Forest Hills Annual Celebration of Trees Winners

It is with great pleasure that Juniper Village at Forest Hills announces this year’s winners in their 8^th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display.  This year 22 local businesses and organizations decorated trees and competed for over $400.00 in prize money for their charities.  First Place was awarded to Turner Dairy and their “Tiny Cause”  Dog Rescue Tree. The 2^nd Place award went to Juniper Village’s Business Department and Genesis Therapy for their “Pittsburgh Penguin’s Tree”, and 3rd place was awarded to Denise Jobes Hair Salon and their “ Angel Tree”.   The display runs till January 2^nd, and the public, families and friends are invited to stop by anytime from 9am till 8pm to tour the trees and the winning entries.

Resident Interview on Channel 4 News

On Tuesday, December 7^th Juniper Village at Forest Hills resident and Pearl Harbor survivor,  Mr. Frank Regina, was interviewed by local WTAE-TV – Channel 4 newscaster Mike Clark for a special segment the station was airing for the 75^th year Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Mr. Regina, a local resident of Braddock who was 18 at the time of the attack, was aboard the USS Utah, a Gunnery Training ship that was on the west side of Ford Island.  As Mr. Regina explained, the ship was struck by a torpedo and tried to head back into port.  The damage caused the ship to begin to list and the Senior Officer ordered the crew to abandon ship.  Mr. Regina said he survived the attack by jumping off of his ship as it was sinking and swimming to shore for safety.  Mr. Regina who remembered the event vividly, described the confusion of the moment and explained how no one knew who was bombing them until they saw the Japanese emblem on the planes.  Everyone at Juniper Village is very proud of Mr. Regina and honored that he would share those memories of that horrific day.  For more information about this historical event or to view Mr. Regina’s interview with Mike Clark visit their web site at wtae.com.

December 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  8^th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display to tour over 30 different Christmas trees all decorated by local businesses, charities and organizations, and vote for your favorite, with the winning tree receiving a prize of $250.00 for their organization or charity, with the display being free and open to the public daily from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm until January 2^nd.

§  Caregiver Dementia Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association to gain support and education as this month we will discuss ways to help you and your loved one enjoy the holiday season on December 14^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Back To The 50s Again Sock Hop as all residents, family members and guests are invited to join us as we celebrate the joys of the holiday season with our traditional Family Holiday Celebration to enjoy a delicious holiday meal while dancing to musical entertainment by the Mickey D Band on December 22^nd from 5:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by December 15^th; limited to 2 guests per resident.)

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Celebrate Little Things.

Thanksgiving

We all have a lot to be thankful for at Thanksgiving…however this year, the staff at Juniper Village at Forest Hills decided we needed to take a moment to thank our hard working Dietary Staff who gave up their family time to make our holiday meal special!! Our residents, family members and staff would like them to know how much we appreciate all of the fabulous food they made for our Thanksgiving Day Celebration…and all of the delicious meals they make for us each and every day throughout the year! Thank you!!! 

Veteran's Day Presentation

Over 15 Juniper Village at Forest Hills Veterans and their families gathered on Friday, November 11 for a special Veteran's Day presentation honoring them for their service, and for protecting our country.  The presentation was hosted by Jennifer D. and Chaplain Mark from Promise Hospice.   Along with sharing their memories and stories of their days in the military, the Veteran's also received certificates honoring them for their bravery and service. 

Children’s Grief Awareness Day

On Thursday, November 17 the employees and staff members of Juniper Village at Forest Hills showed their support for  Children’s Grief Awareness Day by “Dressing in Blue” to show their support for Grieving children.  The butterfly is a symbol for the children to “let go of the pain” they are experiencing due to the lost of their parent. 

Halloween 2016

Halloween was celebrated in style with plenty of vampires, ghosts, goblins and ghouls!   Over 30 staff members, residents and family members came out on Monday, October 31st  for Juniper Village at Forest Hills Annual Spooktacular Halloween Celebration.  Over 6 different prizes were awarded….and with so many great costumes, it was had to select a winner.    As you can see...everyone got into all of the Halloween fun!!

Pumpkin Painting

Halloween is a holiday full of traditions… and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Pumpkin Decorating Contest.  Over 35 residents joined in the fun by decorating their pumpkins and competing for a trophy and bragging rights as the best dressed pumpkin.  This year’s winners were: Marion L. and Patricia C.  Way to go girls!!

November 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include 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 this month we will discuss the importance of families and how everyone in the family needs to help when it comes to caring for a loved one on November 9^th at 1:30 pm. (For more information or to RSVP call 412-244-9901.)

§  Seniors For Safe Driving Course to improve your abilities and lower your insurance premiums by attending a Seniors For Safe Driving course 1-day seminar designed for drivers over the age of 55 who want to improve their driving safety and receive a 5% discount on their automobile insurance premium for 3 years after taking the course on November 15^th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. (For more information or to RSVP to attend contact Seniors for Safe Driving at 1-800-559-4880. The course is just $16.00 and pre-registration is required.)

§  Thanksgiving Day Dinner as you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends here at Juniper Village by enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving Day feast with all the trimmings, free for residents and only $15.00 for guests on November 24^th at noon. (All proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Limit 2 guests per resident. RSVPs required by November 16^th.)

§  Thanksgiving Day Entertainment as all residents, families, and friends are invited to join us in the main lobby for a variety of Fall desserts and a musical performance by one of the resident’s favorite singers/performers, Mr. Tom Lamb, on November 24^th at 3:00 pm. (RSVPs encouraged but not required.)

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Cheers for Cheers

Juniper Village's theme for October is Sports and "Show Your Colors", and what better way to show your team spirit than with a pep rally featuring the Woodland Hills Junior High Cheerleading Squad!! Go Teams!!

Happy 100th Birthday!!

On October 6, 2016 Juniper Village at Forest Hills' oldest resident, Mrs. Lydia, celebrated her 100th Birthday!!  Lydia, who is in excellent health, and doesn't believe that she turned 100 years old, celebrated with a 100 slice cake in the dining room and a steady stream of family and friends visiting throughout the day. Congratulations Lydia!! 

Juniper Village at Forest Hills receives Excellence in Action Award

Juniper Communities is proud to announce that Juniper Village at Forest Hills has received the Excellence in Action award from My InnerView by the National Research Corporation. The award recognizes skilled nursing homes, assisted living, personal care and independent living communities that achieve outstanding resident and/or employee satisfaction ratings.

“We are honored to be receive this Excellence in Action Award,” expressed Janet Wangler, Executive Director. “Providing quality service and exceptional customer care is our top priority for all of our residents each and every day.”

“We are proud to recognize these long term care and senior living organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to quality excellence. These organizations listened to the true voices of residents, families, and employees and successfully enhanced their experiences,” said a statement from My InnerView. “The My InnerView database is the largest warehouse of long-term and senior living satisfaction metrics in the U.S. and these organizations have achieved the highest satisfaction scores, landing in the top 10 percent of all qualifying facilities.”

To qualify for the Excellence in Action award, client facilities must have:

·     completed a customer (Resident & Family Experience) or workforce (Employee Engagement) satisfaction survey during calendar year 2015, using standard facility instruments (may or may not include custom questions).

·     scored in the top 10% of qualifying facilities on the question "What is your recommendation of this facility to others?" in terms of percentage of respondents rating the facility as "excellent" (customer satisfaction award).

·     scored in the top 10% of qualifying facilities on the question "What is your recommendation of this facility as a place to work?" in terms of percentage of respondents rating the facility as "excellent" (workforce satisfaction award).

All standard data for calendar year 2015 were combined into one sample, regardless of method or date of administration. The term “customer" combines resident and family experience data. No workforce satisfaction award is available for independent living communities. 

October 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Seniors For Safe Driving Refresher Course to improve your abilities and lower your insurance premiums by attending this 1/2 day seminar designed for drivers over the age of 55 who have already taken the initial Seniors for Save Driving Course and want to continue to receive the 5% discount on their automobile insurance premium on October 4^th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to Seniors for Safe Driving at 1-800-559-4880. Cost is $16.)

§  Growing Up With Baseball in Pittsburgh because no city can match Pittsburgh’s success when it comes to sports, and our teams have won more than a score of championships and our athletes have created some of sport’s most enduring moments and memories, so join us as we relive our favorite Baseball players and legendary moments in Pittsburgh’s Baseball history with a presentation by Mr. Jim Haller from the H.J. Heinz History Center’s Sports Museum and is free for residents and guests on October 8^th at 10:00 am.

§  Monthly Caregiver Dementia Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association and this month we will discuss ways to keep your loved one moving and more active on October 12^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Alzheimer’s Memory Walk at Heinz Field on the North Shore for this walk to end Alzheimer’s with the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Association so sign up at the front desk to walk as part of the Juniper Village Team, or form your own team; either way, we can end Alzheimer’s Disease together on October 15^th at 9:00 am.

§  Spooktacular Halloween Celebration as all ghosts and goblins are invited to join us for an afternoon of hauntingly delicious treats, a costume parade and contest with entertainment by Joe Marada free for residents and guests on October 28^th at 2:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Show Your Colors.

Grandparent's Day 2016

What better way to celebrate Grandparent's Day than with your friends and family at Juniper Village at Forest Hills!    On Sunday, September 11 over 50 Residents, guests and grandchildren enjoyed a variety of delicious desserts and an old fashioned sing-a-long featuring local Banjo singers and performers Walt & Suzie.  As you can see, everyone had a great time!  

Juniper Village at Forest Hills' Employee Party

Recently, the management staff and fellow employees at Juniper Village at Forest Hills gathered for an old fashioned Company Picnic.  The Picnic was held at Hosanna House, a new outdoor park/swimming pool complex located just down the street from Juniper Village.  Over 60 employees, their families and friends enjoyed a summer afternoon full of food, games, swimming and door prizes! As you can see, everyone had a really great time!

September 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Labor Day Cook Out as we celebrate the end of summer with a variety of traditional summertime cook out favorites that are free for residents and just $10.00 for visitors and guests with all proceeds to benefit the Disabled American Vets Organization on September 5^th at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Grandparents’ Day Social as we invite our grandchildren to join us for assorted desserts and musical entertainment by local banjo players, Walt and Suzie Olson, free for residents and guests on September 11^th at 2:30 pm.

§  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 this month we will discuss ways to create meaningful moments for Dementia patients on September 14^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Best Friends Lunch because September is Friendship Month at Juniper Village and what better way to show your friends how special they are, than to invite them to a free lunch along with musical entertainment by local singer and guitar player Gene Ellsworth on September 22^nd at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our September 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Spread Your Joy.

Solutions As You Age - Understanding Todays Senior Housing Options

An interview with our own Bonnie Caripolti for On PCTV Solutions as You Age on Understanding Today's Senior Housing Options:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ODLaA1qzjTNWR5Z0xEajdzVjQ/view?ts=57af4451

Pigeons Forging Ahead

Recently, Mr. Ken Haselrig, from Dovecote visited Juniper Village at Forest Hills for a presentation on Pigeons and their importance during World War II.  The presentation entitled Pigeon Heroes discussed how and why pigeons can be trained to return to their home base.  He discussed how vital pigeons were to the communication efforts of WWII  and how raising and racing Homing Pigeons during the 1950-s was a popular past time. Mr. Haselrig brought 4 along different types of pigeons, and encouraged the residents to pet the pigeons.   After the presentation, everyone watched as Mr. Haselrig’s pigeons were released. Mr. Haselrig, who lives in North Huntingdon, said that the pigeons would be home before he could return home.

Notary in the House

Juniper Village at Forest Hills is pleased to announce that their Business Office Manager, Karen Means,  recently received her Pennsylvania State Notary License.  Karen will now be able to assist our families with their Notary service needs.

August 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  The Legacy of Rachel Carson as Patricia DeMarco, Visiting Researcher and Writer from Carnegie Mellon University, discusses how local Springdale resident and Environmentalist, Rachel Carson, started the country’s environmental movement with her book “Silent Spring” on August 4^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Pigeon Heroes as Ken Haselrig from Dovecote shares information about Homing Pigeons and Doves, and their use in the military as a form of communication during World War II with a dove release to be demonstrated afterwards on August 9^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as this month we will discuss ways to avoid Aspiration Pneumonia on August 10^th at 1:30 pm.

§  6th Annual Outdoor Summer Concert as this year we will be rocking with the oldies as performed by local musical group, The Mansfield Five, while we enjoy summer treats along with a weather-permitting display of some Antique Cars though the concert will be held rain or shine, so bring your lawn chairs for a rockin’ and rollin’ good time on August 25^th at 6:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our August 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Breathe in Life.

Sassy Seniors

On Friday, July 15, the Sassy Seniors, a musical song and dance show comprised of local seniors from the Pittsburgh area,  performed for the residents, family members and guests at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. The group, comprised of over 15 members performed a variety of songs, dances, skits and musical comedy, just like the olden days. A great time was had by all!

Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School

Recently,  five students from the Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School in Jefferson Hills visited with the residents here at Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  The students from the Cosmetology Department provided manicures, and information about nail care for the residents. "These types of intergenerational programs are wonderful  for both the students and the residents", quoted Rosemarie Malinoski, Connections Director for Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  “They give the students the opportunity to practice what they have learned in their classes, and valuable hands on skills they can use once they start working."  Over 20 residents received the complimentary manicure services. 

 

The Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School in Jefferson Hills provides training in a variety of trades for students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades from the West Jefferson Hills, Baldwin Borough, Baldwin Township, Bethel Park, Library, South Park, Elizabeth Forward, Elizabeth Township, Glassport, Portvue, Brentwood, Clairton, Duquesne, West Mifflin, Munhall, Homewood, and Whitehall communities. 

 

Pictured in the group photo from right to left are students Amberly, Priyanka, Amber, Cheyanne, and Brianna, and in the back is Steel Center Educator, Mrs. Becky.

There's Always Something Cooking At Juniper Village at Forest Hills

June was food month here at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. But it's nothing unusual for us...because we celebrate food throughout the year! Each month our Connections Department hosts an activity called "Cooking Club,"  where they prepare and share a variety of ethnic dishes and baked goods. This month the club made chocolate cupcakes and homemade sugar cookies.  “The Cooking Club is a great way for the residents, their family members and friends to share their culinary skills but also their family recipes and cooking memories”, states Rosemarie Malanoski, Connections Director for Juniper Village at Forest  Hills.  “Things take a little longer to prepare than they did at home…but the results are always the same, Delicious!!”

Love Is In The Air At Juniper Village At Forest Hills!

Recently, Juniper Village at Forest Hills hosted a Marriage & Memories presentation.  At 3:00 pm the residents were invited to share photos, display wedding gowns and reminiscence with the other residents, their families and friends about their wedding day.  Then at 4:00 pm, the residents, and their guests were invited to stay for a Wedding Vow renewal program in the dining room.   Three resident couples, Mr John and Mrs Agnes, Mr Lawrence and Mrs Doris, and Mr James and Mrs Ruth joined hands and walked down the aisle to renew their marriage vows.  Afterward everyone enjoyed a traditional wedding reception complete with a delicious meal, champagne toast, entertainment, wedding cake and cookie table. As you can see...everyone had a wonderful time!  Here's to another 60+ years!!


Mr Lawrence and Mrs Doris (top left) were married on 6/25/1953 and have been married for over 63 years.
Mr James and Mrs Ruth (middle left) were married on 6/22/1950 and have been married for 66 years and
Mr John and Mrs Agnes (bottom left) were married on 8/16/1947 and have been married for 68 years.

4th of July

On Monday, July 4^th the staff from Juniper Village at Forest Hill’s Wellspring Memory Care unit hosted a 4th of July BBQ for the residents and their families.  Over 30 people attended.  Along with lots of great food and patriotic music,  the residents and their families also enjoyed reminiscing about past 4th of July holidays and how they celebrated them.

July 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Stand in Integrity

Ah...the good old summer time filled with lazy, sunny days, ice cold treats, Independence Day celebrations, and get-togethers at the beach. Another sure indication of summer is our Alive in All Seasons theme of Volunteerism.

July is the perfect month to honor all of the many volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of time in service to our communities. From our four-legged volunteers to those of the two legged variety we are proud to say we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious time each year. We simply could not do it without all of your help, and this month we honor you. We will also be promoting the spirit of volunteerism by volunteering our time to help others. If you have some spare time on your hands consider joining us for a volunteer activity or better yet volunteer your time with us, we’d love to have you. What qualities make a good volunteer? Energy, passion, flexibility, creativity, reliability, commitment and perhaps most important of all – integrity.

Volunteerism benefits all parties involved. In addition to making new friends, volunteering also helps increase your self-confidence, provides a sense of purpose, combats depression and helps you stay physically healthy. Helping others also kindles happiness, as the London School of Economics found the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

In addition to volunteering opportunities, plan to join us during July for our summer celebrations and share our thanks as we honor those who Stand In Integrity with us.

Our fabulous July 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  4th of July BBQ as we celebrate and enjoy a variety of traditional summer favorites with a lunch that is free for residents and just $10.00 for visitors and guests with all proceeds benefiting the Disabled American Vets Organization on July 4^th at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by July 1^st.)

§  UPMC Cancer Center’s Art Therapy Program as Brant Meehan shares information about how cards can lift the spirit of local Cancer patients, with those attending invited to stay and make cards for the local Cancer Center’s patients on July 11^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Dementia 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 this month’s topic will be Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress on July 13^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Sassy Seniors Show for an afternoon of musical entertainment and dancing fun with the Sassy Seniors, a local group of seniors who volunteer their time and talents for the happiness of others on July 15^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our July 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Stand in Integrity.

Memorial Day Recognition

On Tuesday, May 31, over 20 first and second grade students from Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills visited Juniper Village and performed a variety of patriotic songs in honor of Memorial Day. As a special tribute they recognized the community's residents who served in the different branches of the military and performed a song thanking each of them for their service. Everyone had a great time listening to their performance and waving their flags.

June 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Live in Wellness

What is wellness? The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as "a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential." At Juniper we believe in fostering this definition of wellness everyday by offering programs and services that help our residents achieve their full potential. As we wind down our Healthy Aging series, this month we focus on Food by highlighting our H’Art and Soul of Dining Signature Program.

Throughout our lives the most important discussions, revelations, decisions and announcements have transpired around the dinner table. When company came over we caught up on the latest gossip over coffee and fresh baked goods. If you needed advice from your parents, it was often given while enjoying Mom’s delicious pot roast on a Sunday evening. Why should that be any different when you enter your retirement years in one of our communities?

With the kitchen often being the heart of the home, we have developed H’Art and Soul of Dining with this in mind. This program strives to impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through sharing the joy of good food – just like home! Our dining program is designed to not only meet resident’s physical needs, but their emotional and social needs as well. We believe this program provides a perfect balance of nutritious and delicious food choices, comfortable atmosphere and ambiance, social interaction, cleanliness and a spirit of service.

Indulge with us this month as we focus on the “heart” of the home with program offerings centered on food and nutrition such as our hydration program with healthy snacks and juices and educational presentations by a dietitian. Join us in June as we Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association where we will discuss how appetites and eating abilities change as the illness progresses on June 8th at 1:30 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Summer Fruit Carving Class taught by Juniper Village’s Dietary Manager, Ken Miller, you will learn the techniques used by the experts to adorn your summer picnics and parties than with beautifully carved fruit on June 9th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901. Cost is just $20.00 and will include your own set of carving knives.)

§  Father’s Day All You Can Eat Breakfast to enjoy a variety of breakfast favorites, just like dad used to make on June 19th at 8:30 am. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by June 15th. Free for residents and just $10.00 for visitors with all proceeds to benefit the American Disabled Vets Association.)

§  Father’s Day Celebration if you are not able to make it for our Father’s Day Breakfast, or just want to stay longer, then join us in the afternoon for a variety of desserts along with musical entertainment by local accordion player, Roy Kim, at an afternoon fit for a king on June 19th at 2:30 pm. (No need to RSVP. Free for residents and guests.)

§  Marriage & Memories as residents are invited to bring in their wedding gowns, photo albums and memories to share with one another, while information is shared about the fashion styles of wedding gowns, and those who can still fit into their gowns will be invited to model them for us; a small reception with assorted wedding cookies and punch will be served afterward on June 29th at 3:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our June 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Live in Wellness.

Annual Mother's Day Lunch and Tea Social

Mother's of all ages joined us on Sunday, May 8th for our Annual Mother's Day Lunch and Tea Social.  Over 120 residents and guests enjoyed a delicious gourmet filet mignon and shrimp feast in the Dining Room.  Later in the afternoon, the residents, their families, and guests were treated to an afternoon Tea Social featuring a variety of decadent desserts and a strolling violinist.  It was a Mother's Day fit for a Queen!

2016 Partners in Personal Care Conference

Participating in the 2016 Partners in Personal Care Conference are Julie Alakson of UPMC Senior Communities, Jim Gaffney of Peak Performance Training and Janet Wangler, ED of JVFH.

The 2016 Partners in Personal Care Conference, the 8th annual such meeting, took place on April 27th at the Monroeville Doubletree. The conference covered issues relating to regulatory and compliance information, leadership training, and inter-personal communication methods. The conference provided continuing education credits approved by the PA Department of Human Services for Personal Care Home Administrators. 

Nathan Reed from Juniper Village at Shenango Wins The 2016 Juniper Communities “ Best Chef” Competition!

On Sunday, April 24 the Dietary Managers from the three Western Pennsylvania Juniper Communities gathered for their annual “Best Chefs” Competition.  This year, the competition was held in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Forest Hills 9^th Annual Chili Cook Off.  The three Juniper Communities Dietary Managers competing for the “Best Chili” and the Juniper Communities title of “Best Chef for 2016” were Ken Miller, Dietary Manager for Juniper Village at Forest Hills, Nathan Reed, Dietary Manager for  Juniper Village at Shenango, and Erin Bringredler, Dietary Manager from our Juniper Village at Meadville community. 

The Rotary Club of Forest Hills’s Chili Cook Off had 15 Contestants and over 250 visitors from the local area tasting and voting for their favorite Chili entry.  Also selecting a winner, was the Celebrity Judge for the event Chris Fennimore, TV Celebrity from WQED TV and host of QED Cooks.

After much tasting, Nathan Reed from Juniper Village at Shenango was crowned the “Best Business Entry” Award and received $200.00 from the Rotary judges. Surprisingly, his entry was also selected as the Best Juniper Communities entry.  Congratulations Nathan!!  You are Juniper Communities “ 2016 Best Chef’s” Award winner!   Your “Cowboy Chili” entry really won the hearts, and the taste buds, of these city slickers!! 

May 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Grow Strong Daily

We all know that regular physical activity is great for overall health. But do we all understand the dangers in being inactive? Studies indicate that sedentary lifestyles are risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. In recognition of those facts, Juniper nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit through our innovative Signature Programs such as Connect4Life, Connections and H’Art and Soul of Dining.

We continue our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on Fitness. In the wise words of J.R.R., Tolkien, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." This month we will Grow Strong Daily so as to not wither, but to thrive as we develop strength in bodies, minds and spirits.

This month we invite you to join us as we Grow Strong Daily with activities such as our Daily Brain Builders, Wii, and our Brain Healthy Luncheon. We also invite you to expand your knowledge in our Healthy Aging Library.

Our fabulous May 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Cinco De Mayo Celebration with an authentic Mexican Lunch complete with Mexican music and a Piñata full of goodies for dessert, free for residents and just $5.00 for Guests on May 5^th at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Mother’s Day Lunch as our chef prepares a delicious meal fit for a queen, free for residents and just $15.00 for guests and visitors, but due to limited space, guests are limited to 2 per resident, with all proceeds to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on May 8^th at noon. (RSVP by May 6^th to 412-244-9901.)

§  Mother’s Day Tea Social to enjoy an assortment of teas, tea sandwiches and desserts while relaxing to violin music as performed by Musician’s With A Mission, free for residents and guests, so don’t forget to wear your hat and gloves on May 8^th at 3:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  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 this month we will discuss the mobility changes that occur as the illness progresses and how physical activity can help maintain mobility on May 11^th at 1:30 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Memorial Day BBQ as we kick off the summer and enjoy a variety of traditional summer favorites, free for residents and just $5.00 for visitors and guests, but due to limited space, guests are limited to 2 per resident, with all proceeds to benefit the Disabled American Vets organization on May 30^th at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

Trinity Christian School

On Tuesday, April, 12 Students from Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills visited with the residents of Juniper Village and presented a scene from their play Alice In Wonderland.  The presentation was a preview for their annual school play performance that was held April 14-16.

Cookie Donation

On Monday, April 4 the Residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills were treated to a vast array of delicious homemade cookies, candies and treats compliments of the Rishel family.  All of the goodies were home made by Leanna Rishel, 12 year old granddaughter of  one of Juniper Village's former residents, Julie Rishel.  What a nice way to say " Thinking of you!"