Committees: G-M

Gallery to index

The committee provides for varied art shows in the gallery, with receptions to honor the artists as they discuss their work. Publicity is provided through the residents' network, local newspapers, and the Medford Cultural Arts Commission.

The subcommittees are:

Selection -- reviews and selects artists for future exhibitions.
Reception -- arranges for refreshments, assisted by Medford Leas Dining Services, and for several people to serve.
Installation -- assists artists in installing the gallery exhibitions.
Events -- arranges art related bus trips for the community.
Archives -- Photographs each exhibit and reception, adding to the albums kept in the gallery, both for insurance purposes and for the browsing enjoyment of residents.

Giftshop to index

Description: The Gift Shop near the Medford Leas Atrium provides many useful and necessary small items for purchase by residents (especially those who are unable to shop off campus) as well as for Medford Leas employees. Forty volunteers are required to operate the Shop. Four volunteers per day are needed for sales, with the remainder serving in areas of buying, management, pricing, stocking, displays and finance.

Hours: Weekdays from 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays.

From the Annual Report 4/15/07:

This year our biggest change has been the addition of a cash register to the gift shop. We are presently involved in training the sales volunteers in its operation. Another important addition to the shop has been the establishment of the position of Assistant Shop Manager, whose reponsibilities are that of recruiting, orienting and training all sales volunteeers.

Unfortunately, we had theft problems in the shop this year and had to install video surveillance. We're hoping that with Medford Leas Security assistance, this is now behind us.

Great Decisions to index

Each year the MLRA Great Decisions Committee runs the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions Program. It is held in the Medford Leas Auditorium and is open to any resident who wishes to attend. The format is currently designed as a town meeting discussion presided over by a different moderator each week. The topics for all eight sessions are chosen by the Foreign Policy Association which arranges for a panel of experts to review each topic and prepare a DVD containing their comments, which in turn is distributed to participating groups like ours to present to our audiences. We receive our copies through the World Affairs Council. Printed booklets containing supplementary information for all eight topics are available in advance for purchase at the Medford Leas Front Desk, usually in the month of December

Haddon Greenhouse to index

The Haddon Greenhouse is located on the ground level of the Haddon Building. It is open from early fall until late spring to all residents of Medford Leas. There are 90 spaces available for potted plants which are the responsibility of their owners. Each plant is sprayed by a volunteer before it is housed in the Greenhouse. Supervision is provided by committee volunteers who dead head, assume housekeeping tasks and alert patrons if pots need watering or have other more serious needs.

Health Care to index

The membership of the Health Committee is composed of interested residents who have had professional experience in the Health field and related areas. In addition, administrative staff and the nursing administrative staff attend all meetings as well as the Chairman of Health Volunteers and members of the other subcommittees. As the need arises, others may be invited to attend, e.g., the dietician or pharmacist.

The purpose of this Committee is to follow developments in the continuing public discussion regarding Medicare and broader universal medical care, and to analyze the potential effects of these developments on Medford Leas Residents and on succeeding generations.

It is hoped that information made available by members of the Committee and staff will help residents to participate in this ongoing public health-care debate, to reach informed conclusions, and, as they wish, to express their opinions to elected officials and other participating parties.

From the 2006-7 Annual Report

Shingles Vaccine - Dr. Kapulsky reported that there have 21 cases of over the last four years. Since the new vaccine is only 50% effective it does not seem worthwhile to immunize the entire Medford Leas population. The cost would be $105,000. A talk on the recently approved Zooster Vaccine for immunization and treatment of Shingles was presented in the Auditorium in May

The Medford Leas Formulary (list of medications in our plan D) was circulated to the committee and the question of what is the procedure for obtaining a prescr4iption not in the forumary was again raised. Instead of refusing the resident's prescription, the pharmacy should send the prescription to the medical director for approval. A smoother interaction of resident, pharmacy, and medical department was suggested. Also better communication is needed when a resident needs a prescribed physical therapy item. A resident was confused when sent from the medical office to pharmacy to physical therapy to the medical department.

E-Records
Health intelligence software under development would record and present the medical records of patients from a variety of platforms such as laboratory tests, patient records, and scans including MRI, PET, and X-Rays so that it can be instantly presented on computer monitor to speed diagnosis and treatment by physicians. The Azyxxi software is being devoloped by the hospitals in the Baltimore-Washington area in cooperation with Microsoft.

ORANJ health care survey
We participated in the retirement community health care survey of January 2007 which includes such items as composition of the health care committee, medical services on site, transporation for medical appointments off site, resident volunteer programs, and provision of medical forms. Nineteen ORANJ retirement community participated in the survey. Several copies of the report were provided at the front desk and it is on the Internet at oranjccrc.org/2007healthcaresurvey.htm

Health Care Volunteers to index
A subcommittee of the Health Committee

From the 2006-7 Annual Report:

This committee is fortunate to have about 100 volunteers who serve in many areas and in many capacities. They give of their time to Therapeutic Recreation, the licensed areas of Wooman, Estaugh, Elizabeth Haddon, Fitness and Aquatics, Physical Therapy, Mail Delivery, and Visitor Volunteers.

Some volunteers are involved with transporting residents from the skilled nursing units to the pool, the Fitness Center, the hairdresser, dentist, podiatrist, physical therapy, Sing-a-Long, and special events in the Activities room. Volunteers assist in the pool and the Fitness Center with some of the handicapped residents; assist residents who need rehab after a hospital stay. Each day a volunteer helps in Woolman filling water pitchers etc. There are those volunteers who play the piano for regular and special events; volunteers who deliver mail daily to the licensed units.

The End of Life volunteers visit and read to residents in the skilled nursing areas upon request and volunteers are needed when Therapeutic Recreation has a special outing or event planned. continue.

Every month the number of volunteer hours is totalled, reported at the monthly Health Committee meeting and given to the Administrator of the Health Services and the Assistanct Director of Resident Services.

Mental Health to index
A subcommittee of the Health Committee

First and foremost we are concerned about and will endeavor to raise the general level of supportive behavior among residents.

Holiday Decorations to index

The committee consists of a Head Chairperson and co-chairpersons for each area to be decorated. Twenty-five to thirty volunteers work with them.

Hospitality to index

The Hospitality committee has two main conceerns. It looks for ways to improve the social life of residents, planning programs for those who can use some assistance in engaging in social activities. It also helps newcomers get acclimated into community life.

Because of the ongoing construction of the Arts and Social Wing, the planned Fall Mixer (building on the Successful 2006 Spring Mixer) was cancelled. We are planning a spring event in May of 2007.

The Tuesday game nights in the coffee shop are well attended.

A small committee organized an activity for New Years Eve that was very successful. It included showing some Charlie Chaplin movies, then playing some games, doing a Virginia Reel, spirited group singing and ample refreshments.

Interior Design to index

From the 2006-7 Annual Report:

This committee, formed in September, 2002, is to act as liaison between residents, staff and administration. Meetings are held as needed.

New carpet and wallpaper in the Health Center resulted in a fresher look.

Happily, the new carpet cleaning machine has cleaned carpets so satisfactorily that we have been able to delay new installations previously planned. Later recarpeting will coordinate with the addition to the Community Center.

Committee took a "field trip" to the Wiley Home. John Martin, the Medford Leas architect, and his designer, Melissa, have done work there. The committee appreciated the time spent with Joan and the "feel" of Wiley is appropriate for us at Medford Leas.

Large Print Library to index

The committee maintains a large print library of books and periodicals as well as the NY Times Large Print edition. As needed, large print materials are delivered to residents in the Medical Facilities.

From the 2006-7 Annual Report:

Because of the illness of the previous librarian, I had no records to rely on and was slow in getting started. However, with the very able help of a group of faithful volunteeers, we continued.

The biggest challenge was a critical shortage of space. Over time many old and/or shabby books were discarded or went to book sales. A new shelf unit was designed and constructed by Sam Burgess of the Residents Workshop. This increased shelf space by five additional shelves.

Necessary mending and processing of books was done bythe assistant librarian. Six other volunteers carded and shelved books according to a schedule. Books were purchased with the budget of $750.

The library collection has been considerably supplemented by frequent and welcome gifts from residents and others.

Library & Magazines to index

The Library, under the direction co-chairpersons Joanne Greenspun and Bob Hambleton, maintains a good collection of hardcover books, paperbacks, and classical music CDs for circulation among the residents. There is also a good reference collection. Eight faithful volunteers handle the check-in of books, the circulation cards, and the shelfving of the books, as well as other tasks involved in maintaining the collection.

There are about 6000 volumes in the collection. Annually about 100-120 are added by purchase, and an equal number through residents' donations. Circulation of the books and CDs averages about 600 per month.

The Library is also responsible for the newspaper and periodical collection in the Lounge. We subscribe to most of the newspapers and to several magazines. Residents have donated a few magazxine subscriptions, and the rest of the periodicals are given by residents after their use of them.

Low Vision Committee to index

The Low Vision Committee is really a Support Group. Its purpose is to provide a setting where those with low vision can learn more about ways to live with low vision through sharing difficulties experienced and the ways residents have dealt with these problems. Guest speakers such as optometrists and occupational therapists explain what actually happens to the eyes and brain when one has eye diseases. The therapists give advice about purchasing visual aids and may set up appointments with low vision residents to help them learn how to use these aids. They may make suggestions about ways to increase safety in the resident's apartments and arrange for better lighting. On occasion persons selling optical equipment will talk to the group and demonstrate how the visual aids work. Talks are given on the psychological difficulties that come with low vision and how to handle them. Occasionally trips are taken to events relating to Low Vision.

Medford University to index

Purpose: To provide college-level courses on campus open to all residents, members of the Medford Leas Waiting List, guests of residents, and, when compatible with their schedule, to residents from The Evergreens, a neighboring CCRC.

From the 2006-7 Annual Report:

Activities of Medford University in the past year began with the continuation of the observation of Medford U.'s fifth anniversary in April and May, 2006. Following Stacey Ake's Fifth Anniversary Lecture and reception, five professors, who had given courses in the past, returned to deliver individual lectures. These were well received by 211 students.

The summer lecture series, "On the Ethics of Risk in the Post-mdern World," was delivered by Mark Manion, Ph.D, professor of philosophy at Drexel University. Enrollees totaled 95.

In the fall, "Voices of Southeast Asia," was presented by Faith Manion, English Professor at the Community College of Philadelphia, to 96 enrolleees.

The spring course will be tgiven by Fred Carion, Ph.D. assistant provessor in history emeritus from Villanova. He will teach "On the Philosophy of Non-violence.

Fall 2007
Website for the American Culture Lecture Series

Movies to index

The committee has two subcommittee. One is responsible for selection and showing of monthly Monday Night Movies on a large screen in the Auditorium. The other handles the showing of weekly Saturday Afternoon Movies on a television set in the Activities Room.

Music to index

The Music Committee arranges for the presentation of classic music programs (classical music, jazz and folk) for Medford Leas residents and their guests.

The Committee, operating within a budget approved by the MLRA Board,, selects performers, negotiates their contracts, schedules performance dates, reserves the Auditorium, gives notice of each performance to those responsible for the events calendars and the Auditorium Committee, writes any necessary work orders, publicizes each event and requests checks from the MLRA Treasurer to pay performers' fees.

Music Groups to index

Music for resident participation at Medford Leas consists of two vocal groups, the Medford Leas Singers, and the Madrigals. Their purpose is to give residents an opportunity to express themselves through singing, and to do it well. Each group meets twice a month, on alternate Wednesdays.

The Director leads the singers, and also selects the music, schedules rehearsals, and determines where they will be held. There is a librarian who is responsible for filing the music, dispensing it at rehearsals, and arranging for the furniture to be set up.

Once or twice a year, the singers perform at MLRA meetings.