We are committed

At Juniper we are committed to nurturing the spirit of life in each individual we serve so that they may live fully throughout all seasons of life. To us this means understanding an individual, not only their needs but their desires and responding with programs and services which provide for the highest quality of life possible. Our Alive in All Seasons program of activities is designed to foster healthy bodies, enriched minds and fulfilled spirits. These pictures and stories are living proof that we at Juniper are dedicated to walking our talk!

Friday, March 28, 2014

H'Art and Soul of Dining - New Menus with Delicious Recipes!




We are proud to announce that on April 5th our revitalized spring/summer menus will begin for our H’Art and Soul of Dining Signature Program at all of our communities.  This new signature program will help us improve quality of life and whole person wellness for the individuals that call Juniper Village home.  We are very excited this season since the offerings will feature a delicious 5-week entrée select option featuring fabulous new choices using some of the fresh products available through our food vendors. Also, on our updated menus, we have added many lighter alternatives as well as recipes specific to each community that take into account special diets, regional tastes, food committee requests and our resident’s special needs and personal requests.  These changes to our meal plans significantly increase the variety of selections provided for our residents while focusing upon scratch made offerings and heart-healthy meals.  Furthermore, in celebration of our AIAS spring quarter “Healthy Aging,” our Grill Menus will be re-vamped to highlight healthier offerings throughout the season. In addition we will be implementing an innovative hydration assurance program served from our “Oasis Carts,” featuring a variety of flavored waters using citrus or mint or cucumbers, fresh brewed iced tea, lemonade, punch, smoothies and juices as well as nutritious snacks.

Below are some of the recipes featured on our new menu:

Carrot-Currant Muffins
2 cups all-purpose flour (to measure, spoon into a cup and level)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup carrot juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup dried currants
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl whisk together butter, egg, milk, carrot juice and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold just until moistened. Fold carrots and dried currants into the mix. Scoop batter into the muffin pan and bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pan (cool on a wire rack if you have one).

Yellow Squash Soup
Cooking Spray
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup diced yellow squash
3 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (15 ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can diced no-salt-added tomatoes

Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add zucchini and yellow squash; sauté 3 minutes. Add all other ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Memories in the Making!




Church bells could be heard faintly ringing as we looked back upon our wedding days and the memories we shared with loved ones.  Just like our residents, no two weddings are alike and we shared a variety of stories and photographs. The highlight for the ladies was comparing dresses—and grooms, and in the end, it was agreed that everyone looked beautiful and had made quite a good catch.
While March was busy blowing in like a lion outdoors, we kept cozy and comfortable as we settled into the Brookside lounge for some Coffee and Crooners. Residents enjoyed a film highlighting performances and clips of variety shows from Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Nat King Cole. The coffee was hot, as were the jokes and dance numbers. Perry Como was very funny, and Old Blue Eyes was just as captivating as ever.
We had a touch of the luck of the Irish with warmer weather and peeks of green popping up. In our Garden Spot lounge, residents watched a film that took them on an Imagination Vacation of historic Ireland, showcasing the country that brought us leprechauns and pots of gold at the end of rainbows.

Shakespeare said, “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.” Residents decorated masks in the style of Comedy or Tragedy. Because we’re a lighthearted bunch here, most ended up leaning towards Comedy, although one did go for a romantic Tragedy, with our heroine wearing a smile despite her tears.