Beaumont News June 2023

Our First Mother’s Day at Beaumont

By Yvette Pecoraro (Daughter of Joyce and Claude de Botton) Photos by Linda Madara.

As early as I can remember, Mother’s Day has been a family brunch at my mom’s house. Up and early, I would find my mom preparing a home cooked meal for the family. The table would be fresh with delicious food and decorated with pretty flowers. Mom always looked so happy to be surrounded by her children. That was enough for her. Our family tradition is to write cards to each other on special days. So, on Mother’s Day mom would receive her cards along with a gift. To be celebrated by her loved ones together made Mother’s Day very special for her.

Years later, Mother’s Day brunch could also be held at my home, or either of my two siblings' homes. Again, the hostess would be found running around, prepping, cooking, serving a colorful delectable Sunday meal for the whole family. What did all of our Mother’s Day celebrations have in common? They were all hosted by a mother!

On this past Mother’s Day morning, Sunday, May 14, 2023, all the mothers in our family could rest in. To be honest, I was not sure what to expect from Beaumont for Mother’s Day, but I knew it would be nice. Beaumont seems to really care about creating specialness for its residents. And special is what our Mother’s Day was. We were seated at a lovely table with a lavender orchid as its centerpiece. Other tables

also displayed beautiful orchids of pinks and purples. As far as the food … well … a mother could not be more pampered. There must have been more than eight stations of the most heavenly prepared foods. The only dilemma being, “What do I want to eat first?” From fresh lobster to roasted meats, to order made waffles, pancakes, and cheese and vegetable omelets. Once we picked up our plates, we each dispersed to the varying smells that soon would delight our palates. It was especially lovely to see my mom stopping to talk to so many Beaumont friends seated at their own Mother’s Day tables to wish them ‘Happy Mother’s Day!”

Having this Mother’s Day brunch at Beaumont was my mom’s idea. Great idea, Mom! Getting up to leave our table, my mom was given her lavender orchid to take back with her. As we passed the main pastry table a young mother skipped by with a chocolate cream pie on her plate. Mother’s Day at Beaumont means no need to buy food, no need to cook, clear away, or wash dishes for any of us attending mothers. In keeping with the smiling faces of our family members, the satisfaction of our pleased bellies, and the joy in our Mother’s heart, we will most likely spend Mother’s Day at Beaumont again next year.

Dee Welge and Dave Prewitt

Joanne Sebring and Son

Kathy and Dan Hutchinson and Son

2023 Anniversary Awards

By Mary Caulder

Each year, Beaumont has a special lunch planned for employees who have achieved 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. Kudos to the Culinary Team for making this event special. From fine linens to delectable food choices for appetizers and entrees, awardees truly had a fine dining experience.

Awardees received a certificate and pin commemorating their achievement and also a check for one week’s pay. Since this was the first year that we had 35-year awardees, they received two weeks’ pay!

35 Years

Hesington Kathleen Maintenance

Two Board Members were able to join us and add their sincere thanks to everyone: Martha Morris and Jim Zug. We didn’t forget our 5-year awardees. They were treated to a continental breakfast. They received a certificate and pin along with a check for $50.00 and 5 hours of PTO in keeping with the “5” theme.

St Fort Mimose Skilled Nursing

Hill Marveline Skilled Nursing

Hughes Louise Resident Services

20 Years

Gweh Mensla Housekeeping

Gardner Caitlin Resident Services

Gomez Joan Skilled Nursing

15 Years

Hall Kent Maintenance

Lagasca Rudy Food Services

Dickenson-Perry Patricia Skilled Nursing

Watts Stephen Security

Tyler David Housekeeping

Kelly Richard Security

10 Years

Opare Jessica Skilled Nursing

Lester David Food Services

Peduzzi Joseph Administration

Johnson Gregory Housekeeping

Castillo Erika Food Services

Congratulations to everyone. Thank you for your dedicated service.

5 Years

Adam Ibrahim Laundry

Bangura Alimatu Assisted Living

Bevilacqua Bernadette Recreation Therapy

Blackwell Adrienne Assisted Living

Brown Regina Skilled Nursing

Corridon Marise Skilled Nursing

Diarrah Sira Dietary

Gallman Brittany Wellness

Hall Brian Food Services

HawthorneAlston Shakera Skilled Nursing

Lafontant Gerlyne Skilled Nursing

Legion-Barnes Cresie Dining Services

Margolis Zachary Dining Services

Pierre Loukens Skilled Nursing

Sharp Mahalia Skilled Nursing

Stepanian Margrit Human Resources

Thompson Sade Wellness

Young Shawn Food Services

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

The Beaumont Historical Society Needs Your Help

By Richard Lange

It started with a twenty-year-old video documenting the repair of the Beaumont organ. I mentioned the video to Barbara Stephens, who carefully reviewed the footage and sent me a list of everyone she could identify with some interesting tidbits. Barbara pointed out her father, Samuel H. Ballam, Jr., and her mother, who were original residents, having moved into their villa at 74 Middle Road in the fall of 1986, before the roads were paved and the mansion kitchen was open. Her father was called “the Mayor of Beaumont.” When her mother died, her father built the Ballam Theatre to honor her. Also, in the video, John Yurchenko created many paths in the Wheeler Woods & had a villa with his wife, Mary, near the woods. I realized these wonderful stories need to be collected and recorded. So, I began asking if any of the residents would be interested in creating a Beaumont Historical Society, and the response was overwhelming.

The Beaumont Historical Society aims to collect, record, store, and present the history of the Beaumont Retirement Community, the history of the land which Beaumont is on, the history of the Austin Family, the history of the Mansion — the building, art, and architecture, and yes, a history of the music room and organ. This is where we need your help. The Society is open to anyone who wants to join if you are interested. But you don’t have to join to help us: We are looking for any help documenting the history of Beaumont -- old pictures, recent pictures, connections to family members, information from historical sources, or just suggesting people who should be interviewed about the history of their families at Beaumont. Please get in touch with Richard Lange at home.four@gmail.com or call (215) 833-3139.

World Travelers Donna and Jeff White

By Peter Abel

After Donna and Jeff White bought their Villa, extensive renovations delayed occupancy for several months. The effort and the delay were worthwhile to say the least. Separate bathrooms, two offices, an exercise room, spacious guest quarters, a large kitchen with a view of the Beaumont Pond and, the pièce de résistance, a wine room, about 15’ x 15’, with temperature controlled at 61°F and containing many bottles of vintage wines from all over the world. Even Zack Margolis, Beaumont’s wining and dining impresario, would be wide-eyed.

Jeff’s origins were in Iowa, and he graduated from Iowa State University where he studied science and finance and was active in the Naval R.O.T.C. After college, Lieutenant White went on active duty with the Navy for two years, serving mostly in Japan as a cryptologist with Naval Intelligence. He then attended The Wharton School, after which he founded and ran two corporations, American Financial Group and American Financial Management Group. He turned over management of the latter to his daughter but is still involved “part-time” with the former. (Donna says his “part-time is not “part” enough).

Donna hails from Vermont and moved to the Main Line as a teenager. She attended Lower Merion High School, followed by Penn State. She then worked in Marketing and Public Relations for The Campbell Soup Company and International Insurance Company of North America.

After raising two children she became a Travel Agent (for which she was exceptionally qualified). She also volunteered as a rape victim counsellor and was active with the Women’s Resource Center in Wayne. Jeff and Donna were married in 1965 and have two children plus four grandchildren. Their daughter lives in Bryn Mawr and their son in Vermont.

They both enjoy tennis and golf, but sailing, while enjoyed by Donna, was a passion for Jeff. He plied the waters of the Atlantic Coast, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Greece, and Japan among others. He sailed in the Newport-Bermuda race six times, coming in second twice -- no mean achievement for a non-stop trip of 40 hours or more in rough seas with upwards of 150 competitors. Did they travel? Well, yes, you might say they did. They made, at rough count, 108 trips to foreign lands and visited every continent except the two arctics. They have no intention of becoming more sedentary and have scheduled a trip to Europe this summer. Bon voyage!

Donna and Jeff White. Photo by Linda Madara.

Recreational Therapy Supporting Quality of Life to the Fullest!

By Bernadette Bevilacqua. Photos by Linda Madara.

The Recreational Therapy team assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates quality of life programming for the residents in the Health Center and Personal Care areas of Beaumont. We offer a variety of pet therapy services that includes the community’s very own therapy dog (Willow, a miniature goldendoodle), a tranquil aquarium, a lively aviary, and a therapy garden just to name a few. There are various benefits of these interventions amongst seniors that include enhancing self-esteem, improved social skills, reduced risk of depression, lessened levels of anxiety, decreased feelings of loneliness, and more!

Our most recent programming was our “Chick Hatching Project”, which involved engagement of staff and residents through an educational and sensory experience. Everyone was able firsthand to witness the eggs in their incubation period, up until the moment that they hatched! Upon receiving the tutorial on how to care for the eggs and the chicks, the farmer stated that typically only about four to five out of the twelve eggs will come to term. It was our pleasant surprise that all twelve hatched! Pre hatching, it was required for the water in the incubator to be filled daily and for the eggs to be turned 3 times a day. The responses

Emily Riley

By Peter Abel

Emily Riley recently moved all the way from Villanova to Beaumont. She was accompanied by a very friendly feline named Nessa. Emily and Nessa are on very good terms except for a minor dispute about access to their thirdfloor porch, which Nessa would like to explore, but Emily is reluctant because of safety concerns. So far Emily has prevailed but don’t count Nessa out.

After spending her childhood and adolescent years in Jenkintown, PA, Emily attended Rosemont College. She then married and moved to the Main Line. She has three children. One son lives with his family in Radnor and is President of the family foundation (described below). Another son works in software in Hamburg, Germany. Her daughter lives in Philadelphia and works in Communications for Comcast. Emily has eight

from staff and residents were very positive and many shared stories of their time raising chickens of their own or reminisced on their childhood on a farm. The aquarium in the Health Center’s C Lounge provides the soothing sounds of water, greenery, and the calming effects of the fish gliding gracefully between the rocks. In addition to pet therapy interventions, we also offer weekly horticulture therapy programming. It is a fullservice program that combines our sensory garden with an on-site educator who teaches evidencebased, therapeutic horticulture classes. The programs support social opportunities through cognitive stimulation discussions and tending to the garden. Secondly, it is educational in that opportunities of plant knowledge are shared along with topics that explore science, history, music, etc. Lastly, cultural awareness is also a focus in that there is an offering for the residents to have the ability to learn, create, and taste from cultures all over the world.

grandchildren, ages 3 to 20.

For 25 years Emily was Executive Vice President of The Connelly Foundation, founded by her parents and supporting Philadelphia area charitable organizations involved in education, human services, culture, and civic life. She has served on the Board of Trustees of numerous organizations, including Villanova University, the Wilma Theater, and The Philadelphia Foundation.

A college year studying in Austria gave Emily the travel bug. She has traveled extensively, visiting almost all European countries as well as the Near East and Africa. She is a frequent theater and opera goer and an avid reader.

Emily Riley. Photo by Linda Madara.

The Chick Incubator

The Aquarium

The Sensory Garden

A Black Chick in Our Midst?

By Linda Madara

What an unexpected experience it was for an audience of intent faces at the “Chick Hatching Project” to suddenly see a black chick emerge from its shell when all the other chicks were yellow. It was definitely black, whereas the 10 previously hatched brother and sister chicks were baby-chick-yellow. The egg from which the black chick entered the Beaumont world cracked open before the audience’s eyes. It was the same size, brownish in color, and shaped identically to the rest of the eggs provided by the farmer who carefully placed them in the on-loan incubator in the C lounge of the Wellness Wing.

experiment with flying, but to have the heat lamps dry their sticky, still-wet feathers. With each addition of the next chick (there were 12 successful deliveries within 24 hours), while the farmer said that it was possible only 4-5 would hatch, the active, noisy family grew in size and curiosity.

Beaumont certainly earned a gold medal for keeping the incubator at the perfect temperature and gently turning each egg twice an hour around the clock. The big step came when the entire lot was carefully placed in a large plastic tub… perfect for feeder trays, water dispensers and endless exploring.

white, feather top knot. F.Y.I. the male will probably begin to crow exceedingly noisily at about 6 months of age.

So how did the black chick get here?

Out of all the 12 eggs debuting chicks who were wet and ugly and were not a very appealing beginning for what would be fuzzy balls of fluff, none showed much promise. The chicks together resembled a little tribe of totally unorganized members, all of whom immediately began peeping in a very high pitch as they bumped into one another. But wait! In no time each chick learned to move steadily, one step at a time, and not to crash into its sibling or “fellow-hatcher” if you prefer. Some adventuresome members stretched their tiny wings…not to

So how did the plethora of peepers have a black “rogue-chick” in its midst hatching from the 10th of the 12 seemingly identical eggs? Don’t bother guessing…we have no answer! But what was more important was to learn if the wee black chick with the white stripe on its head was special! Indeed, our little chick was special even if the chick’s gender was undetermined and still is to date… we still don’t know whether it is a him or her. A race to contact “Mrs. Google” assured us that this very unexpected and exciting addition to the Beaumont 2023 Chicken Family was a White, crested, black, Polish variety of chicken! Honestly… look it, up for yourself!

Further research informed us that the breed’s members were a bit shy, often noisy (especially the males), and like to be loved. What’s more, the species makes great pets (well, maybe not at Beaumont)! They are affectionate and enjoy being gently handled.

If “our” black chick is female she will be a prolific layer, as a rule the females are. If it is a male, he will display his wild mop of white feathers on his head which he will proudly show off while courting the local ladies. Conversely, the females show off a tastefully smaller,

What an adventure-filled week it was from eggs to super chick with a great many peeps in between.

A Few Stray Thoughts

From Mary H. Schnabel

I’ll be darned

Son of a gun

Here I am

At a hundred and one

Who’d ever thought

I’d still be around

When I should be really

Ten feet underground

Looks very likely

My friend God

Still doesn’t want me

Under the sod

Be patient with me

And bite your tongue

And remember those days

When you were young

Lauren Scott holding the Black Chick

The Black Chick among the yellow

Beaumont Sponsors ElderNet

By David Randolph

Beaumont is now a sponsor of ElderNet. At our April Town Hall meeting, Anthony Johnson, ElderNet Executive Director, and Bill Gross, Board President, came to tell us about ElderNet, its activities, and the opportunities it provides for volunteering.

ElderNet is a locally based, non-profit organization founded in 1976 which primarily helps older neighbors remain independent by providing a variety of free, practical services so that they can have access to healthcare, food security, and an improved quality of life. The services provided include a food pantry, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy and grocery, visits for companionship, and help with odd jobs.

Like many Beaumont residents, we thought that our township had a high standard of living, and while it does for many, there are many people who are vulnerable because of limited physical mobility, recent surgery, or economic hardship. My friends at Beaumont tell me that it really opened their eyes to the needs of people around them, and that they felt connected, secure, and grateful that their small efforts could help senior citizens in our township who are in need of financial and social support assistance.

ElderNet has become a favorite volunteer activity for a number of our residents who appreciate the flexibility and variety of volunteer opportunities, as well as the reward of providing essential services to those in our community who need them.

How can we help? Apart from donating financially to ElderNet, the first way I began volunteering was by helping to stack shelves in the Ada Mutch Community Food Pantry

A Nascent Songwriter’s Tale

By Vick Kelly

A year or two after arriving at Beaumont, my interest in becoming more deeply involved in music was sparked by two things. The first was attending the in-house Beaumont performances of the marvelous jazz group, the Wynlyn Jazz Ensemble, led by my new friend and fellow resident, Marv Weisbord. After one of their concerts, I approached Marv and asked him about his piano playing. He was quick to point out that any facility he had with the piano was all due to his teacher, Chuck Anderson. He added that Chuck was a jazz guitarist with an encyclopedic knowledge of music and music theory and who, by the way, also taught guitar. My ears perked up as the second spark had already occurred. Back trouble had sidelined me permanently from my longterm love for and pursuit of golf. I had a lot of extra time on my hands and guitar was the only musical instrument I had ever played before.

behind Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr. This pantry helps to alleviate food insecurity and loneliness for more than 2,400 Lower Merion Township residents, most of whom are elderly and/ or physically disabled. My specific task was to pack monthly groceries in the pet pantry. If a person is mobility challenged, they won’t be able to purchase pet food in a store, and their circumstances make it challenging to afford special diet food if their pet requires it. Lower Merion Township funds the purchase of pet food for qualified recipients, and ElderNet volunteers pack these groceries, with other ElderNet volunteers delivering them to the client’s homes. My packing dog and cat grocery bags was easy — like a light, Fitness Center Fit and Flex exercise routine — but I felt passionate about the quality of the service and the importance of this light work. I’m pretty sure every dog and cat I know at Beaumont would support this endeavor, if it had a voice and a means to do so!

Another way to help ElderNet is by supporting the June food drive to support the Ada Mutch Community Pantry. Beaumont held a Can Can Dance Party on Saturday, April 29th which was open to everyone who brought a can of food or other groceries to donate to the food drive. The food drive continues through June 16th.

ElderNet is open to everyone as a volunteer, and we have Beaumont residents and staff who have signed up already. Look for more information to be provided to you by the two resident chairpersons of our ElderNet partnership, Eta Glassman and David Randolph.

As has been the case for several other Beaumont residents, I soon ended up in Chuck Anderson’s studio in Conshohocken. My interests in the beginning were simply to learn a little bit about music theory and develop some facility playing the guitar. With country club fees behind me, I immediately purchased a relatively expensive guitar (and since then, a too embarrassing to mention number of other stringed instruments) and began the fun but also the frustrating journey learning the basics of guitar playing. At one point during the first year of my weekly lessons, and for reasons I could not fathom at the time, Chuck

Vick Kelly at “Gentle Songs for a Saturday Afternoon”

Photo by Linda Madara.

mentioned that he saw me becoming a songwriter.

Fast forward to 2022, when an email from a favorite duo of ours, The Milk Carton Kids, announced a Sad Song Summer Camp in the Catskills in July. After brief consideration and having never written a song, I signed up both Sharon and myself. With my thoughts now focused on songwriting, I had an epiphany during an acupuncture session that produced these words: “Right into a mystery, flying on our own.” Two months later during an open night mic at camp, I sang the song that had emerged entitled Circles of Latitude, a title which even

today sounds rather pompous to me. The great thing about the sixty or so Sad Song campers was that everyone tried out at least one song and every performance was met with loud applause and cheering. Fast forward again to March 11th, 2023, in Beaumont’s majestic Music Room. I had decided that I needed to present several of the songs I’d written to a live audience. Otherwise, what was the purpose in writing them? I called the show: Gentle Songs for a Saturday Afternoon. I was, of course, slightly (or more) nervous beforehand and even more so when an unexpectedly large number of residents showed up. I need not have

been nervous because the reception by my friends and fellow residents was as gracious as that at Sad Song Summer Camp. Even though I made some mistakes during the performance, it helped me further develop the melody and rhythm of each song as I sang them. More important was that the presence of my friends left me with an image of the audience for whom I wanted my future songs to have meaning, whether it be sad or happy. In my mind, I still have a long way to go perfecting my songwriting ability. The good news is that I don’t miss golf one bit.

New Residents’ Dinner in the Beaumont Room

Photos

Did You Know?

By David Randolph

Every member of the Beaumont Dining Team wants YOU to have a wonderful dining experience. That is why we have a DINING SUGGESTION BOX, shown in the photo to the right. The box is immediately opposite the Dining Manager's Desk in the dining reception area.

Do you have a favorite dish? A favorite recipe? Is there a seasoned manager or new member of the staff you want to compliment on their service, so we can pass your compliment along to them in our Monday staff meetings?

The DINING SUGGESTION BOX is the way to let us know!

Box.

by Linda Madara

Jim Bromley and Vickie Farber

Bennett and Carol Aaron

Cynthia Holstad and Martha Mel Edmunds

Maryellen Madden and Judy Graves

Deb Zug and Hope Bromley

Renee Scharf and Stuart Kaplan

Lucia Spaventa

The Suggestion

Photo by Linda Madara.

Dog Glassman -- A Most Atypical Dog

By Helen Ballard

As we know there are all sorts of fascinating canines. Like their human counterparts there is no end to the combinations of size, color, shape, and personality. However, there is one dog that lives at Beaumont that I suspect very few have seen. In order to see this truly unique dog you must be a person who has a lively sense of imagination mixed with a smattering/dash of fantasy! This canine’s name is ‘Dog’ [admittedly not an especially interesting name] and belongs to Eta Glassman. Already, I can hear you saying, “What? Eta hasn't got a dog!” but you would be wrong. Dog, a gift to Eta from her good pal Helen Vinick, is a very unique fellow with an unusual talent that no other Beaumont canine has... he can become invisible... which he is a good deal of the time. He is rather scruffy with a rough brindle coat, ears which resemble the headgear of the Flying Nun, lots of whiskers, and mischievous brown eyes. He weighs barely 20 pounds which is a good thing, or we might see a Flying Eta going airborne down Pasture Lane! Those of us who possess the power of imagination can see him... others must work hard in honing that particular skill.

According to his mother Dog never whines, barks, begs for treats, or complains if Eta forgets to feed him [which happens a lot]. She is quick to tell you what an easy and inexpensive dog he is... always in perfect health, never needs to go out at inconvenient times, requires no grooming or visits to the vet.

He sleeps soundly all night and right through the day. Like a bear he goes into a hibernation mode until his mother feels the need to take a walk and show him off. He has no love for inclement weather, so does not go out in rain, sleet, snow, hail, or during extreme heat waves. This is a boon to his mother who is in complete agreement.

A favorite moment in Dog’s otherwise quiet sedentary life comes when his mother shares a bit of her Bistro brownie with him. However, he is the first to admit that this is a rare occasion and the bit of brownie shared is meager indeed! All in all, Dog has proved to be an easy and most satisfactory pet!

Do speak with Eta if you would be interested in a similar canine companion!

New Benches in Wheeler Woods!

By Ann Baruch

Twelve new 6’ benches (“Plaza Bench Deluxe”) have been installed along the trails in Beaumont’s Wheeler Woods as places for residents to relax and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. The brown bench planks are made of recycled plastic planks that never need sealing, paint, or stain and are sturdy and durable. They have a smooth contoured seat and backrest and are sturdy and durable. You can combine good exercise, a visit with a friend, and a beautiful view of the Woods by scheduling a date for a walk to one of these well-placed benches. The first two benches along the lower trail offer a perfect view of the pond. Try a different one each time you go to the Woods!

Dog Glassman. Photo by Helen Ballard.

A bench in Wheeler Woods