Jean bids farewell to Rand Aid committee

Jean Johnson, a long-term resident of Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge retirement village, has retired from the village’s residents’ committee after dedicating 10 years to serving her fellow residents.
In 2010, it became a legal requirement for retirement complexes to have resident representation on a committee.

The first Elphin residents’ committee, or Rescom, was duly formed, and a full residents’ quarterly meeting was held to elect office-bearers.

“I was one of the nine residents elected onto the new committee and as I entered the hall that morning, Helen Petrie, our complex manager, asked if I would be prepared to stand for the position of chairperson,” explained Jean.

“I agreed, not for a moment believing that it would happen. I was horrified when it did, I did not shut my eyes that night.”

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Jean subsequently served four two-year terms as chair until 2018, and a further two years as a committee member.

Jean felt that there was a need to improve communication among village folk, and in July 2010, introduced a monthly newsletter, the Elphinews.

“My motivation was to put village folks in touch with one another, a ‘Star of the Month’ feature gave recognition to staff or residents who made a difference by ‘going the extra mile’, and hopefully made them feel appreciated,” said Jean.

The Elphinews evolved into a ‘social news’ of Elphin Lodge, carrying information about special birthdays, anniversaries, the births of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, information which might not otherwise have been known.

“People who were ill or who were dealing with difficult times, such as illness or bereavement, were mentioned.

“These various sections of the newsletter promoted communication among villagers, paving the way for compassion, kindness and celebrations too.

“My favourite part of doing the newsletter was the super feedback I had from residents,” said Jean.

Another big project that came to fruition when Jean was on the committee was negotiating with DStv to offer residents a more affordable selection of channel bouquets.

“This was a mammoth administrative task, but the ongoing savings for the community have been worth it,” said Jean.

Her highlights of serving on the committee have been largely due attributed to some supportive people.

“The late Maurice Creswick was deputy chair on the first committee, a retired lawyer, with the gift of writing poetry coupled with a wicked sense of humour,” described Jean.

“He was a pillar of strength to me in those early days.”

She said his poems, which were always written on the back of Rand Aid maintenance slips, and often taking a dig an event that had raised his ire, were a delight to read.

“Len Segal, who joined the committee at its inception as well, and who has been treasurer since then, has been a fountain of wisdom and a valued friend.

“Do not be fooled by the diminutive size of Petrie. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with her,” said Jean.

“Whatever the problem, Helen always has a logical, unflustered solution,” said Jean.

Her tenure as chairperson for eight years and committee member for a further two years was a privilege and a pleasure.

“Thanks to the amazing folk with whom I served on the committee. It is with great regret that the village committee says thank you and happy retirement to Jean, the monthly newsletter has become an institution.

“As you hand over the responsibility to me, I hope that you will advise and assist as I try to fill your big shoes,” says Joan Marshall, chairman of the residents’ committee.”

Helen thanked Jean for all of her hard work and for volunteering her time to assist our residents.

“We couldn’t have done it without you,” says Helen.

“On behalf of Elphin Lodge and our residents, I would like to thank you for all of your hard work and for volunteering your time over so many years to assist our residents. We couldn’t have done it without you,” says Helen.

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