Mini THON!

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately known as THON, is a yearlong effort to raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $127 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. THON 2016 is taking place from February 19th-21st at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center. However, our residents at Wellspring won't be able to make it to the actual event, so we hosted our second-annual Dance MaraTHON (or mini-THON) on site!

This year, members of the PSU THON committee paid a special visit to Wellspring, as did family members and friends. Our residents danced for 30 minutes, hydrated, and then danced for 20 more minutes! Juniper Village at Brookline is also a corporate sponsor of this year's THON activities.

Dinner & Discussion with the PA Centre Orchestra

Karen Blair Brand, board vice president for the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, recently joined us for an evening of euphonious education, exploring the history of orchestral music and the Centre Orchestra. Accompanied by the trio of James Lyon, Kurt Kroeker and James Nackley, Blair Brand captivated the audience with everything from little known musical facts to the orchestra's upcoming season. During the presentation guests dined on a delightful chicken scaloppini dish prepared by senior living chef, Kris Kishbaugh.

The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra is the only professional orchestra in Centre County. They perform an average of six concerts per season.

Robert Jackson Earns Juniper Spirit Award!

Resident Services associate, Robert Jackson received the first-ever Juniper Spirit Award at Brookline's Wellspring Memory Care. This bi-annual honor is awarded to associates who consistently go above and beyond in their work duties and facilitate positive team work, exemplifying the true spirit of the Juniper mission. Jackson, a Juniper associate in housekeeping for five years, says that his greatest reward is getting to interact with our residents on a daily basis. "It's what makes me want to come to work every day," he said, adding, "It just makes me happy to be here."

Executive director, Liz Plozner-Chalfa shared that Robert not only talks-the-talk, but also walks-the-walk when it comes to great resident care. "Robert is a true joy to work with and to be around," said Plozner-Chalfa. "He always has a smile on his face and a kind word for our residents, family members, and fellow associates. He is wonderful asset to our team!"

Congratulations, Robert!