Giving The Gift of Warmth at the Spearly Center

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~Aesop

The Spearly Center enjoys giving back to the community and empowering people to be the best they can be.  During the month of December, The Spearly center will be accepting winter coats and jackets for donation to the Denver Rescue Mission for those in need of warm clothing during this holiday season.  Anyone is welcome to participate.  Any new or used coat or jacket in good condition will be accepted.  A donation box will be available in our front lobby from December 1^st-31^st.  When you give a little… you actually give a lot.

December 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Cherish the Journey

Juniper Village nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit. This month this custom is more evident than ever as we share our celebratory spirit - mind, body and soul. December is a month filled with holidays and celebrations, but at Juniper we like to kick it up a notch! All around the community all of your senses will be stimulated as you see traditional holiday décor, hear joyous laughter and singing, smell heavenly treats baking and taste them as well. We will celebrate all the joyous little things that make this time of year so special. Traditions both old and new will be honored. And through sharing our numerous cultures and traditions with each other we will learn more about each other, opening the door to deeper understanding.

This month take a moment to reflect on the little things that bring joy to your life. Reminisce about the traditions from your past and the new traditions you have started with your family. Celebrate the holiday season with us as we share a bit of ourselves with our annual cookie exchange and ethnic holiday celebrations. December is always an eventful month and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Our fabulous December 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Spearly Sidekicks Cookie Exchange because whatever is your favorite kind of cookie - chocolate chip, ginger Snap, or macadamia nut – join Spearly residents and staff for this tasty event as we decorate and sample various types of cookies during this is a great opportunity to mingle with friends, share some laughs, and, maybe even try something new, so join us in our cozy Country Store on December 9^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Celebrate Little Things Holiday Soiree as Arthur Conan Doyle said it best, “It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important,” so family, friends and our surrounding community neighbors are invited to attend this warm, festive event and Celebrate Little Things with us with live holiday music, great food, refreshments and a warming atmosphere, so please join us in our Country Store December 15^th at 2:30 pm.

§  New Year’s Eve Karaoke Contest for a rockin’ New Year’s Eve at The Spearly Center with family, Partners in Caring, friends and community neighbors since everyone is invited to come and enjoy music, sing your favorite karaoke songs, dance and have FUN during all the festive, friendly camaraderie that will take place in our Country Store, and refreshments will be served, so let’s rock out and welcome the New Year on December 31^st at 2:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Spearly Open House 2016

On October 13^th, The Spearly Center hosted an Open House to reveal our renovated outdoor patio and deck.  Close to 100 guests, including practitioners, family, the outdoor space craftsmen, children and prestigious members of the long term care community, were all in attendance.  We had live entertainment from local artist Kayla Marque, a coffee barista, a Kid’s Corner Creation Station, elegant and delicious appetizers and 15 raffle prizes.  One of the most memorable moments of the evening was a beautiful mandala gifted to Spearly from our friends at the home office.

Juniper Communities hosted a camp at Burning Man, called AgingInsurrection.  Our goal was to use Burning Man as a vehicle for our anti-ageism message, with a focus on the idea that we are all the same inside no matter what our age.  We all want to be accepted for who we are, we want to have friends and family who care about us, we want to have the opportunity to work, do and create. 

One of our sponsored events was called Joining the Generations: An Intergenerational Coloring Party.  We opened that event up to our neighborhood and the entire Burning Man community.  We also had a group of kids who were camping at Kidsville come over to join us.  We had a huge blank canvas that was for free form art, coloring, and commentary.  And we also had the more structured mandala project.  One of our resident artists, Hank Reikena, started the center of the mandala.  Over the course of the day we had over 30 people involved in the creation of the mandala.  They were folks of all ages from young kids to those in their 80’s. 

The mandala proudly hangs in Spearly’s Town Hall.  Come on by and check out our wonderful new outdoor space and our beautiful mandala!

November 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Cherish the Journey

Each November we turn our attention to Family with our Alive In All Seasons Theme: Cherish the Journey. We have always enjoyed helping our residents chronical their individual life journeys through journaling. In addition to keeping track of the daily happenings in our lives, journaling has surprising health benefits as well. University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. He also believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of stress on your health. Other research indicates that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientific evidence also shows that writing your thoughts down can help clarify your thoughts and feelings, help you to know yourself better, reduce stress, and problem solve more effectively. An additional benefit of journaling is that you are leaving a legacy for future generations. Review your journal together! Reminiscing about the events in one’s life is a way to affirm who they are, what they’ve accomplished in life and relive happy times. So, pick up a pen and Cherish the Journey, the benefits are endless!

Join our journey through November as we honor and celebrate family and the journey of life with our autobiographical journaling. Help us support our greater community with our annual Food Drive and our on-site support groups. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our fabulous November 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  American Pride Veteran’s Day Celebration because our men and women who have proudly served our country will be honored on this very special occasion, so friends, families and our Partners in Caring are cordially invited to this heartwarming celebration with live music, pie and refreshments served for this patriotic gathering, so please join us in our lovely Spruce neighborhood, as to all American Veterans, young and old, here and gone, The Spearly Center would like to say Thank You for your service on November 11^th at 11:00 pm.

§  Cherish The Journey Thanksgiving Dinner because lifelong friendships, family commitment and great food are the recipe for a memorable thanksgiving, it’s the time of year when meaningful conversations nurture the spirit of life, so family and friends are invited to join us in our lovely dining room for this savory meal with all the trimmings as we Cherish The Journey on November 24^th at noon.

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Get By With A Little Help From Your Friends

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently, allows you to grow.”

~ William Shakespeare

During the month of September, Juniper Village spread our joy by celebrating friendship.  On September 22^nd, the first day of autumn, The Spearly Center hosted Fiesta Amistad, which in Spanish translates to “Friendship Party”.  Just The 2 Of Us performed live music in our Country Store while residents and staff enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, hot chocolate, cappuccino and assorted juices.  Everyone had a great time dancing, singing and mingling with friends.  Friendship is important to us all… Spread the Joy!

October 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Show Your Colors

As we say good bye to Indian summer, we welcome the cooler air and slower pace of the autumn season. From warm apple cider, everything pumpkin and end of season hiking trips, there are so many reasons to enjoy autumn. William Cullen Bryant says it best, “Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” With the seasonal changes now in full swing we see fall flowers appearing where summer blooms once stood and leaves changing into vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. The evening air has a slight chill and carries the scent of campfires, leaves and cinnamon spice. Our activities turn from swimming and baseball to raking leaves and football. Not only is Mother Nature showing her colors, but we begin to show our team colors with a focus on sports! Join us throughout the month as we bond over sporting events while cheering on our favorite teams, complete with tailgate parties and snacks.

Throughout October we will show our colors as we sponsor and support local sports teams. We will honor our associates who show their colors by “nurturing the spirit of life” with The Juniper Spirit awards. Alas, October would not be complete without celebrating the season with our annual Halloween Costume Party, which is open to ghosts and goblins of all ages. Join us this month and Show Your Colors!

Our fabulous October 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§   6^th Annual Show Your Colors Spearly Tailgate Party as Spearly continues to be alive in all seasons with our annual tailgate party is back in full swing with live music, games, fun, and festive food, this hearty invitation is extended to our First Responders, Partners in Caring, family, friends, and community neighbors, so please join us on our front lawn for this gathering celebrating sports, and wear your favorite team gear and show your colors, plus, special guests will be there too, so you won’t want to miss this popular event on October 19^th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

§  Spearly Spooky Spaghetti Dinner because Halloween is right around the corner, and Spearly is getting excited… and hungry, so the Spearly family is kicking off this spooky season by inviting Partners in Caring, friends and family members to a good old fashioned spaghetti dinner with some Halloween flair at this festive and tasty dinner that will be held in our Main Dining Room, so be sure to save room for breadsticks on October 28^th at 5:00 pm.

§  Spearly Sidekick Haunted Halloween Social as we would like to invite family and friends to our Halloween celebration, so come sing and dance with the ghost with the most and enjoy spooky snacks and bubbling beverages in our Country Store as we celebrate this exciting holiday with prizes will be awarded in several categories for costumes, so come one, come all and be prepared to “boo boogie” if you dare on October 31^st at 2:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Show Your Colors.

September 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Spread Your Joy

As the air begins to cool and summer wanes, Juniper Village ends our “Stay Connected” series by recognizing Friendship and Joy. What is it that brings you joy? Is it the wet nose of a newborn pup? The smile of your first grandchild? The taste of a triple chocolate ice cream cone? Whatever it is we invite you to share that joy with others at Juniper Village this month.

Much attention has been paid to studies regarding the effects of stress on your health, but what about the effects of joy? The landmark “Nun Study,” as it's often known, revealed that positive emotion is correlated with longevity: 90% of the most cheerful quarter of nuns was alive at the age of eighty-five, whereas only 34% of the least cheerful quarter lived to that age. Similarly, 54% of the most cheerful fourth was alive at age ninety-four, versus 11% of the least cheerful. Of the 678 sisters in the original study about four dozen are still living. So go ahead, grab that triple chocolate cone it might just extend your life!

Join us this month as we celebrate friendship and staying connected with calendar events such as our annual daffodil planting and our home warming, birthday party and Best Friend initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Spread Your Joy Friendship Feast because Eleanor Roosevelt said it best, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart,” friends, family and neighbors are cordially invited to the last outdoor BBQ of the season to celebrate friendship, so join us on our Outdoor Patio and try a variety of grilled favorites, and let’s spread the joy of friendship together on September 5^th at 11:00 pm. 

§  Fiesta Amistad in Spanish translates to “Friendship Party,” so Partners in Caring, First Responders, and community members are invited to celebrate the gift of friendship with us and share their own joyous stories of friendship as assorted Tapas and beverages are served, so please join us in our Country Store on September 22^nd at 2:30 pm.

§  8^th Annual Spearly Sidekick Photo Shoot because everyone loves to take photos with friends, and this fun and memorable activity is one of Spearly’s most anticipated events of the year; it brings joy, laughter and camaraderie to family members, residents, staff and visitors to the Spearly community as professional portraits are provided and costume changes are encouraged on September 29^th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our September 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Spread Your Joy.

Breathe In Life with Homegrown Butterflies

Butterflies are unique and lovely creatures with numerous instrinsic, aesthetic, educational, environmental and scientific values here on planet Earth.  During the month of August, Juniper Village’s signature Alive In All Seasons activity programing focuses on the environment.  Here at The Spearly Center, we were thrilled as we hatched over 30 live butterflies during our Release A Butterfly with your Spearly Sidekick annual event.

Butterflies and moths are advanced insects and develop through a process called complete metamorphosis, which  derives from a greek word meaning transformation or change in shape.  This process involves four stages, each of which looks completely different: The egg, caterpillar (or larva), chrysalis (or pupa), and adult.

Eggs are very small and are usually attached to leaves or stems in nature.  Caterpillars have interesting colors, stripes or patterns, and sometimes have hair-like spines.  During this phase their main job is to eat and grow.  The chrysalis stage is the cocoon stage, and the structure of the adult butterfly is formed.  Finally, the adult butterfly emerges with wings full of color and beauty.  At that point, they are set free in the wild to start this fascinating life cycle all over again.

This informative and interactive event was enjoyed by residents and staff alike.  If you would like to learn more or grow and release your own magnificent butterflies, contact Insect Lore atwww.insectlore.com.

Extreme Makeover: Patio Edition

Here at the Spearly Center, we just keep getting better and better! After years of planning, we are proud to announce we are renovating our outdoor patio.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year, having a relaxing and revitalizing outdoor space is a must in Colorado.  New and exciting improvements will include:

o   Expanded outdoor space for the enjoyment of nature, community events, dining and family visits

o   Built-in shade and weather covering complete with fans and lighting

o   Indwelling gardening planters and seeding

o   Uniformity in fencing and paving

o   New patio furniture

o   New expanded deck

o   Improved wheelchair access

o   New outdoor cooking area

We are all very excited, and everyone loves watching the progress in action.  The completion of the project should be mid September.  Stay tuned!

The Spearly Center & Denver Rescue Mission Stand In Integrity

During the month of July, The Spearly Center held a Donation Station for Denver Rescue Mission.  This year, Spearly collected 526 donated items from residents, staff and family members, as well as $35 in cash donations.  Donated items included women’s clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, dishes, nutritional supplements, shoes, decorative items, books, cookware, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Denver Rescue Mission meets the needs of those experiencing poverty and homelessness through emergency services, community outreach, long-term rehabilitation programs, transitional programs, and assistance for permanent housing. Since 1892, the Mission has been changing lives in our community.  Denver Rescue Mission is the oldest, full-service Christian charity in the Rocky Mountain region. Thriving today as a non-denominational organization, no one is denied services because of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.

The Spearly Center takes pride in our community and helping people in need.  Together, we can all “Stand In Integrity.”  If you would like to donate, volunteer or seek more information about Denver Rescue Mission, call 303-297-1815, or look them up on the web at DenverRescueMission.org.

August 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Breathe in Life

Each August we turn our focus to the environment by offering social events and educational opportunities on living a more environmentally sustainable life. By making caring choices and creating helpful habits we can all make a difference to our planet.

Did you know that an aluminum can may remain in its current condition in a landfill for up to 500 years? That same can, when recycled, can end up back on your grocer’s shelf in as little as two months. Recycling that aluminum can also saves energy. Enough energy, in fact, to power your television for three hours! Aluminum can be recycled over, and over and over again – without limit. Americans will use about 2.5 million plastic bottles every thirty minutes. If that bottle is not recycled it can spend the next 450 years or more in a landfill. A modern glass bottle will take about 4,000 years to biodegrade. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled again, and again and again. So, the next time you are enjoying a delicious beverage, be conscious of the packaging and make the choice to recycle.

Join us this month as we promote the environment with a focus on our recycling programs – from annual rummage sales to shredding and more; our educational offerings will help you to support our environment and Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Environmental Sustainability Program: Water for Flint because here at The Spearly Center we enjoy giving back to the community, even if people in need are across the country, and our hearts go out to the people of Flint, Michigan during their ongoing water crisis, so all month long we will be accepting donations of bottled water from residents, family members, staff, and the community, so look for our ‘Water for Flint’ drop box in our Front Lobby anytime between August 1^st and August 31^st.

§  Flower Power BBQ because enjoying the outdoor environment can be as simple as sitting on the patio and spending time with friends and loved ones, so come join us as we celebrate peace, love and happiness as we host this festive all vegetarian BBQ, and welcome our family members, friends, First Responders and neighbors for a groovy, tasty and healthy meal on our sunny Outdoor Patio on August 5^th at 11:00 am.

§  Release A Butterfly With Your Spearly Sidekick because Nature is like life; it’s precious, it’s beautiful, and it’s delicate, since all living things are natural wonders, and to witness life in nature can be a joyous occasion, so staff and their Spearly Sidekicks will release butterflies to show appreciation for the beauty nature brings, so please join us on our Outdoor Patio for this special occasion as refreshments will be served on August 10^th at 2:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our August 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Breathe in Life.

What Are You Doing Saturday Night?

Every Saturday night, The Spearly Center hosts Pizza Party & Saturday Night Cinema.  Pizzas are created in the kitchen, but instead of offering it to the residents from a hot cart, it is literally delivered by staff to all neighborhoods in pizza boxes.  This creates a nice, homelike touch.  After the Pizza Party, each neighborhood picks out a movie to watch for the evening.  The Connections department has over 200 movies to choose from.  This weekly event has fast become one of Spearly residents’ favorite activities. So, what are you doing Saturday night?

July 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Stand in Integrity

Ah...the good old summer time filled with lazy, sunny days, ice cold treats, Independence Day celebrations, and get-togethers at the beach. Another sure indication of summer is our Alive in All Seasons theme of Volunteerism.

July is the perfect month to honor all of the many volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of time in service to our communities. From our four-legged volunteers to those of the two legged variety we are proud to say we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious time each year. We simply could not do it without all of your help, and this month we honor you. We will also be promoting the spirit of volunteerism by volunteering our time to help others. If you have some spare time on your hands consider joining us for a volunteer activity or better yet volunteer your time with us, we’d love to have you. What qualities make a good volunteer? Energy, passion, flexibility, creativity, reliability, commitment and perhaps most important of all – integrity.

Volunteerism benefits all parties involved. In addition to making new friends, volunteering also helps increase your self-confidence, provides a sense of purpose, combats depression and helps you stay physically healthy. Helping others also kindles happiness, as the London School of Economics found the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

In addition to volunteering opportunities, plan 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 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Denver Rescue Mission Donation Station because one man’s trash may be another man’s treasure all month long we will be accepting donations for the Denver Rescue Mission from residents, family members, staff, and the community, so look for our mobile drop box in our community; clothes, books, toys, shoes and other small items are welcome between July 1^st and 31^st anytime.

§  Stand In Integrity July 4th BBQ because our Juniper family believes that staying connected to the community is beneficial to all, we would like to extend a sincere invitation to our Partners in Health Care, First Responders and family members to this holiday BBQ as Dave Hidalgo will be performing festive American classics and grilled favorites of the summer will be served on our Outdoor Patio on July 4^th at 11:00 am.

§  Community Appreciation Cookout as we invite Spearly volunteers, local business, Partners In Caring, First Responders, family and friends to say thank you for ensuring our residents receive the best care available and thank you for setting aside time to spend with our residents and thank you for improving their quality of life; the Spearly family appreciates you on July 22^nd at 11:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our July 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Stand in Integrity.

Fitness Is Fun!

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of creative intellectual activity.”

~John F. Kennedy

Everyone agrees that regular physical fitness and exercise is good for your health.  It helps protect you from the following health problems:

·         Heart Disease and Stroke

·         High Blood Pressure

·         Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes

·         Obesity

·         Back Pain

·         Osteoporosis

·         Depression, Low Self Esteem and High Stress

So why is it that most adult Americans don’t exercise regularly? According to the Centers For Disease Control, only 24.6% of men and a mere 17.1% of women exercise on a regular basis.  One primary reason is “I don’t have the time.”  Another main reason is “Exercise is boring.”  Regular physical fitness does not necessarily mean going to the gym three times a week or more.  You can accomplish physical fitness regularly by simply being active every day.

The Spearly Center believes in putting the FUN back into fitness!  On May 26^th, we hosted the Fitness Is Fun Carnival to promote active physical exercise.  Residents and staff participated at various physical activity game stations and won prize tickets.  Fitness and sports related prizes included water bottles, weight lifting gloves, moisture control workout shirts, weighted exercise balls, hats, sweatbands, coolers, handheld fans, cooling towels, and resistance bands.  Everyone had a great time and were thrilled with the prizes they won. 

Everyone can achieve an active body, an engaged mind and fulfilled spirit. With a little creativity, fitness IS fun!    

Team Spearly Talks The Talk and Walks The Walk at the 2016 NAMI Walk

Juniper Village-The Spearly Center's team, comprised of residents, staff, family members, friends, service providers and generally cool people participated in the May 21st NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk, a 5K Walk to raise money and awareness in improving the lives of those with mental illness.  So far the Colorado walks have raised approximately $155,000, nearly 75% of their $200,000 goal. In addition to being a Bronze Sponsor, the Spearly Team raised over  $500 so far. Team Spearly's group of almost 50 walkers were part of 966 total participants in this past weekends' walks held in Centennial, Pueblo and Grand Junction. This is Spearly's 5th year participating in this event. Even Miles our giraffe mascot got into the act!

NAMI Colorado is dedicated to building better lives for the 250,000 plus Coloradans and their families who are affected by any number of mental illnesses - schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, panic disorder and others. Funds raised through this walk help support their mission to build communities of recovery and hope by educating, supporting, and advocating for individuals affected by mental illness and their families. Donations to Team Spearly are still being accepted online at: http://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.donate Enter Team Spearly, then follow the steps. Thank you!

June 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Live in Wellness

What is wellness? The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as "a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential." At Juniper we believe in fostering this definition of wellness everyday by offering programs and services that help our residents achieve their full potential. As we wind down our Healthy Aging series, this month we focus on Food by highlighting our H’Art and Soul of Dining Signature Program.

Throughout our lives the most important discussions, revelations, decisions and announcements have transpired around the dinner table. When company came over we caught up on the latest gossip over coffee and fresh baked goods. If you needed advice from your parents, it was often given while enjoying Mom’s delicious pot roast on a Sunday evening. Why should that be any different when you enter your retirement years in one of our communities?

With the kitchen often being the heart of the home, we have developed H’Art and Soul of Dining with this in mind. This program strives to impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through sharing the joy of good food – just like home! Our dining program is designed to not only meet resident’s physical needs, but their emotional and social needs as well. We believe this program provides a perfect balance of nutritious and delicious food choices, comfortable atmosphere and ambiance, social interaction, cleanliness and a spirit of service.

Indulge with us this month as we focus on the “heart” of the home with program offerings centered on food and nutrition such as our hydration program with healthy snacks and juices and educational presentations by a dietitian. Join us in June as we Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Spearly Sidekicks Salsa Showdown tasty culinary event held in our Country Store because salsa is rich in vitamins and very flavorful, and it can be a healthy snack, or accompany several main dishes, so friends, family and Partners in Caring are invited to taste a variety of salsas and vote for the best one on June 17th at 2:30 pm.

§  Father’s Day Luncheon as Michael Jordan once said, “My father used to say that it’s never too late to do anything you wanted to do; you never know what you can accomplish until you try,” so please join us in our Main Dining Room as we pay tribute with family, friends and community neighbors to wise and amazing fathers everywhere on June 19th at noon.

§  Live In Wellness BBQ as your Spearly family would like to invite friends, family and community neighbors to enjoy the outdoors, mingle with friends, and feast on grilled favorites, and a special invitation is extended to our first responders for a quick bite on the go, so meet us on the sunny Outdoor Patio for great food, great friends, and a great day on June 24th at 11:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our June 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Live in Wellness.

May 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Grow Strong Daily

We all know that regular physical activity is great for overall health. But do we all understand the dangers in being inactive? Studies indicate that sedentary lifestyles are risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. In recognition of those facts, Juniper nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit through our innovative Signature Programs such as Connect4Life, Connections and H’Art and Soul of Dining.

We continue our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on Fitness. In the wise words of J.R.R., Tolkien, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." This month we will Grow Strong Daily so as to not wither, but to thrive as we develop strength in bodies, minds and spirits.

This month we invite you to join us as we Grow Strong Daily with activities such as our Daily Brain Builders, Wii, and our Brain Healthy Luncheon. We also invite you to expand your knowledge in our Healthy Aging Library.

Our fabulous May 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Grow Strong Daily Fitness because maintaining a healthy lifestyle for every resident is the goal of the Spearly community, please join us as we host a mini fitness fair, with prizes to be won as residents take part in group and individual exercises, healthy body trivia, and other events, and we welcome our friends, first responders and neighboring communities to this fun and educational event on our sunny Juniper patio on May 8^th from 10:00 am to noon.

§  National Alliance for Mental Illness a wonderful opportunity to show your support for mental illness while enjoying a nice leisurely walk, and Team Spearly will have a booth to showcase our wonderful community and the residents we serve, so you will also have the opportunity to network with our Partners in Health Care, and light refreshments will be served after the walk that will be held in Centennial, Colorado on May 16^th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

§  Memorial Day BBQ Remembering Our Heroes as we invite family and friends to share this memorable occasion, as we remember our men and women who have served in the Armed Forces with entertainment provided by Dave Hidalgo on our sunny Juniper patio and a variety of grilled favorites served, there will be something for everyone, so we hope you can join us to mix and mingle with friends on May 25^th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

Is It Magic, Or Is It Science…

On April 28^th, The Spearly Center hosted an educational event called Spin, Pop, Boom! presented by Mad Science of Colorado. The exciting world of chemistry was demonstrated as  residents, staff and family members witnessed amazing chemical reactions, acids vs. bases, Didgeridoo tubes, foaming hands and color changing liquids.  Everyone enjoyed the magic (but it really was science at work!) The audience was amazed when the Mad Scientist was able to defy gravity in this energetic and spectacular special event.

Mad Science delivers unique, hands-on science experiences that are as entertaining as they are educational. They have brought science education to millions throughout the world for over 25 years through highly-interactive, action-packed presentations. Their fascinating science demonstrations are popular with all ages and our Spearly audience was no exception. We were proud to partner with Mad Science on this explosive educational event and look forward to another close encounter!

Spearly Center Restorative Gym Gets An Extreme Makeover

The Spearly Center and Genesis Rehabilitation Services teamed up to participate in a nationwide contest called Extreme Makeover Rehab Edition.  Prizes for winners include enhanced therapy equipment, gift certificates and lunch.  This was a collaborative effort between Genesis, Restorative Nursing, Administration, Environmental Services and the Connections departments.  The new gym boasts improved open area organization with less clutter and an inviting and motivating facelift, promoting optimum functionality.  Many Spearly residents have stated, “The gym looks bigger,” and “This room makes me want to exercise.”  New additions to the improved gym include new wall colors, artwork, posted schedules for therapeutic groups, and a Celebration Success Stories board.  Stop by and check it out! 

2015 Successful Outcomes

April 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Believe in Yourself

Do you know that embracing a healthy lifestyle promotes brain health as well? This month we embark on our quarterly Alive in All Season theme of Healthy Aging: Let Wellbeing Thrive. Throughout April we will focus on brain health and encouraging you to Believe in Yourself. We will learn more about how physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement can help keep both your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. At the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, results of a two-year clinical trial of older adults at risk for cognitive impairment showed that a combination of physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities and management of heart health risk factors slowed cognitive decline. It’s never too late to make changes to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Join us this month as we expand our knowledge of brain health and take steps to boost our brain health through our Healthy Brain series featuring our Daily Brain Builders and Wii Games designed to promote cognitive activity. Continue your research by perusing our Healthy Aging Resource Library, filled with volumes of information to help you and your loved ones age well. And, don’t forget to join us for our Brain Healthy Luncheon where we will nourish mind, body and soul. We look forward to sharing this month of healthful thinking and encouragement to Believe in Yourself – you can do this!

Our fabulous April 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Food For Thought Brain Healthy Luncheon because keeping your brain healthy and fit is just as important as keeping your body healthy and fit, and along with cognitive activities, eating certain foods like berries, fish and nuts can aid in nourishing the brain, family, friends and Partners in Caring are cordially invited to dine with us for a brain healthy meal in our Main Dining Room on April 15th at noon.

§  Spearly Sidekicks Earth Day Extravaganza as Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 to demonstrate support for the environment we live in and continues to be celebrated today worldwide in over 192 countries, so join us as we give thanks to mother Earth on this joyous occasion in our Country Store, as refreshments will be served, and family, friends and community members are welcome to attend on April 22nd at 2:30 pm.

§  Mad Science Presents Spin, Pop, Boom with an organization that teaches and demonstrates the wonders of science, and you will be amazed when the Mad Scientist is able to defy gravity in this energetic and spectacular hands-on presentation, as community neighbors, Partners in Caring, friends and family are welcome to attend this fascinating lesson about chemistry on April 28th at 11:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our April 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as you Believe in Yourself.

March 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Your Treasure is Within

As we bring down the curtain on our Creative Expressions series we focus this month on Drama. Juliette Binoche said, “I think acting is about forgetting yourself in order to give the best of yourself. It's passing through you more than you're creating it. You're not the flower, but the vase which holds the flower.”

Through dramatic performance we are able to forget about ourselves while becoming someone else, if only for a moment. We can be transported to another time, another place and another way of thinking. With all of our inhibitions set aside we focus this month on breaking out of our shells to share a bit of ourselves with wild abandon through our weekly drama clubs which will culminate in a fantastic performance or reading of dramatic prose. We invite you to join us in this enlightening journey of self-discovery through the magic of theater this month. We will also be attending theatrical performances around town, where we can let our inner critic loose. One last opportunity to become someone else is offered during our Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, where everyone can be Irish for the day. Join us as we feast on traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, shepherd’s pie and more! Lastly, March would not be complete without honoring the dramatic achievements of others with our own Oscar Party. This month we invite you to let your inner star shine at Juniper Village.

Our fabulous March 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Celtic Pride St. Patrick’s Day Social as Celtic Pride and the Luck of the Irish are in the air, friends, family and our Greater Denver community are invited to partake in this festive celebration to dine on tasty green treats and mix and mingle with our dear Spearly residents while traditional Celtic music will provided and door prizes will be awarded, and don’t forget to wear green on March 17^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Spring Is In The Air 1^st Day of Spring Fling since spring is a magical time of year as flowers and trees are awakening from winter, the weather is becoming warmer, and people become more active, so what better way to celebrate the spring equinox than to celebrate with The Spearly Center as friends, family, and community members are invited to celebrate this festive and meaningful day with yogurt Fruit Parfaits and assorted beverages served in our Country Store on March 20^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Easter Celebration Luncheon because Easter is a traditional holiday important to us all as for some, it holds a significant spiritual meaning, and for others, it’s a perfect time to relax and visit with family and friends, and this year’s Easter Celebration Luncheon will feature Honey Glazed Ham, Roast Beef, Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Zucchini and Lemon Meringue Pie, so family, friends and community neighbors are cordially invited to join us for this splendid meal in our Main Dining Room on March 27^th at noon.

We look forward to sharing our March 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as Your Treasure is Within.

Fun With Photography

Residents and staff pose for pictures during our Fun With Photography activity in the Pinon neighborhood as well as the Country Store. Celebrating friendship in February at The Spearly Center during the Valentine’s holiday season. Photos with friends are always fun!

February 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Awaken Your Passion

In February we turn our Alive In All Seasons focus to art and invite you to awaken your passion with us. Leo Tolstoy defines the activity of art as “To evoke in oneself a feeling one has experienced, and... then, by means of movements, lines, colors, sounds or forms expressed in words, so to transmit that feeling.”

This month we will transmit our feelings using many different mediums to let other share in our experiences, feelings and passions. We will travel through art around the world and experience art as it is meant to be – inspirational and transformative. We will feel the cool breeze and smell the fragrant blossoms of Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France as we gaze upon In the Garden and the Water Lilies series. We will feel the angst of Vincent Van Gogh as we admire his passionate works such as Vase with Twelve Sunflowers and The Starry Night. We will also pour our passion into our own creations evoking memories of the past to share with the future.

Please join us on this journey as we visit local art museums and create our own art through weekly craft programs. Celebrate with us as we recognize Valentine’s Day with sweets for the sweet and Fat Tuesday foods and fun at our Mardi Gras party.

Our fabulous February 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  Faire La Noce Mardi Gras Soiree translates to “Live It Up” in French, and we would like to invite our family, friends and our first responders to stop in and mingle with our dear Spearly family, so don your favorite mask and pile on the beads as we celebrate the best of the Bayou on February 9^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

§  Spearly Sidekicks Valentine’s Celebration to foster great friendship while spreading joy and love, so please join us as we celebrate this heart-warming holiday with great music and tasty treats on February 14^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

§  6^th Annual Spearly Art Show as we showcase the creative and artistic styles of our residents including water color paintings, acrylic paintings, sculptures, sketches, and photography, so please join us as we welcome our guest judges from the community to help celebrate this wonderful event on February 25^th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our February 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as we Awaken Your Passion.

The Juniper Spirit Award

Latasha “Tasha” Alexander 

Soars above all others.

Tasha embodies the values of compassion, attentiveness, and responsiveness, that we hold dear. Each and every day she demonstrates her competence and caring for everyone at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center. She embodies our mission by nurturing the spirit of life in each individual whose life she touches.

About Latasha Alexander

Tasha has been employed at The Spearly Center for six years! She initially began her career at The Spearly Center as a CNA, and was promoted to Social Worker and now serves as lead Social Worker for our community.

We admire Tasha’s intuitive and compassionate approach to all situations. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to provide assistance where needed and has the tenacity to resolve even the most complex issues that arise. Tasha makes everyone feel welcome with her friendly demeanor, amazing smile and quick wit. She possesses an innate ability to provide psychosocial services to all in need.

Tasha was born in Peoria, Illinois and was raised in Miami, Florida. When she is not at work, Tasha enjoys her five children, ages 16, 15, 9, 7 and 3 years of age. She has been married for 11 years and owns a mixed breed dog. She loves chicken and fried fish and used to be a track star. Tasha’s original inspiration for working in long term care came from caring for her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease. She also helped the elders at her church and knew from a young age that it was her calling to care for others. Tasha is advancing her education through current coursework in criminal justice.

Juniper Village- The Spearly Center is honored and proud to have Latasha Alexander as an integral team member.  

The Year 2015 Home Improvement Updates

We have had a busy year at The Spearly Center! Our team has been working hard all year to improve our resident community. These are just a few of our accomplishments.

2015 Improvements and Achievements...

• New stylish dining room chairs throughout all dining areas in the facility.
• Full implementation of the program Music & Memory program designed to bring personalized music into the lives of the physically & mentally handicapped through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life.
• New resident mobile banking program which promotes resident autonomy & financial independence.
• New durable & attractive dressers & nightstands in resident rooms.
• New uniform facility signage throughout facility including, but not limited to residents rooms, offices, common areas & units.
• Current Administrator awarded “NHA of the Year” for the State of Colorado.
• Creation of a gero-psych unit on the Pinon which serves the elderly behavioral residents offering a quiet, more secluded, less stimulating environment safe for residents experiencing memory loss & behavioral issues.
• New comfortable relaxation chairs for the front lobby & foyer areas.
• Acquisition of a new facility minivan to increase resident appointments & outings, improving the resident’s quality of life.
• Facility award for “Best Nursing Home in Denver for 2015 ” by the Denver Business Journal.
• Implementation of Connect 4 Life, Juniper Communities program which is long term care living’s first truly integrated model of care & service, emphasizing a richly active & engaged approach to health living & aging.
• New “Rehabilitative Rhythms” music program to teach residents living with traumatic brain injury to play musical instruments of their choosing.
• Implementation of “Skype” or “Face Time” communication programs for pre-admission screening  for potential new residents.
• First time Spearly wedding! The happy couple were married at Spearly, enjoying a beautiful ceremony & reception.
• Creation of designated space for new employee training & on-going education.
• New stone walkway in front of the facility as well as other landscaping improvements.
• Increased resident choice driven menu options including but not limited to hamburgers, fruit plates, raviolis, deli sandwiches, hot dogs & breakfast breads.
• New installation of a stationary bicycle on the Spruce unit in the gentleman’s corner area.
• Acquisition of upgraded medical & environmental equipment, including, but not limited to hot water heaters, mechanical lifts & specialty beds.

Coming in 2016….

• Remodel of  main kitchen & dishwashing areas.
• Remodel of outdoor area on Juniper & Pinon units.
• Remodel of shower room & spa on Pinon unit.
• New state of the art electronic door alarm system to promote community safety.
• Remodel & implementation of a resident skills area with emphasis on resident cooking & return to community programs.
• New cushioned chairs for common areas.