Happy Anniversary Juniper Aurora!

Aurora turns 12 this year, and what better way to celebrate, than to spend it with Friends and Family!! On August 16, we had a luau with a

pig roast, Hawaiian ukulele music, and Tons of fun! Juniper Communities not only reaches out to our current resident families, but also welcomes old friends as well. We were more than happy to see some old faces, along with many new ones! Our families had a blast as they enjoyed the delicious pig roast, and Hawaiian side dishes, along with wonderful music to dance to. While the Hula was demonstrated by our Connections director, Nancy, others also took part in the dance
festivities. Although the weather wasn't quite up to par, a Great time was had by all, and we look forward to another Great Year!

The Juniper Family

Juniper Village at Aurora was recently re certified with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America because of our excellence and commitment to dementia care. The staff at Juniper Village are a very selective group as they have the biggest caring hearts and the most compassion for our residents. Their everyday commitment to our residents does and will not go unrecognized, therefore they should Stand in Integrity. As our mission is to nurture the spirit of life in each individual we touch, promote healthy aging and become alive in all seasons, we remember our mission with each task we perform on a daily basis. So to each of our staff here at Juniper Village at Aurora, we recognize everyone as a hero.

Benefiting the Spirit

The Fourth of July came in with a sunny blaze at Juniper Village at Aurora as we celebrated our Independence with a BBQ in our courtyard. Of course, we didn't let the heat bother us as we had a joyous time listening to the amazing humming sound of the bagpipes and enjoyed a classic American cheeseburger. During this day, we like to acknowledge the men and women who are in, and have served in, the military to give us a free country and let them know that they should Stand in Integrity. In the month of July, our focus is on volunteerism, and with many activities centered around volunteering, we invite you to recognize our volunteers of Juniper Village at Aurora to a luncheon on July 14th at noon. Volunteering is a great way to benefit the mind, body and spirit of both the volunteer and the individual, so join Juniper's focus and lend a helping hand to those in need.

Traveling to the Fabulous Fifties

On Saturday, June 11, 2011, Juniper Village at Aurora traveled back in time to the fifties. Our annual Father's Day Car Hop was a blast as

we dressed the part, listened to a live band play fifties music, and had restored vehicles displayed at our front entrance. The air was warm and the skies were bright and shiny as we enjoyed cheese burgers and chili dogs; fountain drinks were also available, from old fashion soda bottles to malts and root beer floats. Dancing was an option as many of our residents, families and staff joined in to show off their moves and grove to the fifty's sound. Between the music, great food, great company and great times, these are ways that we can live in wellness and keep a positive mind.

Healthy Aging

The sun was shining and food was sizzling on the grill as Juniper Village at Aurora celebrated Memorial Day on May 30, 2011, with a BBQ
lunch. Families and friends gathered with their loved ones in our courtyard to soak up the sun and enjoy hot dogs, cheeseburgers, cole slaw, baked beans and watermelon. The Memorial Day BBQ was a kick-off to our BBQ's on every Thursday at noon in June and July; the BBQ's are a great way to help get the residents and families to enjoy our beautiful sunny summer days in our courtyard and take in the amazing smell of a grill. Also, within the month of June our mission is to advise about healthy foods that can be beneficial to healthy aging. So, bring your pen and notepad and join us, as we have a registered dietitian discuss about healthy foods during our BBQ on June 16th.

Mother's Day Tea

Juniper Village at Aurora celebrated and recognized the mothers in our lives as we had a Mother's Day Tea on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Residents gathered with their loved ones and sipped on tea and coffee while listening to the harpist play peaceful soothing music.  Stimulation of the senses is a great way to help relax the mind, body and spirit, and the harmonious sounds of a harp and the elegant smell of steeping tea are ways that help create a sense of serenity.  A relaxed mind, body, and spirit helps promote us to feel better and gives us a quality of life.  We look forward to the month of June as we celebrate Father's Day with our annual Car Hop; so join us at Juniper Village at Aurora for Father's Day and our continuing barbecues in the months of June and July.

A Healthier You

As young children we remember our parents telling us to make sure we eat our vegetables and finish our meals so that we may grow up to be strong adults. Little did we know that as we reached our adulthood our metabolism would eventually slow down and eating as much or as unhealthy as we did as a kid it would catch up with us. So as a mission at Juniper Village at Aurora, we promote to stay active and keep a healthy diet as a part of nurturing the spirit of life. During the month of May our focus is on exercise and with activities of gardening and demonstrations of belly dancing, these are ways that can promote us to get up, get fit and have fun while doing it. Also, let's not forget to broaden our horizon and celebrate other culture's traditions to help expand our knowledge as Juniper Village at Aurora did so for Cinco de Mayo. Keeping a healthy diet, exercising, and challenging the brain to gain more knowledge are all ways that can help us grow stronger daily.