Grow Strong Daily: May Events

Welcome to May where we will be dancing around the May Pole on May Day; donning opulent hats for the Kentucky Derby and sombreros for Cinco de Mayo; honoring our mothers on Mother’s Day and our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. What a fantastic month of celebration! In addition to observing these holidays, Juniper Village will be focusing on this month’s Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily” with an emphasis on fitness.

Studies show exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes and can also help people with high blood pressure, balance problems or difficulty walking. Stress management, improved mood and cognitive function are other benefits of regular exercise. This is why Juniper Village makes exercise a part of every day! We are completely dedicated to whole person wellness and “nurturing the spirit of life” for each individual we touch by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit.

Join us here at Juniper Village at Mount Joy for our Mother’s Day “Par-Tea” on May 9^th at 5:00 pm (RSVP to 717-492-9692 by May 5^th); or our Summer Music Series Kickoff on May 30^th at 7:00 pm. See our newsletter calendar for a complete listing of events and come visit us during any that suit your fancy!

Philly Phanatics

The word on everyone's tongue this weekend was baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies, easily the most popular team among residents due to the city's proximity, aren't playing so hot, but our enthusiasm for the sport definitely hasn't grown cold.

Perhaps the biggest Philadelphia fan, June Smith's apartment is full of memorabilia and Phillies fashion. Her newest edition, the green Philly Phanatic hat, was an instant hit. When asked about her devotion to the team (she never misses a game), June says her father was responsible for her entire family falling for the Phil's.

Izora Bowermaster fondly remembers her stepfather taking them not to see the Phillies, but the Athletics, who were located in Philadelphia from 1901 to 1954. Izora fondly remembers seeing Lefty Grove, one of the major league's greatest left-handed pitchers to this day, who struck out the side in nine pitches twice in 1928.

Bill Holmes, our resident from California, offers a different taste of baseball history. His brother Claude was transferred to serve in a military post office in Japan, and there he told Bill he spent most of his time playing baseball, or "rakuten." Before that, Bill grew up playing baseball with his brother as a third baseman and relief pitcher while Claude played catcher. Bill continued playing baseball or softball in industrial or city leagues throughout his life, only moving on to play slow-pitch in his sixties. Bill fondly remembers his wife, Jimmie, standing and shouting "Come on, honey!" and the crowd joining in to shout "Come on, honey!" whenever he came up to the plate. When it comes to the major leagues, Bill is a Cardinals fan through and through, with his hero being Stan "The Man" Musial.

At the end of the day, baseball is a topic we can all pitch-in on here at Juniper Village at Mount Joy.

Rebel Heart Irish Dancers

Despite wintry weather keeping them away in March for St. Patrick's, the Rebel Heart Irish Dancers lit up the Living Room with their interpretation of classic Irish dance. The dancers performed jigs and reels, all while teaching us the history of the dances, explaining the various steps, and even the meanings behind the different costumes.

Flowers were in bloom outside and inside Juniper Village at Mount Joy as our residents took part in flower arranging. Fresh cut flowers looked and smelled beautiful, and they were a welcome addition to our Living Room.

Easter Eggstravaganza

It was an Easter Eggstravaganza this weekend at Juniper Village of Mount Joy. Saturday was absolutely beautiful outside as we invited children to search for Easter eggs that residents helped fill and have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny! We even had a petting zoo that was a hit with children and residents alike. While for many, just seeing the children's faces light up was more than enough to brighten their day, it was also great fun to see and pet little piglets, chicks, and bunnies. So many residents had something to say about a duck that chased the pigs-- and what they would have done about it. Treats and refreshments were served after the children hunted eggs, and it was a wonderful time for all.

In preparation for Palm Sunday, we read the story behind the holy day, and residents received palms and communion Sunday from either the Catholic or nondenominational services in celebration. Later in the afternoon, residents gathered on the front porch to talk about Spring and the gardens they've had over the years.

Believe in Yourself: April Events

April, the month where we play innocent pranks on April Fool’s Day; celebrate Springtime and Easter with egg hunts, brunches, and church; pay homage to mother earth on Earth Day; and welcome the return of America’s favorite pastime – Baseball. This month we embark on a new quarter in our Alive in All Seasons calendar where we celebrate Healthy Aging and will “Let Wellbeing Thrive”. Throughout April our focus is on the brain and honoring the theme “Believe in Yourself”. Did you know that activities that are good for your heart are also good for your brain? The American Heart Association tells us that protecting memory and brain health is a matter of keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. Regular cardio exercise and a healthy diet not only keep your heart happy, but your brain too.

This month’s offerings include activities and events that will keep our bodies and brains healthy and renew our faith in ourselves. Educational opportunities will cover brain health topics such as brain booster activities and ways to keep fit. We will rejoice in our individuality and celebrate ourselves through life affirming reminiscent and creative activities while reminding each other to “Believe in Yourself”.

Please join us here at Juniper Village at Mount Joy for our Easter Egg-stravaganza on April 12^th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm; our Learning Lecture with Rehabcare on April 16^th at 1:30 pm; our “Spring Into Prosperity” Wellness Fair on April 22^nd from noon to 3:00 pm; and our Brain Food Luncheon on April 25^th at 11:30 am. See our newsletter calendar for a complete listing of events and come visit us during any that suit your fancy!