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 Senior Living include our:

§  Warm Up with JT Thompson as we enjoy pub-style refreshments and warm beverages while listening to the upbeat piano music by the popular pianist at this fun evening for the whole family on January 7^th at 6:30 pm. (No reservations required.)

§  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.)

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

Holiday Trail of Trees

This season, Brookline senior living held its first-annual Holiday Trail of Trees event to raise money for area non-profit agencies. More than 30 local businesses and organizations decorated evergreens that were beautifully-displayed throughout The Inn, Pines, and Willows communities, creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Trees were on view throughout December, and were voted on by ballot. On December 22, at a cocktail reception, votes were tallied for first through third places, and members of the Centre County Geriatric Interest Network named the Grand Prize People's Choice Winner.

And the winners and their charities are...

• Third-place: Douty Chalfa Automotive, $50 donation prize to the Alzheimer's Association
• Second-place: Juniper Village Senior Living Connections Department, $75 donation for the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
• First-place: B Events & Best Events, $150 donation for the Centre County Women's Resource Center
• People's Choice: National Penn Bank, $250 donation prize to the Cancer Survivors' Association
  

Thank you to all who participated; we look forward to next year!

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.

Brookline Senior Living Welcomes New Director of Community Relations

"Being able to help residents and their families, and being a familiar face during a time of change." This is what Kathryn Bainbridge most enjoys about transitioning into her new role as Director of Community Relations for Juniper Village Senior Living at Brookline. With a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services from Penn State, and a master's degree in human services with a concentration in geriatrics, Kathryn is no stranger to helping others. If she looks familiar, that's because she also is no stranger to Juniper Village.

For the past four of her 15 years working in senior care, Kathryn was a social services associate at our rehabilitation and skilled care community. Looking to expand her career, the opportunity to gain a different perspective within a "great company" that creates "a supportive environment for growth," Bainbridge jumped at the chance to follow long-time DCR, Janie Provan, who retires at the end of this year.

A native of Boalsburg, PA, Kathryn currently resides there with her husband, Shawn; daughters Cora (12) and Addy (11); dogs Pixie, Lily, and Munchkin; cats Levi and Tess; two Guinea Pigs; four fish; and a frog. When not caring for her small menagerie, she enjoys running, involvement in her kids' school endeavors, church activities at St. John's United Church of Christ, and spending time with family and friends.

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 Senior Living 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.

§  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.

§  Holiday Trail of Trees as you stroll through our senior living buildings to view the collections of Christmas trees decorated by local volunteer organizations while enjoying wine, cheese and other refreshments, then vote for your favorite tree with all proceeds to be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association on December 22^nd at 6:00 pm.

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