Luau

What does Hawaiian music, a Vibraphone, Hawaiian dancer, colorful attire and fun all have in common? A summer celebration in the courtyard at Juniper Village at Aurora. Rick was playing the Vibraphone playing Tiny Bubbles in the Water and various Hawaiian music while Nadine entertained us with her beautiful Hawaiian dancing. She even gave our residents a dance lesson teaching them how to tell a story through moving their hips and waving their hands in the air. A wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by all. Aloha!

Howard & Yvonne

Our residents at Juniper Village at Aurora really enjoy giving back to those less fortunate. Yvonne and Howard were instrumental in putting together buckets of joy for babies in need.  Through word of mouth we found local families needing just that something special to bring smiles to their young ones.  Whose bucket was filled more, our residents or the families?  I know our spirits were filled to the brim by enriching the lives of others.  Way to go Yvonne & Howard!

Kona and Lori from Bessie's Hope

Kona went to pet heaven July 9, but he wants Lori to continue with the elder visits that he enjoyed so much.  He will definitely be there in spirit. Below is a testimony from Lori Powers for a feature we wanted to do.  He died just a couple of days after this was written.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Lori, and our gratitude goes out to both Lori and Kona, for all the difference they have made in the lives of elders. Below is a note we received from Lori just before Kona's passing:

Kona and I are SO privileged to be a part of the Juniper Village family. And yes, we do feel like part of the family. We’ve seen growth in one particular resident who lives in Garden House. She had a rocky start when first moving into this wonderful community. In the beginning we were unable to encourage her to interact with Kona and me. We persevered visit after visit. Talk about baby steps, she began petting Kona minutes at a time. Then she began talking with me a bit. Every interaction was a victory. We’ve seen her blossom, comfortably accepting and becoming a part of Juniper Village.

So many residents have blessed us. Kona knows when someone starts their day on the wrong side of the bed. He just knows this stuff. After introducing Kona to the person, I ask if they would like to pet him. They may only give him one or two pats on the head then stop. However, Kona continues to stay with that resident, lying beside their chair for several minutes. They will look down at him occasionally, smiling. We can get residents to speak to him when they seem unable to do so. We can get residents allow me to move their contracted hands to pet Kona. Their smiles bless us. With no urging some residents will talk with us about their childhood, clearly remembering every detail of that time long ago. The biggest victory is when Kona brings a resident back to the here and now. If only for a few minutes. When our visit ends so does the victory. Or does it? We still get a smile from that person. Sometimes it’s the small things which make all of us happy. Now that’s victory!

Thank you for the privilege and blessing of being a part of Juniper Village.

July 2017 Events in Aurora, CO: Stand In Integrity

Each summer Juniper Village begins our quarterly Alive in All Seasons focus on Staying Connected. We promote staying connected to the community, the environment and each other. In July we shed light on staying connected to our community through volunteerism. Do you know that, as a company, we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious volunteer time each year? We have many volunteers, both human and animal, who contribute to our mission of nurturing the spirit of life. Elizabeth Andrew said it best, “volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This month we honor all of the wonderful volunteers who make time to share a bit of their heart with us. We appreciate those who lead groups in our communities; those who share their unique skills and talents with our residents; those who provide friendly visits to our residents and give a reassuring hug or comforting puppy kiss; and the many, many other special people who enhance our lives.

This month as we focus on volunteerism we invite you to find a way that you can make a difference. Whether helping us at Juniper Village or another organization, volunteering has countless emotional and physical health benefits. Volunteering gives a boost not only to those receiving, but to those giving of their time as well.

Review our full calendar and make time to join us for any and all events.

This month we highlight our Ambassador Program and other volunteer opportunities for residents. In addition to volunteer opportunities, we invite you to join us during July for our summer celebrations and share our thanks as we honor those who Stand In Integrity with us.

Our fabulous July 2017 events in Aurora, CO at Juniper Village at Aurora include our:

§  Volunteering and Serving Seniors (Caring for the Caregiver) to reach out and stay connected to those in the community who are in need of a helping hand, please join our Juniper Village Task Force, as we prepare to visit the community at large and graciously serve our ever so loved senior population who are in dire need of an extra helping hand, full of support, care, and love, so if you know someone in need, call us today at 303-341-6335 to share your story and help will be on its way the entire month of July.

§  Memories in the Making: Auction and Artwork to come join Juniper Village and unleash your “Inner-Picasso” with a silent auction honoring our residents and their Memories in the Making, programming with all donations to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, as appetizers and refreshments will be served on July 20^th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

§  Meals on 4 Wheels as our team will assemble our Task Force and be ready to drop off meals to those seniors most in need, so please share who we can help by calling us today at 303-341-6335, because we are ready to put our capes on and fly Juniper style on July 26^th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our July 2017 events in Aurora, CO at Juniper Village at Aurora with you as you Stand In Integrity.