FEATURES
The Perfect Location for Life's Last Reel
The Motion Picture & Television Fund's Retirement Community
by Sharon Benoit
 Outside the Fran and Ray Stark Villa. Photos courtesy of the Motion Picture and Television Fund |
When it comes to the “R” word, there are many who wish to live their post-career lives with people from the motion picture and television industry who share common interests. That’s where the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s (MPTF) retirement community really counts.
The campus accommodates more than 300 residents, aged 70 and older, at all levels of care on 40 luscious acres in Woodland Hills in Southern California’s Woodland Hills.
Contrary to popular misconception, one does not have to turn one’s
assets over to the Fund in order to reside in this community. This fact is
emphatically stressed by Arlene Glassner, residential services representative
for MPTF. “Our residents do pay monthly rent, which includes meals and
numerous amenities,” she says. “Financial assistance is also available.”
Once qualified (see sidebar), there are four different levels of accommodations
available for residents:
1. Independent Living––Country House Cottages/Fran and Ray Stark
Villa,
2. Assisted Living––Frances Goldwyn Lodge/Fran and Ray Stark Villa,
3. Skilled Nursing and
4. Alzheimer’s Disease––Harry’s Haven.
 The address plaque for the Editors Guild cottage at the Motion Picture and Television Fund retirement community |
“The beauty of this campus is that all residents share a common interest in that they all worked or are widowed spouses of those who had worked in the motion picture or television industry,” explains Glassner. “So, people who haven’t seen each other for years are reunited here.”
If a person moves into Independent Living and needs to advance to Assisted Living, it is automatically handled by the MPTF. “That takes a lot of pressure off elderly individuals and their family members,” she notes.
Residents are allowed to bring along their cars (if they can still drive) and pets such as cats or birds. Dogs, 35 pounds or under, are also allowed––if they are able to be cared for and walked daily.
The campus also features a 250-seat Louis B. Mayer Theatre, where first-run
movies are shown twice a week––on Thursday and Sunday nights.
Also included in the rental fees are utilities; basic cable TV and telephone
services; weekly housekeeping and bed linen service; scheduled local transportation
to events, shopping and appointments; planned entertainment, activities and
trips; 24-hour medical staff; and 24-hour security. Guests are allowed to
dine with their friends or relatives who reside on campus for a small fee.
The campus also has a full-service hair salon and spa, offering facials and massages; dry cleaning delivery service; and an on-site seamstress.
 Country house cottages on the Motion Picture and Television Fund campus; top right: interior of the Stark Villa |
Sometimes, residents are treated to special visits by actors, who have a new film released or a current television show on the air. There are also numerous holiday parties presented for the residents on an annual basis. For instance, NBC/Universal puts on a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving Dinner is sponsored by DreamWorks, a Valentine’s Day party is hosted by Warner Bros, a summer barbecue is presented by ICM and an Easter party is held by Paramount Pictures for their employees and the residents on campus.
Glassner also emphasized that there is specialized care for people with Alz-heimer’s disease and other dementia through Harry’s Haven, funded by Kirk and Anne Douglas, and named in honor of Kirk’s father.
The Country House Cottages also offer studio and one-bedroom units, a library and lounge area and buffet dining. In the 1970s, the Editors Guild, then Local 776, donated a double cottage to the campus. It’s one large room, approximately 400 square feet, with an enclosed patio and sitting area. The cottage does not have a kitchen since residents are encouraged to dine in the dining room.
 Interior of the Stark Villa. Photos courtesy of the Motion Picture and Television Fund |
The Editors Guild Cottage, No. 49, is currently vacant. Its most recent resident, retired film editor Bill Reddish, 76, moved home after a two-month stay. He was used to living in a large ranch in Fallbrook, California. After his life partner passed away, he hade decided to put his ranch up for sale and move to the MPTF campus. He got rid of all of his furniture, packed up his belongings and took his dog, Peanut, to the Editors Guild Cottage.
Reddish acknowledges that the cottage “just wasn’t my cup of tea.” He was used to a larger space with picture-window views. When escrow fell through on his ranch two months into his stay in the cottage, he decided to take the property off the market and return home. “I believe it was a mistake for me to leave Fallbrook,” he said. “The people at the Motion Picture and Television Fund retirement campus are very kind and most helpful. It would have been easier if I could have tried out the cottage for a little while before committing to a longer stay.”
For the record, there are trial periods for residents. “We do have short-term stays,” confirms Glassner. So, one can just try out housing on the campus before making a firm commitment.
 Interior of the country house cottages. Photos courtesy of the Motion Picture and Television Fund |
There are many residents who are enthusiastic about the energetic camaraderie and quality of life with their peers at this industry’s retirement community. The campus mission statement, “Taking Care of Our Own,” most definitely rings true.
Qualifications for Residency at the MPTF Retirement Community
1. One needs to have worked in any capacity in Motion Picture and/or Television industry for at least 20 years. Eligibility is verified through various sources.
2. One needs to be 70 years of age or older.
3. A widowed spouse of an industry member qualifies if he or she is 70 years of age or older, has not remarried and was married to an industry member for at least 10 years.
Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the MPTF Social Services department at 323-634-3888.
Note:
If you know someone who qualifies and is interested in living at the
MPTF retirement community, contact Arlene Glassner at 818-876-1554.
Sharon Benoit is a freelance writer and former interim editor of Editors Guild Magazine. She can be reached at sharben@aol.com.
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