January 2016 Events in Denver, CO: Welcome New Beginnings

Happy New Year! January is the time when we all welcome new beginnings and set resolutions to make this year better than the last. But how does one keep those resolutions throughout the year ahead? The New York Times offers four suggestions: First, make a concrete plan, something visual to embed it to memory. Second, put something you value on the line – is it your health or your pocketbook – keep that in mind when you are tempted to break your resolution. Third, bundle your temptations. For instance, you want to exercise more, but struggle getting to the gym and you also have a fondness for gossip magazines but feel they are a waste of time. Combine the two – read the magazines only at the gym! And fourth, seek social support. You can achieve more by pursuing goals with the help of a mentor.

Still haven’t made any resolutions? Resolve to join us every month for a wide variety of events and activities. This month we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choir. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings and make regular visits to Juniper Village part of your new year’s goals!

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

§  Spearly Sidekick Super Star Karaoke: Elvis Presley as the “King of Rock and Roll” still reigns, our annual birthday bash to honor this musical icon will be filled with energy, enthusiasm and Spearly’s own Karaoke Super Stars, so we would like to invite friends, family and our neighbors to this event to come mix and mingle with our Spearly family, enjoy some peanut butter and ‘nana bites, and sing one of your own Elvis favorites in the Country store on January 8^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

§  2^nd Annual Disco Fever Dance Off as we are reminiscing to the 70’s in this disco inferno dance party, and this invitation is extended once again to our friends, family and neighboring communities, so feel free to wear your favorite ensemble that showcases your personality as our local disc jockey will play tunes from Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, Blondie and other popular artists of that era on January 21^st from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

§  Joyful Noise Choir Concert because music is comforting, inspiring and beneficial for just about everyone, our Spearly residents would like to share their musical talents with you, so please join us as we host our first vocal performance event, the Joyful Noise Choir Concert, accompanied by light refreshments on January 30^th at 11:00 am.

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

December 2015 Events in Denver, CO: Celebrate Little Things

This month is all about celebrations! Not only will we be celebrating holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, but we will also celebrate the little things that make life worthwhile. Little things such as the reassuring touch of a friend’s hand, a kind word from an acquaintance and a warm smile from a stranger.

In our all too busy lives we sometimes forget to honor the simple things in life that bring us peace and joy. Most experts recommend that we allow 10-20 minutes of relaxation and stress relief each day. Making time for that can even be a stressful experience! During this busy month of baking, shopping, visitors and juggling tasks take time to remember what is really important.

Here are some tips to keep holiday stress in check: Acknowledge your feelings – you are not alone as holiday stress is not uncommon. Be realistic with expectations – you can only do so much, learn to say no. Ask for help when needed – everyone wants to be needed and may feel more included by being able to contribute. Plan ahead to minimize unplanned expenses and tasks. Take a breather – take a walk at night and do some stargazing, listen to soothing music, or get a massage. Above all enjoy all the holidays have to offer by sharing time with others.

Join us during the busy month of December for our annual cookie exchange and holiday celebrations. Take time to Celebrate Little Things with those you love.

Our fabulous December 2015 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§   Celebrate The Little Things Holiday Soiree because 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 The Little Things with us with live holiday music, great food, refreshments and door prizes will be in full swing, so please join us in our Country Store on December 10^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Spearly Traditions Eggnog Social as time-honored Holiday Traditions are always meaningful and fun, like building snowmen, making a gingerbread house, lighting the menorah, and singing traditional Holiday songs are all family favorites, so Family Members, Friends and Partners in Caring, please join us in our Country Store for this social gathering as we relax, sip eggnog, and discuss our own family traditions and learn about new ones on December 24^th at 2:30 pm.

§  Spearly New Year’s Eve Rock-A-Palooza to enjoy music, dancing, food, games, prizes, party favors and FUN with all the festive, friendly camaraderie taking place in our Country Store, 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 2015 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

DRCOG Visits!

In late October, Juniper Village at the Spearly Center had the privilege of receiving Mr. Anthony Graves, Director of Regional Affairs for Mayor Hancock and member of DRCOG’s (Denver Regional Council of Governments) Board of Directors, and Ms. Shannon Gimbel, Ombudsman Program Manager for the Area Agency on Aging and DRCOG. 

The purpose of the visit was for Mr. Graves to learn more about the services that Juniper Village at the Spearly Center provides.  These services include behavioral health services, chronic care management for residents with multiple co-morbidities, secure placement, long-term Medicaid placement, VA placement (both short and long-term) and others. Mr. Graves’ main goal was to get a feel for the work we do at the Spearly Center and in the Ombudsman Program, as well as other programs managed within the Area Agency on Aging at DRCOG.  Mr. Graves is very concerned about the looming “baby boomer” population explosion in Colorado and the lack of resources for people who are quickly approaching the 65+ age group. 

Ms. Gimbel praised the services provided by Juniper Village at the Spearly Center, as well as Susan Pappas, nursing home administrator, and the entire Spearly Center interdisciplinary team for their dedication to the individuals they serve. Both Ms. Gimbel and Mr. Graves expressed how impressed they were by the good work done at Juniper Village at the Spearly Center. 

November 2015 Events in Denver, CO: Cherish The Journey

Family is a simple word, with complex meaning. To some family is the people you are related to by blood, but to some family is the people you choose to hold in high regard, and to others family isn’t people at all, but animals – our beloved pets.

Regardless of the definition, family plays an important role in our personal journey. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, colleagues or pets, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.

This month we celebrate family and reflect on our personal journeys while creating new memories for the future. Join us as we reminisce about these journeys through autobiographical journaling. Plan to share with those less fortunate through our annual food drive from November 1-30 with all non-perishable food items being donated to a local food bank. Also interact and share with others through our community support groups, and know that you are not alone. Throughout the month we will also be hosting several family events as we celebrate family and give thanks. We encourage you to review our calendar and join us for any or all of our events and Cherish The Journey!

Our fabulous November 2015 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center include our:

§  International Sandwich Day event as our Partners in Caring, First Responders, family members and community neighbors are invited to sample a variety of sandwich creations with multiple breads, wraps, meats, veggies and spreads to choose from at this fun, informative and tasty event to be held in our Country Store on November 3^rd at 2:30 pm.

§  American Pride Veteran’s Day Celebration as our men and women who have proudly served our country will be honored on this very special occasion, and friends, families, and our Partners in Care are cordially invited to this heart-warming celebration with live music, pie and refreshments served for this patriotic gathering, so please join us in our lovely Spruce neighborhood on November 11^th at 10:00 am.

§  Spearly Family Thanksgiving Dinner because lifelong friendships, family commitment and great food are the recipe for a memorable Thanksgiving, and 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 on November  26^th at noon.

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in Denver, CO at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center with you as we Cherish The Journey.

Introducing: Mr. Sterling Perry and Mrs. Susie Perry

On Wednesday, October 7^th, 2015 at 2:00 pm, we were witness to a beautiful celebration as our beloved resident Mr. Sterling Perry wed the love of his life, Susie, another favorite resident of ours here at Juniper Village at the Spearly Center in our Town Hall Room. The ceremony was officiated by our Connections Director, Amy Foster, CTR, and attended by a wealth of friends and family of both the bride and groom. A wonderful time was had by all at this moving expression of love and life in all stages.

Rocking Out for Fitness!

It was during my 3 month backpacking trip to Central America in 2013 when I got certified in Zumba. The love for dance, fitness, and the Latin culture is what led me to teaching! I went on to get certified in Group Exercise to learn how I can offer more to my classes. Gaining this education taught me the importance of Stretch & Strength training for all levels. Now I instruct S.O.S (Stretch or Strength) classes, Boot Camps and small group trainings for those who share the goals of increasing flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, stamina, and losing weight through my fitness and nutrition company, FIT&NU. I absolutely LOVE what I do and the purpose it serves for others’ health and well-being, especially my dear friends at Juniper Village at The Spearly Center!

- Brittney Rae Reese, Zumba/Group Exercise Instructor (www.FitANDNU.com or fitandnu@gmail.com) 

Music and Memory: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks

Earlier this year Juniper Communities introduced the Music & Memory program in all of its Wellspring Memory Care communities. The response to this innovative program has been overwhelmingly positive. We are proud to announce that we are now rolling out the Music and Memory Program into our Assisted Living, Personal Care and Skilled Nursing communities as well.  Juniper Village – The Spearly Center is proud to kick off this program with two events scheduled in the upcoming months and invite you to join us!

October 9 at 2:00-4:00 PM: ALIVE INSIDE SCREENING An inspirational and emotional story left the audience humming, clapping and cheering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. The film dramatically portrays the power of music and memory. Complimentary refreshments will be served during the screening along with discussion on how music impacts each of us daily, especially those who live with dementia. Please RSVP by calling 303-458-1112.

 

November 13, 1-4 PM VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR The Virtual Dementia Tour offers a rare glimpse into the world of a person with dementia. Through the use of specially designed goggles, gloves, headphones and other adaptive equipment, the tour simulates the loss of vision, auditory perception, mobility and other impairments experienced by the estimated 47 million people worldwide suffering from dementia. Please RSVP by calling 303-458-1112.

If you are able to make any of our upcoming events, or have questions about Music and Memory, please contact our Connections Director at 303-458-1112.