January 2016 Events in State College, 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

§  Dinner and Discussion with PA Centre Orchestra to meet Board Vice President, Karen Blair Brand and members of the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra for an evening of euphonious education as they explore the history of orchestral music and the Centre Orchestra with a dinner performance to accompany a delightful dinner of chicken scaloppini, red-skinned mashed potatoes, and green beans on January 13^th at 6:00 pm. (Reservations required and please inform us of any special dietary restrictions at 814-235-2041.)

§  Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory to view the 2014 documentary film chronicling Dan Cohen’s remarkable journey to bring the healing powers of the Music and Memory program to those suffering with dementia, and learn about the dramatically positive impact that personalized music can have on common dementia-related behaviors, and how Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care was the first to bring this groundbreaking practice to the area, so join us as we introduce the program into our skilled nursing population, and learn how you can help to make a difference on January 19^th at 6:00 pm. (Reservations required at 814-235-2041.)

§  Mini Thon as the 2016 THON committee has announced its theme as “Believe Beyond Boundaries,” and Wellspring is gearing up to throw a dance marathon of our very own with great music, smiles and lots of dancing, we invite the community, colleagues, family and friends to join in on the fun, while members of the THON committee will be in-house to speak about the largest student-run philanthropy in the entire world, before joining in on the dancing as well, then to end over an hour of non-stop moving and grooving, we will relax and refuel with various snacks and refreshments as we enjoy the acapella sounds of an all-male, Penn State singing group known as, “Blue in the Face,” at a great event to raise awareness about an incredible fundraiser for childhood cancer, and get everyone excited for THON Weekend 2016 on January 28^th at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

The Giving Season

The elves at Juniper Village at Brookline have been extra busy this month! After we wrapped up our November food drive, which collected more than 400 pounds of food for the State College Area Food Bank, collection for Toys for Tots was in full swing! Earlier this week we were able to send a car full of surprises for some very deserving State College-area children.

Additionally, associates--and the jolliest of all the elves, Santa himself--manned the corner of College Avenue and S. Allen Street on behalf of the Salvation Army. Bells were ringing and a choir was singing (just across the street), as the Red Kettle quickly filled to the brim. Nurturing the spirit of life in our residents and associates is a big part of what we do every day here at Juniper Village, and nurturing that same spirit in our greater community is equally as important. Wishing you all a very happy holiday season, from our family to yours.

Light Up the Night!

Wellspring Memory Care was simply glowing with excitement during our 1st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Residents and loved ones were treated to the sights and sounds of the holiday season as our garden courtyard was transformed into a winter wonderland.

Gourmet hot cocoa and cookies were on the menu, and traditional holiday melodies filled the air, as the evening proved to be a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate the little things that make this time of year so very special.

December 2015 Events in State College, 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

§  Tree Lighting Ceremony in the tradition of the holiday spirit, as we open up our doors to showcase a winter wonderland in our garden courtyard with homemade hot cocoa and cookies, in a cheerful event to awaken everyone’s spirit, to bring family, friends, staff and the community together to celebrate the little things that make the holiday season such a special time on December 1^st from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

§  Holiday Decorate Your Own Cookies Referral Event as we spread some holiday cheer and adorn these holiday treats while we leave the stress of the season behind and enjoy an evening of professional networking and delicious fun on December 9^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Nittany Knights Holiday Cocktail Concert in the holiday spirit for refreshments and beautiful seasonal tunes by the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus at this free concert that will delight young and old on December 14^th at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

The Heart of the Season

With the holiday season in full swing, we at Juniper Village at Brookline take time to celebrate the little (and big things) that make us happy. At the top of that list is, of course, family. During three consecutive Sunday afternoons, residents, families, and friends from Senior Living, Wellspring, and Rehabilitation and Skilled Care served up traditional Thanksgiving meals to nearly 800 of our closest friends.

If you've never experienced a Juniper Harvest Fest, they truly are a site to behold, with all hands on deck. Associates are on hand to greet, seat, serve and clean, all in the name of togetherness. From our family to yours... we hope that you enjoy this time of year as much as we are!

Toys for Tots at Juniper Village at Brookline

At Juniper Village, we believe not only in nurturing the spirit of life in our residents and associates, but also in those individuals with whom we share a community. We will once again be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need in the greater State College area.

The following are official Toys for Tots donation locations through December 13:

• The Inn Senior Living, 1930 Cliffside Drive, State College
• Brookline Rehabilitation & Skilled Care, 1950 Cliffside Drive, State College
• Wellspring Memory Care, 610 W. Whitehall Road, State College
  

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

Our Furry Friend

Meet Hudson, Wellspring's furry friend in residence. Okay, so maybe he doesn't exactly live here with us, but he is quickly becoming a regular visitor and favorite among residents and associates, alike! The pet of Connections Director, Kaitlin Hoover, Hudson enjoys spending time with residents and family members during scheduled pet visits, and during one-on-one social calls, where his calm demeanor, plush fur, and soothing purrs are a welcome distraction. You'd be hard pressed to see more smiles around here than on days when our grey guy's around!

Resident Veterans Honored

Juniper Village at Brookline veterans were honored during an hour-long presentation Wednesday. Most of our nearly 50 veterans were able to make the event, hosted in the Willows Dining Room. Special guest speaker, Marine Sergeant Everett Craig, a Vietnam Veteran, spoke on the importance of the bonds created during war and why it is so important for him to remember those soldiers who did not have the opportunity to return home.

Brookline favorite, Picker & Papa, provided musical entertainment, as residents, families, and community members shouted classic requests like God Bless America and You're a Grand Ole' Flag.
The nearly 90 guests snacked on pastries and mingled before calling it an afternoon.

Thank you to all who came out to support our service men and women, and thank you to those who have served!

November 2015 Events in State College, 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

§  Shopping For A Cause to start your holiday shopping here at Juniper Village at Brookline from various local consultants selling your favorite brands such as Pampered chef, Tastefully Simple, Silpada Jewelry, Thirty-One, Mary Kay and many more with a percentage of all sales going to benefit the local State College Food Bank, so please also bring a non-perishable food item for donation on November 6^th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

§  Veteran’s Day Celebration to join us in honoring our resident veterans for their service to this great country with a patriotic presentation with special guests, music, and red, white, and blue deliciously-fun fare for our guests and the public is welcome with no RSVPs required on November 11^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Lantern Release Ceremony as each family at Wellspring has their own unique journey and story to be told, this event will be a great way to acknowledge the importance of remembering those who have been lost while cherishing those who are still here as we write family memories and names of those who have passed on sky lanterns, we will release them into the sky and watch as each takes a unique path yet provides a bright and beautiful light in the skies overhead with the Alzheimer’s Association also be in attendance to support and celebrate with the families who take part in the ceremony on November 18^th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as we Cherish The Journey.

Fall Festival FUN!

Harner Farm in State College along with Juniper associates, friends and families took to the cold on a chilly October weekend to raise money for next year's Walk to End Alzheimer's. That's right... just one day after this year's walk was a wrap, we geared up for another fantastic year of fundraising. This signature event--now in its seventh year--included  kids' games, face painting, bake sale, hot dogs and signature soups, and Harner Farm's infamous haunted corn maze!

For four hours (even through sleet and an early snow shower) people of all ages packed the farm, gobbling up goodies, trying their hand at the "haunted ghost tower" game, braving the corn maze, and helping us raise nearly $2,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. A special thanks to our friends at Harner Farm for another great year!

Why We Walk...

Team Juniper Village at Brookline took to the track for another successful Walk to End Alzheimer's in State College! On October 17, associates joined more than 100 other participants at the State College Spikes' Stadium for opening ceremonies and a nearly one-mile walk around Beaver Stadium. The Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association President and CEO, Gail Roddie-Hamlin and local television personality Erin Calandra lead the presentation, which also included Wellspring Executive Director, Liz Plozner-Chalfa and Director of Community Relations, Anissa Rupert Ilie. 

While the day was wrought with cool temperatures and a brief, early snow, spirits remained high and moods positive as every one's mission was the same: walking for the 5.3 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. We walk for our parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and other loved ones. We walk for a cure. 

Homecoming Hoopla!

WE ARE Juniper Village and WE ARE Penn State! Welcome to State College, Pennsylvania, where the Happy Valley is never happier than during PSU Homecoming Weekend! This year at Juniper Village we kicked off the festivities with a spirited tailgate celebration at our Wellspring Community. There were hot dogs, root beer floats, and those famous Grilled Stickies topped with Penn State Creamery ice cream, along with a fun photo booth for the kids and lots of community cheer!

Friday afternoon, residents and associates from across the Brookline campus loaded the "frog bus" and took to the Homecoming Parade route to show our Juniper and PSU pride! While cheering and handing out candy along the way was definitely a highlight, it was the visit and support of the Nittany Lion himself that took the show! Who is that handsome fellow with the frog bag?!

Benefits of the Small House Model: the Gold Standard for Memory Care

At Juniper Communities we have long subscribed to the belief that the keys to healthy aging include staying physically active and socially connected. For some of us, doing one or both can be more difficult over time.  This is particularly true of some individuals who are living with memory loss. Our job as caregivers and partners in caring is to facilitate new ways of helping residents to be connected to the community - their home - while at the same time fostering a sense of independence.

Environmental features are key in both keeping people physically active and connected with others. A 2011 study by Dr. Margaret Calkins, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of environments for the elderly, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia,  found that people who lived in small group or cottage settings had less disruptive behaviors and greater socialization.  They (and their families and the staff who cared for them) were also more satisfied—happy.

Another study done in 2011 in the Netherlands by Hilde Verbeek titled Redesigning Dementia Care concurred.  Her research indicated that residents in small-scale living communities were significantly more socially engaged and displayed fewer physically non-aggressive behaviors, such as wandering, than residents in larger, traditional settings.  They experienced greater wellbeing and less stress—they were happier. The study also found that residents in this “person-environment model” developed an individually meaningful experience of choice, mastery and relationship.  They developed a feeling of “at-homeness” or happiness!

Understanding the Small House Model

Caroline Cantley in her 2002 book Put Yourself in My Place stated that there is broad agreement that desirable dementia care homes be small scale, which she defined as 6-14 residents.  Getting much larger, she and her colleagues said, is a distinct move away from a “family feel” towards something more institutional.  Different research provides other specific numbers, Dr. Calkins suggests between 9 and 24 residents, but they all are within this general range.  Larger communities may mitigate their size with their layout, such as linking several smaller houses together to achieve economies of scale.

Juniper has been well ahead of the trend as we have owned and operated two types of small house models for more than a decade.  Two of our small house models, Aurora and Louisville, both in Colorado, were purpose built by Juniper in 1999 and 2000 respectively, as part of our initiative to provide leading-edge care to residents living with memory impairments. These two communities include four small houses, each with 12 or 13 rooms, virtually all private, surrounding a town hall area. Each town hall provides destination locations consisting of multiple familiar spaces such as an office suite, game room, library, country store, and gymnasium, where residents from all houses can go for additional services or programs. In this model, where the houses are linked, all staff are readily available to assist if needed.

Juniper’s other three memory communities although not purpose built by Juniper, were acquired between 2006 and 2014, in part based on their similar design.  All three are based on a small house or cottage model.  For instance our community in Naples, Florida is a campus with six small cottages, each home to 15 residents in a combination of private and semi-private rooms, spread across lovely grounds connected by walking paths and gardens.  Another, acquired around the same time, has three neighborhoods of 12 residents each in a combination of private and semi-private rooms, which open onto a central common area.

In both models, residents at Juniper’s communities live within a short walk to the living room, kitchen and dining areas.  The environment is homelike; there are no nurses’ stations and no medication carts that block the hallways.  Staff wear polo shirts, not scrubs, and are trained to engage residents in activities of daily living, as well as social and recreational activities.  In both models, there are large, accessible and safe outdoor spaces surrounding the community.

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October 2015 Events in State College, 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring include our:

§  Dinner and Discussion on Driving Safely with representatives from HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital as they talk about using DriveABLE™ technology for determining a loved one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle while a healthy dinner is provided on October 14th at 5:30 pm. (RSVP to 814-235-2041 and please let us know of any dietary restrictions you have when you call.)

§  Harner Farm and Wellspring Fall Festival for a day of family fun for everyone at our annual Harner Farm & Wellspring Fall Festival to benefit The Walk to End Alzheimer’s with a haunted hay ride, kids’ crafts and games, fun fall foods, bake sale and more, so we hope to see you there on October 18^th from noon to 4:00 pm.

§  Safe Trick-or-Treating for a spooky good time with children and families invited to join residents and staff for a fun evening of candy, costumes, movies and much, much more, as residents will be handing out candy and goodies to all children in costumes on October 30th at 6:00 pm. (Event open to public; no reservations required.)

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

PSU Pep Rally Fun!!

Penn State football season is in full swing, and Wellspring residents are getting in on the fun! A recent day-long celebration got everyone primed for game day with festive tailgating foods, games, and a spirited photo booth, complete with super-fun props! 

Whatever we are doing, it must be working, because PSU game through with a BIG win. Let's go State!

You're invited! Great fun for a GREAT cause!

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 Brookline Wellspring Memory Care’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.

Plozner-Chafa Speaks to ACAP Group

The Centre County chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP) recently invited Liz Plozner-Chalfa, Executive Director at Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care, to speak to its members on recognizing the early stages of dementia in a loved one.

ACAP is an organization with the mission to support adult-child caregivers who care for their parents and also themselves. Educational programs presented by area experts, information, and related resources are provided to any caregiver, healthcare professional, or other community member who is interested.

"Being able to reach out and help others who are searching for answers about their loved one and dementia is part of what makes my job so meaningful," Plozner-Chalfa said, adding, "It's about caring for our Wellspring residents,of course, but also caring for the greater community."

September 2015 Events in State College, 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring include our:

§  Friendship Lunch and Learn as Evelyn Wald, MS, M, DIV, talks about the importance of social groups and friendships in maintaining positive mental health at any age, so bring a friend or two, on September 9^th at noon. (RSVP to 814-235-2041.)

§  Football with Friends as we gear up for a Penn State football home game, Wellspring opens their doors to friends, family, the community, and all campus locations of Juniper Village at Brookline to tailgate in style with plenty of snacks and refreshments, a wacky photo booth, and a Penn State football documentary playing on September 18^th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

§  Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale Fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters for a sit-down or take-out meal and delicious treats with a program that will teach you how you can make a difference in the life of a very special child through Centre County’s Children and Youth initiative that fosters positive friendships on September 23^rd at 5:00 pm.

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

Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline: Your Partner for Successful Outcomes

We want to be your partner of choice in the new shared savings environment. At Juniper Communities, we have been collecting critical data for nearly 10 years. For example, we closely monitor residents to assure successful returns from either the hospital or rehabilitation setting.

Another contributing factor to acute re-admissions is infections, in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The senior population can be extremely susceptible to infections and proper care and monitoring is paramount. Our wellness response team is skilled in recognizing symptoms of UTI in order to provide proactive interventions that reduce the need for hospitalization.

Another common cause of both initial hospitalizations and rehospitalizations is medication errors. Changes to medication regime whether after a scheduled physician appointment or emergency hospitalization can leave patients confused about what medications are most current. Our wellness team is responsible for medication reconciliation and management, a process which virtually eliminates medication errors.

Communication is key and Juniper Village, Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline takes communication to the next level through:
• Use of Electronic Health Records (Point Click Care)
• Optimized care transitions protocols
• Full implementation of INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers)
• Use of a highly recognizable and consistent transfer information packet
• Focus on resident and care giver education and engagement
• Individualized care and service

The REEL Deal!

In the spirit of all things environmental this month, Wellspring residents were treated to an afternoon of fun in the sun with the world's most knowledgeable fly-fishing entomologist, Greg Hoover. Widely-acknowledged as such, Hoover teaches entomology at Penn State, and serves as the faculty advisor to the Penn State Fly Fishing Club. He was the recipient of the George Harvey Award for unselfishly promoting the sport of fly fishing through teaching of others, and is the co-author of the book, Great Rivers, Great Hatches. Perhaps his greatest claim to fame around here, however, is the fact that he's Connections Director, Kaitlin Hoover's father.

Hoover spoke to residents about the sport of fly fishing itself, some key influences in the sport, and showed the flies (made of different materials to mimic a real insect) that are used to lure fish in for the big catch. He also talked about set up of the fly fishing rod and reel, and offered a little "Casting 101" for those interested. Thanks for a great day, Greg!

25th Annual MNMC Golf Classic

Juniper associates were out in full force last Saturday for the 25th Annual Mount Nittany Medical Center Golf Classic. The event--one of the hospital's largest fundraisers--brought in nearly $162,000 for its cardiac catheterization lab, which was recently accredited through ACE - Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence.

Each year, Juniper Village at Brookline serves as the "Closet to the Pin" contest sponsor, where golfers compete for cash prizes based on driving distance and accuracy. This year's consolation (4th place) prize was awarded to one of our Senior Living family members. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Dr. Gong Chen Presentation at Brookline

It was a packed house for Penn State biology professor, Dr. Gong Chen. Chen, a world-renowned brain researcher, recently presented "Reversing Glial Scar Back to Neural Tissue for Brain Repair," about his work to repair brain tissue in those with traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and other brain-related illnesses.

Dr. Chen and his research group are studying ways to chemically reprogram damaged tissue. While implementation of such a treatment is five to ten years away, the research to this point has been been very promising for an array applications including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and ALS.

Read more about Dr. Chen's work with in vivo reprogramming for brain repair here.

August 2015 Events in State College, PA: Breathe in Life

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

Our fabulous August 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring include our:

§  The Buzz About Bees Presentation as we learn about these essential creatures with beekeeper Mike Dahlberg as he presents a unique observatory experience, complete with the queen bee herself, then watch as honey is made and taste the sweet treat on August 10^th at 3:30 pm.

§  Green Canopy Upcycling Party to meet Rehabilitation and Skilled Care administrator Kathy Russell as she leads an evening of professional networking fun to help our fellow health care professional relax, unwind, and create upcycled masterpieces from wine bottles and corks as wine, cheese and other gourmet goodies abound on August 19^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Discover Birds of Prey Presentation by Shaver’s Creek Wildlife Center as they bring in various birds of prey to show off from a tiny screech owl to a hefty horned owl that will intrigue and excite all on August 27^th at 2:00 pm.

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

Join Us for Dinner & Disussion

Miles For Memory Walk

Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline recently held it's first annual “Miles For Memory” walk. Our walk focused on Music & Memory programming and was a wonderful fundraising event! The walk brought together a wide array of groups, including student clubs, associates, and community members to raise funds for our Wellspring Music & Memory program. 

The event was made possible by sponsorships from various local businesses. "Miles For Memory" had a total attendance of 30 walkers and 10 volunteers. With the help of 24 generous donors, we were able to raise nearly $700 for the Music & Memory program, enabling us to achieve our goal of making our residents feel alive again through music therapy.

Meals On Wheels: JVB Delivery Day

Juniper Village at Brookline associates recently took to the roads of State College and beyond to serve up meals on behalf of State College Area Meals On Wheels. Six staff members teamed up with delivery drivers to provide hot and cold prepackaged food to nearly 170 local residents in need. Handing out nutritious meals, Juniper goodies, and a whole lot of smiles made for a great day!

CELEBRATE: Happy 1st Anniversary!

Today's the day! Juniper Village at Brookline did it up big for our one-year anniversary as a part of the Juniper family. We would like to extend a BIG thank you to Juniper Communities, our residents, associates, and resident family members for embarking on this journey with us. We've had a wonderful year and are already looking forward to many more.

With cake, balloons, prizes, and our mascot Miles the Giraffe at the piano, we could not have asked for a better day. Happy Anniversary, everyone!

Music and Memory Updates

At Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline, our Music and Memory program continues to grow, so we thought we'd share a few recent highlights of our quest to provide each of our residents with their own iPods and headphones, and a personalized music library of familiar songs, which is used as an alternative therapy for anxiety related to dementia.

Golden Girl Scout
State College native, Brooke Young recently finished her sophomore year at State College Area High School. Involved with Girl Scouts since she was 6 years old, she currently is working on her Gold Award and selected Wellspring's Music and Memory program as her project. Brooke is using this year's cookie money to help with the purchase of 10 iPod Shuffles.

This project means more to Brooke than just earning her Gold Award. She has a special interest because her great grandmother passed away with Alzheimer’s disease, and her grandmother is currently in declining health due to Alzheimer’s. Brooke's mom says that Brooke "hopes to make a difference in someone's life as well as making the public aware of this wonderful program".

It Takes a Village
After reading our Music and Memory article in local newspaper, Centre Daily Times, Dave and Jeanie Gerber of Port Matilda, PA, were so moved that they took it upon themselves to reach out to Executive Director, Liz Plozner-Chalfa, who recommended the film, Alive Inside. Shortly thereafter, the Gerbers returned with a donation of four new iPod Shuffles and matching headphones.

Benefit Walk
This Saturday, July 11, at 10 am, we will be hosting a "Miles for Memory" benefit walk at our sister community (JVB Senior Living) at 1930 Cliffside Drive in State College. Registration is $15 and includes an event T-shirt. You may contact 814-234-3141 to register, or register at the event. All proceeds will benefit the Music and Memory Program.

July 2015 Events in State College, PA: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

• Tech Connect: iPods as we learn about how to utilize these devices and how to develop our own therapeutic playlists on July 6^th at 11:00 am.

• Happy Valley Animals in Need “Dog Days of Summer” to celebrate the connection between humankind and humankind’s best friend on July 24^th at 2:00 pm.

• Dinner and Discussion with Dr. Gong Chen for an informative presentation by this Penn State University leading researcher into Alzheimer’s Disease accompanied by a tasty meal on July 29^th at 6:00 pm.

• American Red Cross Community Blood Drive because each blood donation can save up to 3 lives, so together we can give the gift of life this summer on July 31^st from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our July 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as we Stand in Integrity.

Fun for everyone: FAMILY PICNIC!

It's a tradition that residents, friends, and family members look forward to all year long: Juniper Village at Brookline's annual family picnic, the largest and most popular event held throughout the campus. On Sunday, nearly 700 guests enjoyed a fun-filled day that included some of summer's best sights, sounds and tastes of summer.

Though raindrops were falling, outlooks were bright as picnic-goers noshed on hot dogs and hamburgers, fresh grilled chicken, potato salad and baked beans, and pies with Penn State's Berkey Creamery ice cream. Back for another year, was crowd favorite, Deacons of Dixieland, and the Happy Valley Alley Clown troupe, with their in-demand balloon animal menagerie.

All attendees were thoroughly pleased with the get together, with one thank you note perhaps stating it best, saying, "Awesome picnic done by awesome people!"

Wellspring Speaks to Alzheimer's Association on AFA Certification

Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline Executive Director, Elizabeth Plozner-Chalfa, recently attended the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association annual conference. Held in State College, Liz contributed to the conference as both an event host and guest speaker, presenting on JVB Wellspring's Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) “Excellence in Care, Dementia Care Program of Distinction” award certification.

To earn this distinction, Wellspring underwent a comprehensive on-site evaluation and consultation by an AFA Excellence Specialist to ensure compliance with AFA’s national standards on care quality and ability to sustain performance. Wellspring at Brookline is Juniper Village’s fifth AFA-certified community, out of just 48 memory-care communities nationwide.

A Murderously Good Time!

Juniper Village at Brookline and the State College Community Theater recently teamed up for a great cause and hilariously-fun evening with their very own murder mystery dinner fundraiser. "The Wedding from Hell" performance filled the house and raised more than $800 for the American Heart Association's annual Heart Walk, held this September in State College. Team JVB kicked off its charity efforts with its own twist on the Theater's popular murder mystery series.

The "ceremony" consisted of a drunken judge, broken bridal shoes, funeral flowers, tons of exes, and of course, a murder. Members of the SCCT worked with audience members to sort through clues and solve the mystery. A wonderful time was had by those in attendance, all while helping a tremendously worthwhile cause. If you would like more information on how you can join and/or support Juniper Village at Brookline's Heart Walk team, please e-mail Anissa Rupert Ilie for more details.

June 2015 Events in State College, 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care. 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

§  Father’s Day Ice Cream Social from the Penn State Creamery, and antique car show, with therapeutic music by Second Winds on June 14^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 814-234-3141 ext. 5301.)

§  Penn State Hershey “Live in Wellness” Lunch & Learn to join us for a delicious take on healthy eating and living your best life with Penn State Hershey’s Katelyn Bodenschatz, RN, who will discuss heart healthy, low-salt and low-fat, diets and how to live well at any age with a nutritious lunch provided on June 16^th at noon. (RSVP to 814-235-2041.)

§  Farm to Table Juniper Family Picnic a hometown affair, complete with a band, clowns for the kids, and plenty of fresh locally-sourced treats for residents, friends, and family of Juniper Village at Brookline on June 28^th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. (RSVPs required; see invitation.)

We hope to see you at one or more of our June 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care!

Breathe in the goodness!

Nearly everyone loves the smell of chocolate, though not many people have heard of cocoa mulch. Cocoa mulch is a by-product of the chocolate industry and is rapidly gaining popularity. Since only the cocoa bean is used in the manufacturing of food products, shells can and often are turned into this mulch with a fantastic aroma.

In addition to its delicious fragrance, cocoa mulch is very easy to work with. This product works well as a garden mulch because of the great fertilizer and soil conditioner it contains. Most gardeners actually prefer cocoa mulch rather than the wood-chipped variety because it is less heavy and easily distributed, as well as much cleaner than its alternatives. Cocoa mulch is also a lead decorative weed suppressing mulch.

There are also many health benefits to using cocoa mulch. In fact, being exposed to it can help with mood enhancing properties. It can also help lower blood pressure if you are having a stressful day... so take a couple of minutes to relish the smell! Residents at Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care enjoy going out to our secured courtyard to garden and get fresh air. In addition to helping get residents outside and become more active, this can be an excellent way to stimulate appetites before a meal. Now, who's up for some chocolate?

Fitness Fun!

Throughout the month of May, Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline has hosted a variety of events to help keep residents physically active. Last Thursday, Samuel Jackson, the CEO of UFit Thrive, visited Juniper as a part of our “Grow Strong Daily” theme. UFit Thrive is a fitness program with a mission of changing the lives of people living with chronic illnesses by creating comprehensive fitness programs. 

Samuel presented Juniper’s residents with multiple exercises that they can complete each day to improve their overall physical fitness. Samuel made the exercises challenging, but rewarding for the residents. The activity left residents feeling refreshed, and even resulted in an overall mood boost! 

Pictured above is Juniper Village resident Lorena Mazer performing the dumbbell curls. Lorena felt so empowered by this exercise that she continued to do repetitions even after Samuel was done instructing! Samuel made the program so enjoyable and easy that it often appeared that residents didn’t realize they were exercising! 

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 Brookline Wellspring Memory Care was presented the Juniper Culture Award in recognition of “walking the talk” and leading the implementation of Juniper’s Culture and Signature Programs in the midst of a full acquisition transition in 2014.