Our Witches Gather For Our Annual Booooo Time

Double, double toil and trouble was heard throughout the dining room. Yes, it was time for our annual Witches’ Tea Party. Our witches arrived in full attire. Of course valet parking was available for the ones that arrived on their brooms. Giggling filled the air and spells were shared from table to table. Past Halloween stories were told amongst each other. The howling of the wolves in the background and the screeching of the doors made this tea party so frightening that it sent shivers up and down our spines. The time had come to feast on our delicious “Finger” sandwiches. Everyone had seconds on the apple cider. Of course the desserts were delightful. It was agreed, at the end of the tea party, that perhaps next year we would invite the warlocks.

October 2016 Events in Cape Coral, FL: 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 Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral include our:

§  Black Hatters Witches Tea Party as we are calling all witches, ghosts and goblins to attend our annual “Red Hatters” tea party in celebration of Halloween, so please join us and our special guest servers from Direct Access Home Health for tea and cookies and some good old-fashioned trick or treating fun, but don’t forget “black hats” are mandatory dress code for this event on October 12^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. (RSVP by Oct 10^th to 239-542-3121.)

§  7^th Annual Colorful Fall Festival because what better way to “Show Your Colors” for a day than to let the little kid in you out and have fun with face painting, water games, bounce house and let’s not forget the hotdogs, cotton candy, and popcorn; our festival has grown a lot over the years so if you have missed the last year or two, be sure to make time to join us on October 15^th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

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

September 2016 Events in Cape Coral, FL: 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 Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral include our:

§  Aging To Perfection Three-Part Program which inspires our senior population to continue to live life to the fullest, as our residents have enjoyed this program for more than four years so we have now opened it up to others, since just because you reach a certain age, doesn't mean that issues that affect our younger population stop being relevant, things such as bullying, addiction and peer pressure still exist, so join us to learn more on September 13^th, 20^th, and 27^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. (RSVP by September 9th to 239-542-3121.)

§  9th Annual “Comeoniwannameetcha Luau” because we always have surprises in store as we mix it up each year to spice up what has become a traditional favorite with our residents and families, so come dressed in your best Hawaiian attire and join our residents and staff for a tropical afternoon of fun on September 16^th from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. (RSVPs not required, but appreciated by September 15^th to 239-542-3121.)

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

Music And Memories Make Memorable Moments

Juniper Village at Cape Coral is honored to be a part of the “Music & Memory” program. Our residents take great pleasure in this activity. Having them select the songs that are memorable, and at a very special time in their life, is incredible. The recollections of those particular times comes rolling back as if it were yesterday. I have been fortunate enough to video our residents when they first hear the music on their Ipods with their headphones. The reaction is indescribable, that it almost brings tears to your eyes. We have been fortunate enough to receive donations from our partners in caring from Ipods to headphones and itune cards. One of our family members recently watched some of the videos. She was so moved it brought her to tears. She asked what she could do to help with this program. Today Robin Rollinger came by and donated $200.00 in itune cards. This time I was the one crying. There are no words to describe the “THANK YOU” that we at Juniper can express. This generous gift will make many more of our residents also benefit from the “Music & Memory program.  It is special angels, like Robin, that allow success in this program to continue.

August 2016 Events in Cape Coral, FL: 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 Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral include our:

§  Beauty is in the “Eye” of the Beholder Presentation with Dr. Rodney Smith, local optometrist who specializes in geriatric eye disorders, as he educates us on eye disorders of our senior population including macular degeneration and discusses how certain diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure have a significant impact on eye health on August 16^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (Please RSVP by August 15^th to 239-542-3121.)

§  Veterans Aide and Attendance Presentation to learn about the new rules affecting individuals who will be applying for this Benefit Program this year with our special guest speaker, Ted Capuano, who will educate us on the new stricter financial and medical qualifications published by the Veterans Administration and other important things you need to know when applying for this benefit on August 23^rd from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (Please RSVP by August 22^nd to 239-542-3121.)

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

Volunteer's Story Left Us in Tears

Hi Everyone. My name is Linda and this is my story :

By now, you all know, that I was born with Muscular Dystrophy. This is a progressive neuro-muscular disease which causes severe weakness in the hands and legs, arms and feet. It also causes extreme loss of balance.

When I was little, I used to wonder why I couldn’t run, jump and play like all my friends. Through the years, as the disease has progressed, I have felt very sorry for myself and questioned God’s plan. Muscular Dystrophy has affected my life in so many ways. I was advised by my doctor not to have children as the chances were very high that this disease would be passed on to my children. Also, because of my weakness, it would be very hard for me to care for a child. Again, I questioned God and his purpose. As a matter of fact, my mother once told me that if she had known she had this disease she never would have had children. She had two and we both inherited the disease.

Finding MDA, which is the Muscular Dystrophy office in Ft. Myers, was a changing day in my life. That day I found my purpose, my passion and God’s plan. Not only has MDA provided me with material aids but they have provided me with great friendships and support. I have met so many family members, with muscular dystrophy, facing far more challenges than I. I have now come to realize God’s plan all along was to enable me to be one of the many mouthpieces to fundraise for the necessary research to finally cure this disease.

I firmly believe that in the not too distant future we will find a cure for the many types of this debilitating disease. I want to live in a world where no other parent has to bear the guilt of passing this crippling disease on to their child.

There are many other volunteers trying to find resources and together we are making a difference.

Having said all that, after a while, I felt the need to accomplish even more. It so happened that one of the ladies that worked in the MDA office had also worked at Juniper and knew Daisy. She said I should volunteer at Juniper Village as the residents and staff are so friendly and warm. I called Daisy and came in for an interview. Well, as you all know, once you meet Daisy you’re hooked. Her exuberance and enthusiasm is contagious. She also has compassion beyond measure. I immediately felt that this is where I belonged. I love every part of my volunteering from interviewing the new residents to computer work for Daisy as well as other duties. I love playing cards with George, exercising with Marjorie, playing bingo and poker and especially lunch.

When I walk thru those doors, I feel a calmness wash over me. The first person I usually see is Margaret, affectionately known as M&M, sitting by the front door. She always greets me with a big smile. Helen is embroidering and John is napping and the world is just as it should be.

I am very blessed to have a super supportive husband and as you can see he is not wasting away with me being here so often.

So, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your home and, I hope, into your hearts. I have met so many wonderful residents and staff and I will always treasure each and every one of your friendships. My husband’s motto is “happy wife, happy life” and, in part, because of Juniper Village I have a very happy and fulfilled life.

Thank you.

July 2016 Events in Cape Coral, FL: 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 Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral include our:

§  Music & Memories “Alive Inside” Screening if you missed our first viewing of this inspirational and emotional story “Alive Inside” we will once again be screening this very powerful movie in our second floor community room; this film dramatically portrays the power of music and memory and the astounding effects that music has on our senior population and light refreshments will be served on July 7^th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. (RSVP by July 6^th to 239-542-3121.)

§  9th Annual Boogie Woogie Happy Hour so swing on over and enjoy the sounds of musicians Bob and Joan as they entertain us with their rendition of R&B songs from the past; also, in keeping with this month’s Juniper Village theme, “Volunteerism”, we will be collecting donations of sun block, hand sanitizer and chap stick, which will be delivered to our troops overseas by the Red Cross on July 15^th from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

§  How Volunteering Changed My Life as we welcome our special guest speaker Linda, Juniper Village Connections Department volunteer, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy and recently gave a very remarkable and touching speech to the members at the Lee County MDA about the life changing effect volunteering at our community has brought to her; she is honored to give an encore of her speech at our community so that the people whose lives she touches each day can hear her powerful story on July 19^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

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