Senior Citizens Day Celebrated at JGS Lifecare with Blueberry Buckle Bake

LONGMEADOW — While apple pie may be the symbol of American pride, blueberry buckle took center stage at JGS Lifecare on Aug. 21, when residents, staff, volunteers, and family members gathered to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day by making and then enjoying this delicious dessert. Blueberry Buckle is allegedly called ‘buckle’ because while it bakes, the batter rises, but the berries and crumb topping weigh it down, causing the surface of the cake to buckle. National Senior Citizen Day was created as a day to support, honor, and show appreciation to seniors and to recognize their achievements.

The celebration started in the morning with residents gathering in the activities room at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home to prepare and bake the blueberry buckle. The recipe was taken from the cookbook Recipes to Remember: Janie and Friends Cook for You written by Janie Booth, a past resident of the home who was a beloved member of the staff of the Springfield Jewish Community Center for many years and a much-sought-after local caterer. Residents, staff, and family members enjoyed reminiscing about Booth, who touched many lives with her warmth and kindness. In the afternoon, residents and family members gathered in the Gloth Family Auditorium to enjoy the sweet dessert.

“At JGS Lifecare, we celebrate our senior citizens each and every day by providing them with the highest level of care and comfort,” said Cheryl Gumlaw, director of Life Enrichment at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. “Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity for some special programming to make them feel appreciated and loved, and our blueberry buckle bake did just that. Who doesn’t like blueberries?”