Chandler named VP of Meredith Elderly Complex

Howard Chandler, who was forced to suddenly resign last June 25 as Executive Director of the Taylor Community in Laconia after more than 29 years of service, has taken a vice president’s position at the new Meredith Bay Colony Club. Located just off the rotary at the intersection of Rts. 3 and 106 (Parade Road) in Meredith, the 85-unit independent living complex is under construction and scheduled for occupancy in June 2009.

Chandler and his new boss, James “Jim” Murray, the club’s president and CEO, agree that the new vice president will focus most of his time and attention on marketing the facility to the 55-plus demographic.

According to Murray, “Howard is the perfect match for this new facility. He has extensive experience in all aspects of elder housing and care. He is coming onto the job at a critical point in the construction process. We have already received more than two dozen inquiries from potential residents. Howard’s job will revolve around helping me get the project finished and working with folks who view the style of independent the club offers as ideal for their future years.”

Meredith Bay Colony Club, located on Ladd Hill, at the south end of the the village, will feature 41 independent living residences, 20 assisted living apartments, and 24 memory support units. Some of the independent living residences will be two-bedroom suites.

“All Meredith Bay Colony Club members will have access to state of the art assisted living services,” Chandler commented. “In addition, the Lakes Region only memory support center will be an integral part of this facility, and home health services will be available to those who need them. In addition, they will have access to off-campus skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services at the nearby Golden View Health Care Center.”

“Perched high on the hill above Lake Winnipesaukee’s Meredith Bay, it’s hard to even imagine more spectacular views from most of the apartments,” Chandler said. “Bottom line, this is elegant living! We can be flexible. We can tailor-make the housing experience here.”

“While everyone 55 and over will be welcome here, we think the club will be most attractive to those in the 62-plus age group. That age milestone is substantially lower than the average age of 77 years that is typical for this kind of elder community,” Chandler said.

The swimming pool is housed in a prominent architectural feature adjacent to the main entrance. The complex also offers underground parking with elevator access to the main and upper floors, and there will be full formal and café/bistro style dining facilities.

Prices for the residential units start at $175,000, and, regardless of the length of residency, the unit purchase price will be fully refundable should a resident wish to move. For these who need nursing or other forms of specialized care, there will be a separate, individualized fee structure.

Both Murray and Chandler agree, “The Meredith Bay Colony Club will be the most affordable facility of its kind in New Hampshire.

Murray has been associated with the Golden View Health Care Center for more than 15 years. His is currently responsible for administration and community development.

Chandler’s departure from the Taylor Community last June was clouded in controversy. Many residents expressed concern for both Chandler and the 101-year old institution on Union Avenue that was founded to provide housing and care for aging individuals without family to care for them. Chandler and representatives of the community refused to discuss the circumstances surrounding his departure until Chandler himself spoke out on October 1. He stated the community's trustees had forced his resignation, without notice and without offering a reason.

Chandler will be feted to a farewell gathering of residents and friends being hosted by the community’s board of directors tonight in the community room of Woodside, Taylor's independent living apartment complex. Members of the Taylor Community’s board of directors assist with providing care to and acting as advocates for the residents, particularly those who are residents of assisted living facilities or in nursing home care. That board is separate and distinct from the Board of Trustees, which manages the affairs of the non-profit corporation.

Members of the local media have been notified they are not welcome at tonight's reception for Chandler.