January 2016 Events in State College, PA: 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Rehab and Skilled Care include our:

§  Dinner and Discussion with PA Centre Orchestra to meet Board Vice President, Karen Blair Brand and members of the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra for an evening of euphonious education as they explore the history of orchestral music and the Centre Orchestra with a dinner performance to accompany a delightful dinner of chicken scaloppini, red-skinned mashed potatoes, and green beans on January 13^th at 6:00 pm. (Reservations required and please inform us of any special dietary restrictions at 814-235-2041.)

§  Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory to view the 2014 documentary film chronicling Dan Cohen’s remarkable journey to bring the healing powers of the Music and Memory program to those suffering with dementia, and learn about the dramatically positive impact that personalized music can have on common dementia-related behaviors, and how Juniper Village at Brookline Wellspring Memory Care was the first to bring this groundbreaking practice to the area, so join us as we introduce the program into our skilled nursing population, and learn how you can help to make a difference on January 19^th at 6:00 pm. (Reservations required at 814-235-2041.)

§  Happy Hour with Tommy Wareham to enjoy snacks, including a charcuterie tray, fine cheeses and artisan crackers, drinks, and music with your loved ones as Tommy Wareham sings your favorite songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, so warm up those vocal chords and sing along with this local legend on January 21^st at 3:30 pm. (No reservations required.)

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Rehab and Skilled Care with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

The Giving Season

The elves at Juniper Village at Brookline have been extra busy this month! After we wrapped up our November food drive, which collected more than 400 pounds of food for the State College Area Food Bank, collection for Toys for Tots was in full swing! Earlier this week we were able to send a car full of surprises for some very deserving State College-area children.

Additionally, associates--and the jolliest of all the elves, Santa himself--manned the corner of College Avenue and S. Allen Street on behalf of the Salvation Army. Bells were ringing and a choir was singing (just across the street), as the Red Kettle quickly filled to the brim. Nurturing the spirit of life in our residents and associates is a big part of what we do every day here at Juniper Village, and nurturing that same spirit in our greater community is equally as important. Wishing you all a very happy holiday season, from our family to yours.

"Making the Rounds"

In 1946, recent graduates of Penn State, Donald Bany and his sweetheart Doris became husband and wife, and quickly settled into life in the Happy Valley. Buying a parcel of land in cash from the Meyer (Meyer Dairy) and Boal (Boalsburg) families, the newlyweds built the home where they would reside for all of their 62 years of matrimony.

As Chief Financial Officer at the Graduate School at Penn State, and a 6th grade teacher at State College's Fairmount Avenue Elementary, Don and Doris fell in love with the area more each day, becoming staunch supporters of the local farming community and area businesses. One of their favorite establishments was, of course, Meyer Dairy, where they would frequently treat themselves to ice cream. The couple's niece and nephew, who lived with them, were also the recipients of their generosity. "They helped to raise us, and built us our own rooms in the house," shared niece, Mary Lee Meter. "They taught my brother [Chris Snyder] and I many valuable life lessons, including the adage that it is better to give than to receive."

When Doris fell ill and moved to Brookline a few years ago, Don faithfully visited his "ideal wife" every day during that last year of her life. Now a resident himself, Don participates in physical therapy through RehabCare, provided on-site at the community. It took some time before he warmed up to the idea of therapy, until one day he arrived in the first-floor therapy room and his eyes lit up. On the far wall of the room, he spotted a painting of The Corner Room, a local restaurant and downtown landmark where he and Doris regularly dined. The portrait instantly brought back fond memories and created in Don that extra "push" to move forward with his treatment.

Recently, while cleaning out the family home, Mary Lee came across a print of "Making the Rounds," portraying an old Meyer Dairy milk wagon. Together, with a description of the painting photos of the couple, and a note of thanks, she donated the pictured works to the therapy department. "Making the Rounds is given to the Physical Therapy Department who got Don up and walking to 'make the rounds'."

Meter says she hopes the gift will continue to inspire not only her uncle, but might also do the same for others. And just in case Don needs a little extra motivation some days, she delivers to him a daily bowl of chocolate and vanilla deliciousness from the one-and-only Meyer Dairy.

December 2015 Events in State College, PA: 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 State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Rehab and Skilled Care include our:

§  Holiday Decorate Your Own Cookies Referral Event as we spread some holiday cheer and adorn these holiday treats while we leave the stress of the season behind and enjoy an evening of professional networking and delicious fun on December 9^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Victorian Holiday Feast as our family members are invited to enjoy a Victorian themed holiday meal with their loved ones to delight in the traditional tastes and treats of this exquisite meal, served to you restaurant style by our Juniper associates on December 10^th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 814-238-3139.)

§  Nittany Knights Holiday Cocktail Concert in the holiday spirit for refreshments and beautiful seasonal tunes by the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus at this free concert that will delight young and old on December 14^th at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Rehab and Skilled Care with you as we Celebrate Little Things.