The Good LIFE – January 2023 Posted on January 26, 2023October 4, 2023 Each day, the LIFE Centers of Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence support the needs and services of participants. LIFE’s managed care model helps support older adults live independently at home with the monitored care they need to thrive in their neighborhood. In January, participants of the LIFE Centers took part in numerous life-engaging activities. Participants of LIFE Armstrong learned the steps needed to make maple syrup from taping trees, collecting and boiling the sap. Emily Stumpner, Community Outreach and Marketing Manager for LIFE Butler County, gave a fantastic interview with Butler Buzz. LIFE Lawrence County treated participants to a coffee cart full of flavored creamers, while the participants of LIFE Beaver County held their first in-person holiday party since 2019. LIFE Butler County Emily Stumpner of LIFE Butler County recently sat down with the host of Butler Buzz, Tricia Pritchard, to discuss the life engaging programs and services offered at the center. To watch the interview, visit click here LIFE Lawrence County Thanks to the efforts of in-house, barista Riley Gallagher, LIFE Lawrence Recreational Therapist, participants of LIFE Lawrence County had the opportunity to order a cup of coffee with the creamer of their choice. The center’s coffee cart came stocked with a variety of flavors including French Vanilla, Peppermint Bark, Italian Sweet Cream and Carmel Macchiato. Participants also had their choice of whipped cream. LIFE Beaver County For the first time since 2019, participants of LIFE Beaver County held an in-person Christmas party. Every person in the program received a gift of his or her choice. Participants from the Small Homes program also joined in the fun by decorating cookies. Funding for the gifts came from the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation LIFE Blessings programs. LIFE Armstrong County This month, LIFE Armstrong hosted a Maple Sugaring 101 Class, as part of the center’s “LIFE Long Learners” program. Recreation Therapy Manager, Robin Bowser discussed the history of maple syrup and shared with the participants the steps to follow to make maple syrup. “This is an interactive class that gives our participants an opportunity to try something new and experience it with all their senses,” explained Bowser. She discussed the step-by-step process beginning by identifying maple trees. The type of tree determines the sugar content, the higher the better. There are six types of Maple trees in Pennsylvania including the Silver, Striped, Red, Norway, Sugar and Box Elder maple. The next step is to tap the tree by inserting a spile with a bucket or jug underneath to collect the sap. Once you collect the sap, you boil the sap down until only the sugary syrup remains. After the presentation, Bowser shared a sampling of homemade local syrup with the participants to enjoy with some delicious pancakes!