It's Okay to Speak Up!

Juniper Village at Aurora teamed up with Juniper Village at The Spearly Center to attend It's Okay to Speak Up - A World Elder Abuse Awareness Event on Friday, June 15 at the Denver City Park. Many seniors and advocates for seniors attended the event and listened to the exciting speakers and wonderful entertainers. Senator Evie Hudak
and State Representative Sue Schafer both spoke about upcoming initiatives to increase awareness and reporting of elder abuse. Elbra Wedgeworth of Denver Health; Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, Penny May of Denver Human Services and Senior Source at 9 News John Allen presented as well. The Raging Grannies gave a very entertaining performance giving a new twist to old songs. They were definitely the highlight to the event! Juniper Village gave away more than 200 of our colorful "Frog Bags" to the delight of all who attended.


The purpose of the event was to educate our aging populations and their families and caregivers about how to determine if there is abuse, where to report it and skills for prevention. The event was held at the beautiful boathouse in Denver's City Park. Sunny skies and a light breeze made the day even more perfect. Lunch was complimentary as was the resource fair where attendees received information from many different vendors including Juniper Village.

You can view Juniper Village at The Spearly Center's Blog HERE.

A Very Happy Father's Day!

Juniper Village at Aurora celebrated Father's Day last Saturday with our annual Father's Day Car Hop; equipped with a classic car show, a 50's band, and an old fashioned BBQ menu to match the times.  While some made time to check out the classic cars to capture memories and pictures with the cars parked out front, others chose to cut a rug to the music of the 50's. We  danced to songs like "Mustang Sally", "La Bamba", and "Stand By Me".  We also watched others get their hips really movin' while as they participated in the hula hoop contest. Associates were dressed up in vintage waitress outfits, bowling shirts, and poodle skirts, while
serving food & malted milk shakes.  Family members and friends often paused from eating to get photos of the event. What a Rock 'n Roll time it was!!

A Perfect Memorial Day

The weather was beautiful, the food delicious, and the residents and families were happy to be at Juniper Village at Aurora's first BBQ of the season.  Many guests came out to spend time with

their loved one, while enjoying freshly grilled burgers and dogs.  While many of the families enjoyed sitting or walking the courtyard, the children who came out enjoyed playing basketball on the court.  Just after the BBQ, we were honored to have a M.A.S.H vehicle (military ambulance) visit us in honor of Memorial day. Not only was this a great opportunity for the residents to reminisce of their own time served with the military, but we also learned that the vehicle was used in the Korean and the Vietnam War as well (the bullet holes were evident of the brave and daring souls that stood for this wonderful country). Residents, Families, and Friends were all smiles as they shared this special day with us!

A Time to Blossom...

This year at Juniper Village at Aurora, we got to share our Best Friends Planting experience with the Alzheimer's Association Board of Directors. Juniper Village at Aurora was selected as the site for volunteers and donated materials to  makeover the courtyard". More than 30 people came out to help at Juniper Village on Saturday, May 12th. We planted various flowers in the outdoor flower boxes as well as worked on planting in smaller flower pots indoors since there was a chill in the air that morning. The residents were filled with smiles as they were teamed up with volunteers to help get everything planted.  While some planted, others filled pots with soil. Everyone enjoyed taking short breaks for photo opportunities, and then were right back

getting their hands dirty! This is a sure sign that Spring has arrived. We look forward to watching the flowers "Grow Strong Daily", with our daily watering activities.

Healthy Brain Lunch

The month of April's Alive in All Season's Theme is Maintaining a Healthy Brain. Our Connections program has focused on Stimulating Brain activity. Just like Heart Healthy Foods, there are Brain

Healthy Foods as well. Juniper Village at Aurora had our 2nd Annual Healthy Brain Luncheon on Thursday, April 26, where we had Guest Speaker Rick Watson talk about how to maintain a healthy brain. There are a variety of ways to continue to maintain a healthy brain as we age, including reading, puzzles, exercise, and eating healthy. Another successful event!

Its Easter Time!

The Smell of Springtime & Easter is in the Air!  The flowers are blooming, and we here at Juniper Village at Aurora celebrated Easter with our Annual Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt this past Sunday. It was a Beautiful sunny day, as the kids gathered around the Easter Bunny to take pictures, and search for plastic eggs filled with many goodies. Families came out and enjoyed some brunch foods including a variety of quiches, bagels, and danishes. While family and friends came to

celebrate the holiday and enjoy all the delectable foods & company, many took pleasure in the watching the young ones run around searching
for goodies. Kids young and old were racing around the courtyard with their loved ones hoping to be the winner of the Chocolate Bunny. Families smiled, laughed, and had a wonderful time taking pictures and spending time with their loved ones. Another Great Celebration!

Lets Celebrate St Patty's Day!

Everything was just Green and Dandy here at Juniper Village of Aurora on March 16th, when we had our St. Patrick's Day Celebration.  Families came out to see the Heritage Irish dancers who

performed their wonderful step dance for us. Everyone had their eyes on the stage that evening to watch the young ones perform, and many couldn't stop talking about them when they left.  In the classic tradition of St. Patty's day, Corned beef and cabbage was served along with some green lemonade and Irish soda bread. Once again, all enjoyed this fun filled event.