Medford Leas is doing its part to coax spring into our lives with a sophisticated lineup of presentations, concerts, tours and workshops in the “Pathways to Learning” programs that are expected to draw members of the local community to join in these opportunities.
The majority of the ever-popular programs are hosted on the Route 70 campus of Medford Leas, a not-for-profit community for older adults, guided by Quaker principles, though some of the events are held at the Lumberton campus and two will be held in the Village of Medford. The spring season of programs runs from March through May.
Already attracting attention is the appearance on March 29 by Dr. Dan Gottlieb, host of “Voices in the Family” on WHYY radio. He will talk on “Is Happiness Necessary?” and the interactive tour of the Medford Friends Meetinghouse tour on May 8 in a year when the Quakers celebrate 200 years of worship in the building.
For the first time in collaboration with the Medford Arts Center, a full 40-piece chamber orchestra, the Independence Sinfonia Orchestra, will be on stage May 18 to perform Haydn and Mozart.
Attendance at the Pathways programs has been steadily increasing since it began two years ago. This year more than 600 people from the community are expected to join in the various programs.
Many attendees last year said the Pathways programs fill what they perceive as “a void for lifelong learning opportunities in the local area,” said Jane Weston, Director of Development and Community Relations. “People always comment on the high quality of the speakers and the diversity of topics.”
Medford Leas is unique in that its residents contribute heavily to the types of programs offered and choose many of the speakers most appealing to their audiences.
Barbara Trought, a resident and chair of the 10-member Medford Leas Forum Committee, said it is sometimes difficult to choose since they have “an abundance of riches” in the many programs suggested by residents.
“We have incredible resources here at Medford Leas and so many contacts that reach out into the community,” she said.
Medford Leas is situated on beautiful grounds at campuses in Medford and Lumberton. The more than 200 acres that comprise the campuses have been officially designated as The Barton Arboretum & Nature Preserve, which represents a unique blend of accessible public gardens, collections and preserved natural areas which are all open to the public.
Many of the Pathways events are free but do require registration. Others charge a fee. Visit www.medfordleas.org for the Pathways to Learning guide and registration forms. The full listing of the programs on the website includes nature trail walks, horticultural workshops, and touring renowned gardens. Call (609) 654–3588 for more information.
