Beaumont News JulyAugust 2023

Bye Bye, Warfel!

Article and Photography by Linda Madara

Almost three years ago Warfel arrived on campus with a HUGE trailer. Until that moment most had not realized what an over-the-top undertaking was about to begin.

Beaumont’s “Envelope Project,” so named because all the existing exteriors of the buildings and villas were about to be removed and replaced with modern waterproof materials. It was a very complicated project and to be honest, there were times, many of them, when we looked at each other

To celebrate the glorious finale of the Project, Joe Peduzzi orchestrated a farewell event for the “world’s longest trailer,” complete with residents and staff waving wildly, balloons, welcome bottles of cool water, and cheering as the trailer was hauled off the campus. Despite an oppressively hot morning and a 3-hour late cab to haul the trailer, it was an absolutely joy to see it in tow, navigating the drive without actually hitting the stop signs or crushing the curbing. It was executed swiftly with amazing grace.

Our final glimpse of the headquarters of so much angst was the trailer departing the property with Warfel‘s team pushing it from behind amid a bunch of balloons saying “BYE!”

and said, “How much longer can we suffer through this?” But as each villa and building was completed, we began to see the beautiful new look for our campus emerge. Standing together we managed to survive for close to 1000 days. And there was also COVID to complicate life.

If anyone ever tells you that Beaumont residents and staff are not troopers, just laugh out loud! We are made of the sternest stuff! And because of that, along with the help of Warfel, we have a fabulous new look that insulates, weatherproofs and ties together the design of all the buildings and villas on campus.

The infamous Warfel Office Trailer

Audrey Walsh, Joe Peduzzi, McBee Butcher, Diana DiMeglio, Brad Siegel, and Bryant McCray filming and observing activities.

Truck with trailer pulling out.

Warfel workers pushing the trailer out.

Barely clearing the stop signs at the turn.

Let’s Celebrate!!

Article and Photography by Linda Madara

July 4th is a wonderfully mixed celebration of serious thought and joy. Thanks to Barbara Stevens who has orchestrated the program for 8 years, not only do we celebrate the occasion with a picnic feast, we take the appropriate quiet time before the festivities to once again look at the freedoms we have been given. More than one heart was aflutter, and a tear slipped into an eye as Dan Hutchinson carrying Old Glory and David Prewitt in full dress uniform brought the audience to their feet for the presentation and salute of the flag. This is what we are about – showing respect to our flag and our country with its hard-fought values. Guest orator, Jeff White, read sections of the Declaration of Independence and spoke about the importance of the document to us all in our daily lives. Members of the Beaumont Chorus under the enthusiastic direction of Dr. Sally Pearne, sang America the Beautiful after which the picnic entered the second most important part -- the picnic feast provided by Chef John and served by the generous waitstaff who had taken time off from their family outings to provide the attendees with hotdogs, hamburgers, salads with dressings galore, and a serving of the huge “Fish du jour” at the end of the buffet tables.

The diners, however, were careful to leave just enough room for a sliver of pie or a piece of the American-flagdecorated sheet cake to finish off their perfect picnic. No ants or bugs were around, and no one cared about the weather… our July 4th celebration always has a perfect picnic!

In Memoriam

hArrieT goodwin

May 20, 2023

howArd FATell

June 10, 2023

CynThiA wAlSh

June 17, 2023

ConSTAnCe drAy Ton

June 18, 2023

JoSeph mCCAFFrey

July 9, 2023

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

Editor Beverly Wilson

Photo

Linda

The Beaumont Chorus – Front row left to right: Carole Morgan, Joan Greene, Naomi Rubin, Jane Kihlstrom, Sally Pearne, Back row left to right: Joan Roberts, Kathy Hutchinson, Ginny Rivers, Helen Vinick

Barbara Friedman, Rita Rome

Jeff White

Michael Erdman, Sue Denious, Sanna Steigerwalt

Barbara Stevens

Lee Holt, Molly Slattery

Pat Ross, Barbara Benson

Norma Fabian, Lena Ciurlino

A Seafood Boil!

Article and Photography by Linda Madara

Two years in a row with perfect weather! It can be an “iffy” time for outdoor dining… even with six white tents set up around the driveway for protection from rogue weather. It takes iron nerves, a great chef and staff, and a heaping helping of luck to attempt it!

Beaumont is known for its delightfully entertaining and delish events. This summer’s Seafood Boil was no exception. To have the full oceanside experience, as only Zack and Chef John can manage, the hors d’ oeuvres were set on the table in the cardboard boxes one would find when eating dockside and watching out for enthusiastic and hungry seagulls eyeing your meal. Guests were equipped with lobster bibs to further enjoy their meal.

The perfectly seasoned bouillabaisse of lobster, shrimp, mussels, and crab presented was steaming hot in individual aluminum pans having just been ladled from huge pots. Diners also enjoyed boiled potatoes and unbelievably sweet corn as a finishing touch. The wines paired with the meal flowed appropriately throughout. Dinner didn’t stop there. Guests “retired” into the Mansion for coffee and dessert where a remarkable array of pies and cakes covered tables that stretched the length of the room. Miles of calories…but no one cared! Each dessert was more enticing than the next. Which one should I pick? The answer was simple…one of each!!!

Rocco Arcaro preparing for the boil.

Entertainment Papiya and Dilip Das, in background: Joel Jensen, Sally Pearne

Sarah Ansumana serving the boxes.

Marlene Dubin, Joyce and Claude DeBotton, Lee Holt

Jeff White

Marvin Steinberg

Marian Lockett-Egan

Jane Kihlstrom, Richard Kihlstrom, Virginia Holt

Up-Coming Excitement – The All-Beaumont Arts and Crafts Show!

By Linda Madara

They did it!

**Did What?

Set the date for the Show!

**What show?

The exciting All-Beaumont Arts and Crafts Show!

**I didn’t know there was one. It’s going to be great – you’ll love it. The show gives residents and employees the chance to display their hobbies and talents.

**You said All-Beaumont…?

Yep! Every resident and employee is welcome to participate, plus aids working a minimum of 20 hours per week. It’s a real All-Beaumont family show.

The Art Committee is looking forward to creating an exciting display of Beaumont creations. There are endless hidden talents just wanting to be discovered. Let’s share them! Paintings, drawings, colorings, knitting, and needlework pieces are waiting to be seen.

Remember the driftwood model you made last year at the shore? It’s perfect to submit. Be original. Think creatively. Items can be 2 or 3 dimensional; your sculpture, jewelry, and metalwork will look great displayed on tables.

This is not a contest. Every entry is a winner and participating gives you, the artist, the chance to share who you are and what you enjoy.

**So, tell me more?

Easy! Pick up the blue General Instruction Sheet from the front desk. It shows step-by-step how to enter. Decide what you will submit. Fill out a simple label form. Deliver the work to the Beaumont Room Sept. 21st or 22nd. (Sorry…only two pieces per person can be accepted and no spouses or children are eligible.)

**OK! So, what if you are me? Zero talent and nothing to enter?

You have an iPhone, don’t you?

**Sure. Right here with me. Do you take photographs with it?

**You know I do. The shots aren’t bad either… See look. Here’s our trip to the shore. I took a picture of our newest grandchild. It’s here somewhere. (Scroll, Scroll). Voila! I’ll make it bigger! Isn’t he adorable?

Great shot. This is where you come in. There is a separate section in the show with iPhoto classes: shots of family and friends, scenes/travel, and anything else you photographed.

**Really? No kidding!

It’s a great incentive to find pictures you “lost” in your camera.

**I have plenty of those!

The Committee will arrange to have your email submitted shots enlarged, matted, and hung in the show under your name. Not bad, is it?

**WOW! Where do I get details?

The front lobby desk has rules and regs on a yellow iPhoto instruction sheet. Just ask... Now where are you off to in such a hurry?

**The front lobby…. but there’s an issue… What?

**I have to decide whether to show the driftwood sculpture or iPhotos.

Don’t worry! You can show 2 pieces in the Arts and Crafts section AND two entries in the iPhoto section.

**Thanks! See you at the show. I won’t forget the driftwood!

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

– Edgar Degas

David Kim’s Inspiring Musical Visit to Beaumont

By Richard Lange.

Photos by Linda Madara. Whether programmed thoughtfully or just a juxtaposition of musical selections, David Kim’s virtuoso performance at Beaumont on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, had an underlying theme of creative spontaneity.

Mr. Kim began the evening by suddenly substituting the scheduled Brahms Sonatenatz to play an animated version of Handel’s Passepied (French court dance).

Mr. Kim followed this with an amusing story. In the first few days of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, he was suddenly inspired to keep music performance alive and a connection with the orchestra community, so he decided, with the help of his daughter, to record a YouTube video of a performance of Gounod’s Ave Maria. Within a few days, they had several views but had thousands by the end of the week. This spontaneous moment went viral and was a precursor of the hundreds of musicians posting video performances.

Mr. Kim then performed the piece for us accompanied by Jeffrey DeVault on the piano. It could be a coincidence, but Gounod’s Ave Maria has its own history of spontaneity. Charles Gounod improvised the melody, but fortunately, his future father-in-law was there to transcribe the improvisation—another example of a simple moment becoming one of music’s most performed compositions.

Stanley and Sylvia Baiman

By Sally Randolph

Sylvia Baiman came to Beaumont’s Health Center in July of 2021. Later Stan moved into Apartment 267 in Austin to be near her, until she passed away in late June this year. Sylvia, who spoke multiple languages and was a Russian translator, was born in a displaced persons camp in Germany and immigrated with her family to Columbus, Ohio.

Stan was born in New York but spent his childhood in Cleveland. They met at Ohio State University, where both earned their undergraduate degrees. Stan then got his Ph.D. in Accounting from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. Sylvia worked as a Slavic language librarian before becoming a full-time mother. They have one daughter, who is a lawyer and lives with her husband in Bryn Mawr.

Stan’s career led to a peripatetic life. He has been on the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has been a visiting

The main composition of the program was Brahms's Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25. A monumental 40-minute work from 28-year-old Brahms. A piece in four movements known mainly for the last movement, nicknamed "Gypsy Rondo.” Here Brahms used themes heard from a group of Nomadic musicians known to absorb and mimic the local culture, introducing their elements of style and performance, creating a hybrid of music called "Gypsy." Their melodies were also created in improvised sessions, a spontaneous creation.

The Quartet of David Kim, violin, Anna Marie Ahn Petersen, viola, Priscilla Lee, cello, and Jeffrey DeVault, piano masterfully navigated the emerging themes – the repeated eighth notes in the second movement creating the illusion of perpetual motion, and lastly, the vigorous rhythms of the last movement.

The Quartet played with such skill, knowledge, and dedication that everyone in the Beaumont audience experienced their own moment of spontaneous joy and wonder.

faculty member at Stanford University, as well as the London School of Economics and Political Science. After retiring from Penn, he taught for several years in Milan, Italy (Bocconi University) and Berlin, Germany (The European School of Management and Technology).

Stan and Sylvia traveled extensively both in Europe and the U.S., especially the western National Parks. Among Stan’s interests are hiking and fitness, as well as reading, primarily history and history of science. In his short time here, Stan has made many friends who extend their sympathy and companionship to him at this difficult time.

Stanley Baiman

David Kim addressing the audience.

Jeffrey DeVault, piano and David Kim, violin

David Kim, violin and Anna Marie Ahn Petersen, viola

Staff Profile – David Guidi

By David Guidi

I am David Guidi and have been a member of the Beaumont Maintenance Team for about a year and a half. I grew up in Oreland, PA, alongside my twin brother, Eric. Recently, I completed my associate's degree in electrical engineering and plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at a local four-year college. I have always been driven by curiosity and a passion for learning. This has led me to Beaumont, where I assist our residents during the week and on the weekends. As the maintenance presence on the weekends, I take on multiple roles, including plumber, electrician, carpenter, HVAC technician, car mechanic, and many more. My responsibility is to address any issues that arise and ensure resident satisfaction. This aspect of my job is what I find most enjoyable, as it keeps me on my toes and presents me with new challenges. For instance, I could be helping Mrs. Madara arrange art galleries one moment, which is particularly effortless for me due to my height. Then, in the next instance, I might be tackling a challenging HVAC problem at a villa, a task that I find pleasure in solving. I also must manage my time and prioritize tasks, giving priority to safety-related problems and issues that affect many residents. This can include but is not limited to investigating fire alarm issues, assisting the kitchen with their equipment,

or going on wellness checks to help ensure resident safety. This makes time management crucial on weekends, a skill that I am proud of, but am always striving to improve.

The schedule I work benefits both parties, as it gives me time for my studies while providing the Beaumont residents with a familiar and friendly presence on weekends. The weekend schedule is familiar to me, as I also did it at my previous employer, Philadelphia Country Club.

In summary, my primary goal is to create a sense of security and reliability for the residents by being present and addressing their needs despite the limited resources during the weekend. This dynamic work environment keeps me engaged and exposes me to unique challenges. Additionally, I take pleasure in ensuring that the residents feel supported throughout the week, including the weekends.

Judith Eugenie Graves & Maryellen Madden

By Sally Randolph

Judith Eugenie Graves and Maryellen Madden were married April 28, 2018, at Christ Church in Philadelphia, after meeting on match.com.

Judy grew up in New York State and spent her adulthood in the Washington, D.C. area and Gettysburg. Before she retired, she was a systems analyst at Westat, a professional services company in Rockville, Md., that provides research services to governmental agencies and businesses. She previously worked as an economist for the World Bank in Washington. She graduated from Cornell and received both an M.B.A. in applied economics and a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. She traveled on a UN passport to places like Somalia, Burma, Pakistan, Communist Romania, and Sandinista Nicaragua. She was previously married and has two children. Judy’s interests include economic development, history, and cultural differences.

Maryellen graduated with honors from Duke Law School, where she served on the editorial board of the Duke Law Journal. She practiced law at several national law firms in Philadelphia, specializing in complex, commercial litigation and serving as subcommittee chair of the Litigation Section of the ABA. At the same time, she served on a number of civic

boards, including the Reading Terminal Market. When Maryellen stepped down after 15 years, the Market Merchants Association established an award in her name for service to the Market.

In 2015, Maryellen became one of only two attorneys in an Am Law 200 firm to publicly change her gender identity. (The Am Law 200 is a ranking of the second hundred largest law firms in the US.) She became active in the governing bodies of several LGBT organizations, including TLDF, the William Way Center, and the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBT Affairs. Duke Law School engaged Maryellen to develop a transgender module to an LGBT curriculum it was developing. That program has been presented at conferences, universities and online. Maryellen is in the process of changing law firms so that she can practice with her son before she retires. She hopes then to pursue her too often shelved interests in cooking, wine, photography, and travel.

Judy and Maryellen are both trailblazers and are welcome additions to the Beaumont Community.

Judith Eugenie Graves and Maryellen Madden.

Photo by Sally Randolph.

David Guidi. Photo by Beverly Wilson.

Rocky Spahr — Rodentia Control Expert

By Helen Ballard

Rocky, a handsome 12-year-old tricolor English Springer Spaniel, is the beloved canine companion of Julie Spahr. He was born in Connecticut, one of 16 puppies! His mother had to have been a canine saint!! 16 puppies...Good Grief!! He was named Rocky, which was his father’s nickname at school, and he and his dad shared a very close relationship with one another. When his dad was ill Rocky was in daily attendance dispensing comfort and affection. Over the years his dad, a fanatic about fishing, taught him all he knew about the sport and brought him along wherever and whenever possible. Whether or not Rocky was a success at it you would have to ask his mom. One sport at which he does excel (not learned from his father) is the art of squirrel chasing, an activity about which he is obsessed. Fortunately for the squirrel population he has not yet learned to climb trees. They, and other critters, get no rest when they know he is about....as he is always in hot pursuit!

Maine is Rocky's favorite place in the world... his absolute idea of canine heaven. What makes it the most special place ever to spend your summers is off leash freedom!! He lives by the sea, and this affords him places to play and run free with his posse of canine and human pals who love his amiable and active personality. Here at Beaumont his freedom is curtailed, and he leads a more sedate and dignified life. His mom does, sometimes, walk him off leash in the woods where he can run, explore, chase, and annoy the resident Rodentia.

For the most part, Rocky is a well-behaved fellow. However, after an energetic runabout in the woods, he is prone to ignore

Name That Tune — Revived (& Revised) at Beaumont

Article and photos by Peter Abel

On July 5, the Music Room was the scene of a “Name That Tune “(NTT) look-alike. Participants were divided arbitrarily into two teams. In rotation, a representative from each team went to the podium, the tune was played and the first to identify it received a point. Additional points were awarded for naming the performer or the composer and for singing the tune.

Lauren Taylor of Resident Services acted as rule maker, tune selector, emcee, judge, and stand-up entertainer. In the Beaumont version, being much more spirited than the original, team members shouted out suggestions to their representatives and the rhythmic beat compelled many to stand up and “Dance That Tune”. Diana DiMeglio, Director of Fitness and Lauren Taylor made vigorous dance moves which recalled a Navajo Rain Dance: bobbing of heads, weaving of arms, torso twisting, and leg motions much like stamping out a cigarette (remember those?).

BEAUMONT

his mom's admonitions and settle himself on whatever sofa or chair strikes his fancy. Bits of woods debris and occasional paw prints are often left behind much to his mother’s frustration. His primary indoor job when awake is to keep a watchful eye on his mom. They are a devoted duo, and he is her ever-present shadow, staring intently at her with his soulful eyes. If for some reason she decides to leave the room, even if only for a minute, no matter the deep sleep he may be in, he senses her departure, gets up and trots along behind her. At night he climbs happily onto her bed, makes himself a cozy, comfortable nest, and is asleep in a flash resting up for the next day’s adventures.

If you go down to Villa 41 to visit Julie, you will find Rocky to be a good co-host. You don’t have to take him treats as he will be happy to see you no matter. However, like any other selfrespecting canine, he certainly isn't going to turn one down should it be offered.

Polite, affectionate, and friendly, that’s our Rocky Spahr!

Two participants with well-tuned memories far outperformed the rest of the pack: resident Richard Lange and Diana DiMeglio. A few others also displayed good memories, tunewise, notably Bunny Solomon, Page Gowen, and David Randolph. The winning teams’ prizes were fruit baskets and herb plants.

Short interviews with six participants confirmed that the event was fun, fun, fun and must be repeated. In the meanwhile, in August, there will be another opportunity for an entertaining get together, an Improv/Charades. See you there.

Rocky Spahr. Photo by Julie Spahr.

Richard Lange, Lauren Taylor, Diana DiMeglio

David Randolph