And The Winner Is...

We are pleased and privileged to announce that Michelle Myers, Wellness Nurse, is the first recipient of the quarterly Juniper Spirit Award at Juniper Village Rehabilitation and Skilled Care at Brookline community in State College, Pennsylvania.

Michelle started her career in long-term care as a nursing assistant. She then pursued education and training at the Clearfield County Career and Technical Center, becoming licensed as a practical nurse. Myers began employment at the former Fairways at Brookline in January of 2010, after seeking “a more family-like atmosphere”.  She joined Juniper Communities as part of our change in ownership, which occurred in July of 2014.

During her more than four years of service to our residents at Juniper Village, this LPN has been recognized by her supervisors, fellow associates, residents, and family members for providing exemplary service. Michelle has a positive attitude, with a strong resident-centered approach to care. She is a competent and intelligent nurse, with strong clinical skills.  Aside from being a dedicated community member, Michelle is an effective communicator and has excellent management skills. Her leadership has been instrumental in improving teamwork.

Michelle lives in Osceola Mills with her husband Eddie and four children, Lexi, Mackenzie, Sadie and RJ.

As a nurse, Michelle “nurtures the spirit of life” by developing caring and trusting relationships with each of the residents who reside on the 3 West Neighborhood, as well as their family members. One of her nominators was resident family member, Mr. Haffner, who stated that Michelle’s genuine concern and kind heart makes the care that she provides his wife nurturing and comfortable. She goes out of her way to make sure that is wife is well cared for and will even call him at home to check on his health if he misses a daily visit. This kind of care makes a situation that could be stressful and difficult, one that is comfortable and welcoming. People like Michelle make a positive difference in our lives.

The Giving Season

This holiday season Juniper Village at Brookline residents and associates were busy spreading cheer throughout the State College community. All JVB communities were official Toys for Tots collections sites, helping to collect three large boxes of toys this year for more than 3,000 less fortunate Centre County children. Since 1987, The Nittany Leathernecks Detachment, a community service organization composed of active, retired and former Marines, has headed the Toys for Tots mission in Centre County—considered one of the area’s premier charity events. The Centre County Toys for Tots campaign accommodates all religious protocols—in concert with economic eligibility—for Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Kwanza during the December-January holiday seasons.

But that’s not all! Additionally, nearly 1,000 pounds of food and more than $200 in donations were collected for the State College Food Bank this year. Large grocery carts donated by Weis Market on South Atherton Street in State College (as well as $25 worth of groceries) were placed in three main lobbies at JVB, where they were quickly filled to the brim. Carol Pioli, executive director of the food bank—which serves over 300 area households per month—said that “offering a simple ‘thank you’ doesn’t feel enough, because [Juniper Village at Brookline is] helping to provide a basic need to those that are less fortunate.”

With monetary totals not yet in, JVB was one of 10 State College area businesses that teamed up for the “We Are The Kettles” Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. Local companies and organizations spend a day ringing that famous bell around State College, and Red Kettles are decked with company logos, while associates bundle up for a good cause. This year, 10 JVB associates volunteered their time to the campaign. We even had one very special volunteer who commuted all the way from the North Pole!

A Few of Our Favorite Things...

Residents and associates of Juniper Village at Brookline teamed up to create a magical “The Sound of Music” themed Christmas tree for the 20^th annual Centre County United Way Festival of Trees, December 12-14. Funded by our rehabilitation and skilled care community, a nearly 8-foot Tannenbaum tree was adorned with visions straight from the classic, “My Favorite Things”, including raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, warm woolen mittens, and more! Each ornament was carefully crafted with love, from the brown paper packages tied up with strings that were piled high beneath the tree, to the tree topper itself—sheet music fashioned into an intricate bow.

Festival of Trees is held in conjunction with the annual Bellefonte Victorian Christmas. Community members pay a nominal fee to view the trees decorated by area businesses and organizations. Trees are voted on for cash rewards, and proceeds benefit the 34 Centre County United Way partner agencies. Additionally, the event is one that is a highly-anticipated holiday outing for Juniper residents.

Juniper Communities Appoints New Regional Director of Wellness and Wellbeing

Juniper Communities announces that Melissa “Missy” Ebner has joined Juniper as Regional Director of Wellness and Wellbeing. Missy brings a wealth of experience in nursing care, especially with seniors to her position. From a clinical perspective, her role will be to oversee the entire portfolio of clinical care and support for the residents, provide clinical oversight, and staff training. She is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in every state where Juniper currently has communities.

“We are very excited to have Missy join the Juniper family,” expressed Lynne Katzmann, CEO of Juniper Communities. “She comes to Juniper with a wonderful background and deep experience in the clinical complainants of senior living. She will be a great resource for our community wellness teams and to the home office team in this changing healthcare environment.”

Missy’s interest in working with senior living communities is that they offer residents more freedom than skilled nursing settings. “The seniors can be taken care of in a homelike environment and you can become a friend, not seen as a nurse or caregiver,” she explained. “Juniper’s staff is wonderful at treating the residents as a parent or grandparent, this doesn’t always happen in institutional settings.”

Juniper Communities owns and operates Personal Care, Assisted Living, Memory-Care, Skilled Nursing and Independent Living communities in NJ, FL, CO and PA.

“Nobody is as forward thinking as Juniper. They are far ahead of the curve in the industry and where healthcare is going. The staff I’ve observed go above and beyond, always doing more even though no one is looking,” Missy described of her building level observations.

Missy Ebner has worked in the healthcare industry since 1987. She received her LPN from the James Martin School of Nursing in 1987 and her RN from Excelsior College in 2005. She is a resident of Willow Grove, PA and born and raised in Pennsylvania. She has been married to Henry Ebner for 26 years and has three children, Corey, Shane and Cassidy.  Something her family and friends know about her is that she loves to shop the Outlets, and loves a good bargain!

Golden Tickets and Big Red Noses!

Come one, come all! There was no escaping the spirit of the season this Halloween at Juniper Village Rehabilitation and Skilled Care at Brookline! A mid-week open house kicked off the holiday events, as Brookline seemingly changed into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Juniper family—and other local—goblins marveled at the transformation as they were treated to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on the big screen, helped themselves to goodies at the candy store, and played games to win valuable “Golden Tickets”. Juniper associates donned costumes ranging from the classic character, Veruca Salt, to one very orange Oompa Loompa.

On Halloween, the circus was in town when associates dressed as clowns, a magician, fortune teller, bearded lady, and even a lion tamer complete with “lion”. Residents were treated with a Halloween party, complete with associate costume parade.

Celebrate Little Things: December Events

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.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our Penn State University Presents Military Youth Family Program to honor those who have pledged to serve our country on December 9^th at 2:30 pm; our Penn State University Neuman Travelling Chorus performance showcasing fresh young talented voices on December 12^th at 6:30 pm; our Steve Sutherland Christmas Serenade featuring the songs of the season on December 18^th at 2:30 pm; our Victorian Holiday Brunch for a delicious holiday meal in a festive atmosphere on December 21^st from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm; or our New Year’s Champagne Toast featuring cocktails and reminiscence with those dear to us on December 31^st at 4:30 pm!

Look through our calendar and 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!