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!"

Juniper Village at Forest Hills Welcomes Spring!

Over 80 residents and their family members visited on Sunday, March 27 to celebrate Easter with their loved ones and celebrate the arrival of Spring!!  Just in time for Easter, tulips were delivered to over 40 of Juniper Village’s residents as part of our Tulips For Twilight Wish Fundraiser.  The Twilight Wish Foundation is a non-profit wish granting organization that grants wishes for deserving seniors residing in Allegheny County.  Through tulip donations and resident family purchases, Juniper Village was able to raise over $670.00 for the organization.

On Easter Sunday, over 30 family members joined their loved ones for a delicious Easter feast in the dining room.  Families unable to join us for lunch enjoyed an array of decadent desserts along with musical entertainment in the lobby later in the afternoon. Mother Nature helped make the day special with warm 72 degree temperatures and plenty of sunshine.  What a wonderful way to welcome Spring!!  

2015 Successful Outcomes

April 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Believe in Yourself

Do you know that embracing a healthy lifestyle promotes brain health as well? This month we embark on our quarterly Alive in All Season theme of Healthy Aging: Let Wellbeing Thrive. Throughout April we will focus on brain health and encouraging you to Believe in Yourself. We will learn more about how physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement can help keep both your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. At the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, results of a two-year clinical trial of older adults at risk for cognitive impairment showed that a combination of physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities and management of heart health risk factors slowed cognitive decline. It’s never too late to make changes to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Join us this month as we expand our knowledge of brain health and take steps to boost our brain health through our Healthy Brain series featuring our Daily Brain Builders and Wii Games designed to promote cognitive activity. Continue your research by perusing our Healthy Aging Resource Library, filled with volumes of information to help you and your loved ones age well. And, don’t forget to join us for our Brain Healthy Luncheon where we will nourish mind, body and soul. We look forward to sharing this month of healthful thinking and encouragement to Believe in Yourself – you can do this!

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

§  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 Learn about the warning signs of Dementia and what you can do to help improve your memory and you brain’s health with guest speakers Bonnie Caripolti, and RoseMarie Malonski, Connections Director on April 13^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Seniors For Safe Driving Mature Driver Improvement Course a 1 day seminar designed for drivers over the age of 55 who wish to improve their driving skills, and participants can also receive a 5% discount on their automobile insurance premium for 3 years after taking the course on April 19^th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. (RSVP to 1-800-559-4880.)

§  Estate Planning For Seniors: Avoiding Probate as Dennis Biava, president of Senior Estate Associates in Greensburg shares information about trusts, wills and ways you can avoid having your estate go to Probate Court on April 26^th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our April 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as you Believe in Yourself.