January 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: Welcome New Beginnings

Happy New Year! January is the time when we all welcome new beginnings and set resolutions to make this year better than the last. But how does one keep those resolutions throughout the year ahead? The New York Times offers four suggestions: First, make a concrete plan, something visual to embed it to memory. Second, put something you value on the line – is it your health or your pocketbook – keep that in mind when you are tempted to break your resolution. Third, bundle your temptations. For instance, you want to exercise more, but struggle getting to the gym and you also have a fondness for gossip magazines but feel they are a waste of time. Combine the two – read the magazines only at the gym! And fourth, seek social support. You can achieve more by pursuing goals with the help of a mentor.

Still haven’t made any resolutions? Resolve to join us every month for a wide variety of events and activities. This month we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choir. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings and make regular visits to Juniper Village part of your new year’s goals!

Our fabulous January 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Elvis is in the House so put on your blue suede shoes and lets rock n’ roll down memory lane with Elvis as we join Vince Giaquinto during happy hour for this Hunk of Burning Love performance on January 8^th at 3:30 pm.

§  Alternative Therapy at the End of Life CEU Class as we look at the use of adjunct treatments to provide palliative care while offering credit for professionals on January 13^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Mindful Massage to check out new tools to help reset your body as the New Year is the right time to indulge in massage and mojitos, so join us for this fun and informational program on January 15^th at 3:00 pm.

§  Martin Luther King Lecture as this day is celebrated by honoring the man who changed the course of US history for so many, and Paul White commemorates Dr. King’s life in this inspirational presentation, so if you have the day off, please bring the entire family and learn why this man deserves our honor and recognition on January 18^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Do You Hear What I Hear for a magical evening of musical memories with Darrell Ann Murphy as she shares stories of popular singers of the past at what is guaranteed to be a great night out on January 20^th at 6:30 pm.

§  Barbershop Quartet for the thrill of it all with “The Four Old Parts” as Barbershop Quartets are both energizing and uplifting as this is one of the most challenging and fun genres of music to perform so join us on January 29^th at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

Juniper Village at Chatham Holiday Bazaar

We kicked off holiday shopping with our 4th annual Holiday Bazaar, and there truly was something for everyone.  We had 14 vendors bring everything from handbags and jewelry to handmade vintage Christmas decorations.  It was very well attended, and all donations from the donors will benefit Battered Women's Services in Morristown.

Chatham Community Band

It was a tight squeeze, but we did it to accommodate the wonderful members of the Chatham Community Band.  The band played classic holiday music, as well as some new pieces they debuted for us. Everyone agreed it was a terrific night.

Juniper Village at Chatham Named “Caring Star of 2016” for Assisted Living

Honored as Top Senior Living Community in the Nation

Juniper Village at Chatham is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a “Caring Star of 2016” for service excellence as an assisted living community. The positive consumer ratings and reviews from older adults and their family members led to Juniper Village at Chatham to receive a 5-star consumer rating. This is the highest possible score; and it also met other qualifying criteria for this national honor.

“At Juniper, associates at our communities strive daily to deliver high-quality care coupled with an outstanding living environment for our residents. This award helps validate our delivery on that promise,” said Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “On behalf of our community staff and leadership, we thank those who took the time to share their positive experiences and satisfaction with the services we offer; and to Caring.com for recognizing these communities as a Caring Star of 2016.”

Some of the positive feedback that led to Juniper Village at Chatham being named a Caring Star of 2016 from Caring.com include:

“I have been a resident of Juniper Village Chatham for four years and I love my life here. Our residence is attractively decorated, surrounded by landscaped lawn and gardens which we enjoy in good weather. I give our management, staff and workers credit for Juniper Village's excellence.”

“The staff at Juniper Village are wonderful, caring individuals. They assist my mother without intruding. The activities offered are varied and fun for the residents and family members. It is a wonderful place!”

Americans are increasingly seeking insights provided by online reviews to help guide important senior care decisions. Having a source such as the Caring Stars list helps consumers reliably narrow senior living options for their loved ones to the most-acclaimed communities, particularly as they gather for the holidays and discover increased or urgent senior care needs

December 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Holiday Bazaar back by popular demand for the fourth year, Juniper Village at Chatham’s Holiday Shopping frenzy, so save the date, and don’t be late because you will find holistic vendors, jewelry, vitamins, clothing and organic foods, so come check this out on December 5^th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

§  Juniper Village at Chatham Holiday Party for family and friends to celebrate the season with us while we wish you a Merry Everything and Happy Always on December 11^th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

§  Holidays Around the World as Paul White returns with this educational program that is not only interesting but beautifully presented, so don’t miss it on December 17^th at 6:30 pm.

§  Come Sing with Mar as every year Mar Christiano shares her Christmas Eve with Juniper Village at Chatham residents as she will play holiday favorites on our grand piano, and the warm inviting atmosphere is all that is needed to encourage our residents to sing and bring back fond memories of Christmas past on December 24^th at 6:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

Oktoberfest!

Our favorite accordionist returned to kick off Oktoberfest!  The residents and staff enjoyed every minute, right down to Eric Kerssen's authentic lederhosen!  Beer, pretzels, and 4 different bratwursts quickly disappeared, and everyone sang along.

Happy Halloween from Juniper Village at Chatham

It truly was a happy Halloween at Juniper Village at Chatham.  Everyone really got into the "spirit", and creative costumes abounded.  The door decorating contest winners were announced, staff voted on the top three best costumes.  The candy corn contest winner was one of the resident's grandkids, and believe it or not, he was only off by 17 candies. Refreshments were served, and the laughter rang through the building!

November 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Cherish The Journey

Family is a simple word, with complex meaning. To some family is the people you are related to by blood, but to some family is the people you choose to hold in high regard, and to others family isn’t people at all, but animals – our beloved pets.

Regardless of the definition, family plays an important role in our personal journey. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, colleagues or pets, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.

This month we celebrate family and reflect on our personal journeys while creating new memories for the future. Join us as we reminisce about these journeys through autobiographical journaling. Plan to share with those less fortunate through our annual food drive from November 1-30 with all non-perishable food items being donated to a local food bank. Also interact and share with others through our community support groups, and know that you are not alone. Throughout the month we will also be hosting several family events as we celebrate family and give thanks. We encourage you to review our calendar and join us for any or all of our events and Cherish The Journey!

Our fabulous November 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Remembering Our Veterans to honor our veterans for their service to this great country with a program that shares the heartwarming stories of our devoted Veterans, some who gave their lives for our Freedom as Jody Sheppard shares wonderful and touching stories with us on November 12^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Thanksgiving Day Celebration for the first of our annual holiday parties as family and friends join in to share our traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner, and afterward please join us for local historian, Paul White as he presents “Inspiring Women,” and don’t forget to bring your food donation!

§  Holiday Magic with Concord Singers, a women’s choral group that sings a varied repertoire that appeals to everyone at this special holiday program to share with your friends, on November 23^rd at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Cherish The Journey.

October 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Show Your Colors

Every October we turn our Alive in All Seasons focus to holidays and sports as we “Keep the Spirit” during this last celebratory quarter of the year. Sporting events are inevitably part of that celebration for many families.

According to Dr. Renee Clauselle, founder of Child and Family Psychology, “Bonding over sports — the highs and lows of the game — strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things.” Think of sports as an opportunity to connect with others over a favorite – or even rival – team and learn more about each other. Even strangers can learn more about where they grew up, which teams they support, which sports they played and how those sports are different today. You may even learn something about your loved ones that you never knew. Perhaps great-grandma played softball in a women’s league during college. That would be something to pass along to future generations! Watching a sporting event can become so much more than plays and scores; it can become an opportunity to learn the history of someone you love.

Join us this month and “Show Your Colors” as we sponsor a local sports team, get into the spirit of the season with our Halloween Costume Party and honor those associates who go above and beyond with our annual Juniper Spirit Awards.

Our fabulous October 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Senior Medicare Patrol to learn how to protect yourself against Medicare fraud, waste and abuse, and have your Medicare questions answered by Charles Clarkson, ESQ., Project Director on October 1^st at 2:30 pm.

§  40’s Flashback for another of Walter Choroszewski’s fascinating educational programs to discuss how things have changed and the spark of life on October 13^th at 2:00 pm.

§  The Magnificent Flavian for a Mind-Blowing Entertainment Experience as Flavian will amaze and delight us with his uncanny mind-reading skills, so come see why folks all over are buzzing about this extraordinary out-of-this-world performer on October 29^th at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Show Your Colors.

Tastings with Juniper Village at Chatham

Our newest program was unveiled as the Juniper Tastings Club, and was well received by our residents.  Each month we will offer a comparison tasting of various food and drinks, and encourage residents to vote on their favorite.  Our first event featured tasting three different wines and three different cheeses, and learning a little information on each.  It was great way to spend a summer day in our courtyard!

Seaside with Juniper Village at Chatham

Our last trip down the shore was memorable!  We drove to Atlantic Highlands, and had a wonderful seafood luncheon at Bahr's Landing, famous since 1917.  It was a place where many of our residents had been in years past, and they loved that fact that it remained exactly as they remembered.  We then drove to Mt. Mitchell, where we enjoyed the view of Manhattan, Sandy Hook, the ocean, and Raritan Bay.

Family Fun Day with Juniper Village at Chatham

Family Fun Day was a great success!!!  The weather turned ominous, but that didn't dampen our spirits as we enjoyed hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream sundaes.  Activities included a bouncy house, a caricaturist, face-painting, balloon sculptures, a train ride, a magic show and games galore.  It was a lot of fun for everyone!

September 13 – 19 is National Assisted Living Week

Understand the senior living options available

This year, National Assisted Living Week’s theme is Nourishing Life: Mind, Body and Spirit and celebrates the countless ways assisted living caregivers nurture the whole resident. This has been the basis of Juniper Village at Chatham’s mission since we began and is certainly a goal of the industry.

With the percentage of the U.S. population over age 65 steadily increasing, it is important to understand the many options available in specialized residences and the level of care they provide for the growing and varied needs of seniors.

In addition to the type of community, it is equally important to find one that offers compassionate care, unparalleled access to healthcare – preferably onsite, programming that will stimulate you such as Music & Memory, and a commitment to continued improvement.

Personal Care/Assisted Living residences are for seniors who require the least amount of care. Meals are provided along with assistance in medication management, bathing, and dressing, if needed. Housekeeping and laundry services may also be available. Community social activities or outings may be offered, and depending on their preferences and budgets, residents may have the option of choosing a private room or a shared apartment.

Although some Assisted Living residences may provide services for seniors with cognitive impairment, a Memory Care residence is a specialized community for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Providing 24-hour supervision and security, the Memory Care environment is designed to meet the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s patients.

A Skilled Nursing Care residence, sometimes known as a nursing home, provides the highest level of care for its residents as well as round-the-clock availability of medical care. Seniors in these communities may be incontinent or require assistance with eating, walking, and moving about the bed.  Skilled Nursing Care residences usually provide long-term care for seniors who are too sick or frail for other types of residences.

In recognition of National Assisted Living Week, remember, when independent living becomes too difficult, moving into a senior living community that offers appropriate levels of care based on an individual’s need can often be the best solution.

Juniper Village at Chatham given Advanced Standing Distinction

Juniper Village at Chatham given Advanced Standing Distinction

Juniper Village at Chatham has once again been granted the distinction of Advanced Standing status by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Juniper Village is an assisted living community in the heart of Chatham, New Jersey that is home to 100 residents.

Advanced Standing status is awarded in recognition of the community’s compliance with all federal, state and local regulations, a commitment to quality through participation in the National Center for Assisted Living’s Quality Performance Measures Survey, and meeting the benchmarks for quality indicators chosen by the Peer Review Panel of the Health Care Association of New Jersey Foundation.

“The staff at here Juniper Village at Chatham works very hard – everyday – to meet not only the rigorous demands of healthcare compliance, but also, and perhaps more importantly the happiness, health and wellbeing of our residents,” expressed Joann Malanga, Executive Director of Juniper Village at Chatham. “Receiving this affirmation of our work is appreciated and keeps us motivated to provide the highest level of care for our residents.”

Juniper Village at Chatham has received several awards in the past including being named the Best Assisted Living Community by NJ Biz magazine. The community offers signature programs that benefit the residents and staff, to further their wellbeing and advancement. These include Green Canopy, which supports environmental consciousness and healthier living; Juniper University, which educates and enriches staff, residents and families; Connections, which encourages an active mind, body and spirit; and more recently Connect 4 Life, which integrates healthcare directly into the community.

Juniper Village at Chatham is located at 500 Southern Boulevard in Chatham, NJ. For more information call (973) 966-LIVE or visit www.junipercommunities.com.

September 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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!

This month we invite you to “Spread Your Joy” as we honor our friendships in our Red Hat and Villager clubs and our Best Friends events; get our hands dirty at our Friendship Daffodil Project; and celebrate with our Birthday Party and House Warming Initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Family Fun Day for this wonderful celebration on our great lawn, so bring the whole family for this fun-filled afternoon where we have it all; picnic, activities, and entertainment, including WDHA radio on-site broadcasting live, sponsored by Juniper Village as well as HomeWell Senior Care, Care One Whippany, Pine Acres Rehabilitation Center, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, Oasis Senior Advisors, and Compassionate Care Hospice on September 12^th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. (No RSVP required!)

§  Power Brain Bakery with Gregory Quinn, brain management consultant, who always surprises us with programs that involve energy, wellness, and movement, and this one really sounds like a treat – pun intended as he will share brain healthy baked goods and teach us some brain healthy activities, so join us as we power boost our brains from the inside out on September 17^th at 2:00 pm.

§  How to Find Joy in Trying Times CEU program will benefit any professionals who counsel individuals facing life challenges and will not only assist you as a professional in providing counsel and support to those you serve, but will also give you strategies to use in your own life, because as professionals working with others, we must continually renew our positive energy to better serve our clients and families, so this is a must do class to prepare for the many stresses families face over the holidays on September 17^th at 4:00 pm.

§  What Sparks Chemistry with Paul White, founder of HRGread (Huntington Reading Group) and a healthcare executive for over 30 years, this program explores comparisons of marital customs from around the world and will reveal some interesting and perhaps even strange customs that will intrigue and captivate your curiosity on September 24^th at 6:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our September 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Spread Your Joy.

Juniper Village at Chatham: Your Partner for Successful Outcomes

We want to be your partner of choice in the new shared savings environment. At Juniper Village at Chatham, we have been collecting critical data for nearly 10 years. For example, we closely monitor residents to assure successful returns from either the hospital or rehabilitation setting.

Many hospitalizations in seniors are due to poor nutrition and dehydration. Our wellness and care teams monitor changes in appetite daily.

Another contributing factor to acute re-admissions is infections, in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The senior population can be extremely susceptible to infections and proper care and monitoring is paramount. Our wellness response team is skilled in recognizing symptoms of UTI in order to provide proactive interventions that reduce the need for hospitalization.

Communication is key and Juniper Village at Chatham takes communication to the next level through:
• Use of Electronic Health Records (Point Click Care)
• Optimized care transitions protocols
• Full implementation of INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers)
• Use of a highly recognizable and consistent transfer information packet
• Focus on resident and care giver education and engagement
• Individualized care and service

Concert Under the Stars

What a great turnout for our Concert Under the Stars, featuring the Chatham Community Band!!!  The weather was cool and comfortable, and the band played a variety of pieces that everyone enjoyed.  It really was a lot of fun!

August 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Breathe in Life

As we continue our summer focus on Staying Connected, we devote our August 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village in Chatham to connecting to the Environment. One of our Signature Programs is the Green Canopy Program. This program is designed to support healthier living for our residents and staff through environmentally conscious communities and events. This program directly supports this month’s focus on the environment and our vision to make the world a better place, a place where each of us can live fully throughout all seasons of life.

Margaret Mead reminds us that “We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” To that end, Juniper Village has created Green Teams in each of our communities to support our environmental initiatives by assisting with our recycling and energy efficiency programs – such as using CFL light bulbs and Energy Star rated appliances, while making suggestions for additional programs to increase quality of life and promote sustainability in our communities. Have you met your Juniper Village Green Team? This month during our August 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham our Green Teams will share their mission with the greater community by heading up initiatives to help others learn how to live a more sustainable life through our Wide-Scale Recycling Programs, our Environmental Stability Program and the Implantation of our Green Teams. Stop in for one of our educational programs, recycling and upcycling events or anything else that strikes your fancy this month with our August 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham as we Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Snakes and Scales Presentation featuring animals, including alligators, pythons and more, who were once injured and vulnerable, but have been rescued and tendered to with great love on August 6^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Shred-It Event to be held rain or shine so you can clean out all those old files and paperwork by bringing them to us to be securely disposed of for a charge of just $10 per box with all proceeds benefitting the Battered Women’s Shelter on August 8^th from 9:00 am to noon.

§  Brain Teasers about our Presidents Trivia Game as participants review some well-known facts, learn some interesting new ones, and debunk some common myths about our great nation’s Presidents on August 11^th at 2:00 pm.

§  How to Stay Green Program provided by Stuart Liss regarding what is wasted every day in America and how we can all take small simple steps to minimize the amount of refuse we create on August 27^th at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our August 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Breathe in Life.

Happy Birthday!!

Two extraordinary women celebrated two extraordinary birthdays on Sunday, July 19 at Juniper Village Chatham where they both reside. Helen Schenck turned 100 years old and was taken out by to lunch in a limousine by fellow residents and friends to Café Azzuro in Peapack. Mary Morton celebrated turning 99 years old by having lunch with family and fellow resident friends at Juniper Village who provided a champagne and strawberry toast.

July 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham this month we kick off our summer quarter Alive In All Seasons theme “Stay Connected” where we will strive to stay connected to the community and the environment. Throughout July we will focus on staying connected to our community through Volunteerism, where we Stand In Integrity. The biggest and most visible benefit of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers work magic in unifying communities. Through volunteer work you are able to connect with your community on a deeper level and help to make it a better place to live and grow. But what we don’t always realize is that volunteering is a two-way street. Volunteers benefit as much as the causes they support. Through volunteering you make new friends, expand your professional, social and support networks and boost your social skills. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of giving of yourself.

If you are looking for opportunities to share your time, check with our Connections Directors to see what opportunities we have, or join us in one of our volunteer projects. Also plan to join us during our July 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham as we recognize our Ambassador Program, focus on our Resident Computer Center and training or any other calendar item that catches your eye.

Our fabulous July 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Adopt an Animal as Abby Berenbak returns with one of her special pets to learn how this volunteer changes the lives of these animals, and fall in love with her friend on July 9^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Fine Arts Program as Pat Sanftner presents about American Brilliant Cut Glass and what made it unique and kept it unsurpassed on July 14^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Concert Under the Stars as a therapeutic musical extravaganza with entertainment provided by Chatham community Band for a fabulous evening, so don’t miss and bring your lawn chairs and your friends on July 21^st at 7:00 pm.

§  Name that Tune a fun-filled afternoon of memory-enhancing music therapy throwbacks hosted by David Aaron so team up with a friend or family member and remember “The Good Old Times” while trying to figure out “Blasts from the past” on July 23^rd at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our July 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Stand in Integrity.

Oyster Bar

It started with a casual dinner conversation..."Wouldn't it be nice to have an oyster bar?"  And with that, the Mystic Knights of the Sea was born! A few residents got together a small group for a Friday night cocktail hour held once a month.  Our chef Frank was consulted, members of the group chipped in to cover the costs, and a feast of oysters on the half shell and crisp white wine was the result.  What better way to welcome summer?  The Knights plan to have other seafood for their next get-together...fresh crab meat or shrimp cocktail, anyone?

The Kent Place Hummingbirds performed for a packed house at Juniper Village at Chatham!

The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders sang a variety of songs which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.  One of our residents especially enjoyed the concert as she was a graduate of the school and a former member of the chorus.  It was also special because prior to the concert, several of the residents became pen pals with some of the girls, and they finally got to meet each other. It was the start of a beautiful friendship that the residents hope will continue.

Bean Bag Toss Tournament

Our latest addition to our sports program is the Bean Bag Toss Tournament.  We had a great turn-out for our first game, and everyone was totally surprised at how much fun this was for everyone – players and spectators alike.

June 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Live in Wellness

We close this quarter’s theme of Healthy Aging: “Let Wellbeing Thrive” with a focus on Food, as we Live in Wellness through our June 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham. Hippocrates advises, “Let food be thy medicine”. Research shows that eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. But, food has other benefits. There are also emotional needs that are satisfied by food. Most of us have fond memories of food from days gone by. Whether it was our mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, a hotdog from a street vendor or our wedding cake, food has a way of transporting us back to the past. It is in that spirit that Juniper’s dining program is called the H’art and Soul of Dining. The philosophy is that we impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through the sharing of good food. In addition to meeting our resident’s unique nutritional needs, we also meet their emotional and social needs as well.

Join us for our June 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham to share in our hydration program, complete with healthy snacks and learn more about healthy food and wellness with our dietitian presentations as we continue to Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Dieting Is That The Answer Seminar as Monica Hansen, dietitian, educates us on dieting in our senior years and whether it is healthy for us on June 17^th at 6:30 pm.

§  Continuing Education Units Series on the topic of hospice care as well as understanding food and hydration needs at the end of life on June 23^rd at 4:00 pm.

§  BYO Cooking Demonstration by Executive Chef Frank Pascale who will demonstrate an experience of food from Tuscany on June 24^th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 973-966-5483 for limited seating at $20.00 per person.)

§  The Great Chefs Lecture by Paul White that is sure make your mouth water as we learn about all the fabulous culinary artists from around the world and their signature dishes on June 25^th at 6:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our June 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham!

Mother's Day Makeovers

Eight residents were treated to special Mother's Day makeovers, followed by a Mother's Day shopping spree with vendors from the community.  It was a great way to honor the mothers in our lives.

Juniper Leadership Conference 2015 Awards

Juniper celebrated its 27^th anniversary this year.  Each year communities are honored for their achievements in critical operational and financial areas.

Awards were presented at the 2015 Juniper Leadership Conference, held this year in Baltimore’s historic inner harbor.  Awards were presented by Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, and Diane Byrne, Vice President of Program, Development, Training & Operational Oversight.

At the recent Juniper leadership conference, Juniper Village at Chatham was presented the Juniper “We are Family” Award in recognition of the highest percentage of family calls in the company in 2014.

May 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Grow Strong Daily

Fitness is on our mind during our May 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with our Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily”. As you know, physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally. Regular physical activity can help you to continue to do the things you love and stay independent as you age. Exercise can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and reduce symptoms of some chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and balance issues.

But, if exercise has not been a part of your daily routine how do you take that first step? Start by making it fun! Turn a walk around the block into a scavenger hunt – search for daffodils, birds, squirrels or lucky pennies. Instead of a dip in the pool, create an adventure as you pretend to swim with the dolphins. Rather than send your co-worker an email, walk to her office and communicate face to face, double the benefit with a smile! What’s important is to make it fun and just start – today!

Join us for our May 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham as we will Grow Strong Daily with Fitness Five, and walk “cross country” with our Route 66 Walking Program and learn more about keeping our hearts fit at our Healthy Heart Luncheon. We look forward to sharing these and many other activities with you this month. Peruse this month’s calendar, and we will see you soon!

Our fabulous May 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Mother’s Day Makeovers where you can stop in and pick-up a few gifts in a little last minute shopping along with watching some residents have professional makeovers while refreshments are served on May 9^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Excerpts of George Washington Performance with the talented Peter Small impersonating our first President in this historical tribute on May 11^th at 2:00 pm.

§  What is the H Word presentation as part of our Continuing Education Units Series we will be discussing Hospice care on May 19^th at 4:00 pm.

§  Kent Place Chorus Concert featuring one local school’s contributions to the happiness of our residents with a spectacular performance on May 28^th at 3:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our May 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham!

Girl Scout Cookies for Dogs

You might say Juniper Village is going to the dogs...or rather our dog biscuits are!!!  A local Girl Scout troop has been raising money and collecting donations for St. Hubert's Animal Shelter, and they asked if they could enlist the help of our residents in making the dog treats.  The smell of peanut butter was in the air as residents and scouts worked together for this good cause.

Chocolate Krinkle Cookies

The halls were filled with the delicious smell of chocolate following our Saturday baking class!!  We made Chocolate Krinkle Cookies, also called Earthquakes, and they turned out great.  Next class we will be making an extraordinarily delicious chocolate cake for diabetics. Yum!

April 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Believe in Yourself

Welcome to April - the name derived from the Latin word Aperire meaning “to open”; the month when everything starts to bloom and come alive. What better time to really put forth your best efforts and see the true beauty inside than the month in which everything begins anew! Diana Ross, in the Wiz, advises “believe in yourself, right from the start. You'll have brains; you’ll have a heart; you’ll have courage to last your whole life through if you believe in yourself.” So let’s put our best foot forward, believe in ourselves and we can move mountains!

Join us for our April 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham as we pull pranks on April Fool’s Day; honor Jesus Christ on Good Friday, followed by hiding Easter eggs; celebrate the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery on Passover; and celebrate mother earth on Earth Day and Arbor Day. Peruse this month’s calendar as we focus on the brain through our Daily Brain Builders, Wii tournaments and our Healthy Brain Luncheon. Plan to join us for any and all events. Also, check out our Healthy Aging Resource Library to learn more about the brain or any number of health related topics. We look forward to seeing you during this fun filled month.

Our fabulous April 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

Ø  Passover Services with Richard and Alice Baron to celebrate Passover with some tasty traditional treats and a prayer session for you and your loved ones on April 3^rd at 10:30 am.

Ø  Annual Easter Egg Hunt that has grown into a wonderful tradition as we invite our Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren for a terrific time with special prizes and refreshments on April 4^th at 10:30 am.

Ø  CEU Class Series seminar with healthcare educators about our topic this month of Laughter as the Best Medicine on April 16^th at 4:00 pm.

Ø  But I Don’t Have Cancer Hospice presentation by our local community healthcare partners on April 21^st at 4:00 pm.

Ø  Getting In-Touch with your Mind discussion as Paul White returns with an educational twist on how your brain functions and how to get in touch with your inner mind on April 30^th at 6:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our April 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham!

Juniper Red Hats Service Project

The Juniper Red Hats have embarked on another service project.  We have joined up with the Summit chapter of the Susan G. Koman Foundation, and spent an afternoon pairing up shoelaces which will be given away to participants of the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure 5K fundraiser in May. A fun activity for a great cause!

The Larks Women's Choral Group

The swallows may head for Capistrano, but the Larks come to Juniper Village at Chatham!  The Larks, a women's choral group from nearby Summit, performed their annual concert last week to rave reviews.  Their bright outfits and cheerful energy helped melt our winter blues!

Juniper Communities Introduces Theralink for Onsite Integrated Therapy at Juniper Village at Chatham

Juniper Communities, a national owner-operator of Juniper Village senior living communities, is rolling out Theralink in all its facilities, and locally at Juniper Village at Chatham. Theralink is an on-site program designed to help residents regain and maintain independence, fitness and overall wellbeing. It is being implemented through a newly established partnership between Juniper Communities and Genesis Rehab Services.

“Rehabilitation, restorative services, and fitness are vital to healthy aging and whole person wellness,” explains Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “Coordinated with other clinical services permits, Juniper will be able to provide integrated post-acute care onsite at the communities through Theralink. This is especially important for Juniper’s residents who want and need more intensive rehabilitation services in their ‘home’.”

Grant Welson, Area Director for Genesis Rehab Services states, “Juniper is taking an industry lead by creating Theralink to offer onsite therapy services where they are integrated into everyday patient care. Feedback from preliminary implementation from Juniper’s residents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Theralink program will provide physical, occupational, speech, and when needed respiratory therapy that is integrated into the care Juniper currently delivers. Elements of Theralink include special balance and strength training, and fall prevention programs; technology and apps that facilitate and record personal fitness training; dementia management programs that integrate cognitive and occupational therapies; cardiopulmonary management; and monthly assessment reports.

March 2015 Events in Chatham, NJ: Your Treasure Is Within

Treasure hunting has been around forever! The search for riches has evolved from archaeological digs revealing lost treasure to present day treasure hunts such as television’s “The Amazing Race”. Much has been written about the allure of treasure, but one thing that we’ve come to realize is that the treasure within is the most valuable of all. Each one of us has a treasure within and through our March 2015 events in Chatham, NJ we will be exploring that treasure at Juniper Village at Chatham - be it your ability to sing, play a musical instrument, recite dramatic prose or balance a spoon at the end of your nose. No treasure is too small! In the immortal words of Captain Jack Sparrow, “Not all treasure’s silver and gold, mate.”

With our March 2015 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham we end our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Performance. Please join us during our March 2015 events in Chatham, NJ while we recognize “Your Treasure is Within” as we provide opportunities to express yourself through our weekly drama clubs and by attending theatrical performances. If step dancing and corned beef and cabbage is more your thing, sample all that is Irish with our annual St. Patrick’s Day party or walk the red carpet and share your movie trivia skills at our Oscar Party.

Our fabulous March 2015 events in Chatham, NJ include our CEU Class Series about this month’s topic of Personal Connections Bring Family on March 12^th at 2:00; our Heritage Irish Dancers featuring traditional instrumentations and harmonious melodies accompanied by spirited moves on March 16^th at 3:30 pm; our Rick Busciglio’s Fabulous 50’s musical and pictorial review of the people and events that rebuilt and reshaped America following WWII on March 24^th at 2:00 pm; or our Great Men of Hollywood Presentation where we will learn interesting and heart-warming facts about Brando, Peck, Newman, Douglas and others, while enjoying light refreshments on March 26^th at 6:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our March 2015 events in Chatham, NJ, so check out our calendar for more!

New Jersey Battered Women's Services Fundraiser

To raise money for New Jersey Battered Women's Services, a local service group based in Morristown, Juniper held a Valentine's Day Sale. Items for purchase were homemade baked goods, stuffed animals, festive sunglasses, and other Valentine-themed goodies. It was a resounding success!!! We even received donations from people who just wanted to support the cause without getting anything in return!