Local residents are sharing family recipes to be included in a new cookbook to raise money for the gardens at the new Centre Care nursing facility under construction on Benner Pike.
The Rooted & Growing Garden Campaign Committee will publish the cookbook this fall featuring recipes from families, staff and friends of Centre Care. The cookbook can be reserved now for $15 by contacting Mae Armstrong at Centre Crest at (814) 548-1162 or MArmstrong@ltcmail.com.
Centre Care is the nonprofit that currently operates Centre Crest in Bellefonte, which plans to move to the new facility next year.
“Our exciting cookbook fundraiser will create beautiful gardens benefiting our residents, resident’s families, volunteers and staff,” said Betsy Boyer, Centre Care’s board president. “Donating now will give you the opportunity to be a part of this growing project.”
Recipe submissions are due by July 25 and cookbook orders must be placed by Aug. 1.
Already collected is Jill Wisniewski’s Apple Pandowdy family recipe. The secret ingredient of molasses gives this dessert a deep flavor, your family will clamor for, Wisniewski says.
“I was one of five — four boys and me— and my mom could not make enough of this to go around. It was deeply loved by everyone and always requested for every family gathering,” she said.
The cookbook will also recount the history of Centre Crest through the years featuring stories and pictures.
Designed by local landscape architect Derek Kalp, the gardens will allow many opportunities for residents to gather for activities or to sit and observe birds, blooms and the soothing sound of falling water.
The facility will offer traditional long-term care, and three specialty neighborhoods that are in high demand for Centre County residents. A high acuity neighborhood will serve patients with complex medical conditions. A memory care neighborhood, of which there are few in the area, will provide a more home-like experience for those living with dementia. A short-term rehabilitation neighborhood will serve rehabilitation patients seeking to recover from surgery or an accident.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, 21% percent of Centre County residents aged 60 or older have an annual income of less than $17,655. The new Centre Care is committed to meeting these trends by building the largest skilled nursing facility licensed to accept Medicaid insurance in the county.
To submit recipes or reserve a cookbook, connect with Mae Armstrong at (814) 548-1162 or MArmstrong@ltcmail.com.
Visit centrecare.org to learn more about the campaign.
