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By TERESA ANICOLA
Courier-Post Staff
In the past 10 years, Medford's senior population has risen almost 18 percent and that trend is expected to continue as baby boomers hit their retirement years.
But many area seniors are pleased with the quality of life found here. With both internal programs for residents at Medford Leas, a continuing care community and the largest senior community in the township, and external activities sponsored by the recreation department and local churches, seniors have a wide variety of activities from which to choose.
Jeanette Braddock, a native of Medford and senior resident of Medford Village, has found companionship and caring individuals through her church group, Crossroads Beacons, at the Crossroads Assembly of God Church on Church Road.
Braddock is one of five founding members who formed the group to meet the needs of its senior population. They began the group in January with 23 members and now have about 35 members.
"We felt people our age would have a place for fellowship and prayer and wouldn't feel alone," said Braddock, 76.
The group plans day trips during the year and celebrates special occasions, including honoring one couple's 50th wedding anniversary last November. They also share in each other's lives, contacting and checking on one another to ensure their well-being. Members also visit seniors who are shut-ins to provide companionship.
"We're a close-knit group and Bible oriented. The people really care about you and ask if you're OK or need prayer," said Braddock.
At Medford Leas, a continuing care community established about 30-years ago, everything for residents is provided, such as activities, classes, and dining. There are more than 80 committees and activities, said Sam Howarth, president of the residents' association.
"We put out a twice-yearly literary magazine and a monthly newsletter written by residents," said Howarth, 82.
All 650 residents of Medford Leas are automatic members of the association. Karel Pennink has lived there for more than three years.
"It was a very good decision," he said of moving to the facility. "We haven't regretted it for a minute."
Resident Grace Schaffel enjoys the volunteer work provided through her knitting and sewing group. They participate in many projects for the outside community including knitting sweaters for needy area children.
"Most residents have come here retired but have gotten so busy, there's not much time to get bored," said Schaffel.
D. Michael Peasley, executive director of Medford Leas, said approximately 470 individuals and couples are on a waiting list to enter the facility. Although there is no future outward expansion planned, he said some long range plans include adding private rooms in the health care center and more apartment style rooms in its assisted living areas.
For seniors who live in town, recreation director Beth Richmond has added senior art classes. She also plans many day trips to the casinos and Smithville.
Also, a stipend of $1,000 a year in rent from the recreation department is given to the Medford Area Senior Citizens Club and another $1,000 is given for group programs. The 67-member group meets twice monthly at the VFW Hall on Church Road, where it holds luncheons and programs. The group also hosts planned day trips, said Molly Martin, the club secretary.
According to Al Feit, township manager, one of the things the township council has considered is creating a senior citizen advisory committee to keep the town abreast on senior needs and issues.
Today and Tomorrow stories:- Medford improves as growth slows
Already perched between the Pinelands to the east and suburban sprawl to the west, the township finds itself at another crossroads. - Schools prepare for more students
Thirty years ago, the rising tide of kindergarten enrollments here led to their classes being held in churches. - Support for the downtown is drawn from local events
An estimated 20,000 people crowded the downtown at the township's Dickens Festival recently amid character actors, jugglers and a barbershop quartet. - More kids beget more places to play in Medford
Regardless of interests or age, Medford's recreation department strives to offer something for everyone after a boom in recreation facilities here. - Fewer, but costlier, new houses limit first-time buyers in Medford
Medford native William Degnan, 63, bought a retirement home in Marlton, but it didn't suit the active lifestyle he and his wife enjoyed. So the couple decided to return to Medford, where they bought a larger and more expensive home. - Programs abound for rising number of elderly
In the past 10 years, Medford's senior population has risen almost 18 percent and that trend is expected to continue as baby boomers hit their retirement years.