Pathways to Learning at Home

Since the onset of the worldwide pandemic, Medford Leas residents and staff have stepped up to the plate to work collaboratively to develop an assortment of programming for you to enjoy from the comfort of your homes.  The programming will run January through May. 

As you will see, the programs include presentations from a number of Medford Leas residents, staff, and community partners.  We appreciate their participation.

Again, on behalf of the Medford Leas community, we appreciate your interest and support of our programming. Over the years we have developed strong relationships with members of the community and we value these interactions.  We see this current season as a way to remain in touch with you.   

We all look forward to the time we can be together in person again.  In the meantime, please know we are thinking of you and hope you find something of interest this season.

Please let us know if you have feedback or questions about any of the programs–or perhaps you have a topic to suggest for an upcoming program?   We appreciate your sharing your thoughts.  Thank you

Pathways Program pathways@medfordleas.net

Medford Leas Nature Trails

Within the 168-acre Medford Leas Campus, there are 60 acres that comprise the Nature Preserve.  Approximately five miles of marked trails cover the woodlands as well as the Meadow.  The Medford Leas Residents Woodlands/Trails Group works diligently throughout the year to maintain the trails and to encourage residents and staff to enjoy the extensive trail system that they have developed and maintained. Join Gerry Claffie, Medford Leas resident and Chair of the Committee as he describes their work and the trails.

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Historic Fair Hill

Historic Fair Hill is a peace-making green space and neighborhood revitalization organization in Philadelphia.  The group has restored and reimagined a Quaker burial ground, the resting place of great abolitionists and women’s rights advocates.  Through school partnerships, community events, tree planting, and seven community gardens, they carry forward their work for justice and peace.

Jean Warrington, Executive Director of the non-profit group, is joined by Sally Harrison, President of the Board of Trustees as they discuss the history, current events and goals of the organization.

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Gardening for Older Adults

Gardening is a wonderful activity for all ages, but especially for older adults.  Enjoy this program to learn why it gardening is so beneficial, as well as a number of tips and techniques to make this fun activity as enjoyable as possible.

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Great Decisions

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs.  The name is shared by a national civic-education program, administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association.  The Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decision Series that runs through April.  The programs highlight thought provoking foreign policy challenges facing American today.

A Medford Leas resident will present information related to the scheduled topic, followed by a recently produced video of experts being interviewed on the specific subject. We know how important current events are to our residents as well as members of the local community, so we hope that this series is meaningful to you.

April 1  China’s role in Africa:  The Covid-19 crisis has put a massive strain on what was a growing positive economic and political relationship between China and the continent of Africa. As Chinese President Xi Jinping’s centerpiece “Belt and Road Initiative” continues to expand Chinese power, the response to the spread of Covid-19, as well as the African government’s growing debt to China, has seen pushback. What are some of the growing economic and political issues between China and Africa?

April 8  The Korean Peninsula:  The Korean Peninsula is facing a defining era. Attempts by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump to repair the rift between North and South have lost any momentum as Pyongyang continues to test long-range missiles for its nuclear weapons program. As the rift between the U.S. and China grows further, South Korea may end up in the middle of the two superpowers. What does the future hold for the U.S. relationship with the ROK?

April 15  Roles of international organizations in a global pandemic:  The Covid-19 pandemic has thrust the World Health Organization (WHO) into the limelight, for better and for worse. While some of the Trump administration’s criticism of the organization is unfair, the response to the early stages of the pandemic left many experts wanting more from the WHO. What is the WHO’s role in responding to international pandemics? What can be done to improve the WHO’s response to future global health crises?

April 22 The end of globalization?:  With the passing of the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s America First doctrine, protectionist policies have become more prevalent, challenging globalization. What is globalization and how will it be affected by protectionist trade policies? How will the United States and the world be affected by such policies? Is globalization really at an end, or in need of a refresh?

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Voices from a Pandemic

Professor Hernandez is a return presenter to our Pathways Programs.  We appreciate her knowledge and skills and sharing with us again. 

In Voices from a Pandemic, Professor Hernandez presents everyday voices, in poetry and prose, exploring feelings and goals as we move through this critical time, reminding us that even in isolation as we are in quarantine, we are not alone.

Ellen Hernandez is a writer who teaches English at Camden County College. She holds a B.A. in English literature and language and a Master’s in education and English literature. Her previous poetry collection, In Morocco: was published in 2019. She is currently studying the Arabic language in the hopes of returning to North Africa to work toward peace.

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Great Decisions

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs.  The name is shared by a national civic-education program, administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association.  The Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decision Series that runs through April.  The programs highlight thought provoking foreign policy challenges facing America today. 

A Medford Leas resident will present information related to the scheduled topic, followed by a recently produced video of experts being interviewed on the specific subject.

We know how important current events are to our residents as well as members of the local community, so we hope that this series is meaningful to you.

March 4 –  Global Supply Chains and National Security:   The shutdown of global supply chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic brought to the fore an issue with the high level of global economic interdependence: what happens when one country is the main source for an item, say face masks, and then can no longer supply the item? Countries suddenly unable to meet the demand for certain supplies are faced with growing calls for economic nationalism. What are some of the lasting effects that the pandemic could have on global supply chains and trade? How would this affect national security?

March 11-  Persian Gulf Security:  The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play? Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond?

March 18-  Brexit and the European Union:   With the “Brexit transition period” coming to an end, the United Kingdom  formally left the European Union at the start of 2021. With negotiations between the two entities continuing to stall, what does the future of Europe and the UK look like? Will the UK survive a possible Scottish vote to leave? Who will step up and take command of Europe now that Angela Merkel is out of the spotlight? 

March 25-  The Fight Over the Melting Arctic:  Former U.S. President Donald Trump left many scratching their heads when it was rumored that he was looking to purchase the large island nation of Greenland from Denmark. While any potential deal seems highly unlikely, the event shows the changing opinion within the U.S. government toward engagement with the Arctic region. Because of climate change, large sheets of arctic ice are melting, exposing vast stores of natural gas and oil. With Russia and China already miles ahead with their Arctic strategies, can the U.S. catch up?

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Invasive Insects in Burlington County

Presented by Park Naturalist Jennifer Bulava. In this  presentation, learn about some of the invasive species of insects that have made their way to New Jersey.  Learn how to recognize them, how they got here, and what we can do to help diminish their spread.

Spotted lanternfly, emerald ash borer, Japanese beetle, Hemlock wooly adelgid, gypsy moth, and brown marmorated stink bug will be highlighted.

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Danielle Boyd and the Music of Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert Sinatra has been heralded as one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best-selling music artists of all times, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

American music critics have called Sinatra “the greatest singer of the 20th century”, and he continues to be seen as an iconic figure.

Thanks to the talents of Danielle Boyd, Medford Leas Music Therapist, this program will offer you a selection of Sinatra’s best known hits.

We know that many of these songs will bring back memories of good times and we hope you enjoy this program.

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A Special “Happy New Year” Program to Our Medford Leas Residents & Pathways Participants

This program features Dr. James D’Amico, Medical Director, Medford Leas Health and Wellness, as he shares his knowledge and expertise about champagne, helping us to welcome in the New Year.

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A Visit with Ulysses S. Grant

Join in this visit which takes us back in time and enjoy a personal visit with Ulysses S. Grant, as he shares an up close view into his life.  General Grant was asked once in an interview what he felt his major weaknesses were.  It can be understood that the questioner was hoping for a military answer, but instead he was surprised to hear a dry, but honest reply from the commanding general of Lincoln’s armies.  When asked, “General, what would you say are your weaknesses?”, without any thought, Grant simply replied, “My horses and my children.”

In this program, you’ll learn why he feels this way.  You’ll hear about the many war horses of the civil war, and even some before that, as Grant’s career as a stellar horseman stretched back into his childhood, even before his tenth birthday.  He is always happy to talk horseflesh, as well as the antics and habits of his four children before the war, and even at times during the war as well.

You may find this a fascinating view of a man many erroneously project as simply a man of war, but come to find a man filled with compassion and love for his family and his horses as well.

Kenneth J. Serfass, Gunnery Sgt USMC, retired, portrays Ulysses S. Grant in this program.  Ken was a civil war reenactor but now is a first-person impressionist with nearly fifty years of study of his childhood hero, US Grant.

Ken’s work has generated a great following of supporters and others who share his love of American history and the attributes of positive role models throughout our national past.  His passion for the subject is evident in his presentation, and it is hard not to be affected by his enthusiasm for his subject and believe that you’ve met US Grant in living history.

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The Tocks Island Dam Story-  Death of a Small NJ Town & Way of Life

In 1955, major hurricanes caused massive damaging flooding of the Delaware River.

In response, the Army Corps of Engineers proposed to build a dam at Tocks Island, above the Delaware Water Gap, to control flooding, provide improved water supplies, and promote recreational opportunities. The Corps acquired 72,000 acres of property, making use of eminent domain, and some 15,000 residents were forced out of their homes. Bitter lawsuits and political battles ensued. The issue provided a major impetus for the early environmental movement.

The dam was not built, a number of small towns and historical ways of life were disrupted forever. This presentation focuses on the impact of the project on Pahaquarry, NJ, the town that would have been mostly inundated — a place rich in pre-colonial history and mysteries.  Ultimately, the town was forced to abandon its municipal existence.

The story is told through public documents, extensive newspaper reports, and the words of the last remaining residents of the town. It completes with an unexpected ending concerning the last Mayor of Pahaquarry and the current state of the land as an underfunded National Recreation Area.

Presenter 

James Alexander Jr.  is a resident of Medford Leas and lives on the Lumberton Campus.  An accomplished researcher and presenter on historical topics, Alexander has recently presented on the topic of trains in our local area.  He earned his BA from Middlebury College and his Masters of Governmental Administration from the Wharton School.   His successful career involved state and local government management, and brings a unique perspective to this program.

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South Jersey Camera Club Exhibit

This virtual show highlights the work of members of the South Jersey Camera Club.  We invite you to enjoy this diverse display of images from this talented group of South Jersey photographers.  www.sjcameraclub.org

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Danielle Boyd and the Music of Henry Mancini

Henry Mancini, is considered to be one of the most versatile talents in contemporary music.  His name is synonymous with great motion pictures, television music, and fine recordings. During his lifetime among his many achievements he won 20 Grammy Awards, and 4 Academy awards.

Thanks to the talents of Danielle Boyd, Medford Leas Music Therapist, this program will offer you a selection of Mancini’s best known hits.

We know that many of these songs will bring back memories of good times.

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The Morris Family:  New Jersey’s Founding Family

Morristown, Morris Plains, and Morris County are just the most obvious reminders of this influential and ubiquitous New Jersey family. From Governor Lewis Morris, our first Colonial head of the state in 1738, to his grandson, Gouverneur Morris, who wrote the Preamble to the United States Constitution, the family’s legacy in New Jersey and New York is rivaled by no others. The presentation and discussion will explore where the Morris family came from, their original settlement in Tinton Falls in Monmouth County, what they did, and interestingly, why they are so little remembered today. Rick Geffken, a popular speaker on historical topics, lives on land once owned by the Morris family and reveals little-known facts about the Morris Family and their New Jersey connections. Special thanks to our Medford Leas Residents Association Leas Forum Committee for organizing this talk.

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Birds of Prey by Jen Bulava

Medford Leas is proud to offer this program developed and presented by Burlington County Park Naturalist Jen Bulava.

Learn about the hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures, and owls that reside right here in Burlington County.  You will also learn about raptor adaptations, behaviors, migration patterns and conservation efforts to bring endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

Jen is responsible for planning and conducting nature programs and all other aspects of environmental education for the public within the Burlington County Parks System.  She holds a BS in natural resource management with a specialization in conservation and ecology from Cook College, Rutgers University.

To learn more about the Burlington County Parks System visit:  www.co.burlington.nj.us

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