V o lume T h i rt y S even , N umber 3
A pril 2023
Beaumont Residents with Texas Connections Celebrate! Written by Kaki Hoover, Photos by Beverly Wilson.
Some Beaumont residents previously lived in the area. Several are second generation residents or have relatives that currently call Beaumont home. Some are former classmates. But Beaumont is also now home to folks from faraway places.
making ingredients including Wick Fowler Chili Mix, a book titled “How to Speak Texan in 30 Minutes or Less,” and a picture puzzle of Texas. Then dinner was served in the Mansion Green Room where Zack Margolis and his food and beverage staff created a Texas style dinner of Chicken and Tomatillo Enchiladas with Black Beans and Spanish Rice followed by dessert of Cinnamon Churros and Vanilla Ice Cream. Upon leaving the dinner with their newly found connections, our Linton and Renata Whitaker Texans received a gift bag of “things Texas.”
Those born in the Lone Star State give themselves special status as Native Texans, but they are understanding of those who got to Texas as soon as they could. Native Texans include Kaki Hoover and Linton Whitaker, both University of Texas exes, Martha Edmunds, Lee Holt, Gerald Isom, Evelyn Isom, and Libby Gerry Isom, and newcomer Schwartz Maryellen Madden. Beverly Wilson lived in Dallas and graduated from the University of Houston, as did Carole Morgan. Sherrill and Brad Kling lived in the Fort Worth area for years and Virginia Holt, Libby Schwartz, and Bob and Kate Kessler once called Dallas home. Sonia Triester developed properties in several Texas cities. Veterans Raymond Lee, Dick Peterson, and Peter Abel were stationed in Texas. We also identified at least one staff member from Texas - Mary Huff, IT Director.
These Texas Connections were celebrated on Thursday March 2, fittingly, Texas Independence Day, with drinks in the Beaumont Bar. Then, before heading to dinner, pictures were taken in front of the Texas flag which was provided by the Whitakers and there was a drawing for Texas related door prizes including a basket of well-known products by companies that got a start Raymond Lee (In front) with Gerald Isom. in Texas, a basket of chili Virginia Holt, and Lee Holt (in back)
Sonia Triester and Sherrill Kling
Hank Edmunds, Martha Mel Edmunds, Dick Peterson, and Brad Kling
We Texans want to thank Kaki Hoover for first recognizing how many at Beaumont had Texas ties and for then organizing and planning the Texas Connections Celebration so we could all get to know one another. 1
PRESIDENT’S
Beaumont Appoints New Vice President of Operations Article and Photos by Joe Peduzzi
Wesley Kuehnle joined Beaumont back in November of 2022 as Beaumont’s Vice President of Operations. Since the beginning of his tenure at Beaumont, Wes has been busy learning how the departments that he directs -Maintenance, Housekeeping, Laundry, Grounds, and Security -- operate. Wes has already implemented many new initiatives to improve the efficiency of these departments and improve the working environment for his staff.
CORNER
Wes left Twining Village Retirement Community to begin his new role of Director of Facilities at Wesley Enhanced Living at Evangelical Manor. In 2012, he joined Dunwoody Village as Director of Facilities and Construction. When asked what his greatest accomplishment was at Dunwoody Village, he said, “completing the construction of their 40 new Carriage Homes and knowing that he left there with their facilities in excellent shape.”
When Wes is not working at Beaumont, he enjoys his two hobbies. First, his winter hobby is doing wood carvings of characters. He actually practices for this passion by carving watermelons in the summer and pumpkins in the fall. In the summer Wes also enjoys building hotrods. Some of his proudest accomplishments are pictured below.
In addition to learning a new organization and its culture, Wes walked into a $24 Wes Kuehnle million Building Envelope Project which was two-thirds underway. No wonder when I interviewed Wes and asked him what he likes most about working at Beaumont, he responded, “there is never a dull moment”.
Wes began his career in retirement living in 2004 when he accepted a position as Maintenance Supervisor at Twining Village Retirement Community in Southampton, Pennsylvania. Recognizing his potential, Wes was promoted to Director of Facilities in just six months. In 2010,
Wes also has two lovely daughters, Amanda and Emily. Welcome, Wes, and we want you to know that your contributions have been noticed by the Beaumont Community.
Hot rod
Wood carving
BEAUMONT NEWS The Beaumont News is published by the residents and staff of the Beaumont Retirement Community, 601 N. Ithan Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
In Memoriam Jean Churchman March 3, 2023
Wood carving
Cynthia Drayton March 3, 2023
Members of the Beaumont Community extend deepest sympathy to their families and friends. 2
Editor
Beverly Wilson
Photo Editor
Linda Madara
New Resident Editor
Betty Matarese
Roving Reporter
Eta Glassman
Quality Control
Cathy Leahy
Production
Articus, Ltd.
Marlene & Leonard Dubin By Sally Randolph
There is no dearth of success stories here at Beaumont, among the most notable being those of Leonard and Marlene Dubin. Leonard is the son of immigrant parents from Ukraine. Remarkable in their own right, his father founded the “Happy Go Lucky” Ice Cream Truck Co. and his mother helped support the fledgling family by working as a seamstress. With his father’s encouragement, Leonard was the first in his family to go to college. With an ROTC commission, he served for two years in the Army prior to attending Temple Law School. He graduated 1st in his class and was Editor and Chief of the Law Review. After clerking for Judge Joseph Sloane, he joined Blank, Rome L.L.P. in 1962, and built an outstanding reputation in litigation and matrimonial law. The extensive list of his publications, professional affiliations, lecturing and teaching appointments is capped by his serving as the President of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
“go-to” person to run fundraising events.
She likes challenges and breaking new ground, which she did for innumerable organizations. At age 62, she joined the Philadelphia Schuylkill Dragon Boat Team. Traveling and racing competitively Marlene and Leonard Dubin. Photo by Audrey Walsh. against other teams throughout the US and internationally, she competed with her team in the World Championship in Berlin!
Leonard takes great personal pride in being a mentor and foster parent for a 13-year-old boy whom he met through Philadelphia Futures. Leonard is still in contact with this young man, who is a Temple graduate and is now a Certified Public Accountant.
In addition to all this, art has always been Marlene’s passion since she was 6 years old. She studied and lectured at the Barnes Foundation and at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. She has entered many art competitions, exhibited in galleries, and won a considerable number of awards. She says, “My joy is in the making of art.”
Leonard and Marlene met when Marlene was a junior at Bryn Mawr College and they married after Leonard finished law school. In preparing for her career, Marlene took the state, local and federal civil service exams and accepted a position as an economist with Ed Bacon at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. What followed for Marlene were varied careers in public relations and special events coordinator for corporate, philanthropic, and professional organizations. She chaired and produced the first Juvenile Diabetes Foundation’s Salute to Super-Achievers and the first Andrew Hamilton Ball, sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. She co-chaired Creative Kids, a city-wide children’s art festival. She became a community leader, the
Of all these occupations, she says that “the most demanding was raising our three children, but it was also the most rewarding.” Both their sons are prominent lawyers and their daughter, a former vice-president at the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, is a consultant in fundraising for non-profits. The Dubins have six wonderful grandchildren. The Dubins are well-known in Philadelphia, have traveled widely and have a broad focus and laudable passions. They will, no doubt, enrich our lives here at Beaumont!
A Sonic Experience By Richard Lange
Transcriptions in classical music refer to adapting a musical composition initially written for one instrument or ensemble to be performed by another instrument or ensemble. This process involves adjusting the musical score, such as altering the key or changing the range of the notes to fit the new instrument's capabilities. Transcriptions have been a part of classical music practice for centuries and have been used to adapt works from all periods and styles. Examples include Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Wendy Carlos’s “Switched on Bach.”
Iwo Jedynecki, classical accordion and Sage DeAgro-Ruopp, soprano. Photo by Astral.
perfect sense in some ways since it is similar in sound to the traditional pipe organ and almost identical to a harmonium,
The accordion is one of the last instruments that come to mind when planning to transcribe music. Yet, it makes
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continued on page 5
Beaumont Celebrates Mardi Gras Photos by Linda Madara
Louise Hughes and Joe Peduzzi
Rita Rome and Joyce DeBotton
Zack Margolis
Joe McCaffrey
Barbara Pottish and Sandra Feitelson
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Louise Hughes and Debora Zug
Caitlin Gardner and Papiya Das
Virginia Rivers
Bunny Solomon
Joyce Randolph
A Sonic Experience (Continued from page 3)
which produces sounds by pumping air through reeds. In the concert by Astral Artists, presented at Beaumont on February 21, 2023, Iwo Jedynecki performed Baroque through modern-day transcribes for the button accordion.
Part of the program was developed with Sage DeAgro-Ruopp, soprano, who sang the third movement from Bach Magnificat with the accordion replacing the oboe, along with pieces by Bellini and a moving interpretation of Kurt Weil’s “Youkali.”
Iwo Jedynecki began with J.S. Bach's “Partita in G Major,” the last set of suites Bach wrote for the keyboard and the most technically demanding. Iwo Jedynecki chose to play two dance movements from the Partita, which he handled masterfully. We often consider Bach's music grand and majestic, yet he wrote many pieces for courtly dances, and the accordion can do justice to Bach’s Baroque rhythms. The program also included Frank’s “Offertories from 5 Pieces of Harmonium, “a perfect selection, and Szymanowski’s “Mazurka Op. 50 no. 1. “
The highlight of the program were two original electronic compositions by Sage DeAgro-Ruopp: “(Reimagined) J. C. Bach” and a piece she wrote for a dance company, “Sie.” Sage DeAgro-Ruopp used a speaker to play a prerecorded electronic score. Iwo Jedynecki accompanied her on the accordion, and with her vocals; the composition created a sonic experience blending the sounds of the past and the future. 5
Brad and Sherrill Kling – New Residents from the Lone Star State By Judy Anderson
You might ask, why would a couple that lived in Texas for the past 41 years, move east to Beaumont? Although Brad grew up in the Chicago area, moving to Philadelphia was a homecoming for him as he loved working here after he graduated from Penn’s Wharton Business School. However, it was Sherrill who led the charge; their relocation seemed to her a practical solution. The 1,800-mile commute from Fort Worth to their summer home in Rhode Island had become arduous. She also has roots on the East Coast; she grew up in Cohasset, MA. She trained in administrative and executive skills at Mitchell College in New London, which proved to be ideal preparation for a peripatetic life. Specializing in hospital administration, she found her services were needed wherever they lived for the next 30 years. She met Brad at a mutual friend’s wedding; it was the beginning of a whirlwind romance that has lasted for 45 years.
ophthalmic health care. During Brad’s tenure with Alcon the company was owned by Nestle, the Swiss food giant; therefore, Brad and Sherrill were able to live, for a short time, in Switzerland, where they Brad and Sherrill Kling. Photo by Linda caught the travel bug. They Madara. both retired early, which enabled them, over the past 20 years, to travel overseas, mostly on small ship cruises. They visited all the continents, except Antarctica. Among their favorites adventures were two trips to the Galapagos Islands, where they loved snorkeling, kayaking, and discovering wildlife. As world travelers, they have found that doing some research and being informed ahead of departure has enhanced their experiences.
Brad started his career at Coopers & Lybrand in Center City. After they were married, they lived in this area and for a little while in West Virginia, before Brad began a 25-year career with Alcon Laboratories in Fort Worth, Texas, where the US headquarters are located. Alcon is an American Swiss-owned company, a world-wide leader in
When they decided to move to a retirement community, they again did their homework. Fortunately for us, they chose Beaumont, where their energy and volunteer experiences will enrich their lives and our community.
Our Special Construction Workers By Joan Bromley
There's a silver lining to listening to the banging, scraping, beeping and the total upheaval we have endured living in a construction zone here at Beaumont during the Envelope Project. Take the time to talk and listen to the stories of the workers. Kristen Nelson and her partner, Billy Rogowski, Jr., Kristen Nelson and Billy Rogowski, Jr. Photo work for PCS doing by Joan Bromley. demo work.
Kristen and Billy live two and a half hours away from Beaumont in Swoyersville, PA, so they stay in a motel in King of Prussia and return home over the weekends. Billy has a 17-year-old daughter and Kristen has two boys 16 and 17. Kristen met the boys' "amazing" father when she was at Penn State. His life was cut short and in 2008 he was shot in Wilkes-Barre. She told me with such warmth "my mom is all heart and got me through some hard times when I lost the kids' father. We talk every single day." I asked her how she has found her own strength. She said, "I need to be there for my boys and be strong for them. That's how I have dealt with this. I still know their father is looking over them. He's proud of them and proud of everything that I've done to be there for them. Life is too short, and you never know when you're going to lose the person that you love. I stay positive."
I first saw Kristen working high up on scaffolding tearing off the stucco on the back of our villa. She wears a pink helmet. She is a special lady. I asked her what drew her to this kind of work and did she enjoy it. She said it was a great way to work out aggressions, but more importantly she said, "I love it. Once it's torn down it becomes so beautiful when it's done."
Kristen met Billy at a family event eleven years ago and they plan to be married soon.
It's a blessing for me to have met Kristen and Billy and honored they have been so kind and open with me. So, as the Beaumont envelope project moves on, and you wonder if it will ever end, take time to get to know the workers. Then remember the words of the lady in the pink helmet..."Once it's torn down it becomes so beautiful when it’s done."
Since then, we've become friends and shared stories. She gave me permission with great joy to write about her for our newsletter.
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News from Beaumont’s Grounds Staff and Grounds Committee By Ann Baruch
Beaumont
GROUNDS
Despite efforts to save our favorite perennials, shrubs, and trees during the Envelope Project, much of our landscaping was replaced by mud flats and construction materials, and the foundations of our buildings were left bare. The landscaping of villas that underwent reconstruction early in the process has been redesigned, some by Jones Landscaping, some by Jimmy Moran, and others by residents’ favorites. Other villa and apartment gardens are not yet quite ready for replanting. Now is the time for residents to enjoy restoring their landscapes to their former beauty or by giving them a fresh, new look. To maintain continuity, guidelines for alterations to former landscaping can be found in Tab B of the Resident Handbook (House Rules), Sections I and II in House Policies (B). Some basic items: • Plantings may extend no more than 15’ from • Installation of objects on exterior walls (trellis, innermost exterior wall of villas and 3’ from the edge ornamental pieces, hooks, etc.) is not permitted. of a porch or building wall. • Mulch should be placed a short distance away from • Landscaping that requires construction of some kind the bottom edge of stone veneer or building material must be submitted in writing for initial review by to allow moisture to seep out of the bottom properly Mark Hritz with proper details. Plans will then be and avoid seepage. Mulch should not be placed submitted to the Grounds Committee for review tightly around tree trunks or plants to avoid rot from and approval. moisture and the provision of nesting places for termites. Plantings must be in mulched beds, clearly • Landscaping that involves a simple change of edged, to make mowing easy. Growing ivy on trellises plant material can be approved by Mark Hritz, or walls is prohibited. Grounds Director. We hope you will enjoy restoring your landscape to its former beauty or in a way that brings a fresh, new look. If you need help or ideas call Mark Hritz or one of the resident gardeners on campus.
Buttercup By Lydia Gemmer
While it would seem Beaumont has “gone to the dogs”, that is not the case! Cats are well represented in our pet-friendly community, including in Personal Care - introducing Buttercup who resides with a resident on the 3rd floor of Liseter Hall. Buttercup has the perfect home with a loving owner and has the perfect feline personality to live comfortably here. Buttercup’s cat-mom had been a longtime dog lover and dog owner for many years. Unfortunately, bringing her beloved dog to Beaumont was not workable. The idea was explored of adopting an adult cat instead. The resident and her family readily agreed to this plan and Buttercup’s adoption was arranged. It was love at first sight! You may be familiar with characteristics of famous orange tabbies such as Puss N Boots and Garfield. Did you know that most orange tabbies are males? Buttercup is unique in being a female orange tabby. Orange tabby cats are known for being big cats, very affectionate, and “chatty”. Buttercup matches all these traits! Affectionately known as “Butterball” for her, ahem, generous figure, Buttercup is a laid back and friendly kitty. Her favorite activities include sleeping in bed (preferably in direct contact beside her owner), sleeping on a chair in a sunny
spot, or sleeping on the back of the loveseat. Basically, sleeping… anywhere. Buttercup also enjoys attention. She is happy for visitors to come in “her” room, greet her, and spend time petting her which she will reward with a loud purr. If she is really happy with her visitor, she’ll lazily Buttercup. Photo by Lydia Gemmer. turn over to receive a tummy rub. Consequently, Buttercup is well known and visited frequently. Her delightful personality has even converted some professed non-cat lovers. She’s irresistible! What Buttercup does not particularly enjoy is participating in her monthly nail trimming event. But, in keeping with her minimally strenuous lifestyle and agreeable personality, she does not object too forcefully. She would also tell you that she is not thrilled that her treats have now been strictly limited (see above, generous figure…). Buttercup is living the good life in Personal Care! She brings a great deal of joy to her owner. We all are happy to have such a friendly kitty to enjoy. 7
Charley Denious – “Mater” Protector By Helen Ballard
Charley Denious, son of Sue Denious, is a 9-year-old Havanese, born October 1st, 2014. He is a shy, obedient fellow who prefers his mother's company to that of anyone else. He watches her like a hawk and is never more than 10 feet from her.... always on ‘security’ detail. He is her self-appointed Guardian Angel. When his mother is out front puttering in the garden, he supervises her from the front porch and would never ever consider the idea of wandering off even if it was just a lawn away.
CANINES of BEAUMONT
he insists on pulling it out, dragging it into the middle of the room so you can behold it in all its ‘dubious’ glory. The squeaky ogre toy, about the size of a large tomato, has been chewed, chomped, squeaked, and rolled on showing the wear and tear of a toy well loved. Like his mother the ogre is never far from his sight. At nighttime he sleeps on his mother's bed and, of course, brings the ogre with him as well as an old ratty dog bed that never quite made it to the trash can.
Charley does not beg for food; he is a dog who eats to live, not lives to eat. However, he did once have a serious problem when he decided to branch out and sample a golf tee! This turned out to be an expensive mistake!! Like many of his canine pals he hates thunderstorms and when he senses one coming hides in a closet. In summer he vacations at Squam Lake in New Hampshire where he keeps an especially close eye on his mother lest she get lost in the woods. He loves to go boating wearing his handsome life vest just in case the boat should spring a leak! This would be a disaster as he HATES the water!! Going boating is one thing, going swimming is not to be tolerated!
In dog school Charley proved to be an excellent Charley Denious with “ogre” toy. Photo by Helen Ballard. student where he learned the usual basic commands, his right from his left, and to dance and do high fives. Being a quick study, he has continued to learn new commands from his mother.
You can often find Charley walking around the block with his mother, working in the Nalle Garden or traipsing through the woods. He might accept a treat from you should you have one, but his primary job is to ‘human - sit’ his mother...a job he takes to heart and very seriously.
There are 2 things Charley greatly loves almost as much as he loves his mother, his bed, and his squeaky ‘ogre’ toy. His bed lives in its crate except when you come to visit in which case,
The Last Ones
Newspapers and magazines were written for adults and the news was broadcast on your radio in the evening. After television came, it took over for the nightly news, but there were only three channels. Your parents were suddenly free from the confines of the depression and the war, and they worked hard to make a living for their families. You weren't neglected, but you weren't today's all-consuming focus. They were glad that you played outside and could play by yourself at times. You entered a world of overflowing plenty and opportunity; and felt secure in your future although the depression and poverty were deeply remembered. New highways would bring jobs and mobility. "Internet" and "Google" were words that did not exist.
By Bette Peterson
This special group was born between 1930 and 1946 - a 16 year spread. Are you in the age range between 76 and 92 here at Beaumont? If so, you are in the smallest group of children born since the early 1900's.
You are the last generation who spent childhood without television; instead, you "imagined" what you heard on the radio. With no TV until the 1950's, you spent your childhood "playing outside." There was no Little League or other organized sports activities. Since there was no TV, you lacked a real understanding of what the world was like. Polio was a still a crippler.
Telephones were one to a house, often shared — a party line that you could listen into, so that there was no privacy. You often had to wait a long while for your neighbor to hang up.
The second world war was over, and the cold war, terrorism, global warming, and perpetual economic insecurity had yet to haunt life with unease. Only " The Lasts" can remember both a time of great war and a time when our world was secure and full of bright promise and plenty.
Computers were called calculators; they were hand cranked. Typewriters were driven by pounding fingers. Throwing the carriage and changing the ribbon were part of using them. To make copies you often were smeared with blue from the copy paper. There were no Xerox machines.
We grew up at the best possible time, a time when the world was getting better. We feel privileged to have " lived in the best of times!" 8