Grow Strong Daily: May Events

Welcome to May where we will be dancing around the May Pole on May Day; donning opulent hats for the Kentucky Derby and sombreros for Cinco de Mayo; honoring our mothers on Mother’s Day and our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. What a fantastic month of celebration! In addition to observing these holidays, Juniper Village will be focusing on this month’s Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily” with an emphasis on fitness.

Studies show exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes and can also help people with high blood pressure, balance problems or difficulty walking. Stress management, improved mood and cognitive function are other benefits of regular exercise. This is why Juniper Village makes exercise a part of every day! We are completely dedicated to whole person wellness and “nurturing the spirit of life” for each individual we touch by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit.

Join us here at Juniper Village at Lebanon for our Route 66 Walking Club Kickoff Picnic on May 1^st at 5:00 pm; our Alfred Dunner Fashion Show on May 5^th at 1:30 pm; our Mother’s Day Tea Party on May 11^th at 2:00 pm (RSVP to 717-272-8782 by May 7^th); or our Education Lecture on Behavioral Health Issues in Older Adults offering 3 free CEUs on May 20^th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. See our newsletter calendar for a complete listing of events and come visit us during any that suit your fancy!

Yes! We have no bananas today!

We thought we were just having a run of the mill baking group when,
suddenly, a monkey came bounding into the room!  We were all so
surprised to see a monkey come in holding a loaf of bread, but it only
took us a few minutes to realize what was going on; we were making
"Monkey Bread."

The monkey finally took off her mask and we recognized her as one of
our beloved Wellness team members, Charmain.  She heard that we were
making monkey bread and wanted to give us something to remember.  Then
we all got busy rolling the dough and coating it with sugar and
cinnamon.  Once placed in the Bundt pan, the dough was covered with a
thick and gooey caramel sauce.  As it baked, the most wonderful smells
came out of the oven!  Everyone who walked by was drawn in to the
Garden Room hoping to get something good to eat.  When the monkey
bread was finally finished baking we crossed our fingers as Daniele
unmolded it from the pan.  Whew!  It came out in one piece and as soon
as it was cool enough we picked it apart, enjoying every bite.

A Riot of Color

We began with 6 dozen hardboiled eggs; a perfectly white, blank canvas
on which to unleash our imaginations.  Armed with only food coloring
and the humble Q-tip, we created an explosion of color.  What didn't
end up on our hands generated swirls, dots, and zigzags of bright
Easter hues.  Replete with "happy accidents," our finished product was
a joyous riot of color!

Believe in Yourself: April Events

April, the month where we play innocent pranks on April Fool’s Day; celebrate Springtime and Easter with egg hunts, brunches, and church; pay homage to mother earth on Earth Day; and welcome the return of America’s favorite pastime – Baseball. This month we embark on a new quarter in our Alive in All Seasons calendar where we celebrate Healthy Aging and will “Let Wellbeing Thrive”. Throughout April our focus is on the brain and honoring the theme “Believe in Yourself”. Did you know that activities that are good for your heart are also good for your brain? The American Heart Association tells us that protecting memory and brain health is a matter of keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. Regular cardio exercise and a healthy diet not only keep your heart happy, but your brain too.

This month’s offerings include activities and events that will keep our bodies and brains healthy and renew our faith in ourselves. Educational opportunities will cover brain health topics such as brain booster activities and ways to keep fit. We will rejoice in our individuality and celebrate ourselves through life affirming reminiscent and creative activities while reminding each other to “Believe in Yourself”.

Please join us here at Juniper Village at Lebanon for our Juniper Spirit Awards employee appreciation event on April 8^th at 2:00 pm; our Spring Egg Hunt on April 19^th at 11:00 am; and our Wellness Fair and Open House featuring a performance by our Joyful Noise Choir on April 30^th from 12 pm to 3 pm.

H'Art and Soul of Dining - New Menus with Delicious Recipes!

We are proud to announce that on April 5th our revitalized spring/summer menus will begin for our H’Art and Soul of Dining Signature Program at all of our communities.  This new signature program will help us improve quality of life and whole person wellness for the individuals that call Juniper Village home.  We are very excited this season since the offerings will feature a delicious 5-week entrée select option featuring fabulous new choices using some of the fresh products available through our food vendors. Also, on our updated menus, we have added many lighter alternatives as well as recipes specific to each community that take into account special diets, regional tastes, food committee requests and our resident’s special needs and personal requests.  These changes to our meal plans significantly increase the variety of selections provided for our residents while focusing upon scratch made offerings and heart-healthy meals.  Furthermore, in celebration of our AIAS spring quarter “Healthy Aging,” our Grill Menus will be re-vamped to highlight healthier offerings throughout the season. In addition we will be implementing an innovative hydration assurance program served from our “Oasis Carts,” featuring a variety of flavored waters using citrus or mint or cucumbers, fresh brewed iced tea, lemonade, punch, smoothies and juices as well as nutritious snacks.

Below are some of the recipes featured on our new menu:

Carrot-Currant Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour (to measure, spoon into a cup and level)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup carrot juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup dried currants
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl whisk together butter, egg, milk, carrot juice and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold just until moistened. Fold carrots and dried currants into the mix. Scoop batter into the muffin pan and bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pan (cool on a wire rack if you have one).

Yellow Squash Soup

Cooking Spray

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1 cup diced zucchini

1 cup diced yellow squash

3 cups low-sodium vegetable stock

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 (15 ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounce) can diced no-salt-added tomatoes

Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add zucchini and yellow squash; sauté 3 minutes. Add all other ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.

Sweet and Sassy Swingers

What a treat!  The Sweet and Sassy Swingers, an over 50 line dancing
group, gave us a show to remember.  These energetic men and women had
us tapping our toes and clapping our hands from the start.  By the end
of the performance we were all on our feet and dancing!

Erin go Bragh!

Ireland forever! We had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day celebration
here at Juniper Village at Lebanon. We started with the traditional
green decorations, displaying shamrocks everywhere we could. We have
to thank our Environmental Services Director, Jon, for his amazing
wall art. Every month he creates a thematic sculpture for our Best
Friend's Wall; we can't wait to see what he has planned for Easter!
Even Gerald the Giraffe is displaying his Irish pride.

Travis Wetzel transported us to Ireland with his guitar, mandolin, and
violin playing. We were amazed that one person could so fill the
lobby with music. The next day we invited our families for a corned
beef and cabbage supper and then the Joyful Noise Singers entertained
us with an Irish Songfest. Our resident singers had a blast; pounding
on the drums and shaking tambourines for Macnamara'a Band and crooning
the Irish Lullaby. By the end of the week everyone was either proud to
be Irish or wishing that they were.