The Holiday Spirit Is Alive At Juniper Village Of Cape Coral

Getting into the “Spirit of the Holiday Season” wasn’t difficult with the help of Cape Coral Elementary Choir. Our residents were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our performers. Lorena, a retired school teacher that taught at Cape Elementary, was thrilled to hear they were performing at Juniper Village. She was given a front row seat as the honorable guest. Perhaps the fact that Lorena is the amazing age of 107 ½ might have contributed to the special guest treatment as well. Everyone was hypnotized with the beautiful voices singing gracefully throughout the room. Proud parents stood in the background as they watched this outstanding performance. We were asked to join along in singing some of the holiday songs. So we did proudly, but, sounded a little less harmonious with our unrehearsed voices. As the program came to a close, we graciously thanked the Choir Director, Rob Koch, and all of the families for allowing our residents to be recipients of such an amazing afternoon. We look forward to many more visits in the future.

December 2016 Events in Cape Coral, FL: Celebrate Little Things

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 Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral include our:

§  Holiday Tribute with Turner Talent as families and friends join us for what has become a holiday tradition at Juniper Village, as the fabulous Turner Talent Dancers once again entertain us with their many Christmas themed tributes that will be sure to have us longing for Christmases past, so come early, stay late and be sure to meet the entertainers following the show on December 9^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (RSVP by December 7^th to 239-542-3121.)

§  Annual Christmas in the Courtyard because it’s remembering the little things that count, and in keeping with Juniper tradition, there is no better way to reflect on the past year than with friends and colleagues such as you, so please join us for a networking event and an opportunity to wish our community Partners in Caring a Merry Christmas, and remember to bring your business cards on December 13^th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral with you as you Celebrate Little Things.

November 2016 Events in Cape Coral, FL: Cherish the Journey

Each November we turn our attention to Family with our Alive In All Seasons Theme: Cherish the Journey. We have always enjoyed helping our residents chronical their individual life journeys through journaling. In addition to keeping track of the daily happenings in our lives, journaling has surprising health benefits as well. University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. He also believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of stress on your health. Other research indicates that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientific evidence also shows that writing your thoughts down can help clarify your thoughts and feelings, help you to know yourself better, reduce stress, and problem solve more effectively. An additional benefit of journaling is that you are leaving a legacy for future generations. Review your journal together! Reminiscing about the events in one’s life is a way to affirm who they are, what they’ve accomplished in life and relive happy times. So, pick up a pen and Cherish the Journey, the benefits are endless!

Join our journey through November as we honor and celebrate family and the journey of life with our autobiographical journaling. Help us support our greater community with our annual Food Drive and our on-site support groups. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our fabulous November 2016 events in Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral include our:

§  Food Drive as we will be collecting non-perishable food items the entire month of November in support of the Harry Chapin Food Bank; donations can be dropped off in our front lobby, so join us throughout the month.

§  Virtual Dementia Tour as friends, families and professionals are invited join us for an open house event to help build a greater understanding of dementia by experiencing for yourself the physical and mental challenges those with dementia face and use the experience to provide better person-centered care, as in keeping with this month’s theme of families and cherishing the journey, we feel this is an ideal time to learn more about the physical and emotional effects Alzheimer’s and dementia take on our loved ones; this is sure to be an educating event for all, so join us on November 15^th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (RSVP by November 14^th to 239-542-3121.)

§  “Cherish the Journey” Dessert Bar as families and friends remember those cookies and candies that bring back cherished memories, such as Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies or Uncle Roy’s Buckeyes when you join as we reminisce and satisfy your sweet tooth at our delectable dessert bar on November 22^nd from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. (RSVPs appreciated but not necessary.)

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in Cape Coral, FL at Juniper Village at Cape Coral with you as you Cherish the Journey.

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.