"You're Never Too Old to Cook" Recipes from the Juniper Villagers at Chatham

No need to fret over what to give to someone for the holidays.  Our "You're Never Too Old to Cook" cookbook is the perfect gift!  The connections department asked residents, staff and family members to contribute their favorite recipes, and what a great response we have gotten.  Both old fashioned generational recipes as well more modern, healthy alternatives were represented.  It has been so successful that we are already into our second printing.  To make this project even better, we asked for a $5.00 donation, and all proceeds will benefit St. Huberts Animal Shelter--happy holidays for all!!!

A Great Holiday Party at Juniper Village at Chatham!

Our holiday party was a sparkling event that was thoroughly enjoyed by our residents, families and staff.  As usual, the food was extraordinary, complete with hot appetizers and pounds of fresh shrimp, prime rib and delicious chicken.  The bistro was transformed into a dessert wonderland!  The joy of the season was shared by all, and the Victorian carolers entertained us with wonderful harmonies and classic songs.  This really is one of our highlights for the year!!

December 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: Cherish the Journey

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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Silent Night Not Tonight because baby, it’s cold outside, so warm up with us at our annual Holiday Party, as you’re invited to partake in a night of fun, friends, and food at Juniper Village’s holiday extravaganza on December 9^th at 5:00 pm.

§  Festival of Lights as we say Shalom, and bring you a brief overview of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, and one of the happiest and most colorful of Jewish festivals, so join us as Stuart Liss, our expert on Judaism, presents this topic on December 14^th 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Cherish the Journey.

A Rockin' Thanksgiving at Juniper Village at Chatham

We kicked off the holiday season with a remarkable performance by the Bishop of Jazz, Rio Clemente!  A consummate jazz musician who has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and NJPAC, Rio held his audience spellbound with the sheer brilliance of his improvisations and his unique fusions of classical pagework with jazz.  Following the performance (which had residents dancing in the aisles), families joined us for our annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner.  Our guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner in the dining room, and adjourned to the bistro for the dessert buffet.

Halloween Spooktacular at Juniper Village at Chatham

You're never to old to celebrate Halloween, and this year brought the child out in all of us!  We began the day with a group of 5th graders from the Harding Township school, fully outfitted in their Halloween regalia, singing songs with gusto.  In the afternoon, we held our Halloween party.  The costumes were terrific this year, and the choice to award prizes for the three best was a hard one.  But the hands-down winner was Hillary and Donald Trump, complete with Trump giving Hershey's kisses to the ladies (without asking).  Pope George and his aide Sister Alma won second place, and third place was a mummy, accompanied by a representative from "A Place for Mummy".  Prizes were also awarded to the resident and their best friend in the annual door decorating contest.  Cider and doughnut holes were shared, and the laughter from residents and staff alike shook the rafters!!!

November 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  CEU Class as Compassionate Care Presents: Food and Hydration Needs at End of Life as we discuss how a person’s requirements for nutrition and fluids, and their perception of those needs, change as they near the end of life in a seminar which also provides credits to help satisfy continuing education requirements on November 9^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Be a Kid Again with Gregory Quinn, brain management consultant, who returns to Juniper Village with another one of his fun-filled interactive programs, as we experience songs and games from the playground that improve memory along with hand/eye coordination, because we all have that kid inside us just waiting to burst out, so here’s your chance on November 10^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Thanksgiving Day Celebration that is just the beginning of the Holiday Parties as we invite family and friends to join in to share our traditional Thanksgiving day buffet, but don’t forget to bring items for our annual food drive on November 17^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Concord Singers as in our true Holiday fashion, Juniper welcomes the entire community to share with us one of our truly talented and inspirational choirs from the surrounding communities at this program that will delight us all with the season’s best, and refreshments will be served on November 28^th at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Appraisal Day at Juniper Village at Chatham

This past weekend at Juniper Village was an exciting look into the past as we shared our family treasures with appraisers from the Cool Home Consignment shop.  The four appraisers, who had combined experience of a hundred years or more, spent the morning looking over items ranging from ivory carvings and  jewelry to paintings.  It was so interesting to hear how our residents and members from the community came to own these treasures, and despite learning their value, no one was willing to part with them.  The sentimental value was priceless.

Juniper Village at Chatham's First Glee Club Performance

Columbus Day was very special here at Juniper Village at Chatham as we witnessed the inaugural performance of our new Glee Club. Our Glee Club decided to take advantage of the fact that a presentation on Christopher Columbus was scheduled, by making their debut prior to it. Dressed patriotically in Red, White and Blue, they were on pins and needles until their accompanist, a resident's daughter, arrived, but despite their nervousness, they rallied and sang enthusiastically. Their program was short but heavy on National pride as they sang You're a Grand Old Flag, America the Beautiful, and the Star Spangled Banner. The club harmonized, and the audience even joined in for a few verses. A wonderful time was had by all.

October 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Columbus Day Celebration as in keeping with tradition, Paul White brings another great program about geography and the history of the New World by tracking this explorer's travels on October 10^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Oktoberfest to “Show your Colors” at our October festival with Eric Kersser performing in his colorful, authentic dress and showing off his fun accordion performance, as we invite you to try some of our traditional tasty foods and beers from around the world on October 21^st at 3:30 pm.

§  Discover the Value of Your Treasures if you have ever wondered what your cherished family treasures are worth now is your chance to find out, so don’t miss out on this opportunity for a FREE appraisal of your valued antique items on October 22^nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

§  Halloween Costume Party as we celebrate Halloween with refreshments, prizes for Best Costume and Best Door decorations, and many exciting and scary events will happen, so don’t miss out on October 31^st at 3:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Show Your Colors.

National Assisted Living Week

Several weeks ago, we celebrated National Assisted Living Week, and we celebrated with special activities each day.  The residents and staff were given pens, snacks and candy every day.  The staff was treated to pizza as well as wraps, which were provided by Patient Care.  And to everyone's delight, Compassionate Care Hospice of Morris County provided us with an ice cream truck stocked with every frozen dessert imaginable.  Each resident also received a rose to thank them for their support.  It was a very special week!

Family Fun Day

It may have been one of the hottest days of the summer, but that didn't stop people from having fun at our annual Family Fun Day!!! We had vendors selling merchandise, free wine tasting, and terrific refreshments sponsored by various community organizations. Also on hand were games, a bouncy castle, train rides, pony rides, balloon
art, a caricaturist, and face painting. Timing was everything as we all retreated to our air-conditioned library for a fantastic magic show.  It was a great day for everyone!

Trip Down the Shore

What a beautiful trip down the shore!!!  Our trip to Long Branch and lunch at McCloones was just perfect.  The weather was lovely, and we all enjoyed strolling along the boardwalk.  Inspiring!!!

September 2016 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!

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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Joy to You and Me as we Spread the Joy with Greg Quinn, our health guru, as he presents a program that truly promotes friendship and joy with laughing permitted and highly encouraged on September 8^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Family Fun Day as we delight in entertainment for all ages, with train rides, face painting, games, magic show, food and so much more, so join us with our co-sponsors for this wonderful celebration on our front lawn, all free on September 10^th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

§  NJ Invents as Morris Museum docent, Tracy Kaminski, returns to Juniper with a hands-on exploration of the inventions that have changed the globe, including Thomas Edison’s Electric Light bulb, so join us and find out what people of the great state of New Jersey have contributed on September 14^th at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our September 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Spread Your Joy.

Ambassadors

New residents need time to adjust to their new home here at Juniper, and this is made easier by the kindness extended to them by our beloved Ambassadors.  They spend time with them explaining the different programs we have, exploring the facility, and helping them get acquainted with the other residents. As we recognize their good
work, they were treated to a delicious luncheon of Chinese take-out. Just a little perk of being and Ambassador!!!

First Responders Breakfast

Recently, we held a free brunch to honor the first responders in our community.  Fresh fruit, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and doughnuts were on hand for members of the Chatham Police Department,  the Harding Township Rescue Squad, the Mayor of Madison, Councilman Len Resto, and many others.  And we would also like to thank Pine Acres Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, and Chatham Hills Subacute Care Center for joining us in thanking the responders and their donation of food and other goodies.

August 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Morris Museum Presents… Wildlife as we learn about what it takes for animals to survive, what it means to be on the brink of extinction, and how we can have a positive impact on the survival of wildlife in this informative and thought-provoking presentation on August 3^rd at 2:00 pm.

§  Drive-In Movie as darkness falls across the gigantic silver screen, the audience grows silent with anticipation and excitement, so join us as we go back in time and view the classic movie “An Affair to Remember” on our great lawn with movie treats provided, but feel free to BYOB on August 17^th at 8:00 pm.

§  Happy Hour as we spend the last few days of summer with Margaritas in hand, because it’s time to breathe in life and celebrate the waning days of summer, and weather permitting we will be outdoors enjoying appetizers of course on August 25^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Let’s Go Green eco-friendly program about saving the earth and what we can be doing now, so join us as Paul White presents: Our Environment, Our Planet on August 30^th at 6:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our August 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Breathe in Life.

Thank You Volunteers!

We certainly couldn't nourish the spirit of life in all seasons without the support of those special people who volunteer.  To celebrate their involvement, we honored them with a spectacular dinner at Juniper.  These volunteers come from the community to assist with our programs, as well as residents who are the key members of our Ambassador program to welcome new residents.  We are truly grateful to them all!!!

Fun and Games

There has been a lot of afternoon activity here at Juniper.  Along with our regular bridge group, we recently started a weekly group to play all sorts of other card games.  Our games are played in the Bistro, and we were laughing and talking so loud we disturbed the bridge player's concentration!  To take a break from the games, we
enjoyed a stroll in the garden and admired the newly planted flowers. Both activities were a great way to begin the summer!

Happy Hour Musical Surprise

The residents of Juniper were wowed during happy hour when a new resident, Paule R., took center stage and belted out a fantastic version of "La Vie En Rose".  And this was her second day as a resident!!!   French born, Paule has lived a full life, and much of her experiences during the Nazi occupation have been chronicled in Peter Jenning's book, "The Century".  Paule was "discovered" in the 1980's by a musician who had performed with Edith Piaf, and he mentored her as she became an artist whose voice was often heard on French radio in New York.  We are delighted to have her, and hopefully she will bring her talent to our Juniper Glee Club!

July 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Independence Day Barbecue for hamburgers and hotdogs with all the great fixings with fun and sun, join us at the best barbecue in town as we celebrate the 4th of July in true Juniper style on July 4^th at 11:30 am.

§  Concert Under the Stars as we invite you to bring your lawn chairs and join us for a summer musical extravaganza with entertainment provided by Chatham Community Band and refreshments provided by our Juniper chefs on July 12^th at 7:00 pm Rain or Shine.

§  American Masterpieces as Walter Choroszewski, local art expert, celebrates the great artists of America by showcasing 25 American masterpieces and sharing biographies of the artists, so join us for a different take on Americana on July 13^th at 2:00 pm.

§  How to Communicate with your Loved One our topic for the month at our CEU Series presented by Compassionate Care Hospice on July 20^th at 2:00 pm.

§  Volunteer Breakfast to get your day started right, stop by and pick up your complementary burrito breakfast because we recognize the incredible work that our volunteers do for us each and every day, and this is our way of saying “thank you” on July 21^st at 8:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our July 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Stand in Integrity.

Juniper Village Health Fair

Juniper Village at Chatham was pleased to host our annual Health Fair representing all aspects of healthy living, from nutrition to chiropractics to helping the hearing impaired. This year's health fair was a huge success. We had 14 vendors representing all aspects of healthy living, from nutrition to chiropractics to helping the hearing impaired.  The variety of health providers was the perfect mix. These providers included: Chiropractic, Madison pharmacies, new eye equipment, Redwood: junipers signature health care program, Theralink, Madison Health Department, Susan G. Komen, Healing Oils, Shop-Rite, Dietitian, Chatham senior center, Hearing testing, and others.  We had to hold the event indoors at the last minute due to weather,  but it was fun and informative all the same! We wish to thank all who participated and hope, everyone who came learned something new.

June 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Water-Up Fire-Down Healthy Digestion presentation by Greg Quinn, who will be discussing this natural balance approach to healthy digestion, and will explore the concept of water energy and fire energy within our physical bodies and how to use that idea to reach both a digestive balance and over-all life balance on June 9th at 2:00 pm.

§  Caring for Heart Failure Patients with Compassion class presented by Compassionate Care Hospice approved for CEU credits on June 14th at 2:30 pm.

§  Warning – Read the Label as Lisa Monti, registered dietitian, will focus not on the foods we should be eating, but instead on the foods that we should NOT be eating; processed foods include ever-increasing amounts of additives, chemical binders, and other unnatural ingredients, and this discussion will teach you how to carefully read and understand the ingredients on the labels of the foods you buy on June 21st at 6:30 pm.

§  The Tasting Club program at Juniper that has quickly become a huge favorite, and of course we all know why, because who wouldn’t enjoy tasting delicacies from all over the world, so let your palate explore the possibilities as we share another culinary adventure on June 29th at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our June 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Live in Wellness.

Inter-Generational Pen Pals

The Pen Pal program between the 4th grade students of the Chatham Day School and Juniper residents was a resounding success!  The 22 students had been learning about senior citizens in one of their classes, and they asked if they might be able connect with our residents to discuss how different life was when they were their age. They visited after they had exchanged letters, and were extremely eager to share their experiences. Their enthusiasm and energy were astounding!

Passover Seder

We were so fortunate to attend a Passover Seder, hosted by Connections associate Alice Barron and her husband, Richard.  They explained the significance of the traditional food and prayers, as well some Jewish customs that are commonly shared.  It was very informative and moving, and was enjoyed by both residents and members from the community.

May 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Holocaust Remembrance Day as Peter Small transforms into Golda Meir in a fabulous performance of this remarkable 4th Prime Minister of Israel on May 5^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Mother’s Day Celebration as we enjoy a lovely Brunch, then stroll among the various vendors we invited to participate in our mother’s day celebration, and some lucky mothers will win makeovers on May 7^th at 10:00 am.

§  Health Day Fair to see what is new and improved in the healthcare field including hearing specialists, new eye devises, exercises that improve your balance and much more, while heart healthy snacks are served on May 24^th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

§  A Salute to Freedom as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom with this beautiful presentation that should be attended by both young and old, and refreshments will be served May 30^th at 2:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

Dance Innovations

We were treated to a wonderful performance by a local dance school, Dance Innovations.  There were about 20 students, of all ages, performing a variety of dance genres.  We watched as they performed routines of modern dance, jazz and classical ballet.  The girls were poised and proud, and it made for an entertaining evening.

2015 Successful Outcomes

April 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: 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 Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Meditation with Jillian to open your mind to the relaxing and spiritual awakenings that meditation offers for the feeling of comfort and healing on Wednesdays in April at 7:00 pm.

§  CEU Class presented by Compassionate Care Hospice discussing how communication between staff, residents, and families promotes excellence on April 12^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Brain Matters because a mind is a terrible thing to waste, so let’s learn how to use some special techniques to keep the memories alive and be prepared, as Paul White tackles the skills that are needed to develop your brain to the fullest on April 13^th at 6:30 pm.

§  Passover Services as Richard and Alice Barron come to honor Passover with some tasty traditional treats and a prayer for you and your loved ones on April 22^nd at 10:30 am.

We look forward to sharing our April 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Believe in Yourself.

Easter Egg Hunt

It was a chilly morning, but we had a great turnout for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt!  For the older kids, we challenged them by hiding hand-painted camouflaged eggs!  The children all enjoyed the games and refreshments.  One of our staff, who lived in Bermuda for 22 years, demonstrated how the island natives make "Bermuda Kites," made from tissue paper and sticks, and are traditionally flown on Good Friday in
Bermuda.  It made for a very special day.

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day was especially festive at Juniper.  Along with the traditional corned beef and cabbage, we enjoyed Irish beer and were entertained with Irish songs by entertainers Paul and Pals.  Many residents and staff joined in the celebration by wearing green.  It was great fun!!!

Performance

The theme for the month of March was Performance, and we really enjoyed some terrific performances that were spirited and entertaining. First, a local women's singing group, The Larks, sang some classic tunes that were high energy and uplifting. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we hosted members of the Irish Heritage Dancers. They were incredibly talented, with one of the young girls ranking second place in the U.S. Nationals. They took their time in
explaining their costumes and their interest in Irish Dancing. So much talent in our community!!!

Ambassador Thank You Luncheon

Our Juniper residents assist us in so many ways and we like to acknowledge how much we appreciate them.  What better way than a trip out in the country to a wonderful place named "Redwoods". The ambiance, the food, the company were all superb!


Thank you Ambassadors for EVERYTHING!

March 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: Your Treasure is Within

As we bring down the curtain on our Creative Expressions series we focus this month on Drama. Juliette Binoche said, “I think acting is about forgetting yourself in order to give the best of yourself. It's passing through you more than you're creating it. You're not the flower, but the vase which holds the flower.”

Through dramatic performance we are able to forget about ourselves while becoming someone else, if only for a moment. We can be transported to another time, another place and another way of thinking. With all of our inhibitions set aside we focus this month on breaking out of our shells to share a bit of ourselves with wild abandon through our weekly drama clubs which will culminate in a fantastic performance or reading of dramatic prose. We invite you to join us in this enlightening journey of self-discovery through the magic of theater this month. We will also be attending theatrical performances around town, where we can let our inner critic loose. One last opportunity to become someone else is offered during our Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, where everyone can be Irish for the day. Join us as we feast on traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, shepherd’s pie and more! Lastly, March would not be complete without honoring the dramatic achievements of others with our own Oscar Party. This month we invite you to let your inner star shine at Juniper Village.

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

§  Murder Mystery Dinner as we get ready to Rock n’ Roll through a costume murder mystery, which is sure to be a real Hoot on March 9^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Heritage Irish Dancers back by popular demand, the young ladies whose Irish dancing performance always bring our residents and guests to their feet, so save the date, and don’t be late or you’ll miss the best show of the year on March 14^th at 3:45 pm.

§  St. Patrick’s Day Dinner as Paul and Pals entertain with some of the Irish favorites, corned beef and cabbage being served, so what more could one ask for on St. Paddy’s Day on March 17^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Ella as David Aaron, returns with his one man performance on the life, music and times of the one and only Ella, the true definition of a performer on March 23^rd at 6:30 pm.

§  Annual Easter Egg Hunt an event that has grown into a wonderful tradition at Juniper Village as we invite the grandchildren and great-grand’s for a terrific Easter Egg hunt with special prizes while refreshments are served on March 26^th at 10:30 am.

We look forward to sharing our March 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as Your Treasure is Within.

Juniper Glee Club

It's your time to shine, all you shower singers!  We are very excited about our newest program, the Juniper Glee Club!  We've had several meetings, and we are clearly improving with every rehearsal.  Our goal is to be concert-ready by St. Patrick's day.  Feel free to join us in some vocal exercise!!!

February 2016 Events in Chatham, NJ: Awaken Your Passion

In February we turn our Alive In All Seasons focus to art and invite you to awaken your passion with us. Leo Tolstoy defines the activity of art as “To evoke in oneself a feeling one has experienced, and... then, by means of movements, lines, colors, sounds or forms expressed in words, so to transmit that feeling.”

This month we will transmit our feelings using many different mediums to let other share in our experiences, feelings and passions. We will travel through art around the world and experience art as it is meant to be – inspirational and transformative. We will feel the cool breeze and smell the fragrant blossoms of Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France as we gaze upon In the Garden and the Water Lilies series. We will feel the angst of Vincent Van Gogh as we admire his passionate works such as Vase with Twelve Sunflowers and The Starry Night. We will also pour our passion into our own creations evoking memories of the past to share with the future.

Please join us on this journey as we visit local art museums and create our own art through weekly craft programs. Celebrate with us as we recognize Valentine’s Day with sweets for the sweet and Fat Tuesday foods and fun at our Mardi Gras party.

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

§  Find the Artist Within You free event to relax from your everyday drudgery during this series of watercolor art classes instructed by Ed Schuh, a local artist, with all supplies provided every Saturday in February at 10:30 am.

§  Chinese New Year Celebration the grandest traditional Chinese festival with many legends, traditions, taboos and festival food in this Year of the Monkey, be our guests to enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner and celebration on February 8^th at 4:30 pm.

§  Passion and Power event as Greg Quinn returns with another motivational program on embracing passion and power in a holistic way this participatory program will have you interacting with others in new and different ways and feeling like a million bucks and refreshments will be served on February 11^th at 2:00 pm.

§  The Art of Love musical event that will bring back the memories of loves passed and give new meaning to loves to come, and we will be serving strawberries and chocolates for your palette’s pleasure, so come and indulge in the art of love through classic love songs on February 14^th at 2:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our February 2016 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as we Awaken Your Passion.