Anna Née at Kennywood

What better way to spend a beautiful July day, then to visit one of America's most  historic amusement parks-Kennywood!  On Wednesday, July 5 over 20 residents, family members and guests from Juniper Village at Forest Hills  attended their annual outing to Kennywood Amusement Park in West Mifflin.  “ Kennywood has been around for over 125 years.  So all of our residents from this area grew up going to Kennywood every summer  with their families and friends.   It was great hearing the residents share their memories of the park and some of the attractions they enjoyed that are no longer there like; the old dance hall, the swimming pool and some of the rides. ” states Rosemarie Malanoski, Juniper Village at Forest Hill’s Connections Director. “And, although things have changed over the years…. you are never too old to ride the rides, eat the foods,  and enjoy the sights and sounds of Kennywood. “

Thank You

Each month Juniper Village celebrates a different theme.  This month, our theme is Volunteerism and Juniper Village at Forest Hills will be celebrating by thanking all of the volunteers throughout the year who gave their time and energy to make our community a special place to live.  As a way to say, “Thank You”, the residents at Juniper Village will be presenting boxes of wrapped chocolates along with hand written thank you note.  Yesterday, the residents were busy wrapping the chocolates and preparing their gifts to share with our  volunteers. 

July 2017 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Stand In Integrity

Each summer Juniper Village begins our quarterly Alive in All Seasons focus on Staying Connected. We promote staying connected to the community, the environment and each other. In July we shed light on staying connected to our community through volunteerism. Do you know that, as a company, we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious volunteer time each year? We have many volunteers, both human and animal, who contribute to our mission of nurturing the spirit of life. Elizabeth Andrew said it best, “volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This month we honor all of the wonderful volunteers who make time to share a bit of their heart with us. We appreciate those who lead groups in our communities; those who share their unique skills and talents with our residents; those who provide friendly visits to our residents and give a reassuring hug or comforting puppy kiss; and the many, many other special people who enhance our lives.

This month as we focus on volunteerism we invite you to find a way that you can make a difference. Whether helping us at Juniper Village or another organization, volunteering has countless emotional and physical health benefits. Volunteering gives a boost not only to those receiving, but to those giving of their time as well.

Review our full calendar and make time to join us for any and all events.

This month we highlight our Ambassador Program and other volunteer opportunities for residents. In addition to volunteer opportunities, we invite you 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 2017 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  4th of July BBQ as we enjoy a variety of traditional summer favorites with lunch that is free for residents and just $10.00 for visitors and guests with all proceeds benefitting the Disabled American Vets organization on July 4^th at Noon. (Due to limited space, tickets and RSVPs are required.)

§  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, this month’s topic will be on Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress on July 8^th at 10:30 am.

§  Understanding the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Benefit Program if you, your spouse or loved one serve at least one day of active war time duty, you may be eligible for benefits to help cover the expense of long term care, so join us as Kim Dunn from Veteran’s Resource Solutions explains the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Benefit program, how their benefits pay between $1100 to $2000 a month for Veterans and their surviving spouses, and how you or your loved one may qualify for these benefits on July 15^th at 10:30 am.

§  How To Become A Hospice Volunteer as we learn about Hospice a supportive service focused on pain and symptom management for individuals with a life threatening illness that allows the patient to have dignity, comfort and support when medical treatments are no longer an option with Molly Fischer from Gallagher Home Health and Hospice will be here to discuss Hospice services and how you can make a difference in someone’s life by becoming a Hospice volunteer on July 19^th at 1:30 pm. (Free for residents and guests, but RSVPs encouraged at 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our July 2017 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Stand In Integrity.

Summer Picnic

On Thursday, June 22, the residents, staff, and family members from Juniper Village at Forest Hills' Wellspring Unit celebrated the arrival of Summer with an old fashioned Summer Picnic.  Everyone gathered in the Wellspring Unit and on the outside porch area for an afternoon of delicious picnic foods, conversation and fun!

Memorial Day Celebration

It was truly an old fashioned Memorial Day Celebration this year at Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  This year's event featured a delicious lunchtime BBQ with all of the traditional summer picnic favorites, along with a musical  presentation by The Olsons. A musical duo that performs a variety patriotic songs from days gone by....as you can see everyone was feeling rather patriotic! 

BINGO with Girl Scouts

On Wednesday, June 14, Girl Scouts from the Woodland Hills Troop volunteered to run a  Prize Bingo game for the residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. The Girl Scout Troop, which is led by Kimberly Webster,  is a combination of girls in ages from 8-15  from the Penn Hills and Woodland Hills school districts.  Eight of the members who attended said that their Troop tries to do some type of community volunteer project a quarter, and that they chose bingo because they know how much their grandmothers love to play bingo.  As you can see, everyone enjoyed their visit, and the Troop has already made plans to return for an arts and craft project in the Fall and a Christmas carol sing in December.   

Mother’s Day Tea Social

On Mother’s Day, the residents, family members and guests at Juniper Village at Forest Hills were treated to a special performance when Devin Arrington the musical entertainer for the Mother’s Day Tea Social invited his 4 year old daughter, Lily to  perform.   Accompanied by her father,  Lily’s violin solo was her first  public appearance!

June 2017 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Live In Wellness

“You are what you eat.” The old adage is now truer than ever. Good health is largely dependent on good nutrition, so much so that doctors trace many physical and emotional ailments back to a diet deficient in vitamins and minerals. Eating a well-balanced diet is a major part of encouraging long life, lowering the incidence of disease, and helping sick people recover. On the flip side, inadequate nutrition and poor quality foods can generally cut life span and open us up to many illnesses and disease. In effect, food is medicine per Webster's definition of medicine: "The science and art dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease." Food acts as medicine - to maintain, prevent, and treat disease.

With this month’s Alive in All Seasons focus on food, we’d like to give you a prescription for a healthy diet: breakfast daily (do not skip); meals x3 (at least) daily; foods from each of the food groups per meal daily. The food pyramid defines the food groups as grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and proteins. The amounts vary according to age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. Here’s a good guideline to start you on your way. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Make half your grains whole grains. Move to low-fat and fat-free dairy. Vary your protein routine and eat and drink the right amount for you.

Join us as we continue our focus on healthy aging by shedding light on our hydration program with healthy snacks and juices, and demonstrate how food and nutrition help us to Live in Wellness from a dietitian’s point of view.

Our fabulous June 2017 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 as this month we will discuss how appetites and eating abilities change as the illness progresses on June 10^th at 10:30 am. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Father’s Day Brunch to enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch favorites as our chef prepares a delicious brunch fit for a king that is free for residents and just $15.00 for guests and visitors with all proceeds benefitting the American Disabled Vets on June 18^th at Noon. (Guests limited to 2 per resident and must purchase tickets by June 11^th.)

§  Father’s Day Celebration as we enjoy a variety of desserts along with musical entertainment by local singer, songwriter and guitarist, Gene Ellsworth, on June 18^th at 3:00 pm.

§  Wedding Gowns Through The Years with Patti Peer who will be sharing her beautiful display of Victorian wedding gowns as she discusses the styles and people who influenced their design, and along with the display, Jennifer DeMeo from Promise Hospice will host a champagne and tea sandwich reception on June 27^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Benefits of Hydration because hydration is key to staying and feeling healthy, but in the elderly, this regulation system may no longer function properly making dehydration more common and adequate hydration even more important, so join us as Muriel Myers, Juniper Village’s Wellness Director, discusses the benefits of hydration and provides tips on what you can do to increase your fluid intake and maintain a healthy hydration level on June 28^th at 6:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our June 2017 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Live In Wellness.

Sassy Seniors Cabaret

On Friday, May 19th the Sassy Seniors performed an outstanding Sassy Seniors Cabaret Show for the residents, family members, and guests at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. The Sassy Seniors group, which is comprised of seniors from the Pittsburgh area, delighted all of the residents, family members, and guests who attended with a variety of songs, dances and musical skits from some of the most popular Broadway shows.

A Castle Gets a Revival

Pictured on Top from Left to Right: Janet Wangler of Juniper Village at forest Hills, Wendy Long with Solutions for Independence, John Graf, Suzie Whelan of Point Pleasant Retirement and Donna Padezan of NPV video.

George Westinghouse built his castle in 1890 to house his Air Brake Company.  It included a pool, gymnasium, and library for his employees' use.  Fast forward to 2017 and meet Mr. John Graf, president and CEO of the Priory Hospitatlity Group.  Mr. Graf purchased the property for $100,000 and plans to renovate the massive property, a five story, 59 room, sandstone that has been described as Medieval and Romanesque Revival, into a destination hotel and event space.


The Monroeville Chamber of Commerce was having a fund raiser to assist with the cost of the renovations and Mr. Graf took the time to share his vision of what he hopes will be an opportunity to honor Mr. Westinghouse and revitalize a community.

PALA Conference

The Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association
Spring 2017 Conference and Exposition
May 15 - 17, 2017

PALA is a professional, not-for-profit trade association representing Assisted Living and Personal Care Homes in PA that vary in size from small owners to large state and national corporations.  PALA is recognized as an association that is dedicated to helping AL and PCH providers address relevant issues and challenges as they arise in the emerging industry.
The theme for this year's conference was, "A Capital Adventure" and many of the sessions focused on the upcoming changes in the way Communities will be reimbursed for services and opportunities for all to stay competitive.

Pictured from Left to Right are:  Doug Fouch, Executive Director for Elmcroft Communities, Janet Wangler, ED for JVFH, and Julie Alakson, a PALA Board Member

Mother’s Day Tea Social

On Sunday, May 14th, mothers of all ages gathered at Juniper Village at Forest Hills for an old fashioned  Mother’s Day Tea Social.  Attendees enjoyed an assortment of hot and cold teas along with a variety of delicious desserts while relaxing to a musical performance by local violinist, Devin Arrington.

10th Annual Chili Cook Off

Pictured on top from left to right are Nathan Reed, Dietary Manager for Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn, and Ken Miller, Dietary Manager for Juniper Village at Forest Hills. Pictured on bottom from left to right are Ken Miller, Dietary Manager for Juniper Village at Forest Hills, along with Sarah and Kevin Robertson from the Dietary Department at Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  

On Saturday, April 22, the Rotary Club of Forest Hills hosted their 10th Annual Chili Cook Off.   The event had 16 contestants all competing for over $600 dollars in prize money and the title of the “Best Chili In Forest Hills”.  Juniper Village was proud to have 4 chefs enter this year’s contest. Sarah and Kevin Robertson and Ken Miller from Juniper Village at Forest Hills, and Nathan Reed from Juniper Village at Shenango.   With over 250 in attendance, the Rotary Club of Forest Hills was able to raise over $4000 dollars for their high school scholarship, community projects and Police and Fire Department donations.

Unfortunately, no one from Juniper Village won any prizes this year, but in our eyes, they are all winners just for participating.  Thanks again to everyone for all of their support and here’s to next year!!!

Juniper Village at Forest Hills Receives Readers’ Choice 2017 Award

It was announced today that Juniper Village at Forest Hills has received the Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s Readers’ Choice Silver Award for Best Assisted Living/Nursing Home in the East Category. The award recognizes Pittsburgh-area businesses and professionals for excellent service and customer satisfaction.

The honor is based on reader votes that are collected online and through the mail. An outside firm tabulates the ballots and the winners are announced annually in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

“It is a true affirmation of quality of staff we have at Juniper. As a winner of the award, it means we received more votes than other businesses, and that each vote represents someone who said Juniper Village is the very best,” appreciatively explained Janet Wangler, Executive Director of Juniper.


Through Caring.com and SeniorAdvisor.com, Juniper Village at Forest Hills has been rated by their families as The Best Assisted Living Community in Pittsburgh for both 2016 and 2017.

May 2017 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Grow Strong Daily

Continuing our Spring Alive In All Seasons focus on healthy again, we continue to let wellbeing thrive with a May focus on Fitness. Staying fit throughout all seasons of life is possible and at Juniper we promote fitness every day of the week! We recently shared on our Facebook page a New York Times story, authored by Gretchen Reynolds, providing results from the Mayo Clinic who recently conducted an experiment on the cells of 72 healthy but sedentary men and women who were 30 or younger or older than 64. The volunteers were randomly assigned to a particular exercise regimen. There were some unsurprising differences: The gains in muscle mass and strength were greater for those who exercised only with weights, while interval training had the strongest influence on endurance. But more unexpected results were found in the biopsied muscle cells. It seems as if the decline in the cellular health of muscles associated with aging was “corrected” with exercise, especially if it was intense, says Dr. Sreekumaran Nair, a professor of medicine and an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic and the study’s senior author. In fact, older people’s cells responded in some ways more robustly to intense exercise than the cells of the young did. So pick up those weights, get on that bike and remember it’s never too late to benefit from exercise. And if you’re not doing so already, follow us on social media so you don’t miss a thing.

We invite you to Grow Strong Daily along with us with programs such as Fitness Five and our Route 66 Walking Program. Learn more about fitness and keeping your heart healthy at our Heart Healthy Luncheon and educational presentation. Staying fit throughout all seasons of life is possible.

Our fabulous May 2017 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 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 13^th at 10:30 am. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Mother’s Day Lunch to celebrate your family at Juniper Village as our chef prepares a delicious meal fit for a queen that is free for residents and just $15.00 for guests and visitors, limited to 2 per guest, with all proceeds benefitting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on May 14^th at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by May 6^th.)

§  Mother’s Day Tea Social as residents, Families and Friends are invited to join us for this complimentary event featuring an assortment of hot and cold teas along with an array of delicious desserts while relaxing to a violin musical performance by Devin Arrington, so don’t forget to wear your hat and gloves on May 14^th at 3:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Sassy Seniors Summer Show with this group of seniors who have been entertaining audiences at Juniper Village for the past 4 years, so come discover why their unique mix of music, comedy and dance delights our audience and keeps the crowd coming back on May 19^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Memorial Day BBQ as we kick off the summer with entertainment provided by the Olson’s Banjo Playing Duo and a variety of traditional summer favorites that are free for residents and just $10.00 for visitors and guests, limited to 2 per resident, with all proceeds benefitting the Multiple Sclerosis Society on May 29^th at noon. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by May 22^nd.)

We look forward to sharing our May 2017 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

April in Paris

On Thursday, April 27th, the residents, their families and the staff from our Wellspring Unit gathered to celebrate the arrival of spring with an April-in-Paris-themed lunch. The event included a variety of French desserts, bubbling fruit juices, French music and decorations… all designed to make you feel as if you were in gay pariee!!

Reformed Presbyterian Church Musical

Once a month children (ages 4-14 years) from the Reformed Presbyterian Church perform a musical presentation for the residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. As you can see the performance draws a huge crowd, and the residents just love seeing them!!

100 Years Old and still going strong!

On Tuesday, April 18 Juniper Village at Forest Hills resident, Dorothy Placone celebrated her 100^thBirthday with a huge 100 piece Birthday Cake, balloons and lots of wishes from her family and friends .  "Tuesday's party was the final celebration in a weekend long calendar of festivities." Said Dorothy’s son, Ron. However, the best part of the day came after the party,  when Dorothy and her son headed to the  Casino in Pittsburgh for a little gambling and slot action.  “Going to the Casino has always been one of my favorite activities,” stated Dorothy. "Sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose, but I always have fun. I’m a pretty lucky woman to have lived to be 100 years old, so, it doesn’t matter if I win or lose at the casino today. To have lived a wonderful life and to be happy and healthy at my age. I’m already a winner!!" Happy 100^th Birthday Dorothy!!  May there be many more years and trips to the casino to come.

PICTURED:  Dorothy with her son, Ron and Daughter in law, Ginger.  Photo of Dorothy with some of her friends here at Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  Dorothy’s Birthday Cake.

Who Wants To Rent A Chicken?

At the latest Farm to Market event held at the Pittsburgh Convention Center I learned many things about gluten free wines, sustainability, and how to rent a chicken!  It may surprise you to know that for $50 a month anyone can rent a chicken (well, two chickens really).  They are delivered in a little coup and for the next month you can help yourself to all the eggs you can eat.  Now there's something you didn't already know.

Pictured in the photo of the sign are:  Wendy Long from Solutions for Independence, Suzy Whelan from Point Pleasant Retirement Home and Janet Wangler, Executive Director Juniper Village at Forest Hills Pictured with the chicken are:  Homestead Jenn owner of Rent a Checken, Suzy Whelan from Point Pleasant Retirement Home and Wendy Long from Solutions for Independence.

Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills

On Thursday, March 30th students from Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills performed a variety of songs and poems for the residents.  The two classrooms to visit were in the First and Second grades. However, cast members from their upcoming Spring musical "Annie" also performed a few songs from the show.  Ruth Fiscus, Trinity Christian School instructor and event organizer said, "The reason for our visit is to teach our children service and compassion. We care that they learn to interact with and enjoy the company of seniors. The students usually perform at Juniper Village  2-3 times a year….and the interaction between the children and seniors is beneficial for both of them."