Blue Angels’ and Thunderbirds’ flyover salutes essential workers Text and photos by Linda Madara On April 28, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York as a salute to essential workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. At Beaumont, about 15 people assembled at social distance in the Greenhouse Courtyard (sometimes referred to as the Great Lawn) to watch for the fly-by. On the balcony are Helen Gannon in red and Barbara Pottish with her shawl. Hidden behind masks are Sylvia and Philip Yedinsky, seated near Jane Ruffin (with Bling! at her feet) and Brooke Gay. We heard the roar but had to watch the spectacle on TV, as the planes were just to the west of our line of sight. Everyone loved the outing even without the display. It was such a beautiful spring day!
Residents thank staff with noisy tribute
Text and photos by Linda Madara
On May 7, residents raided their kitchens for metal utensils to serve as percussion instruments at an outdoor tribute to Beaumont’s essential workers. They brought pots, pans, cookie sheets and even colanders. A few traditionalists brought actual drums! Beaumont’s “Big-Bang Thank-You Bash” was a wild success. With appropriate social distancing throughout the campus, there was great resident support, audibly and enthusiastically demonstrating endless gratitude through this seemingly impossible time. A group of staff clustered on the Fitness Patio. A parade of three pedestrians and one vehicle traversed Pond Lane. Standing at their villa’s front doors or on the balconies and porches of Austin and Baldwin, residents grabbed scarves to wave, horns and whistles to blow, kitchen utensils and trash can lids to bash enthusiastically, with resonant clangs to create an enthusiastic, very noisy chorus of “Thank you! Thank you!” The cacophony was delightful!
MATCHING MASKS & COOKWARE identify Evelyn and Gerry Isom. SCARF WAVING showed support by balcony folk like Helen Gannon. ACTUAL DRUMS were used by Peter Abel and Betsy Stull. GROUP PARTICIPANTS included resident Page Gowen and fitness instructor Diana DiMeglio.
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