Celebration of Trees Holiday Display

Juniper Village at Forest Hills is pleased to announce that the first, second and third place winners have been selected for their 6th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display.

Third Place Winner and recipient of a $25.00 donation to the charity of their choice was Caring Hospice with their Snowman Tree. Second Place Winner and recipient of a $25.00 donation to the charity of their choice was Juniper Village's Nursing Department with their Candy Cane Tree, and the First Place Winner and recipient of a $250.00 donation to the charity of their choice went to The Garden Club of McKeesport with their Gardening Tree.

This year over 31 local businesses and organizations decorated uniquely designed trees and competed for over $375.00 in prize money for the charity of their choice.

The display is open daily from 9am till 8pm and runs until January 4th. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and vote for their favorite tree. One final prize of $50.00 will be awarded for the People's Choice Award, and will be given to the tree with the most votes.

For more information about The Celebration of Trees Holiday Display, contact Juniper Village at 412-244-9901. Juniper Village at Forest Hills is located just off of Ardmore Boulevard in Forest Hills at 107 Fall Run Road.

Pictured are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Celebration of Trees Holiday Display Winning Entries.

Representing the second place winner, Candy Cane Tree is Juniper Village at Forest Hills Wellness Director, Marie Pottinger (L) and Debbie Sklenar (R).

Representing the Garden Club of McKeesport with their First Place winning entry is member and tree decorator, Barbara Batyko (R) and incoming Garden Club president, Jane Miller (L).

December was a Busy Month at Juniper Village at Forest Hills

There was never a dull moment this month at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. The holiday festivities started early with our 6th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display in the first floor lobby. This year,we had over 31 unique Christmas Trees all decorated in different themes by local businesses and organizations competing for prizes valued at over $375.00 for their charities. If you haven't had a chance to visit, stop by and vote for your favorite. The trees will be on display till January 4th.

The community was ringing with joyful sounds as singers and performers from the Braddock Propel High School, Trinity Lutheran Church School's Elementary and High School students, the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church and the Woodland Hills Junior High School's Gifted Program's performed for the residents.

On Thursday, December 18 we held our Annual Family Holiday Celebration. Over 60 Guests, visitors and family members enjoyed a delicious holiday meal prepared by our Dietary Department, and fabulous entertainment by the Tuesday Musical Club's 22 piece Orchestra.

We had presenters from the Frick Mansion & Museum talking about Victorian Christmas Traditions, presentations on Christmas Holiday Traditions From Around the World, the History of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Traditions, the Making of Holiday Gingerbread Houses.... And somehow....among all of the many other activities... we found time for Santa to visit!!

Whew!! December was a busy month here at Juniper Village at Forest Hills....and we know it has been just as busy for you. But we hope that through all of our activities, programs, dinners and events, we were able to spread a little bit of holiday joy to you and your loved ones.

So, from our family to yours.... may you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!

Juniper Communities Appoints New Regional Director of Wellness and Wellbeing

Juniper Communities announces that Melissa “Missy” Ebner has joined Juniper as Regional Director of Wellness and Wellbeing. Missy brings a wealth of experience in nursing care, especially with seniors to her position. From a clinical perspective, her role will be to oversee the entire portfolio of clinical care and support for the residents, provide clinical oversight, and staff training. She is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in every state where Juniper currently has communities.

“We are very excited to have Missy join the Juniper family,” expressed Lynne Katzmann, CEO of Juniper Communities. “She comes to Juniper with a wonderful background and deep experience in the clinical complainants of senior living. She will be a great resource for our community wellness teams and to the home office team in this changing healthcare environment.”

Missy’s interest in working with senior living communities is that they offer residents more freedom than skilled nursing settings. “The seniors can be taken care of in a homelike environment and you can become a friend, not seen as a nurse or caregiver,” she explained. “Juniper’s staff is wonderful at treating the residents as a parent or grandparent, this doesn’t always happen in institutional settings.”

Juniper Communities owns and operates Personal Care, Assisted Living, Memory-Care, Skilled Nursing and Independent Living communities in NJ, FL, CO and PA.

“Nobody is as forward thinking as Juniper. They are far ahead of the curve in the industry and where healthcare is going. The staff I’ve observed go above and beyond, always doing more even though no one is looking,” Missy described of her building level observations.

Missy Ebner has worked in the healthcare industry since 1987. She received her LPN from the James Martin School of Nursing in 1987 and her RN from Excelsior College in 2005. She is a resident of Willow Grove, PA and born and raised in Pennsylvania. She has been married to Henry Ebner for 26 years and has three children, Corey, Shane and Cassidy.  Something her family and friends know about her is that she loves to shop the Outlets, and loves a good bargain!

Celebrate Little Things: December Events

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.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our 6th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display to tour over 30 different Christmas trees all decorated by local businesses, charities, and organizations, then vote for your favorite, with the wining tree receiving a prize of $250.00 for their organization or charity from December 6^th to January 4^th from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; our Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as we  discuss ways to help you and your loved one enjoy the holiday season on December 10^th at 1:30 pm; or our Family Holiday Celebration that will feature a free delicious holiday meal and musical entertainment by The Tuesday Musical Club, one of Pittsburgh’s most loved 20 piece string orchestras, however space is limited to 4 guests per family on December 18^th at 5:00 pm (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by December 11^th)!

Look through our calendar and 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!