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By TERESA ANICOLA
Courier-Post Staff
MEDFORD LAKES
A new boardwalk ramp on Beach 1 at Lower Aetna Lake was built this summer, allowing the disabled and senior citizens to safely walk to the water.
An Eagle Scout project, it was designed and built by Bill Gartlan, 17, and his adviser, Ned Steel, 76, along with other volunteers.
According to recent census statistics, the number of seniors here surged in the decade past by 26 percent, with the number of elderly ages 65 to 74 climbing by just more than 50 percent.
Mayor Gary F. Woodend believes the increase is due more to an aging resident population than to seniors moving here.
Despite their rise, Woodend said there are no municipal services specifically for seniors, but he hopes that might soon change.
"It's something that's been on my mind for a long time. Everybody pays the same amount of taxes. We have activities for the kids, but nothing for older people," said Woodend.
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Medford Lakes residents 65+ |
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1990: 400 2000: 515 Change: 26%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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"The first move is to find ways to fund some of the things. The (borough) manager is checking into grants. I'm hoping to have the first holiday social around Christmastime. I'd really like to do it. They deserve it," Woodend said.
Woodend has ideas in mind he wants to implement specifically for seniors that include lake aerobic exercise classes in warm weather, a 5-K walk, golf lessons, social functions and bus trips.
Even though there is a void at the municipal level, seniors here have woven themselves into the fabric of the community. The ramp project is just one example which seniors spoke about.
Some of the borough's elderly say they enjoy it here because of the peaceful lake environment and the company of other elders.
``I think it's a different style of life here. Much more relaxed, laid back and informal," said Robert Lee, a member of the borough's Retired Men's Club, one of two social groups for seniors. Lee and his wife, Eileen, moved to the borough nine years ago.
There are about 45 members of the Retired Men's Club, which meets once a month at the Medford Lakes Country Club on Oak Drive.
"There are no bylaws, no rules and no officers. All we do is have a good time," said Ned Steel, a member for 10 years. Sometimes speakers address group meetings, he noted.
The borough's other senior group is the Women's Auxiliary of Medford Lakes Colony. Doris Steel, Ned's wife, has been a member for more than 10 years. The couple has lived in Medford Lakes for 28 years.
There are 17 members in the women's auxiliary and they meet monthly for lunch in Vaughan Hall. There is no age limit on membership, but all members are 65 and older, she said.
"In Medford Lakes it's easy to make friends," said Doris Steel, 73. "We do things to raise money and donate the money to organizations in the colony here.''
Lee is happy to be spending his retirement in Medford Lakes.
``It's an outstanding and a great place to live," Lee said.
Reach Teresa Anicola at (856) 486-2460 or tanicola@courierpostonline.com
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