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!

   

Second Annual Food Drive

Juniper Village is feeding body and soul this November with our Second Annual Food Drive to benefit the Local Food Pantry. Hunger affects people of all ages and we want to help. You may drop off food from November 1 - 30 at Juniper Village. Local area businesses will also be designated drop off locations. Our goal is to collect 1000 pounds of food for the food pantry. Join us in our efforts to support our local Community. 100% of your donation will stay local.  To inquire about volunteering for the food drive, please call 724.347.4000.

Stop by Juniper Village to see our progress and warm up with a cup of complimentary gourmet coffee for your donation.

Annual Fall Ball

Announcing Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn's King and Queen....
Harry Bartholomew and Betty Bonnano!!!!

The Annual Fall ball was held on Saturday October 2, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00. Families and Friends all came to enjoy the nights festivities with the residents.  Peppermint Twist provided a wide rage of musical entertainment for all to get up and enjoy. From the twist to shake rattle and roll to the electric slide... there was something everyone could dance to.  This year's dresses were donated by The Winner and Prince of Peace.  A big thanks to all that attended!

Cream of the Crop Pie Contest!

Thursday, September 9th was none other than a “sweet” time for all at Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn. The residents brought their baking skills and their appetites as they took part in the “Cream of the Crop” Pie Contest. The sugar-coated activity occurred during the regular weekly Cooking Corner held each Thursday afternoon. To kick off the contest, Connections Director, Brittany Onufrak divided some of the residents into 4 groups and assigned each group a staff assistant. Each appointed team leader then chose a numbered index card which revealed a surprise cream pie recipe on the opposing side. Each resident group received one of the 4 cream pie recipes to create; banana cream, cocoa cream, cookies & cream and coconut cream. Careful measurements of ingredients and recipe notes were previously distributed to each group at their designated baking stations. With the ticking of each minute on the clock, each resident took turns within their groups, quickly and carefully adding each ingredient to their stainless steel mixing bowls. Four residents volunteered to be the judges for the cream pie event and were onsite making observations throughout the duration of the bake off.


After the ingredients were well mixed each staff assistant escorted the mixtures to the kitchen where they were put in saucepans on low-medium heat until complete. While the pie filling heated, the residents discussed which pies they thought would win the contest. Some residents were partial to their favorite kind of pies, such as Norma McGill who expressed her “sweet” feelings for the cookies & cream pie which her group ironically made. However, Elsie Geralsky, whose group made coconut cream pie, preferred banana cream pie. Elsie and Norma were in luck because both of their daughters joined in on the mixing madness!

As the saucepans simultaneously came to a boil, the fillings were ready to be set in their pie crusts. A resident volunteer from each group carefully spooned their respective fillings into the ready-made pie crusts. Each pie was taken to the cooler to chill, while the residents participated in their afternoon exercise routine, Stretch & Firm. After burning some healthy calories and building up an appetite, the pies were ready complete! Voila! The 4 judges were allotted pieces of each kind of pie to taste while washing eat bite down with a glass of water in between. Each pie was then cut and served to the residents alongside a refreshing cup of sugar-free lemonade.

The competition was as stiff as meringue peaks, but the winning pie — based on crust, filling, appearance and overall flavor — was the COCOA CREAM- by Carol G, Patty O, Hazel M, Helene M, Lawanda H. The winning group was awarded $200 a piece in “funny money” in which they may cash in at the monthly resident auction. Congratulations to them ALL for their hard work, patience and baking skills. And a special thanks to their staff assistant, Jennifer B!! In the end everyone was a winner as they indulged in the delectable cream pie delights!

This event definitely took the cake…or should we say pie?!?!

Recycled Fashion Show!

Recycled Fashion Show at Juniper Shenango -  




August is a special month dedicated to our environment, with that in mind the residents of Juniper Shenango got together and decided to hold a environmental friendly fashion show! Residents and staff members got together for the planning of the event. Recycled items were donated and creative minds went wild in design! From hats, to scarfs to fashion statement jewelry...the crowd cheered on as the models took the runway. The residents and staff strutted their stuff as they walked up and down the runway. As a thank you, one of our residents, Carol. G made hand made gold recycled rings to pass out to all models that participated! As seen in the photo, model and resident Connie shows off a beautifully inspired one of a kind bracelet. Med Tech Roy models a unique pair of earrings, as he and the rest of Juniper invite you to, "Stop," on in and enjoy one of our upcoming events!

Thursday, July 22, The Red Hat Society at Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn took part in throwing a big bash in honor of the New Residents.

The community room lit up with beautiful red and purple hues, reflecting the Red Hats glory. Each table was filled with goodies, featuring sugar-free favors, dressed in hand-made red hats to carry the theme of the evening. Personal crafted Red Hats were distributed among our ladies and worn with great pride throughout the party. With a brief introduction by Connections Director, Brittany Onufrak, the New Residents of the month were welcomed and presented with a special hand-made pin with their name written boldly for all to see.
Sounds of laughter and chatter from 45 of our residents filled the community room, but not for too long because the evening event also provided entertainment by professional musicians, John Onufrak and Robert Flamino, playing jazz on the piano with light percussion melodies. Songs such as, "It had to be you," "I could write a book," and Don’t get around much anymore" coaxed some residents to sing a long brightly. Connections Director and former vocalist, Brittany Onufrak joined in the singing fun with the residents by singing a classic theater song, "Don't Cry for me Argentina," from the well known musical, Evita.

The fun did not stop there, the residents were surprised by an Ice cream Sundae Bar full of fancy fixings pleasing to the tummy! This surely added the cherry on top of a picture perfect evening!

Freedom rings proudly!

Freedom rings proudly here at Juniper Shenango! The freedom of our great country was celebrated in the month of July with a tribute to our American Flag. Our Connections Director, Brittany Onufrak, had a special project this year for our residents to participate in. Juniper Shenango made its very own homemade American Flag! The residents were asked to place their own hand in paint, and then place their print on the white board, which then made and stood for the red stripes in our American Flag. The Residents Flag is proudly displayed in our Community Room, where our residents, families and guest can enjoy looking at! (Pictured are two of Juniper's residents, Carol and Patty, who are also Resident Ambassadors, they proudly show off our Tribute to America)

Father's Day at Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn

Father's Day Win's Big at Juniper Village - Shenango!Father's day proved to be a lucky day for all of the residents at Juniper Village.  The Father's Day Car Cruise and Casino event took place on June 20th this year.  With the reving of several antique engines that graced  our roundabout driveway the residents remember car from their past.  Delighting in many wins for the day is Ross and George who took many lucky spins on the roulette wheel.  Staff member Zak helps Ross show off his winning bucks!

Memory Walk 2010 at Buhl Park

We here at Juniper Village are actively looking for community support for this years Alzheimer's Associations Mercer County Memory Walk. This year the walk will be at Buhl Park on September 18th. If you would like to be a part of this walk, whether you would like to make a donation or sign a team up, please contact Co-Chair, Christa Province at 724-347-4000 ext 145.

Flag Day Celebration

John Rendick A Veteran and Resident of Juniper Village Shenango, hangs proudly a new American Flag, as well as, our new POA flag. Mr. Rendick is one of many Veteran's that live at Juniper Village and is extremely proud and dedicated to making each day a day of praise and glory to our wonderful Country.

Alzheimer's Associations Memory Walk Kickoff Luncheon

Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn hosted this years Alzheimer's Associations Memory Walk Corporate Kick off Luncheon. Guest Speaker was Robin Hecker from the Alzheimer's Association. A performance by the Valley Girl Line Dancers and a Chinese Auction were also a part of the luncheon's festivities. Pictured are some Juniper Village residents, Valley Line dancers, Commissioner Kenneth Ammann, Robin Hecker - Alzheimer's Association, Christa Province - Juniper Village and Co-Chair of the Mercer County Memory Walk and Sandy Ashman - Heartland Hospice and Co-Chair of the Mercer County Memory Walk. If you are interested in forming a team or would like to make a donation for this years Memory Walk on September 18th at Buhl Park, please call Juniper Village at 724-347-4000 ext. 145

Love was in the Air…

On February 12th, 2010 Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn hosted its first annual Valentine Balloon Bouquet Sale. This special event was open to the community, where many placed their orders for the sweethearts in their lives. Bouquets ranged in prices from $6.00 to $15.00, all Balloon orders came with a chocolate filled goodie bag, some with Valentine mugs and cute white teddy bears.
The event raised monies for the Alzheimer’s Associations Memory Walk, which will be held this September 18th at Buhl Park. If you are interested in walking and raising donations with Team Juniper Village for the Memory Walk, please contact Christa Province Community Relations Director of Juniper Village and also Co-Chair of the Shenango Valley Alzheimer’s Memory Walk 2010. 724-347-4000 ext. 145

The first annual craft show held on February 27th was in our grand ballroom, it was enjoyed by all. 16 local crafters displayed their high quality talents. There was something there for everyone, from hand woven brooms, beautiful wooden figurines, festive wreaths and decorations, jewelry, sports apparel, kid’s baskets and so much more. The event was free not only to the community, but to our vendors as well. Instead of charging a fee to our vendors, we asked for a craft donation by each that will be used for an upcoming charity luncheon. The luncheon, which will be a focus on the Alzheimer’s Associations Memory Walk, will be held May 26th at 12:00. Kristen Bires from the Alzheimer’s Association will be the guest speaker and a complimentary lunch will be served. At this event we will have a Chinese Auction and auction off the items donated by our vendors from the craft show, the monies raised will go directly to our local Memory Walk. For more information on our upcoming luncheon or to reserve your seat, please contact Christa Province at 724-347-4000 ext 145.

Mother's Day Victorian Tea at the historic Shenango Inn

A Victorian themed tea was held this past Mother's day for all of our residents and their families to enjoy. The tea began at 1:00 and was held in our community room and bistro. A variety of teas were served, as well as, blueberry and banana muffins and biscotti. Pink table clothes and fresh tulips lined the tables. The tea was served in beautifully decorated china tea cups. Kathy Koosh and Christa Province dressed in Victorian styled costumes that were provided by Jan's Costumes in South Pymatuning. Ilene Merrick played a melody of songs from the era. Everyone had a wonderful time.