Committees: A - F

Art Studio to index

The purpose of the Art Studio Committee is to make the studio a welcoming and available space for residents who want to do work in fine arts or crafts.

From the 2006-7 Annual Report

The Studio is always open and gets some use every day. On Mondays and Tuesdays there are group sessions, with about a dozen people participating fairly regularly one or both days. Others prefer to come when they can work by themselves. Residents supply their own materials, but enjoy the space and availability of tools, paper cutter, etc. as well as mutual support.

Our regular major events are the Fall and Spring Exhibits. The Fall Show in 2006 included work by 22 painters, a quilter, and seven photographers. 109 people came to the Opening on October 16. Our Spring Show, with work by 28 painters, a quilter, and 7 photographers, opened on April 16 and drew 112 attenders. Each show stays on the walls and continues to be enjoyed until the next show is hung.

Last summer on August 15, the Studio hosted a water color demonstration by a professional artist. More than a dozen Medford Leas painters were able to take advantage of this opportunity.

In October this year the Studio had an off-campus show for the first time. Work by 15 Medford Leas painters was on display at the Friends Center in Philadelphia for almost a month.

Auditing to index

The Auditing Committee is described in section 6.03 of the MLRA bylaws

Auditorium to index

Purpose: The purpose of the Auditorium Committee is to provide for the convenience, comfort, and safety of residents at all events in the Auditorium sponsored by the MLRA and other events when called on for assistance by Management. Members of the Committee are volunteers with sufficient interest, training, experience, and some technical knowledge to use the equipment and facilities in a wide range of programs.

The committee is divided into two groups: Ushers and Technicians.

Ushers are responsible for distribution of hearing aid devices and programs. They assist with seating and location of wheelchairs and walkers. They also handle the portable microphones used by audience members for questions.

Technicians set up the audio-visual equipment specified by the program originator which can include podium, stage, and portable microphones, a VCR/DVD projector, slide projector and/or computer projector. TV progams can also be projected. The technician is then responsible for operating the selected equipment, adjusting sound, picture, and lighting as required.

The technician and head usher consult with and assist the speakers, instructing them on proper use of the equipment and determining lighting levels and cues to be used for the program.

Atrium Flowers

The committee seeks to make the atrium a place of beauty by having a constant supply of fresh flowers or plants on the reception desk and placed on the various tables in the atrium. In addition to the arrangements supplied by residents, sometimes funeral arrangements are broken into smaller bouquets and displayed in areas where they will be most appreciated. During 2006-2007 we have had more flower displays in the atrium than last and the committee is thrilled that 30 different residents have contributed plants or flower arrangements for the atrium. -updated 12/08-

Bird Club of the MLRA to index

Link to the Bird Club Page

The Bird Club is among the groups that meet to form the Nature Coordinating Committee

1. The Bird Club is organized for those residents interested in Ornithology, and to stimulate and educate those other residents who show an interest in identifying and feeding birds in and around the Medford Leas Communities.
2. Hold meetings once a month which are open to all residents from September to the following June.
3. Keep a Monthly record of birds found on the three Medford Leas Campuses.
4. Compile and keep an up to date pamphlet or bird list of birds found in this area.
5. Hold frequent bird walks and a yearly census in January of birds found on the three campuses.
6. Have bird trips to good birding areas during the different seasons of the year.
7. Cooperate with the Cornell University's Department of Ornithology in their Feeder Watch and the Great Backyard Bird Count programs, and to also participate in their house finch disease survey and other programs, if there is an interest
8. Erect and maintain bird boxes in the meadow and the purple martin houses near the Community Gardens at Medford Leas.
9. Encourage the Horticulture Department at Medford Leas
   1. To plant native shrubs and trees which provide fruit and habitats for birds of this area.
   2. To not remove dead trees as they provide food and nesting areas for birds,
   3. To continue to mow the meadows which encourage the bluebird populations.

Budget and Finance to index

The Budget and Finance Committee prepares and submits to the MLRA Council and MLRA membership a budget covering all MLRA activities at the beginning of the fiscal year. It is also responsible for raising three funds to support its work: the Activities Fund which provides for the expenses of the MLRA, the Employee Appreciation Fund, and the Community Services Fund for the Medford Campus (The Lumberton Campus has its separate Community Services Fund). The Budget and Finance Committee also advises the MLRA Council and MLRA membership on the disposition of Legacies left to the MLRA

Building to index

The purpose of the Building Committee is two-fold:

1. To ensure that all residents in the vicinity of a scheduled expansion of an apartment fully understand the impact the expansion will have on the area.
2. To advise the residents of any possible modification of the plans that might reduce or eliminate any undesirable aspect of the plan.

Citizens to index
(The committee which has sponsored Candidates Nights in the past is currently inactive and seeking a new chairperson.)

Communications to index

The five committees dealing with communications are: BulletinBoards, Copier, MailboxDistribution, MonthlyCalendar, Voice.

Bulletin Boards to index

There are five resident-maintained Bulletin Boards in the Community center of Medford Campus and four in the Community Center of the Lumberton Campus. The Resident Handbook explains in some detail what types of notices are displayed on each of the bulletin boards. Material for Medford Campus is submitted to the Bulletin Board Committee for posting by placing it on the Bulletin Board shelf near the mailboxes.

Copier The committee keeps the residents' copier in condition for use at all times and is available to answer calls for help from those using the copier. to index

Mail Box Distribution The committee places notices and advisories fromstaff and administration, as well as notices from the MLRA Board, into residents' inhouse mailboxes. There is a resident volunteer for each day of the week who distributes notices for that day. to index

Monthly Calendar A resident is responsible for coordinating the calendar of events which is produced by the Administration. A form to request than an event be listed on the calendar must be submitted by the 20th of the preceding month. Copies of the calendar are distributed to all residents, and enlarged versions are placed on several bulletin boards.to index

The Voice There are two recorded message tapes that are available to residents 24 hours a day. Residents can listen to the tapes by dialing 2 (for activities) and 7 (for menus) on their resident phones.

A Chair and committee of nine volunteers record these messages every day. The activity messages includes items from the monthly and weekly calendars with any changes that have occurred, special events not on the calendar, alerts for special events, and other items of interest to the community for that day.

Residents can leave messages for the VOICE in a box at the right of the mailboxes in the Atrium.

Computer Room to index

The Chairman of this committee works with an informal group of computer literate residents, and with Don Bernard, our valued volunteer, to ensure that the equipment is in good working order, that supplies are adequate, and that the user group provides enough funds, from voluntary "dues" and charges for instructional courses, to keep the operation self financing. The computer room receives no funding from the MLRA Activities Fund.

By being available to cope with problems, the chairman finds answers from expert residents, or Don Bernard, or Russell Pepe (Medford Leas telecommunications manager). Also the chairman finds economical sources for supplies or replacement equipment.

Finding mentors from among knowledgeable residents to assist residents in sending email, work on the Internet, or accomplish tasks such as word processing, spread sheets, etc. is an important function.

There is little formality of committee operations, and it has been practical to run the computer room on an ad hoc basis, solving problems as they come up.

the Computer Room is located on the ground floor room of the community building across the hall from the fitness Center.

Creative Writing to index

The Creative Writers are a group of individuals who enjoy writing. They meet on the third Friday of every month, at 10:00 AM, in the Poplar Room. They share their work and critique each others writing in a helpful and gentle way. Many genres are represented. Some are writing their memoirs, others are writing poetry or short stories. From time to time, an assignment is given in order to stimulate the thinking process. Do pick up your pen and join us!

Display Case in the Atrium to index

Inspired by the committee chair, Todd Butler, all five Display Case committee members work in close contact with one another and all assist with ideas. The co-chair works on future plans and writing requests for material. Two help collect and return materials, the others plan, assemble materials, and arrange and install the displays.

In a room in the basement there is a mock display case, of the same dimensions as the three-shelf display case in the atrium. Todd Butler prepares his arrangement there and when it is ready each piece is again wrapped to transport to the display case upstairs. Then there is a "Street Circus" moment as items for the new display are unwrapped and arranged and items from former display are carefully wrapped to be taken to the work room and then returned to the lenders.

Some of the followers of the display case arrive in wheel chairs and spend a long time viewing each and every detail, and return often.

The most favored displays have been those of sheet music of Old Broadway Show Tunes. Whole groups would gather before, and then again after, dinner to join in singing those long-remembered tunes. A few boasted of remembering the words to every song in the display

Diversity Committee to index

Mission Statement

To combat bigotry and prejudice through the promotion of mutual awareness and understanding. To appreciate the differences among people and value their contribution the constantly evolving American culture; to promote (or seek) in our resident population and staff diversity of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and economic status.

Activies of the Diversity Committee for the 2008-2009 year

Oct. 2008
We showed a film on the Japanese internment camps of WWII. It was shown two times to accomodate those who wanted to see it but missed the first showing

Jan. 2009
A resident of Israel showed slides on modern-day Israel.
Many residents attended the annual Martin Luther King breakfast and discussions at a Mount Holly church.
The annual MLk lecture was given bythe Rev. Ward Ewing of the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church.
Several residents went to Moorestown Friends School on MLK Day to help with knitting and woodworking.

Feb. 2009
A movie on the life of Bayard Rustin was shown by Walter Naegle, archivist of the Bayard Rustin Estate. He also gave insights on Bayard’s life..

March 2009
Suraya Pakzad of Afghanistan gave a lecture on the present conditions for women in her country.

April 2009
We sponsored the annual;, Leas Reads, by having discussion groups on the book, ‘The Solloist” by Steve lopez

May 2009
We sponsored a por-Israel movie one week and then a por-Palestine movie the next week.
Several residents attended a dialogue on Catholics and Jews that was held in a Synagogue in Voohees and a dialogue on Catholics, Jews and Muslims that was held in the Everglades in Moorestown

June 2009
We sponsored a meeting with Vanessa Julye, the co-author of the book,”Fit for Freedom; not for Friendship” that promoted her book.

Employee Scholarship to index

Financial assistance for educational pursuits is available to qualified Medford Leas employees through three programs: Nursing Scholarships, General Education Advancement Scholarships, Lois Forrest Scholarship. Each program is administered in collaboration with the Human Resources Director.

The Nursing Scholarship and the General Education Advancement Scholarship Committees come under the aegis of the Estaugh Board. The funds for these scholarships were started from resident donations and bequests shortly after the founding of Medford Leas. Profits from the Thrift Shop continue to support the General Education Advancement Fund.

The two committees have similar structures: two Board members sit on each, one of whom serves as chair. In addition, a senior manager serves on each (the Director of Nursing for the Nursing Scholarship Committee and the Human Resources Director for the General Education Advancement Committee.) Finally, three residents serve on each for three-year terms,
after which they rotate off the committee. The purpose of the Committees is to review applications for financial assistance from employees and to allocate funds accordingly.

The Lois Forrest Scholarship of $2500 was established in 2001 at the time of Lois Forrest's retirement after 21 years of service as Executive Director of Medford Leas. Funds raised by residents at the time were calculated to provide a scholarship annually for 21 years.

Qualified employees must submit a comprehensive application package that includes a transcript of grades, two recommendations, a report of service activities and of honors, if any, and a personal essay. A committee of six residents and the coordinator review the applications and select the winner. The Human Resources Director assembles the applications
and attends the meeting. Residents serve for three years, then rotate off the Committee.

The Lois Forrest Scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit, irrespective of any other financial assistance given by Medford Leas.

Fiber Arts Studioto index

The Fiber Arts Studio, is used by the following groups: Sewing, Knitting, Needlework, Quilting, Weaving.

The Quilt Interest Group provides services for residents by repairing and renovating quilts and providing conservation information. Quilted items, such as lap quilts, table runners and pillows, are made for sale to benefit the Medford Leas Appreciation Fund and Medford Leas Reserve Fund. Most of our work is accomplished in our individual apartments, but from September through May we gather twice a month in the Fiber Arts Studio to baste, tie, share projects, learn new techniques, and provide advice to residents and to each other. Second and fourth Mondays, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. The group has its own web page with announcements of events and photos of some of the quilted items that are for sale year.

The Knitting and Sewing groups meet on Wednesday mornings. Six or eight regulars come to knit hats, scarves, sweaters, afghans, and other items for charity; many other residents knit at home. Two or three people do sewing for residents who cannot sew. More helpers are needed since some 300 garments are repaired or altered during the year.

Five or six people attend the Needlework Social, held on Thursday mornings. This activity provides a setting in which to do their own needlework, such as embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint, knitting, and crocheting, in the company of others.

The South Jersey Weavers, a group of 10-15 meet in the Fiber Arts Studio. The looms in the room belong to the residents who use them; other weavers have looms at home.

Each year the Fiber Arts group holds a Show and Sell at which they their products to raise money for the Medford Methodist Church Women for local charities and for the American Friends Service Committee for emergency relief. The Knitting and Sewing Group donates to the MLRA Appreciation Fund. Afghans not needed in Medford Leas nursing units and garments not sold at the sale are given to the Methodist Church Women for distribution to local charities. Knitted caps are sent to Indian Reservations and rompers for teddy bears are knitted for children at Christmas. Knitters also make caps for newborns at local hospitals

Financial Review to index

Link to the Financial Review "Committee Room"

The purpose of the MLRA Financial Review Committee (FRC) is to know and understand the finances and financial and operating decisions of the Estaugh Board which affect residents, and to respond from the perspective of the residents of Medford Leas.

The Committee of nine residents meets at least quartely with the Financial officer of Medford Leas, and at least once each year with the Estaugh Finance Committee. Dennis has made himself available to discuss issues as needed.

The Committee holds information meetings at open sessions of the MLRA, when deemed necessary, and reports on financial matters of concern to residents.

Exerpts from the 2006-7 Annual Report:

On a monthly basis the committee continues to receive and review the same financial data as the Estaugh Board. But more imortant, during the latter portion of 2006, FRC experienced an increased availability and involvement associated with information relative to finances and budgeting matters at ML.

For Example:

1. The FRC met with the Chair of the Estaugh Financial Committee on the inverstment policies, procedures, and some recent adjustments associated with investments.
2. While still in the development stages of the '07-08 budget we were invited to meet with Dennis, Heather, and the Management Team. We had the opportunity to listen and enter an in-depth discussion as Department Heads presented their section of the proposed budget. The emphasis was therefore program behind the budget. The FRC asked numerous probing questions. The subsequent dialogue led us to be satisfied that all sides of the issues had been thoughtfully considered and the resulting budget was both conservative and challenging, with a sound balance of both long and short term goals.
3. The FRC met met with the Estaugh Board and the Administration for a session with a representative of the A.V.Powell actuary group. This was a thorough review of the actuarial process that provides years of statistical data to the specific population of ML. This helps to predict future needs of our current population and therefore aids in the development of a sound budget not just for next year but also into the future

Today our probing questions to administration are met with an attitude of acceptance and entitlement so long as a rational reason is behind the question.

All of us at ML have witnessed a transition from a time when deficit budgets were presented, then missed, with considerable amounts of funds being taken from reserves. We have just had two consecutive years where a surplus resulted. The '07-'08 budget is tight and may be a challenge but it is also predicated on a surplus.

The occupancy rate is the most challenging. More emphasis is being placed on marketing of both existing units and Rushmore Crossing. We anticipate the completion of the addition to the main building during the winter. Longer term will be the planning for the renovations, etc. of the health care ares.

These are challenging times for all CCRCs with all of the options being offered to seniors; however, the FRC sees a management team up to the task of sustaining Medford Leas as a premier choice going forward.

Grace Blackburn, 2007
Financial Review Chair

Fitness - go to Recreation and Fitness

Flower Show: to index

The Flower Show has been an annual event on Tuesday, the week after Labor Day, with wide participation by both residents and staff. Lois Rickett, the longtime organizer of the show, now has cochairs to assist. Volunteers are recruited to help with registration, placement, and classification. It is exhibited on Tuesday PM and Wednesday AM in the Activities Room, the most central and convenient location for viewing.

Four judges, certified by the Garden Club of New Jersey, evaluate and comment on all entries and give Best of Show awards to entries in three categories -- Horticulture, Vegetables, and Design.

A workshop, held by the Therapeutic Recreation Department, provides opportunity, plant materials, and assistance to interested Assisted Living and Long Term Care residents to create and enter their own designs.

The shows are themed and include invitational, special, and educational exhibits. Past titles include, "Call it Country," Carnival," and "Showtime." All have been well-attended and are appreciated by residents, staff, and visitors.

Plant Sale The sale was held on May 9 and 10th. The committee was pleased with the quality of the plants from its new supplier, Russo's Fruit and Vegetable Farm in Tabernacle. Forty volunteers gave generously of time and energy. Gross receipts: $2681, Cost of flowers: $1781.50, Miscellaneous expense: $00.00, Net income $899.50. Proceeds from the plant sale are used to puchase flowers for the Atrium during the winter months.

Food and to index

PURPOSE

Dining is an integral part of life for the Medford Leas community and for many residents, it is the highlight of their day.

The purpose of the Food and Dining Rooms committee is to serve as liaison betwen the residents and staff by:

a. Communicating resident comments, suggestions, and concerns (from the various dining areas) to the Staff.
b. Reviewing PIWs and responses.
c. Reviewing and endorsing (as appropriate) Staff proposals regarding changes in facility,, operating practices, and menus as they relate to Dining Services.

OPERATION

Food and Dining is a standing committee of the MLRA.

The MLRA Committee Sponsor selects a resident to chair the Committee. The Chair appoints committee members and officers as needed.

The committee meets with the Dining Services Representatives as needed, usually on a monthly basis except for one month in the summer when there is no meeting.

The Staff responds to PIWs and a summary is forwarded to the MLRA Council.

Forum to index

The Forum Committee generally offers two programs a month throughout the year. Due to occasional conflicts with holidays or other resident activities the annual total reaches about 22 or 23. Lectures are usually held on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. in the Auditorium. The average attendance is about 80.

The success of this program is totally dependent on the efforts of individual committee members. One committee member assumes responsibility for each speaker. Although most speakers result from a personal relationship with individual committee members, other residents also contribute by recommending speakers or volunteering to share from their own experience.

Each year an attempt is made to provide a b alanced offering for the residents. This is sometimes difficult as funds are limited. Each outside speaker receives a $100 honorarium to cover expenses. This committee represents another effort by Medford Leas residents to improve the quality of life for their neighbors.

Friendly Visitors Program to index

When a new resident moves into the main campus, he/she is welcomed, oriented, and assisted by representatives of the administration and of the Medford Leas Resident Association (MLRA). These two welcomes are separate and different. The main purpose of the administration's efforts is to distribute the "red book" containing all policies, rules, and regulations of the various operating departments, a directory of all residents, maps, and much other basic information.

The MLRA set up the Friendly Visitor (FV) system to make certain that each new resident is promptly, warmly, and effectively welcomed as a new member of MLRA and receives complete and accurate information about the operation and benefits of social and communal life at ML. Through a personal visit from the FV as soon as this can be mutually arranged after the move-in, the new resident gets to find out about his immediate neighbors and has a chance to get his most urgent questions answered without having to hunt for the information in the "red book." The main purpose of the FV system is to make the new resident feel welcome in his/her new home and to let him/her know that there is a special person nearby who stands ready to answer his/her questions about day-to-day routines and procedures as they come up.

There are currently 86 members of the committee who during 2006-7, welcomed 36 new residents and 16 transfers within the community.