Celebrating the Season with Traditions Old and New

This month at Juniper Communities, we’ve taken time to celebrate the little things. Whether it’s honoring long-standing traditions, enjoying the small wonders of the winter season, or creating something special for the holidays, we’ve set aside time to nurture the spirit of joy throughout the month of December.

We at Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline have kept the holiday spirit vibrant by celebrating an old tradition and creating something new! Many of us have warm memories of baking (or eating!) fresh Christmas cookies with those we love. At Wellspring, we honored that tradition with our ever-popular Confectionery Cookie Creation and Exchange. This event is becoming a favorite tradition for residents, associates, and families alike. This year, not only did we exchange homemade sweets, but we also learned how to make melting snowman cookies, courtesy of the expert instruction by our Connections Director Kaitlin Hoover, and Connection Associate Katie Rimmer. A collection of colorful candies, snow-white icing, and fluffy marshmallows were transformed into creations that looked too good to eat!

For the first time ever, Wellspring held a Trail of Trees event and contest, in which departments decorated trees to represent the work they do. The entries were extraordinarily creative, from the Wellness team’s friendly snowman, to Environmental Service’s green-friendly ornaments and miniature laundry line made out of recycled materials, to Dining’s glittering food tree with chef photos, to Connection’s jolly Juniper giraffes. Residents, families, and associates voted for their favorites, with the winning team receiving a $50 donation to the charity of their choice. The winner was … (drum roll please)… the friendly snowman tree! The Wellness team has chosen the Alzheimer’s Association as the beneficiary of their prize. This new event was such a hit, that it just may become a new tradition.

We at Wellspring, wish you and your family time to celebrate things big and small this holiday season, as you relish in the warmth of family traditions and discover new joys in the coming year.

The Season of Giving More

Juniper Village at Brookline hosted their 2nd Annual Trail of Trees event during the month of December.  The Trail of Trees showcases a glittering array of trees which were painstakingly decorated by community businesses, organizations, and Juniper staff. Twenty-five trees in total filled the Senior Living buildings walking path, creating a festive holiday atmosphere.

Throughout December, residents, family, friends, and community members were invited to stroll the Juniper Campus and vote on their favorite trees. On the evening of December 21st, a cocktail reception was held in which all in attendance were welcome to make their final votes prior to the winners being announced. The Board members of the Centre County Geriatric Interest Network were the guest judges and decided the first through third places, and the tree with the most overall votes was announced as the Grand Prize People's Choice Winner. All winners received donations made to the charity of their choices.

*       Grand Prize People's Choice Winner: Good Shepherd Preschool
                Donation of $250.00 made to: Good Shepherd Preschool
*       People Choice for a Juniper Department: Juniper Village Housekeeping
                Donation made to: Centre County PAWS
*       1st Place: Juniper Village Directors of Community Relations
                Donation made to: Bob Ott Seed Grant through the Centre County Council of Human Services
*       2nd Place: Juniper Village Business Office
                Donation made to: Centre County PAWS
*       3rd Place: Adult Transitional Care
                Donation made to: The State College Food Bank

All trees will continue to be on display for the duration of the holiday season for all to enjoy. The Trail of Trees Event at Juniper Village at Brookline is just one more way that Juniper continues to Keep the Spirit throughout the holiday season by providing fun filled opportunities to support those community members most in need.

Memories Light the Sky at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring

Each family has its own story to be told. Recently, Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline celebrated those personal stories with the Cherish Your Journey Balloon Release. This unique event brought together families, friends, and residents to reminisce. Thoughts of loved ones from the past and present were written down on tags and tied to buoyant balloons. These eco-friendly balloons were extra special, because they were illuminated from within to represent the lights that memories hold in our hearts. They also were filled with forget-me-not flower seeds to sprinkle the earth with “memories” to bloom in the spring. While residents and guests prepared the balloons, they also enjoyed freshly-baked chocolate bread and festive punch.

The program featured a reading of a poem that perfectly captured the evening’s theme:
Floating freely through the air

Is a special balloon with all my care,

That I have released to the skies above,

It’s really important – it carries my love.

So please be watching for it to come by,

This special balloon I released to the sky.

I know you’re in my heart, and that gives me peace.

So it’s with all my love, this balloon I release.

The event culminated with everyone donning warm coats and sweaters to release their balloons high into the night sky. Although the air was cold, hearts were warm.

The Sounds of Music

Anyone visiting us here at Juniper Village at Brookline would be hard-pressed not to feel the Holiday spirit, as the campus starts to come alive with abundant decorations and festive holiday dress. We recognize the importance of also focusing on spreading good cheer through song and fellowship as well.  On December 5th the hills and halls of Juniper Village at Brookline were filled with the sound of (holiday) music provided by the Nittany Knights Barbershop chorus. The Nittany Knights are a thirty-person auditioned men's a Capella chorus which specialize in a barbershop style, four-part harmony.  This harmonious group has been entertaining the Centre region for over fifty years and is always a crowd pleaser when they pay their special visits to our Community. Joining our festive residents in attendance of this special concert were local community members, family, friends, and anyone looking for help in finding their own holiday cheer.  All in attendance were treated to an evening of seasonal favorites in a toe tapping and finger snapping program.

A holiday celebration of music would not be complete without a proper seasonal spread of holiday delights.  Not wanting to be outdone by the wonderful sounds of the season our very own Dining Services Director, Kris Kishbaugh, joined in the festivities by providing a traditionally themed assortments of cheeses, pickled vegetables, house made chips and crab dip, cheesecake bites, and a sampling of local wines. Certainly a pairing of our favorite things to help remind all of us of the joy of the Holiday season.


So long, farewell, and the very merriest of holidays from your friends at Juniper Village at Brookline.

The Season of Giving

The fall season is winding down at the Juniper Village at Brookline campus. On the outside, daylight is becoming shorter, the cold air is blowing in, and on occasion a snow flake flutters past the evergreens. However, on the inside, residents and staff are bustling around transforming rooms and halls into a winter wonderland. Among the winter decorations of snowflakes, figurines, and ornaments, are grocery carts. Yes, that's right...grocery carts. Inside these grocery carts, located at the main entrances of each building, are items being collected for the State College Food Bank.

Each year Juniper Communities holds a Food Drive through the month of November to support the local Food Banks, and community members that benefit from their services. The State College Food Bank serves as the main collection site that services the numerous other smaller sites in Centre County. In 2015, the State College Food Bank alone, served nearly 2, 000 community members, with 11% being older adults.

On November 30th, Juniper Village at Brookline campus delivered the donations collected throughout the month to the State College Food Bank. Items were boxed and weighed, and the results were impressive; in total the collection weighed 668 pounds!

This collection is one of many services that Juniper Communities hold to support local community members. For more information on the State College Food Bank, and to learn how you can help fight hunger, please visit www.scfoodbank.org. To learn how Juniper Communities supports their local community members, please visit their website at www.junipercommunities.com

"If you can't feed a hundred people, than just feed one." ~ Mother Teresa.

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

§  Nittany Knights Holiday Knights Holiday Concert Cocktail Concert to enjoy an evening of seasonal favorites by the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus at this free concert is sure to get your toes tapping and fingers snapping – you won’t want to miss it – and festive fare will be provided for this family fun event on December 5^th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

§  Confectionery Cookie Creation and Exchange because it’s that time of year when confectionery creations make their delicious debut during the jolly holidays, and with ornate sweaters, Santa hats, and classic carols, the folks at Wellspring invite all to join in the holiday celebration, as for the main event, there will be an interactive cookie decorating demonstration and exchange, bringing family, friends, and the community together on a sweet note, so we hope to see you there on December 20^th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

§  Trail of Trees our 2nd Annual event, where a glittering array of trees decorated by community businesses and organizations will be on display, so stroll through the Juniper campus to vote for your favorite tree and make sure you stay for the Dash Away Soiree, where the winning trees will be announced, and our top trees will win a donation to the charity of their choice on December 21^st from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. (Trees available for viewing from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily until January 7th.)

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as you Celebrate Little Things.

Cohen and Hilderbrand Receive Giraffe Awards

As individuals and as a company, we at Juniper Communities take great pride in celebrating great work. Staff at Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline were recently honored with the prestigious Giraffe Award by Juniper’s founder and president, Lynne Katzmann. The award recognizes team members who display qualities of the majestic giraffe –  of one of the most unique and special members of our animal kingdom. Like a giraffe, these employees:

·         stretch above and beyond to meet the needs of others and to be the very best;

·         aren’t afraid to stick their necks out to support the team;

·         are fueled by their enormous hearts.

Receiving the distinction of the Giraffe Award were Shannon Hilderbrand and Mila Cohen.

Shannon has been a cook at Wellspring for over 17 years. She is a strong team member and mentor, showing compassion, humor, and opera singing with residents. She goes the extra mile for each holiday, birthday, special event, and every day in between. During the busiest times, Shannon stays cool, calm, and collected and keeps the team fueled with snacks and comfort foods. Many of us don’t know Wellspring without Shannon!

Mila has been a member of the Wellspring team for a little over a year, but quickly made her imprint as a positive presence and role model. She is quick to respond to every situation and is remarkably attentive to individual needs. She leads by example through her work ethic, willingness to help others, and dedication. Mila is a vital member of the Wellspring community!

Thank you Shannon and Mila for going above and beyond in making Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline a great place to live and work!

Juniper Village at Brookline Supports Taste of the Town

Curls of parmesan cheese… pillows of creamy polenta… ladles of rich Bolognese sauce  -- that’s how Juniper Village at Brookline proudly supported Centre County United Way’s signature fundraiser, Taste of the Town in November. Held at the Penn State Hotel and Conference Center, Taste of the Town is a culinary extravaganza, featuring the works the best chefs in our region who donate their time and talents for this wonderful cause. Hundreds of guests enjoyed an array of savory eats and sweet treats offered by dozens of food booths. This year, Juniper Village at Brookline chefs Kris Kishbaugh and Matt Nevling prepared parmesan polenta topped with Bolognese sauce for the crowd. The dish was a big hit, with many returning for second and even third helpings! When asked if Juniper residents really eat this well, Kris and Matt proudly responded, “As a matter of fact, we’re serving this very dish on Tuesday!” At Juniper, we take food very seriously through the “H’art and Soul of Dining”, one of our Signature Programs that nurtures the body, mind, and soul through culinary experiences for our residents.

Empowered Experts

On November 8, 2016 three residents from Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living became the newest Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents Program (PEERs) at the community. Janice Johnson, Jacki O'Harra, and Jim Powers completed a five-part empowerment training through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, to become PEERs. This graduation ceremony showcased these three individuals receiving certifications of completion of the course by local volunteer Ombudsman, Susan Radis. Name badges were also provided to the new PEERs to inform campus and community members of their new roles, as well as an embroidered polo tee. Jacki's daughter attended the graduation to be a support to her mom. She shared that Jacki had attended her graduations over the years, so she wanted to attend her mother's graduation.

"The PEERs are a great asset to our community. They provide a service to our residents that we, the staff, cannot provide. Not only are they great advocates for their fellow residents, but they are the bridge between our community and the Office of Aging," says Jill McKenrick, Director of Connections at Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living. These three, along with eight others at Juniper Village at Brookline, serve to self-advocate and empower other residents to maintain the highest quality of life and quality of care. Monthly meetings are held with the PEER group, staff, and local ombudsman to foster open communication and discussion on campus-wide topics.

Annual Giraffe Awards

On November 3, 2016, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, Lynne Katzmann, visited Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living, to do something only she can do, award the Golden Giraffe pin to the staff recipients of the annual Giraffe Award. This award is given to employees who have shown excellence throughout the year in 'Walking the Talk.' This Juniper motto is the backbone to the community's belief in nurturing the spirit of life in each individual we touch.

Giraffe's are the mascot for Juniper Communities because giraffe's represent the willingness of staff to stick their necks out for others and also because of their large hearts. Three staff members were honored during the ceremony for their showcasing of these ideals through exceptional service to residents and staff on a daily basis.
The first to receive the award was Brian Richner, a member of our dining staff. Having worked at Juniper Village at Brookline since 2000, Brian is described by his co-workers as providing a "Personalized experience" to all residents during meals. Katzmann shared that Brian's bright smile helps others to "Just feel up" and that he naturally "Walks the talk."  Kathy Cunningham, a housekeeping employee for the past 13 years, received the Giraffe Award for her "Can do attitude" and being a model to others as she leads by example of excellence. While receiving her pin, Kathy shared "It's an honor to have it."  Deb Lyons, Wellness Assistant, received this annual recognition for her calm presence, flexibility, and ability to "Make people light up," says Katzmann.

During this ceremony, recognition was also given to Denny Yeager, Director of Environmental Services at The Inn & The Willows, for receiving the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) Employee of the Year Award. Lynne shared that Denny is the first Juniper Communities employee to receive this prestigious recognition.

Thank you Lynne for your visit to Juniper Village at Brookline and thank you Brian, Kathy, Deb, and Denny, for providing exceptional service to our campus and community.

Juniper Village at Brookline Walks to End Alzheimer’s!

On Saturday, October 29, Team Juniper donned their walking shoes for the 9th consecutive year to support the State College Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It was a blustery, bright morning, as hundreds of walkers gathered at Medlar Field, home of the State College Spikes, to raise support for this wonderful cause. Kicking off the opening ceremony was Penn State men’s basketball coach, Patrick Chambers, who proudly supports the work of the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his late father. It was a special honor to also hear from Dr. Gong Chen, Penn State professor of biology, whose team is breaking ground in diagnostic tools and pharmaceutical advancements to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Chen spoke about his work in regenerating functional neurons of Alzheimer’s patients. Gail Hamlin, president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, shared staggering statistics about the disease:  over 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States, with 300,000 in Pennsylvania alone. She spoke of the financial and emotional toll the disease has on caregivers, and encouraged all walkers to continue to be advocates for the cause. The ceremony concluded with the Promise Garden, in which purple, yellow, orange, and blue flowers were presented as symbols for why people walk to end Alzheimer’s. Juniper’s own executive director of Wellspring Memory Care, Liz Plozner-Chalfa, represented all orange flower-bearers as someone who works to support the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s. So far, a record-breaking $89,000 has been raised by the State College community for this year’s walk, with fundraising continuing through the end of the year. To make a contribution in support of Team Juniper, click here<http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2016/PA-GreaterPennsylvania?team_id=329380&pg=team&fr_id=9278>.

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

§  Veteran’s Day patriotic themed reception following a presentation by guest speaker and veteran, Sergeant Sergio Carmona, honoring our resident veterans for their service to this great country that is open to the public on November 11^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. (No RSVP required.)

§  Cherish the Journey Balloon Release because each family has their own unique story to be told, our balloon release will be a wonderful way to acknowledge the special love that bonds your family together as we remember those who passed and cherish those who are still with us, as we write down fond memories and names of those who may have passed, we will release eco-friendly balloons with those memories and forget-me-not seeds inside; the balloons will illuminate the sky and continue on a journey in honor of all the memories made and loved ones lost, and come spring, the forget-me-nots will bloom as a symbol of the memories we hold in our hearts, so join us on November 30^th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Fall Festival A Great Success!

On Sunday, October 16, smiling faces gathered under sunny skies to raise over $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association! For the eighth consecutive year, Juniper Village at Brookline hosted the Fall Festival at Harner Farm, with all proceeds benefiting the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The Fall Festival had something for everyone to enjoy. Most popular was the gigantic corn maze, where people of all ages dared to navigate their way through intricate pathways of cornstalks stretching eight feet high. Face and hair painting were other popular activities, where kids were transformed into sweet kitty cats and scary skeletons! Game stations featured over ten options, from the Ghost Tower to the Pumpkin Float.

And what festival would be complete without food? Penny Jeffries from Juniper’s Wellspring Memory Care building cooked up steaming kettles of her famous autumn vegetable and ham and bean soups. The menu also featured juicy hot dogs on the grill and fresh, cheesy pizzas donated by Pizza Mia in State College. And Juniper employees and residents showcased their confectionery skills for the bake sale, with offerings such as homemade cheesecakes, apple pies, and Halloween bark!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Fall Festival a wonderful success, and for your support of the Alzheimer’s Association!

WE ARE... Juniper Village

Throughout the Penn State football season, residents and staff at Juniper Village at Brookline can be found sporting the University's simple but easily recognizable colors of Blue and White. Penn State Football season brings out everyone's excitement, anticipation, and team spirit more than any other time of year. There is one day in particular though that stands apart from the rest, that brings the communities at Juniper Village and Penn State just a tiny bit closer, that blurs the line between Student and Senior; the day of the homecoming parade.

On Friday, October 7th residents and staff from Juniper Village at Brookline participated in the Penn State Homecoming Parade. This parade is a time to celebrate not only Penn State University but also to celebrate and display the numerous organizations, clubs, and special interest groups within the State College area. Residents and staff at Juniper Village took this showcase evening as an opportunity to celebrate and to demonstrate to the community what an asset and partner that they have in Juniper Village. Residents took this chance to gather inside the newly decorated blue and white Juniper bus, waving to parade attendees and reminiscing with each other about their childhood adventures. Not wanting to miss out on the action, Juniper staff joined along in the fun and walked the parade path handing out candy to the thousands of children and adults that can be found mobbing the sidewalks of downtown State College and the Penn State University campus.

A Day of Caring

Nestled in the quiet and quaint rural town of Spring Mills, PA the Old Gregg School provided an education to many children and youth. As the town grew and needs changed, the Old Gregg School evolved to become a community and recreation center. By providing affordable office space, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, and a safe space for locals, this go-to center is used frequently. Juniper Village at Brookline DCRs had the privilege in providing some needed TLC to this center on the annual Day of Caring event in Centre County. Kathryn Bainbridge, DCR of Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living, and Katie Kensinger, Senior DCR of Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring, weatherized outdoor benches and picnic tables while other volunteers restored stair rails and sidewalks to aide in maintaining this valued community building.  The 2016 Col. Gerald Russell PNC Bank Centre County United Way Day of Caring was not only a way for the Juniper DCRs to give back to the community, it was a time to honor a former resident at Juniper Village at Brookline. Col. Russell was a devoted community member and established the Day of Caring in 1993. Upon his passing in 2014, Centre County United Way found it fit to rename the event in Col Russell's honor. For more information on ways that Juniper Village at Brookline helps support the Centre region, contact Kathryn Bainbridge at Kathryn.bainbridge@junipercommunities. and ask to be added to the highlight card mailing list.

Juniper Village at Brookline Leading the Way at PHCA!!

PHCA, the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, is a statewide advocacy organization for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable older residents and their providers of care whose members comprise for-profit, nonprofit and government providers. Together, the more than 500 long-term care and senior service providers and their dedicated caregivers share a commitment to the highest level of care to ensure our sickest, frailest elderly and disabled residents live a healthy, safe life and age with the dignity and respect they deserve.

This year, at the annual convention, some lovely ladies from Juniper Village at Brookline – Anne Campbell, Liz Plozner-Chalfa, and Katie Castro – presented on techniques to reduce the use of antipsychotics. Additionally, Dennis Yeager, the Environmental Services Director at Brookline Senior Living, was awarded the PHCA Assisted Living/Personal Care Most Valuable Employee of the Year. Juniper Village at Brookline also won the Bronze Quality Award.

Linsay Korman Named Director of Wellness

Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline is excited to introduce Linsay Korman as our new Director of Wellness. Linsay is a licensed nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner® who brings over fifteen years of healthcare experience to the Juniper team. Prior to completing nursing training at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, Linsay gained valuable experience as a certified nursing assistant and medical technician. She has worked in hospital, homecare, and long-term care settings. As Director of Wellness, Linsay is a member of Wellspring’s leadership team.

Originally from Northern California, Linsay moved to Pennsylvania in 2009. She currently resides in Centre Hall with her husband Scott and three wonderful sons Owen, Evan, and Alex. Linsay and her family love the great outdoors, and enjoy spending quality time together on family nature hikes.

Please join us in welcoming Linsay!

Time "Flies" When You're Having Fun!

At Juniper Communities, we believe in encouraging an active body, an engaged mind, and a fulfilled spirit. One of the ways we do that is by taking time to connect to nature and the environment. Recently, residents at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care had an up-close and personal experience with some of the tiniest creatures in nature – freshwater macroinvertebrates! These critters may be small, but they play a gigantic role within the sport of fly fishing. Our friend, retired Penn State professor, avid fly fisherman, and entomologist, Greg Hoover, was on site for yet another informative and interactive presentation on various macroinvertebrates.

Everyone had an opportunity to feed their curiosity by experiencing the Caddisfly, Mayfly and Stonefly nymphs live and in person! In addition, Mr. Hoover enhanced the program with DVD footage of the creatures in action in their natural environments.  He also compared dry fly imitations to their live counterparts to judge how each mimicked the real deal. As the discussion came to a close, it was noted that whether one is a novice fisherman or a veteran, staying connected to macro-invertebrates in all stages of life increases the chances of reeling in a record-breaking fish.

Afterwards, residents and guests enjoyed a social hour with sweet bug-themed treats and refreshments. Time truly does “fly” when you are having fun.

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

§  Fall Festival at Harner Farm for a day of family fun at our annual event to benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s; there will be kids’ crafts and games, fall treats, a soup and bake sale, and the famous corn maze, so we look forward to seeing you there on October 16^th from noon to 4:00 pm.

§  Say Goodbye-Oh to Ohio Tailgaiting as Wellspring kicks off a big Penn State football weekend with a blue and white tailgate as the Nittany Lions gear up to beat the Buckeyes; there will be a wide range of good eats to fuel the celebration, from football brownies to buckeye chocolates and other festive finger foods, and to truly show our Penn State pride, there will also be a PSU photo booth to capture the fun and laughter that is sure to be had; no RSVP is required, so bring your appetite on October 21^st at 2:00 pm.

§  Safe Trick or Treating as children and families are invited to join residents and staff for a fun evening of candy, costumes, and a “spooktacular” good time as residents and staff will be handing out goodies to those dressed in costume; this event is open to the public, and no reservations are required on October 31^st from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as you Show Your Colors.

Time for Spaghetti

September is Friendship Month at Juniper Communities and what better way to celebrate friendship than with a brother or sister. Juniper Village at Brookline hosted a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser to benefit the Big Brother/Big Sister program through the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) in Centre County. This national program provides local children an opportunity to connect with others while developing positive relationships. "One caring adult can make a significant difference in the life of a child" (ccysb.com).

Juniper Village dished up more than 60 dinners to community members, Juniper staff, and residents throughout the evening with dine in and take out options. Guests enjoyed spaghetti with freshly made meatballs, salad, baked dinner rolls, and house made cupcakes. All attendees were also entered into a raffle to win a fall-themed gift basket. At the end of the evening all money raised was given to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for a grand total of $659.25. "Thank you so much for this event. This is wonderful!" said Zach Barton, Centre County Big Brother/Big Sister Program Coordinator who was present for the event and to receive the check.

Be sure to check out the Juniper Village at Brookline monthly calendars for more information on other fundraisers throughout the year.

For more information on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program through the Centre County Youth Service Bureau, please visit www.ccysb.com.

Wellspring Memory Care Collects Donations for Furry Friends

Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care loves furry friends! They play with us when we’re feeling silly, offer snuggles when we need a hug, and are a comfort when we’re blue. To celebrate the joy that animals bring to our lives, Wellspring residents, family members, and staff collected pet supplies throughout the summer for Pets Come First, a local animal shelter in Centre Hall, PA. Not only was the pet supply drive a great way to give back to our community, but it also helped to draw attention to the shelter’s needs. The items collected were simple things:  crisp paper towels, fresh kitty litter, lip-smacking snacks, extra-strong garbage bags. However, these everyday items are vital for keeping a shelter running smoothly and providing a safe, clean, healthy environment for animals that are awaiting their forever homes.  

Community members who are interested in learning more about Pets Come First and their mission of “facilitating the placement of stray and unwanted animals into loving homes,” are welcome to join Wellspring residents for a furry friends meet-and-greet on September 16! The event will be held at 610 W. Whitehall Road in State College from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and will feature some of the animals that are available for adoption.  Delicious homemade snacks will be served for both the humans and the four-legged friends in attendance!

September 2016 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!

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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care include our:

§  Sip and Paint Night Fundraiser with Benchmark Therapies as we enjoy an evening of networking with fellow healthcare professionals while Amanda Kunkle, owner of Happy Valley Sip & Paint, guides the class through one-of-a-kind masterpieces on September 8th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. (Please RSVP to Jill at 814-235-2041. Tickets are $35; proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.)

§  Pets Come First Meet and Greet as we team up with Pets Come First to host a meet and greet for some of the furry friends up for adoption at this incredible, non-profit animal shelter with their mission of “facilitating the placement of stray and unwanted animals into loving homes,” we hope to help by raising awareness of the positive impact of pet adoption, and friends, family, residents, and the greater community are welcome as there will be homemade snacks for both the humans and four-legged friends in attendance on September 16^th from 2:00 pm to 4:15 pm.

§  Weekend Winedown to taste for a cause at this annual fundraiser event and silent auction to benefit bound to get your taste buds going wild, featuring signature dishes from local eateries alongside Seven Mountains wine at the winery on September 23rd at 6:30 pm. (Please RSVP to Liz at 814-234-3135. Tickets are $40 each or $70 per couple; proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.)

We look forward to sharing our September 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as you Spread Your Joy.

Juniper Partners to 'Paint the Park Purple' for Alzheimer's Awareness

Batter up!  On August 17, Juniper Village at Brookline partnered with Home Instead Senior Care and the State College Spikes to Paint the Park Purple for the Alzheimer’s Association. The event provided a fun way to raise awareness and fight for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, as the State College Spikes battled the Williamsport Crosscutters. To show their support, Spikes fans and staff sported purple shirts, and the first 1,000 guests received free purple Spikes caps! With over 3,000 tickets sold, the stadium was a sea of lavender, grape, and plum.

Juniper Village at Brookline came out in full force for this very special night, greeting sports fans at the main gate and rooting in the stands. Special guests for the evening included former Penn State and NFL quarterback, Wally Richardson, and State College Idol winner, Rachel Moon, who sang the National Anthem.

“The association wouldn't grow without the support of sponsors like Juniper and Home Instead, and the partnership with the Spikes,” said Lissa Wise, Constituent Events Manager of the Alzheimer Association’s Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. “It was an overall great time and the number of people who came to the ballgame was very impressive! Not only did we answer a lot of questions for community members seeking support, but we also registered 10 new teams for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 29.”

To learn more about how you can get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter, visit www.alz.org/pa.

Quite an After Hours

On August 11th Juniper Village at Brookline partnered with Penn State Health and B Events to host the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) Business after Hours. Over 150 members and guests of the Chamber attended this networking event. Guests were treated to live entertainment by local string band, Strait and Miller. Attendees also enjoyed in fare prepared by Juniper dining including a large antipasto bar, chicken pops, and chocolate fountain. Featured beverages were provided by Otto's Brewery, Barrel 21 Distillery, and Seven Mountains Winery. During the evening, Dr. Kevin Paul Black, MD Vice President of University Park Regional Medical Campus welcomed attendees to Juniper Village and promoted the developing partnership between Juniper Village and Penn State Health. He shared that Penn State University Park is embarking on a full medical school program for students which will highlight collaboration with area health providers, including Juniper Village at Brookline, to provide rotational sites for medical students to learn and develop hands on experience with older adults.
        
Networking and relationship building amongst community based providers is the foundation for Partners in Caring, which is one of nine Juniper Communities signature programs. Juniper Village at Brookline was thrilled to create such a warm and welcoming opportunity for this level of fellowship to occur and is eager to continue to provide this level of community service.

Special Quilts Stimulate Senses

Unique quilts were recently donated to Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care. Made from an array of fabrics and filled with interesting items such as zippers, buttons, spools, and laces, these “fidget quilts” are as therapeutic as they are fun. Designed to stimulate the mind as well as the hands, fidget quilts are a useful tool for people living with dementia. Simple things, like weaving the lattice on a soft felt pie or buttoning small corduroy pockets can help to soothe stress. “The comfort that these quilts bring to an anxious resident is instantaneous,” says Kaitlin Hoover, Connections Director. “Pairing this with our Music and Memory program truly helps us in our mission to nurture the spirit of life in our Wellspring community.”

These special quilts were generously donated by a local woman who was inspired to make them in memory of her father who was diagnosed with dementia.

Book Sale Supports Great Cause

Recently, Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care hosted a book sale to benefit the Women’s Resource Center in State College. The fundraiser was planned to highlight Juniper’s theme for the month: Stand in Integrity with Volunteerism. Over the last year, team members throughout Juniper Village collected more than 300 books spanning a wide array of interests. There were topics for everyone, including best sellers, mysteries, biographies, cookbooks, classics, how-to-guides, novels, and even books for children! With the help of Juniper team members and interns, a summer bookstore was set up on the front lawn of Wellspring Memory Care. Community members and Juniper residents alike enjoyed searching through the inventory to find hidden gems that piqued their reading interests. "The book sale is a wonderful way to connect our residents and community while supporting a great cause," said Liz Plozner-Chalfa, executive director at Wellspring." The event was a success, raising $200 for the local Women’s Resource Center, which provides support to women, men, and children who are victims of domestic and dating violence.

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

§  CBICC Business After Hours for all Chamber of Business and Industry members, Juniper Village at Brookline is rolling out the green carpet, so come celebrate a wonderful networking event with live music, local brews, and plenty of sweet and savory treats on August 11^th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (Register online at www.cbicc.org or pay $5 at the door.)

§  The Buzz About Bees with local apiarist, Mike Dahlberg, from Nittany Ridge Apiaries, who will provide an educational presentation of interesting facts about beekeeping and the busy life of a honey bee complete with an observation hive and honey extraction demonstration for an interactive experience followed by honey-themed appetizers and honey-sweetened beverages on August 17^th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

§  Macroinvertebrate Demonstration featuring world-renowned fly fisherman and entomologist, Greg Hoover, who will give an interactive and informative presentation on macro-invertebrates and their involvement in the sport of fly fishing with a collection of freshwater tanks hosting various stages of aquatic insect life, as all in attendance will be encouraged to take a look and even hold these harmless creatures, and we also will compare the dry fly replicas of these macro-invertebrates to see how they would stand up to even the pickiest of fresh water fish, followed by a social hour featuring delicious dirt cake and insect gummies on August 26^th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our August 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care with you as you Breathe in Life.

Nurturing the Spirit of FUN

Juniper Village at Brookline celebrated its 2nd Anniversary in style with a week dedicated to Staff Appreciation. Staff were informed the week prior to dress in certain themes for each day of this week of fun. On Monday, staff had the choice to dress in Juniper giraffe apparel or any giraffe themed clothing and accessories. Many residents also carried on this theme and took part in the afternoon ice cream social. Sports day followed on Tuesday and staff chose their team colors to show off during the day. The community was flooded with town-favorite, Blue & White, but scattered throughout was Silver and Green (Philadelphia Eagles) along with Black and Gold (Pittsburg Stealers.) Wednesday was decorated in a Hawaiian theme and staff & residents were treated to a lunch of Hawaiian fare with an afternoon Pina Colada mocktail. Thursday was the day to pull out the old poodle skirts and leg warmers, for Decades Day. Residents enjoyed an afternoon activity of watching staff compete in the Just Dance Wii game followed by treats of tie-dyed cupcakes made by the Juniper dining staff. To end the week, an all-day carnival was held in the Pines front lawn, complete with cotton candy, a bounce house, and dunk tank. Residents, family members, and staff watched throughout the day as different leadership team members voluntarily sat in the dunk tank waiting to take the plunge! Many smiles, laughs, and hugs were shared in a week where staff felt love and appreciation for all the work they do each day at Juniper.

Reminiscing, Roses & Red Velvet

The folks at Wellspring cordially invited family, staff, friends and the surrounding community to celebrate with a wondrous wedding reception of reminiscing, roses and red velvet. With an instructional bridal bouquet class run by Wellspring’s very own, Liz Plozner-Chalfa and a red velvet wedding cupcake decorating tutorial, the residents of Wellspring were taking charge and working hard to prepare for the big event.

After all of the reception preparation was complete, it was finally time to relax, turn on the tunes, and kick off the festivities. The beautiful bride and bridal party accessorized with the freshly assembled bouquets for a quick photo before they danced with guests, toasted with champagne, and enjoyed the wedding cupcakes down to the very last sprinkle. It was an unforgettable afternoon of reminiscing on past weddings while taking a look through the collection of bridal dresses from various decades. Thank you to all who attended made it such an incredible celebratory gathering!