A Musical Afternoon at JV-Chatham

There was a special musical performance by the David Aaron Trio here at Juniper on Saturday, and it was a standing room only crowd.  The trio was made up of a clarinet, piano and a drummer, and they played the standards that everyone loves so much.  They also showcased a game much like Name That Tune that was a fun way of jogging our memories, but we're pleased to say that they were not able to stump our residents!!!

Music is in the air at Juniper Village at Chatham!!!

The month of January is all about music here, and it's incredible how music touches so many of us.  Our community is so proud of our music lovers, from the amateur to the professionals.  We have residents who love to listen, were regular choir members, accomplished musicians, self-taught instrumentalists, and those who were at the top of their craft.  One new resident played piano as a youth, played in his high school marching band, but had felt all along he wanted to learn the drums.  Later in life, he had an encounter with a professional jazz musician who took him under his wing.  He eventually became a local player in many small groups in the area.  Another resident is a famous composer and arranger who continues his work from Juniper Village.  As a recording artist and through his collaborations with other artists, he has had 31 GRAMMY nominations (3 times a winner), 3 TONY nominations (winner, 2000 for Kiss Me Kate), 2 drama desk awards, 3 EMMY nominations and 4 CLIO awards.  Of course, no one can mistake our little French lady who bursts into song on all occasions!  Music does make our world go round!

January 2017 Events in Chatham, NJ: Welcome New Beginnings

Welcome to 2017! What a wonderful time for us to reflect on the past year and forge ahead with new beginnings. January is a time to begin again; a time when we make (and sometimes break) our New Year’s resolutions and focus on how we want to improve in the coming year.

January is also the month that Juniper Village begins our Winter Alive In All Seasons theme of Creative Expressions: “Explore Your Creativity” where in January we will focus on music! Do you know that research shows that music can help us physically by easing pain, helping us sleep better, eat less and enhance our blood vessel function? It is also suggested that music can help us mentally by reducing stress, relieving symptoms of depression, elevating mood, decreasing anxiety and improving cognitive performance. Because of this, Juniper Communities has adopted the Music & Memory program.

Through the use of MP3 players and headphones our teams download personalized music for each resident. These musical favorites tap deep memories and can bring participants back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize and stay present. Learn more about our Music & Memory program by talking with our Connections Director and consider making a donation to this worthwhile program. We accept donations of new or used iPods, new over the ear headphones and iTunes gift cards.

Join us this month as we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choirs. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings at Juniper Village and make a resolution to join us for activities and events throughout the year!

Our fabulous January 2017 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham include our:

§  Elvis is in the House so put on your blue suede shoes and let’s Rock n’ Roll down memory lane with Elvis, to join Vince Giaquinto during our happy hour session for this Hunk of Burning Love performance on January 6^th at 3:30 pm.

§  Dance Innovations as glitz, glamour and a whole lot of fun are what we are going to experience at this live performance of young ladies who really know how to strut their stuff and get us inspired with refreshments served on January 11^th at 6:15 pm.

§  Live Concert with David Arron Orchestra as they present a live trio consisting of keyboard, drums and clarinet performing a wide variety of standard music, both vocally and instrumentally, so don’t miss this truly spectacular show, with dancing allowed and encouraged on January 21^st at 2:00 pm.

§  Celebrate Chinese New Year, a grand traditional festival with many legends, traditions, taboos and food, so be our guests and enjoy a traditional Chinese meal as we celebrate the Year of the Rooster on January 27^th at 4:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our January 2017 events in Chatham, NJ at Juniper Village at Chatham with you as you Welcome New Beginnings.

"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.