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!