Beaumont News December 2019

V o lu me T h i rt y T h ree , N umber 10

December 2019

Beaumont put on quite a show for area CCRCs

By Sally Randolph, Grounds Committee Chair

“Going Green,” how to live more sustainably and in harmony with nature, was the theme for the quarterly meeting of the CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) Area Council here at Beaumont on December 3. The council is an informal group of representatives from fourteen CCRCs in the vicinity. The communities take turns hosting the visits where comparative information about our respective communities is shared.

Overseen by Joyce and David Randolph, our CCRC representatives, Marlynne Clothier, Linda Parrotto and Paige Welby organized a team of volunteers to greet and guide our guests. Zachary Margolis put on a sumptuous lunch, thus maintaining our reputation for fine dining.

During the presentation period, “How environmental change will impact everything” was the topic for the first

speaker, Karl Schoettle.

He pointed out that, although environmental issues are post-WWII concepts, the enormous impact of CO2 emissions has only recently come to light. More than any other greenhouse gas, it is responsible for the escalating threat of global warmPhoto by Linda Madara ing. Higher tempera- SPEAKERS Karl Schoettle and tures are responsible Richard Stephens answer questions for alarming ocean after their slide presentations in the acidification, melting Beaumont Room. ice and warming permafrost, releasing vast deposits of methane.

CCRCs continued on page 3

Independent-living emergency pendant provides fast, dependable medical help

By Heather Heiland, Vice President of Health Services

Photo by Lynn Ayres

THIS IS NOT the proper use of your emergency pendant!

The new Independent Living (IL) Pendant system was distributed to all IL residents a few months ago to help residents who may experience a medical event or a crisis in their villa, apartment or somewhere on the Beaumont property. When the pendant is pressed in the center, a red light will flash and the pendant will vibrate, thus activating the pendant.

This sends a signal to both the Front Desk and the Wellness Center during regular business hours. A nurse will then respond and come to your

assistance. After hours, when your pendant is pressed, the signal will go to the Front Desk and a nurse in Personal Care, who will then respond and provide assistance. After you are assessed and cared for, the nurse will reset your pendant.

How does it work? The signal from the pendant goes to the nearest transmitter, which is located at various points throughout the campus. Please keep in mind that it is not a GPS system that will tell the nurse your “exact” location.

However, the campus is heavily saturated with transmitters, so in most cases you will be easy to find in a short time, but in some cases it may take the nurse a bit longer to find your exact location.

In the future, we will be installing pull cords in apartments and villa bathrooms for additional ways to receive assistance. The process for these will be the same. Pull the cord and a signal will go to the Front Desk and Wellness Center during

PENDANT continued on page 7

Roasting and toasting cook up lots of fun

The Campfire Evening on November 20 drew a respectable 2. crowd despite cold wind gusts. On the 4. lawn outside the Fitness Center, two campfires were set up to roast hotdogs, toast marshmallows (for s’mores), or just warm up a bit. Hot chocolate helped with warming, especially if a shot of alcohol turned it into a hot toddy. Those who needed more warmth took refuge in the Fitness Center.

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In addition to food and drinks, emPhotos by Linda Madara ployee Ivan Ramos played guitar and 1. FEEDING THE FIRE: "Doc" Snyder keeps it going. 2. ENTERTAINMENT: Ivan Ramos sang, but this year he was joined by (left) is joined by Ian Munsick. 3. ROASTING: Ginny Rivers and Peg Wolcott cook their hotdogs.

Ian Munsick, resident Susan Rak4. NOW FOR THE FIXIN'S: Louise Hughes (right) directs Sue Rakestraw to a roll and condiestraw’s grandson, on violin. ments. 5. FESTIVITIES: Wistie Miller and Sanna Steigerwalt share a joke.

Winter Etching An etching now, My garden lies Primly aware Of winter skies.

As autumn gold Blurs into gray Shadows are sharp Across the day.

Traced with a new Austerity, I know the strength Of stone and tree.

Color is gone From the design, Leaving the fact Of mass and line.

Beauty is more Than leaf and light; It can be caught In black and white.

—Bette Keck Peterson

LOBSTER TAILS, CRAB CLAWS & SHRIMP! Oh my! Sculpted ice bowls and vases keep them cold.

See page 5.

Want to write for the Beaumont News?

Got story ideas? We like that.

Like to talk to people? Stories often require interviews.

Make mistakes? That’s what editors are for.

Photos by Lynn Ayres

In Memoriam

Uneasy about fitting in?

Sinclair Ziesing December 3, 2019

Take a look at a recent issue of the Beaumont News. Check the bylines on the articles. The Masthead at the bottom of page 2 lists the names of staff and contributors. If there are people you know, talk to them.

Ask questions.

Carolyn Aller December 14, 2019

Lewis Jaffe December 18, 2019 Members of the Beaumont Community extend deepest sympathy to their families and friends.

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

Or simply join us at the monthly BN story conference at 10 a.m. on the first Thursday of every month in the Mansion Bar (a short walk from the Bistro, where you can get coffee and pastry to bring to the meeting).

Executive Editor Lynn Ayres Managing Editor Irene Borgogno Deputy Executive Editor and Production Manager John Hall Graphic Designer TJ Walsh Photo Editor Louise Hughes Contributing Editor Linda Madara Quality Control Jennifer Frankel Index Manager Nancy Harris Consulting Assistant Editors Mary Schnabel, Jean Homeier, Peggy Wolcott, Wistie Miller

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CCRCs continued from page 1

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CCRCs continued from page 1 3.

Some of the immediate effects are the extinction of species, loss of traditional food sources, climate migration and habitat loss. He urges a number of incentives to reduce our carbon footprint, including living more sustainably. “Today will be remembered in history as the time when we first understood the effects of greenhouse gases and recognized our ability to make a difference.” (For further reference see https://350.org/about/.)

The second speaker, Richard Stephens, head of the Beaumont Green Committee, detailed our “Go Green” initiatives.

He showed that Beaumont has been a leader in environmental stewardship since its founding in 1984, by reducing our external energy needs with geothermal wells, by choosing 25% wind-powered electricity, and by adding a gas-powered emergency generator to ease PECO’s demand peaks. He showed how we care for Beaumont’s woodland, designated a Stewardship Forest by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. He explained the multiple purposes of the Pond, Vale, and the rest of our stormwater management, and the advantages of our rain gardens.

Other sustainable initiatives mentioned were recycling, organic lawn care, importance of native plants and educational events for residents. Finally, he emphasized that going green is a path, not a destination. “Although immediate tasks change, the objective is constant: to live in a thoughtful, respectful manner, minimizing deleterious effects on the surrounding world.”

(For more details see https://www.beaumontretirement.com/ about/green-commitment/.)

THE MUSIC ROOM is a perfect venue for meeting, greeting . . .

1. COORDINATING schedules with Joyce Randolph . . .

2. ENJOYING the music of Marv Weisbord . . .

3, 4. DISCUSSING issues over coffee and pastries.

Photos by Linda Madara

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Lonely kitchen seeks appreciative owner, tenant or paying guest

Text and photo by Eta Glassman

This is me with a special announcement. I, a Beaumont resident, am selling my kitchen.

I own a lovely two-bedroom + den apartment on the second floor of Austin. The view is delightful—beautiful trees, a western sunny view. Frankly, I no longer even notice the cars parked in the area below the hill.

But, here’s the story.

Who needs a kitchen? In the morning I can eat a breakfast of Danish and coffee in the Bistro, surrounded by chatting friends, newspapers and the TV announcing the latest updates!

Lunch is available in the Grill Room. I can select items from the salad bar or order from the extensive menu.

Daily specials are available (you would never find those choices

in my kitchen). I like to sit in the Grill Room porch where I can admire the beautiful villas and plantings. I also enjoy eating in the front part of the Grill Room where I can watch the cooks—thank goodness it isn’t me cooking!

Then, there is dinner. Beaumont has nine dining rooms, including the Health Center and Personal Care dining areas. My favorite in the Mansion is the Bistro. It is cozy, informal, and the food is sensational. The bar service is great (I’ll have vodka, straight up with a lime and shaker ice—thank you).

Here’s the good news: dinners in our various dining rooms—Billiard, Green and Oak—are super, as is dinner on the porches. The menu includes weekly and daily specials.

How can you beat that? On lazy days I have dinner delivered,

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KITCHEN continued on page 4

Season of giving begins with Smile Day

of gloves. Coincidently, the morning they were de livered to TIP, the coordinator of a homeless shelter made a frantic distress call that it was in dire need of gloves!

• Jane Ruffin, a nature photographer, printed 4”x6”

photographs of butterflies, birds and blooms and

donated them for cards.

Smiley balloons placed throughout Beaumont to mark the day began to wilt by day’s end, as the tally was reviewed: • Over 200 pairs of gloves were on their way to the

homeless.

• Orphans in South Africa can look forward to 50+

beaded bracelets.

• Wildly colorful alcohol-ink cards await written

inspirations to be attached.

• Jane Ruffin’s exciting photographs were mounted,

trimmed with calligraphy inspirations, and framed.

• Barbara Stephens’ class’s cards were headed for a

homeless shelter’s lunch bags.

• Health Care residents designed and gave inspira tion cards to friends and family of their choice.

Text and photos by Linda Madara

Barbara Mishkin, artist and retired teacher, created a program to give back to the community, using art as a tool by constructing inspirational cards for homeless programs, women’s shelters, veterans’ hospitals, on and on.

With friends Betty Organt and Bev Borton, she built a not-for-profit company: The Inspiration Project. Beaumont was ideal for a TIP workshop. November 19 was the chosen date, combining TIP with “Smile Day” to complete the event.

Results were impressive, and it wasn’t just the round cookies with yellow icing and smiley faces on them. The synergy was magical:

• Over 37 volunteers assembled in the Arts and Crafts Room.

• They made both inspirational cards and beaded

bracelets for orphans in South Africa.

• Jefferson University’s Nursing School students

happened to be here on Smile Day. Eight students and supervisor Mary joined the volunteers.

• Barbara Stephens, a Bible study leader, invited her class to make cards.

• Louise Hughes, Resident Services, learned that TIP gives gloves to the homeless. She, her family and friends decorated and donated almost 200 pairs

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The day of smiles and activity was a huge success.

Sydelle Kessler, a major force in organizing the activity before her death, would have loved it.

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1. BEADING BRACELETS: a student nurse from Jefferson works with Naomi Rubin. 2. GOING AROUND THE TABLE from left to right are Jane Ruffin, Barbara Pottish, two student nurses, Tuppie Solmssen, Papiya Das (at the far end), Michael Churchman (partially hidden), a student nurse, Sylvia Yedinsky, and another student nurse. 3. WHAT ARE THEY DOING?! Nicole Williams, Accounts Payable, and Sonya Clarke, assistant to Chef John, are blowing alcohol ink into patterns. Unlike other paints, the ink sits on top of Yupo paper so it can be moved by tipping the paper, blowing the ink with a straw, and responding to making handprints.

KITCHEN continued from page 3 or I might walk over to the dining room and take it home. So, I ask you once again, why do I need a kitchen?

Perhaps you, my dear reader, would like to store out-ofseason clothes on a rack in my kitchen? It is also a great place for vacuum cleaners, ironing boards and cleaning supplies.

How about an out-of-town guest sleeping in my kitchen?

Perfect, just bring a cot. Guests can brush their teeth at the kitchen sink. I promise not to peek and tell! No extra charge to use the washer and dryer in the kitchen closet.

Here’s the problem. Do I sell the kitchen or rent it out daily or monthly? What if I don’t like my new tenant?

I think I need to review my options.

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MULTI-PURPOSED room provides a garden on the stovetop and a library in the oven.

Songs of praise and joy precede a sumptuous holiday feast

ELIZABETH ROYER enjoys Christmas Caroling.

CLASSIC CAROLERS and organist Jim Zug lead the sing-along.

THE MUSIC ROOM is filled with holiday song.

On December 10, a trio of Victorian carolers joined Jim Zug on the organ to lead Beaumont residents in the annual Christmas carol sing-along. Residents were split into two consecutive groups so that everyone could be accommodated in the Music Room. From the first Silent Night to the last Figgy Pudding, the community made a joyful noise.

The singing was followed by the annual holiday buffet extravaganza. The Beaumont Room housed 190 diners who feasted on shellfish, lamb chops, pasta and much, much more.

HOLIDAY DINERS: Sue Denious, Paul MeCray, Peggy Campolo, Bud Rorer & Ann Butcher, Bob Kessler, and Eileen Ware.

SANTA'S HELPERS, Cresie Barnes and Juanita Durham, serve dinner.

ICE SCULPTURE adds to the ambiance

Photos by Linda Madara

‘Grassical’ Christmas concert opens exciting holiday season at Beaumont

By Jim Zug

“Grassical?” The gifted DePue Brothers Band play in a classical and bluegrass style they call grassical. That may sound like an improbable synthesis, but their music is amazing. Beaumont was treated to a concert on December 4. The performance was arranged by our relationship with Don Liuzzi, the timpanist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, who is also the manager and percussionist for the band.

The four brothers, Jason, Alex, Zack and Wallace, grew up in Philadelphia, and all four are virtuoso violinists.

Jason and Zack are Curtis Institute graduates. They all have full-time music jobs and play together for short tours periodically. Jason plays in the Philadelphia Orchestra violin section.

The brothers are joined by award winning banjo,

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guitar and bass players. Their performance was electric, with rising cheers and standing ovations. A number of residents bought their CDs after the concert. It was a real treat to have them here at Beaumont.

Staff Appreciation Day means party time!

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All photos by Linda Madara

1. ADMINISTRATION: Kristin Szoke and son; 2. CHEF John Bauer; 3. SANTA CLAUS / Howard Barron with Bling!; 4. DINING SERVICES manager Lauren Scott; 5. HOUSEKEEPING: Mary Gweh; 6. FITNESS: Diana DiMeglio and Amy Singh-Trecoske; 7. ADMINISTRATION: CFO Sue Kendra and RTD Bernadette Bevilacqua; 8. HOUSEKEEPING: Sharon Hannibal and Abeba Hailu.

‘Almost-local’ couple relocates from coast to coast and more

Jim and Betty Matarese moved from New Jersey, where they lived in a country manor situated on 60 acres of land, forest and ponds. They also maintain a small apartment on Rittenhouse Square. When consulting Philadelphia friends about a retirement community, they were advised (unanimously) that Beaumont was the place. Last June Jim and Betty moved from their beautiful forest and ponds in New Jersey to an attractive apartment in Baldwin with their border collie, Laurie.

After graduation from high school in Burlington, New Jersey, with an interest in engineering, Jim joined United Aero Products, which had been founded by his father and brothers. Jim became president and later reorganized the company. One of his projects was developing a subsidiary in France that manufactured mainly blades and vanes used in commercial and military aircraft.

When he was seventeen, Jim earned his pilot’s license and acquired a small plane, which he later used for both business and pleasure. Growing figs is also a longtime interest, and four trees have now been transplanted from New Jersey to the Nalle Garden. In addition, Jim raised funds for United Way when they lived in California, and he was on the Board of Burlington County College in New Jersey. He has two daughters, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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Betty grew up in Western Pennsylvania and earned degrees in music and music education from the Carnegie College of Fine Arts in Pittsburgh. She lived in New York City, where she accompanied musicians professionally, taught choral music in a large Brooklyn high school and received a master’s degree in music history from Hunter College.

In 1978 Betty and

Jim were married in Betty and Jim Matarese

Los Angeles.

In 2007 the Matarese company, known as Precision Metal Products, was sold. Its focus now included the manufacturing of prostheses—hips, knees, shoulders, elbows—all from aerospace materials: titanium and cobalt chrome.

Editorial Note

PENDANT continued from page 1 regular business hours. The nurse will then respond to your emergency. After hours, the signal will go to the Front Desk and a nurse in Personal Care who will then respond to your emergency. At a future date you will also have the option to purchase additional pull cords at your cost for your bedroom.

You should press your pendant when you feel you are having an emergency. An emergency is “what a resident feels it is.” We would rather come out to assist you and find that you are fine than for you not to push your pendant and have a critical outcome. Staff does not mind answering the calls; this is what we are here for, to help and to serve the residents of Beaumont in any way that we can. Please do not hesitate to call for assistance when needed!

Finally, I would like to stress the importance of wearing your pendant, even if you are perfectly healthy, as an accident or incident can occur to any of us at any time no matter our age. Sometimes, accidents or events just happen. While it is not mandatory, your safety and security at Beaumont is of primary concern for us, and we are fortunate to have a system that can provide you with medical attention when you need it with the press of a button. If you are not already wearing your pendant, please consider doing so.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a witty, touching film about several Brits who find their golden years rather tarnished. They move to India for different reasons, some financial.

One couple had looked at retirement facilities in England but found nothing suitable.

A manager pointed to the emergency pull cord in an apartment, saying, “If you should fall, just pull the cord and help will come.”

From across the room, the wife replied, “Suppose I fall HERE instead of over THERE?” The manager had no answer.

That’s the whole point. Pull cords are useful—if you’re in the right place at the right time. Two years ago, I wasn’t.

I fell in my kitchen and broke my ankle. Fortunately, I was wearing a third-party pendant. I pressed it and help arrived.

Now that Beaumont has issued pendants that alert the Wellness Center instead of a third party, it’s even better.

Shortly after the pendants were distributed, I had another emergency. I pressed my new pendant and was astonished at how quickly help arrived.

I wear my pendant day and night, even in the shower, where many falls occur. It is waterproof, lightweight and easily concealed beneath clothing.

Adjusting to new things is not easy, but wearing a pendant is vastly safer than hoping to be near a cord when you need to pull it. It is also safer than your cell phone, which can be awkward to operate in a crisis.

Wearing your pendant can literally mean the difference between life and death.

NEW TREE in Mansion dining lobby: Norma Fabian (seated) purchased this tree from Home Depot because the older pre-lit tree had lost lights. She had it “installed” with Sally Herd (left) and Jean Homeier and decided it did not need ANY decoration.

Photo by Ann Butcher

—Lynn Ayres

ASTRAL’s unusual duet performance with Thomas Mesa (left) on cello and Greg Zelek on organ was enthusiastically received on November 21.

Photos by Linda Madara

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Senior Song Book has officially gone viral!

Text and photo by Linda Madara

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Kat Atienza ES at the front desk is kept busy redirecting media calls for Alan and Marv through Audrey Walsh, our marketing director. Newspapers and radio stations throughout the US are trying to arrange interviews with these two LIVE FROM BEAUMONT to Canada via magical men. iPad: Alan Tripp (left) and Marvin Weisbord.

The media From Atlantic (Halifax) to Pacific (Vancouall want to present ver), the transmission was terrific. this duo to their audiences before anyone else does…a scoop is what they are all looking for.

Yes, the story has “gone viral,” meaning it’s nationally and internationally recognized and talked about. CDs are being bought on-line and there are “hits” (visits) to the website https:// www.seniorsongbook.com/.

Needless to say, now is one of the most upbeat times to live at Beaumont. We can thank Alan and Marv for the wonderful uproar, excitement and fun. And… there is no end in sight!

The list is growing…. ABC was the first to tape a show in the Music Room. Less than a week later NPR/WHYY (National Public Radio) brought in a team and cameras to film the Beaumont story. In the meantime, NYNJ, known for articles about the happenings of interest in the tri-state area, interviewed Alan and promised another more extensive conversation.

The Washington Post featured Marv and Alan in a major on-line publication the Sunday after Thanksgiving. CTV (Canadian Public Broadcasting) aired live, from an iPad set up in the middle of the Music Room, its interview on the nationally watched evening news.

People magazine interviewers were excited by its conversation, so much so that they are publishing a story on the creation of the Songbook. Alan and All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelley got along famously during his live interview in early December, and riding those coattails, CBS headed north to Bryn Mawr from Washington with a whole film crew for an in-depth interview on the Senior Song Book.

Who would have thought that two Beaumont gentlemen, Alan Tripp and Marvin Weisbord, aged 102 and 88 respectively, could have caused such an exciting uproar when they combined their friendship, poetry and musical gifts to create a smash hit CD?

Seasonal Lights It is not surprising that at the darkest time of the year, light is a large part of seasonal celebrations.

1. Hanukkah—This year the eight days of Hanukkah, or “Festival of Lights,” began on December 22. It commemorates the miracle of the lamp oil in the Temple in Jerusalem. Sufficient for only one night, it lasted for eight.

2. St. Lucia Day—In Scandinavia on December 13, a young girl wears a wreath of lighted candles on her head to celebrate a martyr who fed persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs. The wreath of candles freed her hands to carry more food.

Her companions are younger girls and “star boys” wearing star-decorated hats, who honor the martyr St. Stephen.

3. Christmas—The tradition of lighting and decorating Christmas trees began in Germany, was introduced in England by

Prince Albert in 1840, and the tradition spread. Now even non-Christian cultures decorate trees at Christmas.

4. New Year’s Eve—At the culmination of December festivities, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with fireworks, as seen at

Penn’s Landing near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

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