Mother's Day Tea - A Mother's Journey

Love and life come together to form the bond of Motherhood which is celebrated in the rich history of our community at The Shenango Inn. Mother’s

and families sharing together, stories and laughter (and some tears of joy as well). Classic tea settings promoting the beauty of Spring with a room awash

in pink and purple provided the perfect ambiance for a heartfelt moment between Mother’s and their daughters, sons, grandchildren and friends. Blessed with a sunny day, which was rare considering the amount of rain we had been experiencing, allowed for a beautiful commencement to the afternoon.
Pictured - Resident Maryann with grandsons Bryan and Chris.

We honor Oma's Birthday in April ~

On April 6th the staff at Juniper Shenango honored and remembered our founder Lynne Katzmann's grandmother, Oma! Oma was the inspiration for creating Juniper Communities, a company based on a vision of aging that sees us alive in every season of life. Oma ran her own business in the late 1920's, rode a motorcycle in her mid-70's and was always ready to share laughter, wisdom and sheer love of life.

We invite you to come and experience Juniper Shenango, a place where our people nurture the spirit of life, where our programs encourage active bodies, engaged minds and fulfilled spirits.

 

Valentine's Day Balloon Bouquet Fundraiser

Love filled the air at Juniper Village at Shenango Inn...as it often does.  But this particular day was special not only because it was Valentine's Day, but it was our second annual Balloon Bouquet Blow Up fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. Balloon Bouquets ranged in prices from $6.00 to $15.00.  All bouquets came with both foil and latex balloons plus chocolate filled goodie bags.  Some came with adorable stuffed animals and Juniper Village logo mugs. This year we raised $360 that will go directly to the research and continuing education to end this devastating disease.  A big thank you to all that came and showed your support!

Friends and Family dinners at the Shenango Inn

When people connect with us and take the step to move into our Juniper Village community, they become a part of our Juniper Family. Friends and Family dinners are very special to us here and our monthly themed Alive in All Seasons dinners provide an opportunity for residents to enjoy special moments in their own home, just as Mike and Pauline Onyszczak have been enjoying Juniper's AIAS Dinners for four years!  Entertainment is always part of the evening as well as beautiful decorations.  This is a perfect and wonderful way for our friends and family members of our residents to have a home cooked meal and enjoy a nice evening out with their loved one.  If you are interested in learning about attending one of our themed friends and family dinners please call us at 724-347-4000 for a schedule of upcoming events. In fact, call today! Our next family dinner is this Thursday, February 10th, at 5:00pm.  Please join us for our Mardi Gras dinner celebration! We will be serving up a delicious New Orleans Cuisine that will make your mouth water! Plus entertainment that will make you want to get up and get moving! Seating will begin at 4:30! Call in today to reserve your seat and don't forget to wear your Mardi Gras colors of Purple, Green and Gold!

A Star is Born...

It was a typical Monday in January at the Shenango Inn, filled with daily exercise, colorful culture, brain builders, spiritual words and of course a dose of musical entertainment, featuring acoustic guitarist and vocalist, Dave Poling. But this day soon proved to be no “ordinary” day when a beautiful, melodious gem was uncovered by all who watched. Flossy Uhrey, known as a sweet, yet soft spoken resident of the Shenango Inn became a STAR on this day as she sang her little heart out while being accompanied by an acoustic guitar. This “melodious gem” as we call her (Flossy), participates in most of the activities scheduled at the Shenango Inn, but often times never makes a peep. Connections Director, Brittany Onufrak stated, “It was such a beautiful surprise to hear such talent radiating out of this tiny woman!”

The singing sensation truly was discovered at the Shenango Inn’s first Christmas choir rehearsal in early December. As Connections Director, Brittany Onufrak began the rehearsal she was surprised and delighted to hear such intricate harmonies coming from Flossy’s mouth as the residents progressed through each song of the rehearsal. Bob Heim, a musician and husband to resident, Lawanda Heim, had noticed the terrific talent as Brittany Onufrak was conducting a duet rehearsal between residents, Bill Conner and Eleanore Haller. Once the melodious sounds were heard, we knew we needed to amplify this little voice for all to hear!

During our regular entertainment session, provided by Dave Poling, Flossy was brought into the middle of the activities room to sing in front of the microphone so everyone could enjoy her beautiful voice. She sang songs such as: A Closer Walk with Thee, You are my Sunshine and Amazing Grace. With each song her voice got bigger and brighter and more beautiful than ever and soon enough all of the staff and residents of the Shenango Inn gathered around to see who was producing such glorious music. Tears of joy and happiness were shared by many on this day, while chills of amazement struck many as well.

When asked how she felt singing in front of such a grand audience, Flossy giggled with excitement and said, “It feels good, honey!” It was a special day to see such a STAR come alive at the Shenango Inn!

Kidding Around at the Shenango Inn

Some say that grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation, filling the hearts of many with joy and tickling memories of childhood for all. As the tiny tots of the Buhl Club Adopt-A-Grandparent program joined our residents at the Shenango Inn on December 1st, smiles grew big and plentiful across the activity room. Each group of children scattered among the several large round tables of residents and began to introduce themselves with a cheerful greeting song. The residents began to giggle and light up with joy as each preschooler extended their hand for a friendly shake. At the end of their welcome song, the preschool director divided the kids up and assigned them to a table full of eager residents.

The preschoolers were so excited to show the residents their art project that they would be preparing this day. Each resident was thoroughly engaged with what the children were doing the entire duration of the program. Skipping and hopping from table to table the children partnered up with a resident to help put together their festive holiday turkeys!

Warm smiles were worn by all of the residents, but no one wore it better than little Hazel Morgan, whose entire face lit up with sheer joy as she diligently watched each child pass by. What a sight to see this day was! It definitely was a great opportunity for the residents to get in touch with the younger generations and for the children to brighten up their days.

When the turkeys were finished, the preschool director gave one turkey to each child to hang around the room for all to see. After that the residents and the children indulged in a sweet snack together, munching on cinnamon graham crackers and a cold cup of milk.

The Buhl Club Adopt-A-Grandparent Program is a very special part of the programming at Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn. The children and volunteers visit our residents once a month and their visit is much anticipated by the residents. This intergenerational activity serves to be not only invigorating and nostalgic for the residents, but also a grand old fun time for all who participates!

Doggie Days at the Shenango Inn

On most occasions, baking with the residents at the Shenango Inn is very “sweet” to say the least, but on Thursday, the residents gave up their baking goods for their friends, well, man’s best friend to be correct; the local Canine Academy dogs, and what a “sweet” deed it was!
As a part of the weekly “Cooking Corner,” Connections Director, Brittany Onufrak through in a delightful recipe, almost good enough to eat- for dogs that is! Fifteen of the Shenango residents gathered around the main two center tables where all of the edible action was taking place. From the fifteen, 5 residents volunteered to measure, mix and knead the soon-to-be dog biscuits. Residents, Elsie Geralsky and Eleanore Haller were surprised to see what the doggie treat recipe actually was made up of; peanut butter, old fashioned oatmeal, honey, wheat germ, some cooking oil and flour. With several quick wafts, tummies began to rumble and mouths began to water. New resident Emma Miller asked, “Are you sure these treats are for the dogs?” I guess our senses are pretty strong and hungry!
Each participating resident kneaded the doggie dough with their glove-covered hands, and then rolled a teaspoon dollop of batter onto the already greased cookie sheet. Dog bone cookie cutters were used by some of the residents for a fun touch! While the cookies baked in the oven for 20 minutes, some of the residents prepared the plastic bags and colorful twist ties for the cookies to be packaged. Carol Gugliotta was very kind to crochet a bright yellow basket for the neatly packaged doggie treats. Sylvester Sitar and Michael Thomas were good sports or maybe a little hungry too, when they posed so perfectly with the canine confections!
The local Canine Academy regularly visits the residents at the Shenango Inn the third Tuesday of every month. The residents can’t wait to surprise the loyal canines with some homemade treats for this months visit!