V o lu me T h i rt y F o ur , N umber 6
Let’s talk turkey By Irene Borgogno
The traditional Thanksgiving meal has many components, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, various kinds of squash, and pumpkin [pie]—all foods native to the New World. The meal that is referred to as the first American Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 and probably consisted of an assortment of Old and New World foods, with emphasis on New World. It was a matter of availability. There were no potatoes, white or sweet. Potatoes are from South America and were unknown in New England in 1621. Also missing was turkey, which equates to Thanksgiving for most people. Turkey probably did not appear at that first feast. From the records that exist, the local Indians (the Wampanoag) brought deer. The Pilgrim settlers brought “wild fowl,” which historians think was ducks or geese. Turkeys are native to the Americas. They were domesticated twice, independently, once by the Anasazi in the Four
November 2020 Corners region of the Southwest, and once by the Aztec forebears in Mexico. Domestication occurred more than 2,000 years ago. When the Spaniards first arrived, turkeys were available in the markets of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec city-state that existed where Mexico City is located today. There were many Aztec recipes that used turkey FREEDOM FROM WANT, by Norman meat, including Rockwell, 1942 mole (pronounced
TURKEY continued on page 2
Baldwin East project is complete Text and photos by Lynn Ayres
Pumpkin decoration by Linda Madara; photo by Lynn Ayres
PUMPKINS EXEMPLIFY AUTUMN: decorations for Halloween and pie for Thanksgiving. Out from Under the Virus: A humorous “Boo” mask is just as protective as a plain one. The “eyes” have it!!! Look carefully at this poured-paint lady. In addition to her enticing, lash-lidded eyes, there are dozens of tiny black-and-white eyes all over her head. (Beauty or beast?) I Just Can’t Remember Your Name: Thank you! Alan and Marv (photo in the hatband).
Phase 1 – demolition. In the October issue, we reported on the removal of five maple trees from the section of Pasture Lane between the Health Center and the eastern entrance to Baldwin garage. The result was a large, open and very barren space. Phase 2 – restoration. In late September, the restoration process began when the landscapers dug six large holes 15 feet in from the curb on Pasture Lane and planted six large trees (none of them maples). American elms were planted in the middle, flanking the sidewalk, and cherries filled out the row. With cherry trees on both sides of the street, we should have a cheery cherry-pink spring. Around and among the trees, a variety of shrubs and perennials were planted: azaleas, hydrangeas, iteas, lilacs, roses, viburnums, astilbes, coneflowers, coral bells…. Many are native species, and all were chosen to offer sequential visual interest all year. In a few months,
BALDWIN continued on page 3
Inside the Envelope
TURKEY continued from page 1 mole-ay), using New World ingredients: tomatoes, chili peppers and chocolate. All of our modern-day turkeys originate from this Aztec bird, as determined in a genetic study from 2010. The Anasazi-bred domesticated turkey was a different subspecies. No trace of this animal survives. Likewise, all the wild progenitors of our domestic turkey have disappeared. The Aztec turkey was taken to Europe by the Spaniards, and then made its way back to the New World… and eventually to the North American Thanksgiving table. The celebration we call Thanksgiving was a 19th century development. AZTEC EMPEROR IN THE The meal GUISE OF A TURKEY, celebrated by the Pilgrims was a University of Chicago local community harvest event in the European tradition, not a simultaneous offering of thanks by all colonies. A kernel of the concept of “Thanksgiving” originated in the 1827 novel Northwood, in which the author, Sarah Josepha Hale, devoted a chapter to a description of a New England Thanksgiving. The author began campaigning to establish a national Thanksgiving holiday. In 1841, a collection of Pilgrim writing was published, which contained a letter written by Plymouth colonist Edward Winslow that described the harvest meal in 1621. This tome labeled it “the first Thanksgiving.” In 1856, a journal by a different colonist, William Bradford, made reference to a “great store of wild Turkies.” By then, Pilgrims, turkeys and Thanksgiving had become inextricably linked in the public mind. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential proclamation, naming a national Thanksgiving holiday.
Building Envelope Project On Schedule By Joseph J. Peduzzi We are now in the final stages of construction planning and bidding for the Building Envelope Project. Our architects Lenhardt & Rodgers have completed the detailed construction documents prepared off their earlier design development work, and these documents are ready for bidding with the many trades who will be involved in the two-year project. Our contractor Warfel Construction is now working on the bidding process. It involves bidding out approximately 20 trades, the largest of which are the landscaping, demolition, framing, siding, stone veneer, waterproofing, windows, and doors and hardware. We will be getting at least three bids for each trade and will work with our architect and our Owner’s Representative Becker & Frondorf on an open-book basis to select the subcontractors and bids we want to work with. We think we are entering the market at a most opportune time, as these contractors look at a substantial two-year project to fill some of their open capacity. We expect the bidding process to be completed during December, and result in a not-to-exceed contract by the end of the year. Becker & Frondorf is already reviewing a draft contract on our behalf, and we will shortly be sending it to our lawyers for their review. Our landscape architect Mara Baird is nearing completion of her documentation of our existing plantings and will shortly be developing her proposed plans for review by our Buildings & Grounds Committee and residents. We are very pleased with how well our professional firms for this Building Envelope Project are working together as a team. In the December issue of the Beaumont News, we will present more complete information about the five firms working on this project. 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 Woolford October 17, 2020
Mary Carol Ryan November 11, 2020
Members of the Beaumont Community extend deepest sympathy to their families and friends.
2
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
BALDWIN continued from page 1 after a long winter’s nap, the garden will display its spring glory. Landscaping funds for three projects—this, the pond and the entrance—were approved and budgeted two years ago. The dedicated funds could not be used for anything else. Unused funds were rolled over until the work could be completed.
1.
3. 2. 1. WOODEN BENCH provides a shady spot to enjoy the garden. 2. TWIN AMERICAN ELMS act as sentinels, flanking the sidewalk. 3. TWO OKAME CHERRIES surrounded by a variety of shrubs.
5.
4.
4. LOOKING DOWN on the sentinel elms and an established dogwood. 5. WHITE CONEFLOWER will be tall next year. 6. KNOCKOUT ROSE blooms continuously. 7. SWEET BOX specimens are aptly named.
6.
7.
Writers for the Beaumont News Got ideas? We like that. Like to talk to people? Stories often require interviews. Afraid of mistakes? That’s what editors are for. Uneasy about fitting in? Take a look at a recent issue of the Beaumont News. Check the bylines for the articles. The Masthead at the bottom of page 2 lists names of staff and contributors.
3
If there are people you know, talk to them. Ask questions. If you would like to write for the BN, or consider writing, or discuss ideas about potential BN stories, or even complain about something BN-related, please do not hang back. This includes the Future Residents Club. Contact Lynn Ayres (marilynayres134@gmail.com) or Irene Borgogno (itborgogno@msn.com) for more information.
A game from the Far East has generated interest at Beaumont
Chinese Mah Jong involves four players. The tile set contains 144 tiles, which include 108 simples (tiles numbered 1 through 9) in three suits (dots, CHINESE MAH JONG: The tiles are thick and can stand up without requiring a tile tray. bams [bamboo] and craks [characters]), 28 Honors (winds and dragons), and 8 Bonus tiles (flowers and seasons). The goal is to build four sets of three and a pair.
By Irene Borgogno There are several competing legends of the origin of Mah Jong. One popular version claims that it was invented by Confucius. If this myth were true, the game would have originated in China about 2500 years ago. It didn’t. Other dates of origin are also proposed, with a tendency toward venerable age. The game actually originated in Ningbo, China, in the mid-1800s, during the Taiping Rebellion against the Qing dynasty. It is believed that it was invented by General Chen Yumen, based on features from popular card NOT MAH JONGG: Don't be fooled. This games and Internet game uses Mah Jong tiles, but it bears domino games. absolutely no resemblance to the actual game. The earliest documented set of Mah Jong tiles dates to 1873. Mah Jong’s popularity in China blossomed after 1911, when the Manchu (Qing) Dynasty fell. The game also became very popular in a large community of foreign businessmen and their families who lived in Shanghai. One of them, Joseph Park Babcock, an employee of Standard Oil, was impressed by the game’s popularity. He decided it could be just as addictive back home. He commissioned the manufacture and shipment of Mah Jong sets to the U.S. He trademarked them as “MahJongg.” He wrote a set of simplified rules, which were printed and bound in a book with a red cover. The venture was a wild success. (Abercrombie and Fitch was the first company to sell Mah-Jongg sets in the U.S. They sold about 12,000 sets.)
American Mah Jongg and Chinese Mah Jong are similar, but they are not the same game. (There are also many other variations of Mah Jong in different parts of the world.) American Mah Jongg has a slightly AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Includes trays that can conceal and display tiles. The different tile set, trays also keep the trifold play-booklet flat on which includes the table. eight Joker tiles, and several distinct game play mechanics such as “The Charleston,” which is a set of required passes and optional passing of the tiles. Winning in the American version is determined by melding a specific hand from the scorecard published by the National Mah Jongg League and the American Mah Jongg Association. The scorecard is changed annually.
New resident dives head first into life at Beaumont By Betty Matarese
Jaye Ann ( JJ) McNutt has resided at Beaumont since mid-February in a lovely apartment on the first floor of Austin. She was raised in Bala Cynwyd and lived in this area except for two years spent in Florida. She was a dietitian and food service administrator for school districts and private companies. James Madison University and St. Joseph’s University, where she earned her master’s degree, were her colleges. Because of this background, she is very much interested in food service here at Beaumont and finds it outstanding. JJ, as she is known, has many interests, including indoor gardening, watching old movies, especially musicals,
4
as well as physical activities such as golf. She subscribes to the Philadelphia Orchestra and plays the organ. One of her regrets is that she had to leave her Wurlitzer organ in Florida due to space and moving concerns. Her dream would be to play the organ here in Beaumont, and she has made inquiries about doing so. Despite pandemic restrictions, JJ hasn’t waited long to get involved Jaye Ann ( JJ) McNutt in Beaumont activities. She has joined the newly formed Mah Jongg group, and she is now writing for the Beaumont News. It seems JJ is an ideal Beaumont resident. She told me the end of the interview that here “I learn something new each day.”
By JJ McNutt
Mah Jongg maven contributes to Beaumont activity list
Judith ( Judy) Anderson became a resident in December 2019 but spent only two weeks here before returning to her condominium in Naples, Florida, for the winter season. Then Covid-19 postponed her scheduled return until late June, when she completed her unpacking and settling into her Baldwin apartment. Transitioning to Beaumont was relatively easy, for she and her late husband Bob lived in Radnor for over forty years. Bob worked for the General Electric Company and retired from the Power Delivery Division in Philadelphia. Judy is originally from Logansport, Indiana, Judith ( Judy) Anderson graduating from Logansport High School and DePauw University with a degree in biology. She eventually got a MS degree from The University of Louisville when Bob was transferred to GE’s Appliance Park.
Judy was a longtime substitute teacher at Radnor High School, where all three of her sons graduated. She loves games and puzzles of all kinds but particularly loves Mah Jongg and sought (and received) permission to start a group on Thursday afternoons. This is a relatively easy game to learn, and she and other Beaumont Mah Jongg players will be happy to teach you. In addition to Mah Jongg, Judy enjoys reading, walking, water aerobics, yoga, and spending time with her eight grandchildren. She has been an active community volunteer and is a member of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Plan to catch up with Judy at Mah Jongg in the Beaumont Room on Thursdays at 1:00.
From ‘down South’ to ‘Down East,’ these new residents have had a busy life
By Dede Shafer
Wistar and Martha Morris moved into their villa in July and greatly appreciate their view of the pond and woods beyond. They moved from their Villanova home of 50 years; one of their three daughters, with her family, moved into their former home. Wistar earned a B.A. in chemistry from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He was always interested in biochemistry and thought of becoming a doctor, but interest in finances overcame that. He became a stockbroker and investment adviser at Butcher & Singer, specializing in corporate finance. He started his own company, Morris Investment Management, which he sold in 1997 to Pennsylvania Trust. However, he never lost his interest in medicine, and he enjoyed working in an independent research lab. For many years Wistar and his family summered in Wistar and Martha Morris
5
Maine on Mount Desert Island. They were longtime supporters of medical and scientific research at the renowned Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory. In 2018, the MDIBL announced the formation of the Morris Scientific Discovery Fund to provide funding for eligible research programs. Martha came originally from Florida. She received a degree from Duke in Medieval English history, and another in Library Science from Drexel. At Duke, she chaired the Duke Library Advisory Board. After marriage, she began volunteering in and around Philadelphia. She describes herself as an Anglophile and collects books on English and American country houses and gardens. Martha was a charter member of The Friends of Independence National Historical Park, now known as the Independence Historical Trust, which acquires works of art, antique furnishings, manuscripts, books and other artifacts of historical importance, to be placed in the Park. During the Bicentennial, she helped raise funds and trained volunteer guides to assist the Park Service. Martha joined the Board of The Library Company and became a member of the Board of Trustees for the Art Museum, where she chaired the Library Committee. The Morrises have traveled extensively. They now look forward to joining activities, meeting people and making friends here at Beaumont.
Energetic lady strives to preserve history By Wistie Miller
Nancy Nimick must have been born with an exceptional amount of energy to accomplish all that she has accomplished to date. After attending the Shipley School and graduating from the Westover School in Connecticut, she entered Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in chemistry. Following that, she became an assistant teacher and bus driver to second and third graders at the lower school of Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pennsylvania. After marrying and bringing up three children of her own, Nancy took on an impressive number of
very responsible volunteer activities. One was to become the manager of the Garden Club of America’s advertising bulletin. Another, of greater importance, was her selection as president, from 1990 to 2000 of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Washington, DC. The main thrust of that organization is to actively promote “our national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects.” They also strive to protect and preserve our historic buildings, dating from the colonial period, such as our own Stenton ( James Logan House) in Germantown. Being president enabled Nancy to attend meetings in most of the 50 states, including Hawaii. Just imagine how interesting and fun that would have been. Nancy loves to garden and hopes to get back to that soon after her recent eye surgery.
Nancy Nimick
Side by Side by Stephens By Richard Stephens
1.
2.
My mom was skilled at all sorts of crafts—enamel, wicker, stained glass, water- and oil-painting. Some 20 of her paintings grace the corridors of Beaumont, sketches decorate early issues of the Beaumont News, and the tile 4. installation in the Liseter Garden owes much to her leadership. My hands just didn’t have her touch. Instead, I went into photography. I just took travel snaps for many years. I started improving when digital cameras allowed experimentation. This exhibition compares our approaches to recording our surroundings. You will find several groups that have been selected to provide discussions about differences and similarities with some prompts to get you going. For example, building masses can be defined by their outline or texture, or both. Leading lines can draw you into the picture and create depth. HELEN STEPHENS
RICHARD STEPHENS
1. French Village Street
4. 1698 House 5. Richard Stephens at work
2. Helen Stephens at work
3.
6. Night-blooming cereus
3. White Lilies
6
6.
5.
Whitetails go crazy this time of year By Lynn Ayres Richard Stephens’ photos remind us that it is that time of year again. One photo portrays a handsome six-point buck prepared to fight for his chosen lady. The other photo shows four demure does displaying their charms. Or does it? The answer is no. Two of the “does” are actually “button bucks”—young males about six months old. Born last spring, they have lost their spotted coats, but they do not have antlers. Instead they have two bumps or “buttons” on their foreheads. Bucks must be yearlings to grow actual antlers. These bumps, technically called pedicels, make it hard to tell a young buck from a doe at a distance, which probably saves them from hunters. The other two deer in the group are does––probably their mothers. Soon, when new fawns are expected, the button bucks will be encouraged to seek their own fortunes. Deer friends: November’s long nights herald the annual whitetail-deer mating season. Amorous deer will be darting all over the place, often in groups, usually in darkness, and occasionally in front of vehicles. Keep alert and drive defensively!
Photos by Richard Stephens
SMALL HERD consists of two does and their underage sons. Can you spot the boys?
STATELY STAG (upper right) is king of Wheeler Woods.
Autumn art show taps residents’ talent Text and photo by Linda Madara
The message was short…the question deadly serious! Could you hang a show of your work here almost immediately? It looked like the Beaumont Room walls would be empty through the end of the year. Guest artists could not be scheduled at this time due to the virus restrictions, but three resident artists who had not exhibited here recently said, “YES!” when asked. Joan Bromley’s enchanting small oil paintings led off the three exhibitions, delighting and charming everyone throughout the show’s run, ending September 25. Joan hung her square of 25 little paintings (from which she sold four) plus a dozen or so framed pieces. Richard Stephens’ show, “Side by Side by Stephens, a Mother-Son show,” on display in the Beaumont Room until November 6, combined early Beaumont resident Helen Stephens’ paintings with Richard’s photographs. The exhibition was exciting, challenging and intended to provoke thought. A final exhibition opening November 7, “MotherDaughter and Friends,” features Jane Ruffin’s photographs with her talented daughter Amanda’s photo work. The show will also display the amazing work of the “Friends,” all Beaumont residents under Jane’s tutelage who are learning the art of Acrylic Paint Pouring.
7
SMALL OIL PAINTINGS by Joan Bromley: great things come in small packages.
Text and photos by Lynn Ayres
Halloween starts with creativity and fun
This year the Fitness Center initiated Beaumont’s first Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Residents could use whatever nonperishable items they wished, but there was one rule: no carving allowed! (Bruised, cut, or otherwise weakened pumpkin shells trigger rot inside.) Decorated pumpkins were displayed in the Beaumont
Room from October 19-23, at which time all staff and residents could vote on which pumpkins were their favorites! Prizes were awarded for three classifications: Funniest, Scariest, and Best in Show. The contestants showed ingenuity, creativity and skill, making the contest a huge success.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners Competition was fierce. Twenty-three pumpkins were submitted for this event. Seventy-four votes were cast during the week with the following results: Funniest pumpkin: 1st place – #2 (Oscar the Grouch) with 21 votes 2nd place – #1 (The young “Billy Idol”) with 7 votes 3rd place – #5 (Chef ) and #22 (Beetlejuice) tied with 5 votes each Scariest pumpkin: 1st place – #9 (The “IT” Clown) with 26 votes 2nd place – #10 (The Face of COVID) with 16 votes 3rd place – #1 (The young “Billy Idol”) with 5 votes Best in Show: 1st place – #9 (The “IT” Clown) with 29 votes 2nd place – #10 (The Face of COVID) with 10 votes 3rd place – #1 (The young “Billy Idol”) with 5 votes
Best in show Funniest
8