Brandeis unit offers support to university
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Harmony Chapter of the Brandeis University Women's Com-mittee has done it again. This time the group has raised $5,000 for Brandeis University's science initiative.

At the Oct. 23 meeting of the Harmony Chapter, treasurer Roberta Ellen displayed a check for $5,000 which was being sent to Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass., to be used for its science initiative.

"Out of 3,600 colleges and universities in the United States, Brandeis is second in scientific research," said Ilene Garlock, chapter co-president.

Garlock and co-president Beverly Grush said the amount of the donation far exceeded the chapter's goal.

The funds were raised over a six-month period by the members who participated in activities such as study groups, trips, luncheons, book discussions, craft classes and special events, including a road rally.

The Brandeis organization is committed to raising $2 million for a laboratory to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease and other aging related disorders.

Funds are expected to be raised for an endowed medical science journal. Chapters of the organization throughout the country are helping toward this goal.

According to information provided by the chapter, scientists at Brandeis have already made advances in understanding the operation of a novel gene that can lead to early onset of Parkinson's.

Harmony Chapter of the Brandeis University Women's Committee is comprised of residents of the Four Seasons at Metedeconk adult community. Founded less than two years ago by Garlock and Grush, its membership has grown from just a few members to 150.

In addition to raising funds for Brandeis University, the chapter serves the community in the food pantry, Providence House (a domestic abuse shelter) and in the literacy volunteer program.