Nurturing the Spirit of FUN

Juniper Village at Brookline celebrated its 3rd Anniversary in style with a week dedicated to Staff Appreciation. Each day of the week featured a different theme, complete with props, costumes, and treats. Monday found us celebrating Sport Day. Staff members were encouraged to wear attire showcasing their favorite sport or sports team. Stereotypical tailgate foods such as pizza and wings were provided to residents and staff in order to help reinforce our team spirit.

Tuesday was our opportunity to embrace our inner cowboy/girl for our Western Day and staff came ready for a hoedown. Flannel shirts, western skirts, and sticky mustaches all helped staff and residents to get into character. The leadership team grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch that day.

Wednesday was Juniper Day and a sea of orange anniversary t-shirts filled the community. Staff and residents alike received their shirts several days ahead in preparation for Wednesday. An anniversary giraffe cake made by local baker, Heather Luse, was served in the afternoon along with many selections of Penn State Creamery Ice Cream. Also, Wednesday was the very special Giraffe Award Ceremony in which five staff members were honored for their incredible service throughout the year. Lynne Katzmann, CEO and founder of Juniper Communities, presented these awards.

To continue the giraffe theme, Safari Day was Thursday complete with safari cookies. Several staff took their costumers to the next level by making Safari Jeeps to wear all day. To wrap up the week, Friday was Beach Day complete with the traditional dunk tank. Unfortunately, the very rainy weather did not allow for the volunteers to sit in the tank, but that did not stop the fun of grass skirts and tropical treats. Many smiles, laughs, and hugs were shared in a week where staff felt love and appreciation for all of the work they do each day at Juniper.

When a Family Member Needs You

Recently, a Housekeeping Associate of Juniper Village, Skilled Nursing – Penny Smith - had been diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine appointment. Two tumors have been removed and Penny is being treated with radiation daily for the next six weeks. As you can imagine, this will not only take a toll on Penny emotionally and physically, but financially as well.

Penny has been employed by Juniper Village at Brookline since November of 2006 and has many long term friends among the Juniper family.  Two of those friends, Rene Leigey and Traci Martz, decided to try and raise funds for Penny to help alleviate some of her financial concerns. They planned a pot luck lunch and asked other associates if they might want to donate a dish for the cause. What was to be a simple lunch turned into something much greater. The room was full of enough foods to feed a small army and donations like tie knot blankets, a candy / cookie basket, a movie night basket, a crystal pitcher and glasses, home décor, a matching purse and wallet, and breast cancer pins, were also brought in to be raffled. Everyone wore pink for breast cancer awareness, everyone paid only $5.00 and had a wonderful lunch, and by the days end a total of $1,100.00 had been raised for Penny.

When Penny was given the funds in private she was overcome with emotion, stating “oh my goodness, people do truly care”.  Penny is extremely appreciative and will use these funds to assist where needed with medical bills and with time off to recuperate.

This is an example of how a close knit working team is truly a family and will come together when one of their own is in need. This has not only made Penny feel loved, it has made this family of people feel as though they could truly help.

~ Note the importance of routine breast exams for women. Early detection is key. ~

Annual Family Picnic

Over the years, Independence Day has evolved into more than simply celebrating our Nation's day of independence into a holiday that celebrates the gathering together of family and friends, often in a picnic setting. It was with this sense of family, friendship, and celebration that led Juniper Village at Brookline 26 years ago to plan a family picnic as a way to embrace this most American of holidays.

A celebration is had the weekend before July 4th every year since that first picnic, rain or shine, in the back parking area of The Inn. Without fail, several days before the picnic, a large professional tent is drilled into the pavement, tables and chairs are set to accommodate more than 600 attendees, and the local Lions Club sets up their grill in order to provide all of the residents and guests with their famous roasted chicken.

On the day of the picnic, staff comes dressed in the required attire.anything red, white, and blue. Staff arrives early, ready to put together the finishing touches.  Hanging of flags, decorating the stage for live entertainment, placing tablecloths and festive décor all to get ready for the most anticipated attraction.  The food tent, complete with Penn State Creamery ice cream, freshly baked pies, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other tasty picnic staples is always a fan favorite.

As guests arrive, they are greeted by the upbeat and patriotic tunes of the Deacons of Dixieland. For those in attendance who were in the mood for a good laugh, Chip Mock, a local artist was on hand to provide free caricatures to any and all in attendance.  A new item this year was the availability for families to "Like" Juniper Village at Brookline on Facebook and/or Instagram while being encouraged to share their family pictures with us at #juniperfamilypicnic. Be sure to check out Juniper Village at Brookline on both those sites to view photos and watch a short video of the picnic in action!

Juniper Village and Penn State Health Host Geriatric Interest Network of Centre County!

Recently, Juniper Village at Brookline was pleased to partner with Penn State Health to host a summer kickoff networking event for the Geriatric Interest Network of Centre County. The Geriatric Interest Network provides opportunities for industry professionals to collaborate, advocate, and educate on issues relevant to seniors living in the Centre County region.

Beautiful weather provided a wonderful backdrop for the event, which was held on the tree-lined front lawn of Juniper’s Wellspring Memory Care community. Juniper’s dining team prepared a mouthwatering spread including pulled pork sliders, fresh pineapple salsa and pita crisps, cool veggie cups with hummus, decadent fruit tarts, and more. Acoustic tunes from Caryn Jellen added to the festive atmosphere and fresh flowers, arranged by resident volunteers, adorned the tables.

Making the event a success was the strong turnout from Juniper’s Partners in Caring for this very special event from home care and hospice agencies, to physician groups, to rehabilitation partners, to local associations and government agencies, to leaders from Penn State Health. By coming together, we are able to collaboratively and creatively meet the needs of seniors in our region!

For more information on the Geriatric Interest Network of Centre County, visit: www.centrecountygin.com

July 2017 Events in State College, PA: Stand In Integrity

Each summer Juniper Village begins our quarterly Alive in All Seasons focus on Staying Connected. We promote staying connected to the community, the environment and each other. In July we shed light on staying connected to our community through volunteerism. Do you know that, as a company, we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious volunteer time each year? We have many volunteers, both human and animal, who contribute to our mission of nurturing the spirit of life. Elizabeth Andrew said it best, “volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This month we honor all of the wonderful volunteers who make time to share a bit of their heart with us. We appreciate those who lead groups in our communities; those who share their unique skills and talents with our residents; those who provide friendly visits to our residents and give a reassuring hug or comforting puppy kiss; and the many, many other special people who enhance our lives.

This month as we focus on volunteerism we invite you to find a way that you can make a difference. Whether helping us at Juniper Village or another organization, volunteering has countless emotional and physical health benefits. Volunteering gives a boost not only to those receiving, but to those giving of their time as well.

Review our full calendar and make time to join us for any and all events.

This month we highlight our Ambassador Program and other volunteer opportunities for residents. In addition to volunteer opportunities, we invite you 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 2017 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

§  Miles For Memory as Juniper Village at Brookline is hosting the third annual walk in this collaboration between Juniper Village, Penn State interns, and the community at large that aims to raise funds to support Juniper’s Music and Memory program for residents with dementia, so join us for a morning of exercise, prizes, food, face painting, and fun as we walk to bring the joy of personalized music to our residents on July 15th from 9:30am to 11:30am. (Registration will begin at 9:30 am and the cost is $15 (includes a t-shirt), and the walk will begin at 10:00 am.)

§  An Evening of Volunteerism in Action a very special professional networking event in which we gather to assemble items to support the Ronald McDonald House of Central PA, so if you are on our contact list, be sure to watch for your personal invitation for this fun-filled evening of giving on July 25th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

§  Ryan House Workshop to join Wellspring as we reach our hearts out to an amazing organization in Arizona known as the Ryan House; we will decorate and tie-dye pillowcases for children and families staying there while undergoing treatment for terminal illnesses, and the hope is that we send our support, happiness, and comfort through these colorful pillowcases to brighten what is most likely a very difficult time on July 26th at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our July 2017 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as you Stand In Integrity.

A Meal that Matters

Juniper Village at Brookline has been recognized as a platinum sponsor to the State College Meals on Wheels program for over fifteen years. Meals on Wheels is a national organization that has thrived in the State College area serving more than 1 million meals to community members in State College since its start in 1971. This home delivered meal service provides nutritious meals to high risk individuals including older adults and convalescent individuals in our community who otherwise would not be able to prepare their own meals. Nearly 150 volunteers and three paid staff provide nearly 100 meals a day, five days a week to ensure those in need receive these meals.
Juniper Village at Brookline took another opportunity to support Meals on Wheels by donating enough fresh fruit for several days of meal delivery.  Fresh fruit is sometimes a missing item of meals due to the short shelf life and the increased cost of produce, however it is "always appreciated" says Christine Tyler, the executive director of the State College Meals on Wheels program.  Juniper Village at Brookline is lucky to be a part of a larger community that serves those in need.

For more information on how Juniper Village at Brookline supports the State College and Centre County community, please visit www.junipercommunities.com or check out our Facebook page at Juniper Village at Brookline. For more information on State College Meals on Wheels, please visit their website at www.scmow.2stayconnected.com.

Innovative Technology Makes for a Purrrfect Friend

Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline welcomes a purrrrfect new friend: Ladybell the cat! But Ladybell isn’t your average furry feline; she’s a high-tech therapy pet that is charming everyone she meets. Designed specifically for people who are living with dementia, therapy pets like Ladybell can provide all the soothing and playful benefits that a real cat offers, in a safe and allergy-free manner. Just like any other cat, Ladybell purrs when her head is gently stroked, and rolls on her back for belly scratches. She even blinks her eyes and falls asleep when she curls up in someone’s lap! Ladybell also serves as inspiration for Juniper’s “Don’t Sit, Get Fit” walking program, as residents enjoy taking her for walks outside. Therapy pets like Ladybell are one way Wellspring creates a high-tech, high-touch environment to deliver state-of-the art memory care. By incorporating new technologies, Wellspring is able to discover new ways to nurture the spirit of life.