers to bring back memories of gathering around a campfire.  Perhaps some residents learned how to make these when they were in Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts.  It looks like some staff members need to have private lessons on how to not burn their marshmallows!  It is an artform to get just the right amount of toastiness without catching the marshmallow totally on fire!  Yummmmmm!

A Trip To The Islands

August 17th was our Trip To The Islands at Juniper Village at Lebanon. We started out the day with making our own Tropical Paper Leis in craft class - followed by a limbo contest, where staff and residents participated.  Then we invited families and friends to join us for a Tropical Luncheon.  But the main event was a musical trip to the Islands by Jamie and Henry.  They sang and used many types of instruments to make us feel that we were in Hawaii.  The day ended with a beach movie.  With the heat wave we have had all during August, we really felt as if we were in Hawaii!  Aloha!

September 2016 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!

Join us this month as we celebrate friendship and staying connected with calendar events such as our annual daffodil planting and our home warming, birthday party and Best Friend initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  The Power of Pet Therapy because it’s no secret that animals seem to lift our spirit and soothe our soul, and pet therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, increase self-esteem and improve social skills, so join us at Juniper Village as K-Pets shares the benefits of pet therapy and their personal experiences during this complimentary program that is open to anyone who would like to know more about the healing power of pets with no cost to attend and a light lunch provided on September 14^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (Please RSVP by September 12^th to 717-272-8782.)

§  “Care of the Caregiver” - Time to Rejuvenate presentation by Michele DeVore, RN, Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Medical Support Hypnotherapist from Hospice for All Seasons, who will create a space to explore with an experiential opportunity to learn about and discuss the barriers and benefits of taking time to rejuvenate self, because in keeping with the theme of FRIENDSHIP – we must be our own best friend first, so you will be encouraged to participate in activities such as meditation techniques, use of music, aroma and massage, so come and enjoy some time just for you, as there’s no cost to attend this interactive session and a complimentary light lunch will be provided on September 21^st from noon to 1:30 pm. (Please RSVP by September 19^th to 717-272-8782.)

§  Havin’ Fun Beatin’ the Drum with Wendy and Scott Gilbert of Drum2B1, who will share their passion and the therapeutic benefits of “beating the drum” at this hands-on Drum Circle session that will lift your spirit and soothe your soul, free to all attendees on September 29^th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. (Please RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our September 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Spread Your Joy.

Veterans Art Show

Three Juniper Village at Lebanon residents entered the Lebanon Veterans Administration Art Show on Friday, August 12th, and a bus full of spectators went along to the show.  Ken Scott, Paul Hirlinger, and Fred Olson all had entries in the art show, and each received a certificate for participation.  The Juniper Village table looked as good as any table there, and the residents were able to look at all of the other entries as well.  There was also live music in the lobby, and everyone was treated to a fountain drink in the canteen.  It was a memorable morning for everyone!

Ken's One-man Art Show

Ken Scott did not know about Mandelas before moving to Juniper Village at Lebanon, but he sure does now!  After being introduced to Mandela's at one of our art classes, he has since done over 130 of them!  He keeps them in two scrapbooks, but for his One-man Art Show, which was held in July, he took them out and spread many of them over all of the tables in the Garden Room.  He also displayed several of his acrylic paintings and mixed-media creations that he can be seen working on in his room at all hours of the day and night.  He said that the reason he has so many Mandelas is that he can't stop doing them because he enjoys it so much.  Some residents decided to give it a try after seeing Ken's display.  Residents who came for the art show also enjoyed the sparkling grape juice and cookie assortment.  It was a memorable morning for Ken and his family as well as the many residents and staff who attended the show.

On The Road Again!

Recently, there was a bus full of happy residents heading towards Ephrata singing "On The Road Again"! We ate lunch at The Udder Choice, which is famous for their ice cream creations, but their soups and sandwiches were great, too.  Rose, whose family owned an ice cream shop, got her picture taken in front of a huge collection of antique ice cream scoops and probably the largest ice cream scoop in the world!  After we finished there, we stopped at Weaver's Nut Store, which also had plenty of candy.  Fay can be seen standing next to a huge chocolate bar, and we all tried some free samples!  On the way home, we made one more stop to see Cindy Boyer's beautiful flowers in her yard.  Cindy drove separately with her mother Joyce, and helped out with our trip.  She also brought in fresh-cut flowers from her garden for each table in the dining room.  We really appreciate volunteers like Cindy!

Off to the Fair!

Nine Juniper Village residents braved the summer heat to visit the Lebanon Area Fair. We stayed in the air-conditioned exhibit halls for much of the time, where we saw every type of vegetable, flower, needlework, and artwork  imaginable. Then, we ventured outdoors in search of "fair food", with the famous milkshakes on the top of our list! Fresh cut fries, pork barbeque and fresh fruit rounded out the menu as we sat under the pavilion with a nice breeze to keep us cool. Afterwards, we visited the livestock halls, with giant pigs plus chickens and rabbits of all shapes, sizes and colors! It was a glorious day at the Fair!

Fun in the Park

Recently, a bus full of excited picnickers went to Coleman's Park for a refreshing afternoon of fun in the shade.  After enjoying a picnic lunch packed by Chef Ray, Juniper Village residents took turns on the swings and enjoyed strolling around the grounds, which featured a beautiful flower garden and a new playground for kids.  Some of the "big kids" even tried a few of the pieces of equipment.  On our way out of the park, we got to see the largest above-ground pool in the state.  We got back to Juniper Village just in time for the Folk Music Concert.  It was a full day of fun and excitement!

August 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Breathe in Life

Each August we turn our focus to the environment by offering social events and educational opportunities on living a more environmentally sustainable life. By making caring choices and creating helpful habits we can all make a difference to our planet.

Did you know that an aluminum can may remain in its current condition in a landfill for up to 500 years? That same can, when recycled, can end up back on your grocer’s shelf in as little as two months. Recycling that aluminum can also saves energy. Enough energy, in fact, to power your television for three hours! Aluminum can be recycled over, and over and over again – without limit. Americans will use about 2.5 million plastic bottles every thirty minutes. If that bottle is not recycled it can spend the next 450 years or more in a landfill. A modern glass bottle will take about 4,000 years to biodegrade. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled again, and again and again. So, the next time you are enjoying a delicious beverage, be conscious of the packaging and make the choice to recycle.

Join us this month as we promote the environment with a focus on our recycling programs – from annual rummage sales to shredding and more; our educational offerings will help you to support our environment and Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Meet Dr. Helwig and Learn About Current Treatments for Arthritis as we will discuss current medical treatment options and lifestyle changes that may help if you feel like joint pain has pushed your life into the slow lane or if you avoid activities you used to love due to chronic pain and you are afraid to discuss the problem with your doctor because you fear surgery may be your only option at this free presentation accompanied by a light lunch on August 12^th from noon to 1:30 pm. (RSVP by August 10^th to 717-272-8782.)

§  The Joy of Gardening with Master Gardener, Dr. Jane Zendarski from our local Penn State Cooperative Extension, who will share how gardening improves people’s social, spiritual, physical and emotional well-being during a free presentation accompanied by a light lunch on August 24^th from noon to 1:30 pm. (RSVP by August 22^nd to 717-272-8782.)

§  How To Organize And Clean Out Your Home whether you’re cleaning out your own home or helping a loved one preparing to downsize, Kristen Martin, owner of TLC Ladies with over 20 years of experience helping hundreds of families, will share tips and tricks-of-the-trade to make this an easier task at this free presentation accompanied by a light lunch on August 31^st from noon to 1:30 pm. (RSVP by August 22^th to 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our August 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Breathe in Life.

Road Trip to Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA!

Fifteen residents and friends traveled to Lancaster to see the musical production of "Samson" at Sight and Sound Theater.  We arrived early, so we were able to park right by the front door!  We were amazed at the license plates on cars from all over the country!  We found out later that the auditorium holds 2,000 people, and most shows are sold out, so we felt lucky to be among the ones to see the show that day. We had great seats, and everyone was amazed at the special effects, the costumes, singing, and the live animals that came right down the aisles next to us!  We stopped at a restaurant in Lititz on the way home.  Everyone said they would sleep well that night after a full day of travel and adventure!

It's Wedding Season at Juniper Village at Lebanon!

We had several wedding dresses that were donated to us by Hope from the Wellness Department, and Nurse Colette was brave enough to put one on and re-enact the grand entrance while Becky played the Bridal March on the piano.  Colette then threw the bouquet, which was caught by Fay. Several residents shared their wedding photos, and Lucille even displayed her headpiece and veil.  Residents played "Name That Wedding Tune", and later we played "Toss The Bouquet", which was the bouquet the residents made that morning in craft class.  There was lots of discussion about big weddings versus small ones, the most unusual place that someone got married, and funny things that happened at their weddings.  Everyone commented on how beautiful the display was, which really just seemed to happen on its own!

July 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Stand in Integrity

Ah...the good old summer time filled with lazy, sunny days, ice cold treats, Independence Day celebrations, and get-togethers at the beach. Another sure indication of summer is our Alive in All Seasons theme of Volunteerism.

July is the perfect month to honor all of the many volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of time in service to our communities. From our four-legged volunteers to those of the two legged variety we are proud to say we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious time each year. We simply could not do it without all of your help, and this month we honor you. We will also be promoting the spirit of volunteerism by volunteering our time to help others. If you have some spare time on your hands consider joining us for a volunteer activity or better yet volunteer your time with us, we’d love to have you. What qualities make a good volunteer? Energy, passion, flexibility, creativity, reliability, commitment and perhaps most important of all – integrity.

Volunteerism benefits all parties involved. In addition to making new friends, volunteering also helps increase your self-confidence, provides a sense of purpose, combats depression and helps you stay physically healthy. Helping others also kindles happiness, as the London School of Economics found the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

In addition to volunteering opportunities, plan to join us during July for our summer celebrations and share our thanks as we honor those who Stand In Integrity with us.

Our fabulous July 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  First Aid & Safety Patrol EMS - More Than Just 911 as Bryan Smith, Executive Director of First Aid & Safety Patrol EMS, will discuss the daily operations of the organization, its role in the community and how the general public can help the cause at an informational session held in The Club of the Community House with no cost to attend and a complimentary light breakfast served on July 13^th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. (RSVP to 717-272-8782 by July 11^th.)

§  Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research workshop held in The Club of the Community House with no cost to attend and breakfast provided that covers four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity, physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, and social engagement; in each area, we will discuss what we know, drawing on current research, as well as what we can do, steps to take now to improve or maintain overall health in each area on July 20^th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. (RSVP to 717-272-8782 by July 18^th.)

§  Medicare 101 - What You Need To Know no cost informational session with Don Shuey, independent insurance agent, who will share basic details regarding Medicare coverage and options including time for some questions and answers, although specific questions regarding personal plans will need to be addressed one-on-one for privacy reasons on July 27^th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. (RSVP to 717-272-8782 by July 26^th.)

We look forward to sharing our July 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Stand in Integrity.

Memorial Day Tribute at Juniper Village at Lebanon

Everyone started gathering early in anticipation of the Patriotic Concert that was presented by the Joyful Noise Singers on Thursday, May 26th in the lobby of The Village.  The singers had been practicing for months, and finally the day arrived for the program.  The local V.A. loaned us five flags, representing each branch of the services, which provided great photo-ops before and after the show.   We started off with the Pledge of Allegience and included a set of songs honoring each of the branches of the military.   We are privileged to have some talented staff members and residents who provided some solos and readings of patriotic poems written by resident Harold Mohn.  The grand finale was a multi-media presentation of "Coming To America" with Paul Hirlinger doing the Neil Diamond part, with historic photos of immigrants arriving in America in the background.  When everyone joined in on "God Bless America" at the end, it was very moving.  We are proud of our veterans, and we salute their service to our country!

National Senior Health and Fitness Day

On May 25th, we celebrated National Senior Health and Fitness Day here at Juniper Village at Lebanon.  We had a variety of exercise classes and techniques for improving mental fitness, but our favorite program was taste-testing healthy smoothies created by Chef Ray.  We had combinations of exotic fruits such as  kiwis and mangoes, as well as the more traditional bananas, raspberries and peaches.  A variety of juices, yogurts, and other flavorings were added to create one-of-a-kind concoctions, each one better than the one before. Everyone got to try at least four or five different types of smoothies.  Then everyone moved to the lobby where Physical Therapist Jim Dumser gave us tips on how to improve and maintain good physical fitness.  With all of the daily exercise offerings and our new Vitality Suite, every day is National Senior Health and Fitness Day at Juniper Village at Lebanon!

June 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Live in Wellness

What is wellness? The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as "a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential." At Juniper we believe in fostering this definition of wellness everyday by offering programs and services that help our residents achieve their full potential. As we wind down our Healthy Aging series, this month we focus on Food by highlighting our H’Art and Soul of Dining Signature Program.

Throughout our lives the most important discussions, revelations, decisions and announcements have transpired around the dinner table. When company came over we caught up on the latest gossip over coffee and fresh baked goods. If you needed advice from your parents, it was often given while enjoying Mom’s delicious pot roast on a Sunday evening. Why should that be any different when you enter your retirement years in one of our communities?

With the kitchen often being the heart of the home, we have developed H’Art and Soul of Dining with this in mind. This program strives to impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through sharing the joy of good food – just like home! Our dining program is designed to not only meet resident’s physical needs, but their emotional and social needs as well. We believe this program provides a perfect balance of nutritious and delicious food choices, comfortable atmosphere and ambiance, social interaction, cleanliness and a spirit of service.

Indulge with us this month as we focus on the “heart” of the home with program offerings centered on food and nutrition such as our hydration program with healthy snacks and juices and educational presentations by a dietitian. Join us in June as we Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  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 at Lebanon to make your contribution to the Central PA Blood Bank, as everyone’s participation is encouraged and much appreciated a the Blood Bank set up in The Club of the Community House with no appointment necessary, and a special “Goody Bag” will be given to each participant on June 6th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

§  Farm-to-Table: Cruciferous Vegetables for Cancer Protection with Trevor Sipe, executive chef at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, as he teaches participants basic nutrition principals and how to incorporate cancer fighting broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and other greens into daily meal planning, as well as how to prepare and store cruciferous vegetables while preparing a healthy menu option that participants will be able to sample and prepare at home in this FREE educational program, which will be held in The Club of the Community House, while a light, healthy lunch is provided on June 22nd from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our June 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Live in Wellness.

Learning How To Manage Stress

On April 29th, licensed massage therapist Sandy Unger taught residents and staff a variety of ways to manage stress.  Of course, massage was the favorite with everyone, and we learned ways to work with a partner or to massage our own muscles to relieve tension and stress.  Sandy also gave chair massages to those who wanted to try it.  Some of the other methods were to use musical instruments, squeeze stress balls that her grandson made for us, and play a gentle round of balloon volleyball, keeping several small balloons up in the air using small cardboard paddles.  Sandy gave us many other tips and ideas for reducing stress, and we all left the session feeling calm and cheerful.  We look forward to her next visit to Juniper Village at Lebanon!

Sweet and Sassy!

On May 3rd, the "Sweet and Sassy Line Dancers" from the Maple Street Senior Center gave a demonstration of various types of line dancing. Under the direction of Peggy Confair, and dancing to some great "oldies", it was clear that the dancers were having fun. For a few numbers, the dancers even came out into the audience and were dancing with our residents. One resident, Rose, even joined with the line dancers for their final few numbers. Even our volunteer Roland caught the dance fever when they played "The Country Macarena".  We can't wait until their next visit!

Lebanon County Day of Caring

On Saturday, April 23rd, over 1,000 volunteers were dispatched from Lebanon High School to sites all over Lebanon County to do various projects.  Juniper Village at Lebanon was just one of those sites, and seven volunteers chose to visit us for their project.  Six volunteers helped with a special Prize Bingo game, for which they provided a huge basket of prizes.  Not one person left without receiving at least one prize.  Volunteers helped to escort residents from another building as well as helping some people with their cards.

The seventh volunteer was none other than Lebanon County Commissioner Bob Phillips, who put on a fantastic show to a standing-room-only crowd.  Bob knows over 300 songs and has some wonderful back-up tracks for all of the best songs from the 40's and 50's, especially just about every Frank Sinatra song out there.  One resident was even inspired to dance a few numbers with one of the volunteers!  On top of all of this, a family of four volunteers went door-to-door delivering handmade greeting cards to each resident, made by local elementary students.  What a memorable morning for our residents, staff and family members!

May 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Grow Strong Daily

We all know that regular physical activity is great for overall health. But do we all understand the dangers in being inactive? Studies indicate that sedentary lifestyles are risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. In recognition of those facts, Juniper nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit through our innovative Signature Programs such as Connect4Life, Connections and H’Art and Soul of Dining.

We continue our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on Fitness. In the wise words of J.R.R., Tolkien, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." This month we will Grow Strong Daily so as to not wither, but to thrive as we develop strength in bodies, minds and spirits.

This month we invite you to join us as we Grow Strong Daily with activities such as our Daily Brain Builders, Wii, and our Brain Healthy Luncheon. We also invite you to expand your knowledge in our Healthy Aging Library.

Our fabulous May 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Theralink Delivers Fall Risk Management Techniques for caregivers concerned about their clients, friends or loved-ones falling who would you like to learn ways to minimize the risk as Genesis HealthCare shares best practices for building strength and balance to reduce the risk of falls in this free educational program accompanied by a light lunch on May 17^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

§  Annual Community Yard Sale held rain or shine including a large selection of books and puzzles as well as food sales with all proceeds to support the American Heart Association on May 21^st from 7:00 am to noon.

§  National Senior Health and Fitness Day fun-filled event, as seniors will have the opportunity to participate in our Band-Together class (11:00 am - The Club), learn how to make healthy smoothies (2:00 pm - Garden Room), and learn more about balance and exercise from Genesis Rehab (3:00 pm - Garden Room) with a complimentary light lunch served in The Club at 12:00 pm and tours of the community available from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on May 25^th. (RSVP for lunch to 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

Having Fun At The Senior Senior Prom

Twelve Juniper Village at Lebanon residents, along with four "chaperones," attended the "Senior Senior Prom" at Cedar Crest High School on Friday, April 15th. The evening started with hors d'oeuvres offered on silver trays by the students, punch from a fountain, and veggie trays on each table.  The students served the dinners, followed by dessert and coffee. Throughout the dinner, students provided background piano music and vocals.  After dinner, everyone danced the night away to music from the 40's and 50's by the Mick Cochran Band.  Paul and Julie were the first ones out on the dance floor, which is probably why their photo was chosen for the local newspaper!  By the end of the evening, Paul had danced with every girl in the room!  Most of the residents were on the dance floor at least once, and some never sat down!  We were the last ones to leave, and many wished they could have stayed longer, even though we didn't get home until 10 PM!  We feel very fortunate to live in a school district that provided such a memorable evening for the senior citizens in our community!

A Tea Party for Oma!

On April 6th at Juniper Village at Lebanon, we celebrated Oma's 120th birthday with a special tea party, complete with lace tablecloths and vintage Victorian hats!  The ladies (and even a few men!), enjoyed sampling a variety of teas, eating freshly baked blueberry scones from our Dining Services department, and honoring Oma, our founder's grandmother.  Many people were able to reminisce about the good memories they have of their own grandparents.  It was a wonderful afternoon!

Spring Egg Hunt in Lebanon, PA

Dozens of children were thrilled to hunt for over 800 eggs filled with candy, prizes and tickets for a chance to spin our Prize Wheel for bigger prizes.  There was a six-foot rabbit roaming about during the afternoon, as well as two live rabbits, brought in by Colette, one of our nurses.  One of these rabbits was the largest rabbit our residents had ever seen!  The kids had fun doing a craft activity, and everyone enjoyed the fabulous treats after the hunt, including homemade peanut butter eggs and a gourmet cake made by resident Sharon Mingo.  It was a wonderful afternoon with many generations represented making memories to last for years to come.

The Joyful Noise Singers Salute Ireland!

At Juniper Village at Lebanon, we celebrated St. Patrick's Day for an entire week!  We started off with a lively piano concert by Karl Hausman, who played every Irish tune that was ever written (we think!), and then on March 17th, our own Joyful Noise Singers presented their Salute to Ireland.  The chorus is made up of residents from all areas of Juniper Village, including independent living and personal care residents.  Many thanks to Lindsay, our Business Office Assistant, and Michael from Dining Services for doing solos on "It's Not Easy Being Green" and "Danny Boy".  Several chorus members also had solos and some even told some Irish jokes!  It was a lively event, especially when everyone played instruments and sang "McNamara's Band"!  A wonderful Family and Friends Dinner followed the show, featuring Lamb Stew, Irish Soda Bread, and an Irish Apple Cake for dessert.  Many compliments were sent to Chef Ray after that dinner!

2015 Successful Outcomes

April 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Believe in Yourself

Do you know that embracing a healthy lifestyle promotes brain health as well? This month we embark on our quarterly Alive in All Season theme of Healthy Aging: Let Wellbeing Thrive. Throughout April we will focus on brain health and encouraging you to Believe in Yourself. We will learn more about how physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement can help keep both your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. At the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, results of a two-year clinical trial of older adults at risk for cognitive impairment showed that a combination of physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities and management of heart health risk factors slowed cognitive decline. It’s never too late to make changes to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Join us this month as we expand our knowledge of brain health and take steps to boost our brain health through our Healthy Brain series featuring our Daily Brain Builders and Wii Games designed to promote cognitive activity. Continue your research by perusing our Healthy Aging Resource Library, filled with volumes of information to help you and your loved ones age well. And, don’t forget to join us for our Brain Healthy Luncheon where we will nourish mind, body and soul. We look forward to sharing this month of healthful thinking and encouragement to Believe in Yourself – you can do this!

Our fabulous April 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Business After Hours Reception with the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce for a glass of wine or a bottle of beer and some tasty hors d’oeuvres and take this opportunity to make new business connections, and during the event, we’ll be showcasing our new Wellness Suite and Connect4Life program, and you do not have to be a Chamber member to attend, so join us on April 7^th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. (RSVP to Chamber of Commerce at 717-273-3727.)

§  Assessing Common Psychiatric Disorders in Older Adults with Joanna Zigerell, BS, CDP, Clinical Liaison with Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern Pennsylvania that will teach participants how to identify common psychiatric disorders in older adults including dementia with behavioral disturbances, depression, psychosis/delusions, and anxiety including patient interaction techniques and when, if appropriate, patient meets inpatient hospitalization criteria, so everyone is welcome to attend including nurses, nursing home administrators and personal care administrators with breakfast provided on April 21^st from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. (RSVP to 610-406-4362. No cost to attend; CE fee for social workers is $15 for NASW-PA members and $25 for non NASW-PA members.)

§  How to Reduce Stress Through Massage hands-on workshop as licensed nurse and massage therapist, Sandy Unger teaches us easy techniques to reduce stress with simple massages that can be done by using household objects, such as golf balls, to roll the tension out of tight muscles on April 29^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our April 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Believe in Yourself.