Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

Deborah Richardson Price, Executive Director of The Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County, will tell us about the fascinating stories behind the museum’s collection of artifacts and archives that give voice to the unknown.

Debbie will present connections between the journeys of those fleeing slavery along the underground railroad with contemporary walks for freedom and present-day activism. She will explore the themes of injustice, freedom, and voice or identity, that open us to deeper understanding and empathy.

This concert was recorded in 1997 at the beautiful Waldbühne, outside Berlin, Germany, featuring the Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Zubin Mehta with Daniel Barenboim as piano soloist.

The concert will feature music with a Russian theme by Russian composers who have made profound contributions to classical music, blending rich national traditions with Western influences. Some of the most prominent Russian composers are Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikov-sky, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Mikhail Glinka. Glinka is considered the founder of Russian music, and Tchaikovsky its most prominent representative.

The program begins with the Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila which is a famous orchestral work by Glinka. It will be followed by the featured work, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23, with Daniel Barenboim as piano soloist. Also you will hear the famous Waltz in D-flat major, Op. 64, No. 1, by the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. Known as the “Minute Waltz,” it is one of his most famous compositions.

Then two works showcase Mussorgsky, the prelude from Modest Mussorgsky’s opera Khovanshchina, and the Gopak (Ukrainian Folk Dance) from his opera The Fair at Sorochyntsi. Rimsky-Korsakov is represented by the Flight of the Bumblebee and the Capriccio Espagnol.

Tchaikovsky’s waltz from Swan Lake will also be performed. The formal program concludes with “The Death of Tybalt” from the ballet Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev.
The traditional closing music of the Waldbühne concert with audience participation is “Berliner Luft,” composed by Paul Lincke in 1922. It is to Berliners what “New York, New York” is to New Yorkers and the “Wien Wien nur du allein” is to the Viennese, the unofficial city anthem.

With the assistance of Dr. Paul Thorlakson, Doctor of Musical Arts, on piano, Doris previously entertained us with her amazing collection of clarinets. Now these two will be assisted by Jeffrey and Abigail Martin, vocalists. They will perform a program of solos, duets, and trios by Rachmaninov, Massenet, Finzi, Debussy, and Brahms. The feature pieces will be Schubert’s “Shepherd on the Rock” and Verdi’s “Love Duet” from Lucia di Lammermoor.

In a vividly illustrated presentation, Amy Jane Cohen, author of Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Roots, Enduring Legacy, will discuss the long and influential presence of African Americans in Philadelphia and how this history is reflected in monuments, markers, murals, and so forth.
 
Amy Jane Cohen spent twenty years as a middle and high school social studies teacher. In 2013, she became the Director of Education at the film company History Making Productions, where she developed educational materials to accompany documentaries, mostly about the history of Philadelphia. Amy produced Octavius V. Catto: A Legacy for the 21st Century, which won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Historic/Cultural Program Feature. Amy is a frequent contributor to Hidden City, an on-line magazine about Philadelphia’s history and built environment. Her writing has also been published in the Pennsylvania Gazette, Legacies, Tablet, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Back by Popular Demand!
 
Enjoy the beauty of the spring season and be inspired by the Ilgenfritz Daffodil Collection

Medford Leas bountiful collection of daffodils began when one of its earliest residents, Marjorie (Midge) Ilgenfritz, arrived in 1978 with her collection of prized bulbs from her garden in Mamaroneck, New York. Over the years, Midge’s bulbs were divided and moved throughout the Medford Campus.

Learn more about this cherished spring bloom. Enjoy a guided tour of our collections and be inspired to add this wonderful burst of spring color to your garden at home.

Walks will be guided by Debbie Lux, Medford Leas Horticulturalist, along with Medford Leas residents.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

A guided Mural Arts tour aboard the Medford Leas bus led by a MuralArts guide.
 An included lunch will follow at the popular Angelino’s Fairmount.

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

Boathouse Row is the first book to lift the curtain on the little-known culture and history of Philadelphia’s iconic 19th century landmark, revealing stories of passion and perseverance along with hard-won victory. With more than 160 photographs, Boathouse Row chronicles the “waves of change” as people of different races, classes, and genders fought for access to water and the sport.

Dotty Brown is a former reporter and editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer. During her newspaper career, she edited numerous award-winning projects, including one that won a Pulitzer Prize. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, where she did not learn to row despite its historic crew program, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where she did learn to report and write. She came to rowing as part of the surging wave of masters rowers and is a member of the Vesper Boat Club, on Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This spring, based upon popular demand, the Medford Leas Residents Association invites you to join in the Great Decisions series, which highlights thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Each week, a Medford Leas resident will act as moderator and present information related to the scheduled topic. You are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
 
March 6 American Foreign Policy at a crossroads
March 14 (Friday) U.S. Changing Leadership of the world Economy
March 20 U.S. China Relations 
March 27 India: Between China, the West, and the Global South 
April 3 International Cooperation on Climate Change
April 10 The Future of NATO and European Security
April 17 AI and American National Security
April 24 After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Refreshments at 10 in the Gallery, meeting at 10:30.

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah

October: The Feather Thief by Kirk W. Johnson
November: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
January: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
February: The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
March: Making It So by Patrick Stewart
April: The Searchers by Tana French
May: We share other books we have been reading
June: The Women by Kristin Hannah