Finding a New Chapter on the Stage

Mount Joy, PA - When Carol Buckenmeyer moved to Juniper Village at Mount Joy in October 2025, she was starting over in more ways than one.

After spending years teaching and performing music and living in Spain with her husband, Carol returned to the United States following his passing. Moving back to the U.S. and transitioning to senior living brought significant changes, but it also gave Carol a chance to discover something new within a familiar passion.

That opportunity came through Broadway Senior™, a Juniper Communities partnership with Music Theatre International that invites older adults to participate in adapted musical productions. For Carol, joining Juniper’s Perennial Players meant stepping back onto the stage and into a new community.

“I did it because it was something different to do,” Carol said. “There’s something wonderful about acting, about being somebody else.”

Carol took on the role of Deloris in Juniper Village at Mount Joy’s production of Sister Act Senior, marking her first role with the Juniper Perennial Players. Classically trained in music, Carol spent much of her life teaching and performing, making the opportunity to return to the stage a natural fit.

“I like to perform,” Carol said. “I really enjoyed this show, and I enjoyed working with the cast. It’s good to have something to do and something fun to focus on. It’s really good for your mood.”

At Juniper Village at Mount Joy, Broadway Senior™ offers residents an opportunity to keep their minds in motion, explore longtime interests, and build connections through music and the arts. The experience also allowed residents to grow together throughout production, with rehearsals providing something to look forward to and a shared creative experience.

Those connections extended beyond the residents who took the stage.

Larry Mowrer had previously worked at the venue where the production took place. During technical rehearsals, he noticed the cast needed volunteers and offered to help as a cast assistant. After becoming involved with the production, Larry enjoyed the experience so much that he wanted to stay connected to the Juniper community.

Today, Larry volunteers at Juniper Village at Mount Joy each week, visiting with residents, playing music, and leading Bible readings.

What began with a theater production became something more lasting. For residents, it was a chance to pursue a longtime passion while discovering new connections that continued after the curtain closed.

For Carol, that meant returning to a passion that has been part of her life for decades while finding a new sense of connection along the way. At Juniper Village at Mount Joy, residents are encouraged to continue exploring the interests that make each chapter of life meaningful.

Juniper Village at Mount Joy is located at 607 Hearthstone Lane, Mount Joy, PA 17552. For more information, please call (717) 402-8777 or visit www.junipermountjoy.com.