July 5, 2019

Rain Didn’t Hamper the Fun at Leavitt Family Jewish Home’s Second Annual Veterans’ BBQ

LONGMEADOW, Mass. – On June 25th, 2019, members of the Veterans’ Circle of Longmeadow joined with veteran residents at JGS Lifecare, a leading health care system serving seniors and their families, for a wonderful afternoon of friendship and camaraderie, at the second annual Veteran’s BBQ!  Held outside in the courtyard of Michael’s Café, under the protection of bright umbrellas, rain did not hamper the fun.  Fifteen community veterans enjoyed great food and conversations with seventeen residents from the Home and nine from Wernick Adult Day Health Care.  Rob Whitten, Executive Director of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home, presided over the grill and staff served the veterans.   

“The mission of the Department of Veterans’ Services is to advocate on behalf of all of the Commonwealth’s Veterans and provide them with quality support services,” remarked Lena Vellturo, director of veteran services for Longmeadow. “The Veterans Circle at the Longmeadow Adult Center meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 12:15 pm and lunch is available before.  All area veterans are welcome!  Our veterans look forward to this annual BBQ hosted by The Leavitt Family Jewish Home and the opportunity to meet with other veterans and offer their friendship and support.”

Cheryl Gumlaw, Director of Life Enrichment at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home remarked, “Our residents and staff really enjoy this event, and they get a kick out of watching Rob Whitten our Executive Director do the cooking.  Staff enjoy pitching in to serve.  Our resident veterans love meeting other vets from the community and keeping connected.  This is one of several special events we look forward to planning each year with the Veteran’s Circle of Longmeadow.”   

“This annual event is fun for everyone! As we celebrate the July 4th weekend and our nation’s independence, we are reminded of how honored we are to be able to care for our veterans and acknowledge the tremendous service they have offered to our country,” commented Rob Whitten, Executive Director of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home.

About JGS Lifecare

JGS Lifecare is a leading health care system serving seniors and their families. JGS Lifecare services include long-term skilled nursing home care (The Leavitt Family Jewish Home); rehabilitation services (Sosin Center for Rehabilitation); assisted living (Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence); adult day health care (Wernick Adult Day Health Care); home health, hospice and palliative care (Spectrum Home Health and Hospice Care); and independent living (Genesis Housing). JGS Lifecare is an affiliate of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.  For more information, call JGS Lifecare at 413-567-6211 or visit jgslifecare.org.

About The Leavitt Family Jewish Home

The Leavitt Family Jewish Home (the Home) has been dedicated to offering exceptional nursing care for over 105 years, delivered with skill, compassion and respect. Our multidisciplinary team develops an individualized and comprehensive plan of care for every resident. Our life enrichment team offers a rich array of programs and activities to support the physical, spiritual and emotional health of our residents. Services include full service short-term rehabilitation therapies at both Sosin Center for Rehabilitation and the Home, long-term skilled nursing care, specialized memory care, palliative, hospice, and certified music therapy.  For more information, call The Leavitt Family Jewish Home at 413-567-6211 or visit jgslifecare.org.

About Wernick Adult Day Health Care

Wernick Adult Day Health Care is a resource for families looking for a safe, secure and comfortable adult day health environment.  Founded in 1976, the Wernick program caters specifically to the individual needs of those with medical/physical limitations and memory impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to caring for participants’ physical needs, staff understand the importance of meaningful stimulation and engagement. Each day’s schedule includes a range of activities designed to promote and enhance socialization and participation. The size of the program is limited so that staff can truly get to know every attendee and provide an individualized level of care. For more information, call Wernick Adult Day Health Care Center at 413-567-6211 or visit jgslifecare.org.