Beaumont News August 2022

V o lume T h i rt y S ix , N umber 3

August 2022

Beaumont Celebrates the Fourth!

By Barbara Ballam Stephens

On the Fourth of July over 100 residents celebrated our country’s 246th birthday with a program and picnic. Barbara Stephens coordinated the program which was the seventh in a series of Fourth of July programs started by Barbara Benson and Barbara Stephens in 2015.

It has continued annually, except for 2020, due to COVID. This year’s expanded program included eight members of the Beaumont Chorus, led by Sally Pearne and accompanied by David Prewitt and Dan Hutchinson present the Flag. Photo by Linda Madara.

Carole Morgan.

Sally Pearne leads the chorus. Chorus members shown left to right: Alice Victor, Ginny Rivers, Helen Vinick, Joan Roberts, Carole Morgan at the piano. Photo by Linda Madara.

Barbara Stephens presides over the celebration. Photo

by Linda Madara.

Dan Hutchinson and Dave Prewitt presented the flag and led everyone in saying “The Pledge of Allegiance.” Jeff White read excerpts from “The Declaration of Independence.”

We all sang “God Bless America” which Irving Berlin wrote in 1918 during World War I and revised in 1938 in the run-up to World War II. The beautiful voices of the Beaumont Chorus made for a rousing conclusion to our patriotic program.

A Treasure Rediscovered and Identified Text and Photo by Linda Madara

A few years ago, residents Bruce and Margaret Mainwaring (now both living in the Health Care Center) made the very generous donation to Beaumont of a large oil painting of the Tuscan countryside. It was very much enjoyed hanging in the front hall but was removed when some decorating was done.

It disappeared completely only to resurface in the salad bar where it overpowered the space. It was just not right there, but some thought the olive oil used in the salad dressings could have come from olives grown in Italy and there was talk that its green tones were “saladish.” So, in that cramped space the beautiful piece of art was hung to be enjoyed by only those diners creating their side salads at dinner.

Along came the Art in Our Halls show early this year 2022 and there was no question what the Art Committee wanted for its focal point in the show... the Tuscan landscape painting.

It was carefully moved from the salad bar, which at that point due to COVID restrictions was housing cartons of

Tuscan Landscape by Steven Bigler. Photo by Linda Madara.

paper goods and plastic trays, into the Beaumont Room. Up it went between two windows on the north wall walkway to

Continued from Cover

A Treasure Rediscovered and Identified Austin. The spotlight was turned on and there was an intake of breath from those watching the installation, then a chorus of “Super!”, “Would you believe it?”, "Where was it hidden?”, “What a Treasure!” — It looked sensational!

told the art committee that a friend visiting her recognized the distinctive style. Indeed, her guest was right. When Rena called to remind her friend that Beaumont would love the name, not only was it sent, but arrived with the artist’s website address as well. Our "Tuscan Landscape" was painted by Steven Bigler (b. 1946) in the American Post War Contemporary style. A visit to his website will supply much more information.

Now the issue was that the label only read "Donated to Beaumont by Bruce and Margaret Mainwaring." No artist’s name had been discovered, either on the canvas, frame, or in any records. Someone had to know who painted this wonderful work was the opinion of those in the "art know.”

It’s contemporary. The artist must be known. It wasn’t until a few months after the show came down that Rena Burstein

Guests and Residents alike now enjoy the Bigler piece hung behind the Reception Desk for all to see! Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Mainwaring!

New Residents: Frank and Mary Ellen Partel China, arranged by Columbia University.

When he is not writing, Frank lists his interests as: fishing, sailing, golf, and tennis. Mary Frank and Mary Ellen Partel Ellen shares his interests, but, in addition, she is passionate about flowers, be it gardening, flower arranging, or just being outdoors.

As a longtime active member of the Garden Workers Garden Club, she loves creating traditional arrangements for shows, churches, and at home. She and Marby Sparkman work together on the Flower Guild at the Church of the Redeemer, where Mary Ellen once served on the vestry. She is also a longtime member of The Female Association of Philadelphia, which provides modest grants to low-income women. In the summer she loves creating arrangements at St. Andrews Church in Martha’s Vineyard. Between the two of them, they take great pride in their four sons and seven grandchildren.

By Sally Randolph Francis J. Partel, better known as Frank, is an author of modern naval fiction in a genre he created called journalistic fiction. Navy Logbooks credit him with having the experience to write with “authority and authenticity” about the Navy. Frank has written three novels, the most recent of which is Down in Laos, Heroism and Inspiration during the Vietnam War. His well-researched perspective comes from the numerous positions he held on the USS Ticonderoga.

He was on active duty in the Bay of Tonkin from October 1965 until December 1968. After active duty, he completed an MBA at Columbia. Frank then held leadership positions with Citicorp, American Express, and Chase Manhattan Bank in NYC before retiring from US Bancorp in Minneapolis. For five years, he taught as an adjunct associate professor in the MBA program at Stern School of Business, New York University. Raised in Hoboken, NJ, Frank lived for most of his adult life in lower Fairfield County, CT. When Frank married Mary Ellen 22 years ago, they bought a house in Bryn Mawr. They also spent much of their time in Chappaquiddick, Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Vero Beach, FL. They share a love for travel, preferring self-guided tours in Europe and the British Isles or trips to Russia and

Thanks to their numerous connections here at Beaumont, Frank and Mary Ellen chose to live here in a location and in a community that is familiar to them.

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 Susan C. Rakestraw July 11, 2022

James M. Matarese

Editor

July 28, 2022

Members of the Beaumont Community extend deepest sympathy to their families and friends.

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Beverly Wilson

Photo Editor

Linda Madara

New Resident Editor

Betty Matarese

Roving Reporter

Eta Glassman

Quality Control

Cathy Leahy

Production

Articus, Ltd.

Beaumont Parkinson’s Initiative

By Dr. Richard Lange "Years ago, I hardly knew anyone with Parkinson's, and now I know several people who have it." Although I have heard this comment more than once over the last couple of years, it does seem that more and more people are being diagnosed with Parkinson's.

The data seem to confirm these observations. From 1990 to 2015, the number of individuals with Parkinson's disease globally increased by 118% to 6.2 million. By 2040, the number of people with Parkinson's disease is projected to exceed 12 million worldwide. Parkinson's is currently the second most diagnosed neurological disease in the United States.

A person diagnosed with Parkinson's might experience tremors, slowed movement (bradykinesia), rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic trends, speech changes, and writing changes.

Yet, Parkinson's is an unusual and unique disease because not everyone experiences the same symptoms. For example, some develop tremors, others do not. Some lose their balance, others do not. Because of such individualized symptom experiences, Parkinson's is incredibly difficult to diagnose, and treatments are also challenging as some

people might respond to a specific medication, and others do not.

I am proud that Beaumont is rising to the challenge of Parkinson's. A subcommittee of the Health Care Committee is currently developing a strategic plan (with the help of Joe Peduzzi) to improve services in the coming year. The committee's goal is to make Beaumont a premier retirement community for people with Parkinson's. (Not only is it the right thing to do for our residents, but it could also be a good marketing strategy.)

Currently in place is a specialized exercise program on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

(Delay the Disease), which has been going on since January of this year. In addition, there has been a Parkinson's special social/support gathering called "Let's Do Lunch," where people with Parkinson's, caregivers, and anyone interested gathers.

There was a pole walking lesson, a proven method to help with mobility. But we are looking to do more.

Some of our projects have been put on COVID hold, but we are back and ready to start again. We are planning on doing more Parkinson social/support work. We hope to create a weekly or twice-weekly

pole walking group. We are exploring plans to become a PMD Alliance certified Parkinson's Center.

And we are exploring additional medical training.

Beaumont is also considering developing an institutional contract with Parkinson's Wellness Recovery (PWR!) in Arizona. PWR! can provide consultation and online classes. One advantage of working with PWR is that they can provide certified exercise training for our staff and online types targeting specific needs, such as balance or getting out of a chair.

The good news is the PWR! Exercises work not only for people with Parkinson's but have been shown to be beneficial for people with other neurological problems such as stroke, brain damage, and dementia. Plus, it has been found to be helpful for the aging population with balance, strength, and functional mobility.

So, as we bring in more services for Parkinson's, the whole Beaumont community can and will benefit from these programs as these programs can be expanded for anyone.

“ Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.” — Mother Teresa

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It’s a WOW! Story and Photos by Linda Madara “Did you see the newest art exhibit in the Beaumont Room?”

“Yes, it’s a Wow! The Colors just make you feel good and there’s something for everyone: portraits, yoga goddesses, celebrities, comic book covers, and movie posters.”

Three artists, Sandra Blumberg, George Beatty, and Mikel Elam collaborated to create a new and exciting abstract art form which debuted at an enthusiastically received reception in the Beaumont Room in late June.

The artists: George Beatty, Mikel Elam, Sandra Blumberg.

Dignitaries from the city and the Philadelphia Art World joined in the celebration. Among the guests were two former models of fashion designer Halston whose 6’ tall black and white portrait was hung in the show.

Sandra Blumberg, a gifted portrait artist, excelled in life-size oil paintings that included celebrities who performed in the Spectrum. At the request of team owner Ed Snyder, Sandra individually painted the entire Stanley Cup winning Flyers ice hockey team. In the world of fashion, her work often featured designer Halston and his models.

The images featured were obtained from early book dustjackets, movie posters, yoga goddess statues, and original art by Sandra and Mikel. The process of creating the artwork required scanning the original material and photographs then enhancing it digitally. The pallet of colors chosen was matched to selected digitally designed backgrounds, thus providing new, magical, and very creative images.

Sandra also founded Culpepper Rose, an art advisory company for high-profile businesses and private collectors in the US and abroad. She is known and trusted for her sharp eye and knowledge of art, both old and modern. A hidden side of Sandra is her “Do Gooders” charity raising and providing funds for children in need.

George Beatty had 35 years of experience at E.I. duPont as a computer consultant before advancing to become director of Consulting and Training for electronics manufacturing company Alcatel. Starting with collecting comic books, George soon widened his collecting focus, becoming an enthusiast of Juvenile Series books like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew.

A major influence in George’s life was Randy Schulkers, grandson, of Robert F. Schulkers, author of the children’s stories “Seckatary Hawkins,” serialized for the Cincinnati

Halston model Pat Cleveland and Sandra Blumberg in front of Sandra’s portrait of Halston.

“The Beatles” by Sandra Blumberg

“Casablanca” by George Beatty and Sandra Blumberg

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“Ganesha” by Mikel Elam

as well. After graduating Mikel became the highly valued personal assistant to jazz legend Miles Davis, remaining with him until Miles’ death in 1991.

Enquirer and hundreds of other newspapers. George and Randy worked reprinting the stories in book form resulting in over 42 books printed. The Governor of the Ohio’s neighboring state, Kentucky, awarded George the title of “Coloniel” for his historical work.

Mikel returned to Philadelphia where he worked at Merritt Young Gallery as an art handler. During this time, he participated in many shows around the world including one in Dubai where he assisted in finishing The Lost Caves based on some of the tales of Atlantis.

Movie posters, dust covers of famous children’s books, and comics are all from George’s collection which has grown to over 16,000 books. He takes great pleasure in sharing his digital work both repairing and creating new dust jackets for other collectors. Most of all, he delights in his work with Sandra and Mikel creating giclee digital prints that incorporate all three art forms.

At present Mikel is working with Richard Metz and Carl Cellini creating large oil abstract paintings. The list of his work and his awards is impressive, many of them “Best in Show!” He recently has been named an “Artist in Residence” by the Fitler Club.

Mikel Elam is a well-known African American artist. A Graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, he holds a degree from The School of Visual Arts in New York

P.S. Sandra and George were married last year. They are future Beaumont Residents!

New Residents: Renata and Linton Whitaker

By Sally Randolph Renata and Linton Whitaker moved to Beaumont from Wynnewood where they had lived for 48 years. Linton is a sixth generation Texan, and Renata was born in Riga, Latvia from where her parents, with her as a child, fled the country in 1944 on the last boat, because the Russians were deporting the Latvians to Siberia. Her refugee journey began in Poland, then Czechoslovakia, and ended in several refugee camps in Germany. One was run by the American Army.

Along her journey, sleeping in ditches and graveyards, her family was helped many times by American Soldiers as they were driven in army trucks to safety zones. She often says that if it weren’t for the American Soldiers, she wouldn’t be here! In 1949 her family settled in Montreal where Renata became an ER nurse at the Montreal General Hospital and met Linton, who had completed medical school and was in Canada for his internship, planning to be a neurosurgeon.

After one year Linton was drafted and stationed in Baumholder, Germany where Renata joined him, and they were married in a military wedding! Two years later, they came back to the United States to the Mary Hitchcock Hospital at Dartmouth where Linton completed a residency in Restorative Surgery and Renata joined the nursing staff.

children and adults, and for which he has received multiple awards for his work. He received the Strittmatter Renata and Linton Whitaker.

Photo by Linda Madara. award from the Philadelphia College of Physicians given to one physician annually in the greater Philadelphia area where there are about 16,000 physicians.

He is the second Plastic Surgeon in the 100+ year history of the organization to receive this award. He also has just been declared an “Icon in Plastic Surgery” by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the oldest plastic surgery organization in the world.

Both Renata and Linton have traveled extensively and have enjoyed many outdoor activities including skiing in multiple areas in North America and Europe, hiking, fly fishing, and Renata especially, mountain climbing on some of the world’s higher peaks including summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and mountaineering on Mt. Elbrus in Russia. Linton has been very involved in the world of wine, including being Grand Seneschal in the international Burgundy society and the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin in Philadelphia.

In 1969, Linton accepted a plastic surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania, and they moved to their final home. Renata has devoted herself in the past to many volunteer efforts including the Philadelphia Antiques Show, Children's Hospital's Daisy Day, and the Academy of Music.

In addition, she has been involved in interior design. Plastic Surgery has been Linton's fascinating 52-year career. As a Plastic Surgeon at Penn and at Children’s Hospital, where he was Chief at both, he brought craniofacial surgery to the United States, which has changed the lives of many 5

The Whitakers have known the tragic loss and the joy of children and grandchildren. Their promising, eldest son died at age 12. Their daughter lives in Colorado and their other son lives locally and has three children (ages 15,18, and 20), of whom the Whitakers are very proud. Our community is greatly enriched by this couple who have experienced so much and contributed so much during their amazing lives.

Dance Everybody Dance!

By David Randolph, Photos by Linda Madara

When you go to a dance party at Beaumont, you can expect two things – to be welcomed by everyone, and to want to shake at least some parts of your body any way you can!

On Friday afternoon, July 15th, residents, personal aides, Beaumont caregivers, and staff – from newly hired to Beaumont’s CEO — gathered at the Diamond Dance Floor in the Beaumont Room to dance to the sounds of our own Doctor DJ, sometimes known to us as Dr. Richard Lange!

David Prewitt, Doctor DJ (Richard Lange), and Helen Vinick

with new and old friends around me. When I couldn’t dance anymore, I just sat and moved in my chair! The music was as good as Bandstand or a beach party, a backyard or a city row house rooftop, and the dancers as diverse as you might find at your grandchild’s wedding!

Arms up in the sky everyone! Left to right: Richard Lange, David Prewitt, Ann Reed in pink, Helen Vinick, David Balamuth in blue tee, and Joyce Randolph hidden behind David.

Everyone danced to the rhythms they liked best – from the Village Peoples’ “YMCA” to Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Whole Lot O’ Shakin’ Going On” and from reggae to Israeli wedding dances. I had the opportunity to get in touch with the silly, carefree side of myself, and I was delighted to share that side

Ann Reed leading the second half of the Congo line followed by Rita Rome and Richard Lange.

Did I mention the snacks after the party? Just the usual – skewers of fresh fruit, cheeses, and veggies, with bite-sized Philadelphia cheese steaks – plus the usual liquid refreshment.

Look for news of the next dance event. They occur periodically.

Even the dogs came! Jane Kihlstrom and Pelle dance up a storm.

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Everybody in a circle now and dance!

The Music Man Pays Beaumont a Visit!

By Linda Madara Meredith Willson, author, composer, and lyricist of the hit musical The Music Man had no idea in 1957 when his show opened on Broadway how wildly popular the production would be! It did not stop at the end of a three and a half year run and 1,357 performances. The Music Man has been brought back to Broadway twice. The most recent revival was enjoyed by Beaumonters on a special bus trip to New York where all raved about Hugh Jackman’s Professor Hill.

We here at Beaumont also recently had the pleasure of a performance of The Music Man. Imagine being musically transported from the Beaumont Room on a hot June afternoon to River City, Iowa and being held enthralled by a very talented duo flawlessly performing The Music Man’s intricate lyrics and tunes. With perfect timing we all took

the train together into River City never knowing that Professor Harold Hill, with his intent to con the small town, was one of the train’s riders swaying and jiggling along in the next seat over.

In our much smaller production, two exceptionally talented members of Philly Senior Stage with the help of some “canned” background music, gave a flawless performance including a floor-stomping version of the favorite 76 Trombones and the classic love song sung by the lonely Marian the Librarian, ’Til I Met You, to mention only two of the sensational renditions of Willson’s classics included in the show.

Marian, along with the rest of the town (and most of the audience), fell under Professor Hill’s spell on the way to creating a town band. Ironically and musically, the professor was not

Members of Philly Senior Stage Mae Burrus and Stewart Williams sing “76 Trombones.” Photo by Linda Madara.

immune to the librarian’s charms.

The Philly Senior Stage’s entire production was enthralling and enchanting. Like any well-received show, it ended all too soon—but this time to the rousing cheers of the Beaumont audience. We will see Philly Senior Stage again in the October with a production of Oklahoma. Don’t miss it!!

Greg O’Connor, Emmy Award Winning Artist, Performs at Beaumont

By Eta Glassman

One day when I was walking through the Lobby, I heard beautiful music coming from the Music Room and stopped to listen. I discovered the pianist was Greg O’Conner who visits his parents at Beaumont when he is on the East Coast.

Greg, a film and TV composer of scores for over thirty television series and a writer of over 1,000 featured songs for TV, film, and commercials, recently played a medley of songs for his family and residents in Beaumont’s historic Music Room.

To everyone’s delight, Greg played his latest original composition Someone Needed Me the Most recorded by the band Chicago for whom he has written many songs. Greg has also produced songs with famous artists, most recently Barry Manilow.

Beaumont resident Gerry O’Connor, Greg’s father, says Greg has loved playing the piano since he was four years old. His sister Sheila told me she is amazed that he plays without looking at the musical score.

Sheila, Greg’s mother, lives at Beaumont in the Health Center. A former singer, Sheila has performed in churches, cafes, and for the Naples Philharmonic. You can see her on YouTube. ( Just look up Sheila O’Connor.)

Gerry visits Sheila throughout the day.

Because his apartment is close to the Health Center, he gets his exercise by visiting her. Gerry told the Roving Reporter (me) that he loves to join Sheila for meals and fun together - a true love story.

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Left to right: Gerry O’Connor, John Wagner, Paula Kennedy, Steve Kennedy, Sheila Wagner, Gerry O’Connor, Jr., Greg O’Connor on piano bench, and Sheila O’Connor in orange sweater.

Photo by Linda Madara.

Although Greg lives in California, he visits his parents at Beaumont quite often. While playing the piano for his parents, Beaumont residents can also enjoy his music.

Staff Profile – Monique McDonald of her jobs is to provide Beaumont residents coffee every morning in the coffee bar. She loves working here, enjoys the challenges, and faces them with cheerfulness.

By Helen Vinick and Joan Bromley

Monique is all about being kind. She's very easy going, optimistic, a hard worker, and a go-getter.

She was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She's a Sagittarius born on November 22, which explains her straightforward, compassionate personality. Monique has five sisters and three brothers, one of whom has died. She moved to the U.S. in 2015. Her Mother, her role model, is 82. She brought each one of her children here and lives in Upper Darby which is also where Monique lives. Monique has one daughter, Hayle, who is ten years old.

Her goal is to provide well for her daughter and eventually own her own home. Moving from Jamaica to the U.S. gives her greater opportunity to Monique McDonald, Food Services. Photo

by Joan Bromley. achieve this goal.

Monique first worked at Kohls but after some time she wanted a new challenge. A year and a half ago she applied to Beaumont part-time in our Food and Beverage Department with no experience but with determination and eagerness to learn something new. She worked both jobs until Beaumont offered her full-time employment with benefits. She then left Kohls. Monique works from 7:00am - 3:00pm and one

We are fortunate at Beaumont to have Monique, such a kind young lady, working for us. Please think of her and say thank you when you have your first sip of coffee in the morning at the coffee bar.

Confessions of a Compulsive Walker

of giving up our house (no cutting the grass, worrying about the roof, etc.) became more and more obvious, I It all began with a heart attack on the eve of my 50th needed a way to walk around Beaumont’s neighborhood birthday. Upon my discharge from the hospital and cardiac without becoming roadkill. I made several driving trips to care unit, I was instructed to undertake regular exercise, the area, surveying the width(s) of the roads, the presence including walking. Having been a rule-follower most of or absence of sidewalks, and the ambient traffic level. A my life, I was determined to make this work. The first step typical destination: I found a route to was among the most difficult, Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr that especially for a Penn faculty is quite safe, either through minimal member. I voluntarily gave up my traffic or sidewalks (map available on parking place, having driven to request). It turns out that Ludington work every day for nearly 25 years. is about 2 miles from Beaumont – a I identified three SEPTA stations perfect solution. And the icing on the each about two miles from our cake is that one of the biggest problems house in Wynnewood and began I faced in our old neighborhood–what a new era of commuting which I to do when snow, ice, or extreme heat maintained until my retirement. made walking outdoors difficult, could (The four miles a day is about be solved by using the state-of-the10,000 steps.) After I retired in art fitness facility, with a choice of 2008, I needed a new excuse to treadmills available. We have been at David Balamuth. Photo by Linda Madara. walk, so I identified destinations Beaumont for nearly five years now, about two miles away, including the post office, barber shop, and my iPhone reports an average of 10,062 steps per day luncheonette, and so on. Life settled into the new pattern, for the past year. and I figured I was good for the duration.

I am also pleased to report that my condition appears to But nothing in life is static; some years into retirement my be contagious. Recently Beaumont has established a men’s wife got the idea we should consider moving to a retirement walking group, organized by Richard Lange, Dave Prewitt, community. Among my first questions: would I be able and others. I have joined a couple of the excursions, usually to maintain my walking routine safely in the less densely involving a scenic setting, and I predict a bright future for populated area surrounding Beaumont? As the advantages the enterprise.

By David Balamuth

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A Visit to the Amazing Rieger Organ at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian

By Linda Madara

How many times have you driven past the stately grey Gothic-style church on Montgomery Avenue in Bryn Mawr and wondered what it was like inside?

A small group of Beaumonters found out as they visited Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church! A soaring five story high ceiling with sun-lit sanctuary space surrounded by glorious, tall stained-glass windows greeted them on their arrival.

The best was yet to come… Jeffrey Brillhart, Senior Organist, welcomed everyone then lead them up into the choir loft where they met the renowned Rieger organ installed in 2005.

Why buy a new organ when there is one already in the sanctuary? Sadly, issues with the previous organ could not The Rieger Organ at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Photo by Linda Madara. be rectified.

After months of study by all sorts of committees, it became obvious that a new organ was needed—one that had to meet the traditionally high standards of Bryn Mawr’s church music and would be versatile enough to support the wideranging musical possibilities beyond just worship services as plays and concerts are also performed in the space. All important… the “voice” would have to support the large choir and inspire the congregation’s singing.

different sounds that are possible from the keyboards, complete with the twinkle of tiny stars for the Christmas Eve services.

When asked, “How did the organ arrive at the church?”, the answer was, “Carefully packed in wooden crates and lifted from the trucks by mechanical arms and placed on the front lawn!”

Other considerations were sanctuary renovations that had made the acoustics of the existing organ not to be acceptable to a new one. Another challenge was maintaining the present organ’s mechanical console prone to increasing cyphers (sticking open pipes).

What Jeffrey did not say was that the organ was entirely constructed and fully played in the Rieger factory before final changes and adjustments were made. Finally, it was completely disassembled, packed in large wooden crates, shipped by freighter, then reconstructed in place on arrival in the church’s sanctuary.

Fast forward: The choir loft in Bryn Mawr’s church was the perfect place for us to learn about the history of organs and to hear Jeffrey’s examples. Sitting on the bench, playing the three keyboards, and adjusting the endless array of stops, Jeffrey allowed us to witness feet flying up and down the pedals and his agility switching the stops and moving through three keyboards. Each melodic sample displayed

Jeffrey could have gone on and on and we would have happily sat where the choir spends its Sunday mornings, but all good things must come to an end. As we began to exit the church, Jeffrey called after us, “Next time come and see the Chapel’s organ! It’s a little gem and we have Tiffany stainedglass windows there as well!”

We learned about slider chests and tracker action. And there are mechanical couplers which can be played electronically as well! This combination system resulted from some inventive wizardry that allows theoretically over 64,000 combinations of pipes. It was conceived and designed especially for Bryn Mawr’s organ.

To the rescue: Jeffrey Brillhart and Olivier Latry, Paris’ Notre Dame organist. For months they researched and visited modern organs. Traveling together from cathedral to cathedral throughout Europe, they decided on the French Symphonic Tone for the new organ that Rieger would build.

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The Five P’s – Positivity, People, Place, Purpose, and Patience

By Bette K. Peterson These five P’s are essential to life now as we continue to wander through the COVID issue, the economic concerns, and our age in the life spectrum. These P’s help me to be POSITIVE about my life. I take pleasure in interacting with PEOPLE—old as well as new friends, neighbor friends, and our friendly staff. Making connections with others brings much joy to my life. We continue to love our PLACE here at Beaumont and what this community offers to keep us stimulated and the good meals that nourish us. I continue to

do various efforts to live my life with PURPOSE—engaging in various volunteer endeavors as I try to leave the world a little bit better (or at least not worse.) Dealing with life today one must have PATIENCE. Patience with all that is going on, with my body, with those that help us live the life we do at Beaumont, and with how much of our life is beyond our control. With all of the worry, shame, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Beaumont Visits the Adventure Aquarium

Joan Roberts, Sally Pearne, and Joel Jensen enjoying the Aquarium. Photo by Louise Hughes.

Sally Pearne watches the sharks. Photo by Louise Hughes.

“ I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, 'Where's the self-help section?’ She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.” - George Carlin 10

Friendship

By Betty K. Peterson Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures.

We all need friends that can be loyal, Who can make you laugh, Are strong, yet loving,

And always at your side.

A friend gets you totally, Understands you,

What you are saying, What you feel,

And what you struggle with.

I’ve lost some very good friends;

Some from cancer and other diseases, Others in accidents,

But I carry them with me

And we are together forever.

Marvin Weisbord and Alan Tripp in recording studio for their CD

Jack Cooper Retires Jack Cooper, our dedicated Resident Services Driver since 2014, celebrating at his retirement party on July 5. His courteous demeanor and sense of humor will be sincerely missed. Jack and his wife, Nancy, will be relocating to Virginia Beach to enjoy retirement with his daughter, Bethann, son-in-law, David and four grandchildren, Julianna, Gracie, Cooper, and Cecilia.

Jack Cooper, our dedicated Resident Services Driver since 2014, celebrating at his retirement party on July 5. Photo by Linda Madara.

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CANINES of BEAUMONT

different backgrounds and possess numerous skills.

There are those with circus tendencies, operatic ability, literary skills, some with insatiable appetites, some very elegant, some very quirky, and some who leap, cavort, and twirl with great abandon and enthusiasm.

A member of the Canines of Beaumont Club (CBC) has brought to the attention of the Beaumont News that the residents (of the human sort) really know very little about the four-legged canines who also reside at Beaumont. They often see each other several times a day strolling the grounds and/or halls. Like the human residents whose histories and talents are varied, the Beaumont canines also come from many

To appease the members of the CBC, the Beaumont News has decided to feature a column in each issue profiling one of our Beaumont canines. The first canine to be showcased is Charlie, son of Fred and Joan Yannessa, who was chosen by his peers because of his recent act of heroism.

Charlie Yannessa

By Helen Ballard

Charlie was born January 4th, 2013, in a shelter in Palm City Florida and adopted by the Yannessa’s soon thereafter.

It didn’t take long for his parents to realize that he was not only a dashing and handsome looking fellow but also highly intelligent! Due to his high IQ, he was accepted at the canine version of MIT — Canines for Hope. It was there he majored in Alert Dog Training. He was a quick study and was soon able to recognize and respond to blood sugar fluctuations in diabetics. Due to this specialized training, he reacted one night to a sudden drop in his father's blood sugar levels. Charlie barked up a storm alerting the nursing staff for the need of immediate treatment thus saving his father's life. How wonderful is that? So he is, as you can see, a true hero.

Charlie Yannessa. Photo by Joan Yannessa.

However, even the brightest dog can have a few quirks and Charlie is no exception. Here is a list of things you should know about him both positive and perhaps negative:

Then there are a few negatives... we all have them canine and human. He is stubborn, hates his bath, walking in the rain, and wearing a hoodie. Should you wish to visit Charlie and get to know him better feel free to give his parents a call.

1. He is polite and never jumps on his parents' bed without an invitation.

2. He is a watchdog and will bark to warn his parents when somebody comes to the apartment.

3. His favorite foods are steak and sweet potato fries...

The dog is no fool!

“ None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” — Thoreau 12