V o lume T h i rt y S ix , N umber 6
N ovember 2022
Welcome Home Dinner By Linda Madara. Photos by Linda Madara. During the summer months, Beaumonters were scattered over the country and the shore with family members and friends. PreThanksgiving turns out to be the perfect time to catch up with one another and learn the latest news before the holidays take everyone away again. What better way to get together than a Welcome Home Dinner? It’s also an ideal time for new residents to meet those of us who already have our roots down.
Cocktails were first served in the Food Service Staff and Chefs are acknowledged. Music Room giving everyone a chance to mingle and say hello to friends they had not seen for a while. Then everyone was off to the Beaumont Room for dinner. The room was colorful and bright with lovely centerpieces on each table. And, of course, the Food and Beverage Department outdid themselves with the dinner. It was a wonderful gathering filled with returning hugs and choruses of “Welcome Home!”
L to R: Betsy Rorer, Nell Mecray, Betty Matarese
Betsy Rhodes
Bill and Cassie Ross
Patricia and Allen Misher
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Marlynne Clothier and Mote Howard
PRESIDENT’S
I Welcome Lauren Scott
CORNER
By Joe Peduzzi, President and CEO
the residents.” Lauren has worked in Food and Beverage since she was 16 and said that her heart will always be in that industry.
What can I tell you about Lauren Scott, my new Administrative Assistant? Well, you probably know more about her than me since she has been taking care of you as the Dining Room Manager since May of 2019. Lauren was born and raised in Malvern, Pennsylvania as an only child (probably one of the reasons that we get along so well) where her parents still reside.
Lauren lives semi-locally at Chesterbrook in Wayne and enjoys attending many of the music and festivals held in her community. When she is not working, she spends her time with her eightyear-old son, Patrick, and is excited to have more evening and weekend time with him. Most of the time Lauren is not only a spectator, but Patrick’s biggest fan at his football, soccer, baseball, and basketball games. It’s a good thing that she is an avid sports fan!
When I asked Lauren what she liked most about her role as Dining Room Manager, she replied, “the relationship that I have formed with the residents and from a Lauren Scott professional standpoint bringing together the front (servers) and back of the house (kitchen employees) to provide positive experiences effectively and efficiently for
Lauren is looking forward to developing in her new role, working with management and the residents from a different perspective and growing professionally at Beaumont.
Monday Friendship Dinners This led to the creation of the Monday Friendship Dinner program for which Zack Margolis, Director of Food and Beverage, graciously offered to set aside four reserved tables of four every Monday. A number of residents have volunteered to act as “Greeters” on Mondays. The resident Greeters are stationed near the Mansion Hostes stand from 5:30 to 6:30 pm each week. All residents, singles as well as couples, are invited to present themselves to the resident Greeter starting as early as 5:30 pm. Simply let the Greeter know that you would like to dine with others and as soon as four people have gathered, you will be seated at one of the reserved tables.
By Vick Kelly
Dining in the well-appointed, cozy dining rooms at Beaumont is not only a treat, it is one of the best features of the Beaumont experience. Furthermore, it has long been the tradition for older residents to invite new residents to dinner. This show of friendship to new residents serves as a very personal welcome to our community. It often sparks the beginning of new and meaningful relationships between people who would never have met had they not come to Beaumont.
One of the unfortunate side effects of the pandemic was the need to close the dining rooms for safety reasons. For almost two years, it was impossible to dine with old friends, let alone invite new residents to join us. It was discovered during meetings of our Friendship Circles that quarantine was especially hard on residents living alone. We learned that some single residents are uncomfortable eating alone in the dining rooms or in making calls to invite others to eat with them.
Single residents and couples do not need to make reservations to be included. If you are a couple and have made reservations for two, but you would like to have others join you for dinner, it is not a problem. Just announce yourself to the Greeter. Our dining staff has been marvelously helpful and flexible about everything related to the Monday Friendship Dinner program and for that we thank them. 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 Leo Dolan October 17, 2022
Curtis Young November 14, 2022
Editor
Members of the Beaumont Community extend deepest sympathy to their families and friends. 2
Beverly Wilson
Photo Editor
Linda Madara
New Resident Editor
Betty Matarese
Roving Reporter
Eta Glassman
Quality Control
Cathy Leahy
Production
Articus, Ltd.
Bernard and Sandra Krouse By Joan Roberts New to Beaumont but lifelong Philadelphia area residents, Bernard (Bernie) and Sandra (Sandy) Krouse came from their Penn Valley home of 50+ years to Apartment 125 in April. In their 63 years of marriage, they have raised four sons, who, along with their lovely daughters-in-law, have given them 12 grandchildren, (eight boys and four girls), proudly displayed in family group photographs. The sons went to Harriton High; three remain in the area and have successful careers, as an oncological surgeon, a real estate lawyer, and a college administrator. The one son living in Florida has a career in finance, dealing with private equity.
However, she is an artist and a sculptor, working from several art centers, including the one in Wayne. An impressive array of her work adorns the apartment, and her sculpture and silver jewelry was featured in the August art show at Beaumont. Her art has other outlets: Bernard and Sandra Krouse she designs and creates greeting cards. Coupled with her culinary skills, she enjoys garnishing a party platter of food, or working with flowers. Back to cooking, she makes a scrumptious chocolate cake (“to die for” this writer notes.}
Bernard, a U.S. Army veteran, retired at age 64 from his heating oil business, in which he sold oil wholesale and retail, and installed home heating equipment. He remains active on the golf course and at the bridge table and manages their business interests.
The Krouses are happy to be at Beaumont and are a welcome addition to the community.
Sandra’s career as an elementary school teacher (fifth grade) came to a halt as she transitioned to motherhood.
Beaumont Donates the Gift of Sight By Kaki Hoover
Beaumont residents and staff donated scores of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses and readers during a week-long onsite collection campaign sponsored by the Beaumont Library Committee.
for worldwide eye care missions and clinics. Lions have been leaders in preventing avoidable blindness and improving quality of life for the visually impaired. Many children and adult recipients will experience corrected vision for the first time from these donations.
They were transported to a nearby Walmart Vision Center and on to one of 11 Lions Clubs International Eyeglass Recycling Program sites. There they are labeled and prepared
Beaumont is proud to cooperate with the Lions in this endeavor.
“I was surprised when I started getting old, I always thought it was one of those things that would happen to someone else.”
– George Carlin
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Halloween at Beaumont
Beaumont celebrated Halloween twice this year. On Sunday, the day before the “real” day, staff brought their costumed children to share in the fun of walking the halls until they spotted the doors with a jack-o-lantern on them. Knock! Knock! KNOCK! Trick or Treat! On the “real” Halloween day, it was the Residents' (and Staff ’s) time for fun!
Trick or Treat for Staff ’s Children By Mary Caulder. Photos by Linda Madara. On October 30, 2022, Beaumont residents had plenty of treats, but no tricks for our staff ’s children/grandchildren who attended our first Halloween Trick or Treat event.
Twenty children arrived with their costumes and treat bags. We had a wide array of costumes from superheroes to princesses to skeletons. Villa Residents and Personal Care Residents gathered in the Music Room to distribute treats and snacks for the children. Our staff were given a list of apartments to visit, and our ghosts and goblins raced down the hallways, enjoying the hallway displays and finding the doors with a jack-o-lantern on them where candy and other delicious items awaited.
This event was proposed by the residents and coordinated with Resident Services, Human Resources, Management Staff, and Food Services. A great time was had by all. There are already ideas for expanding this event for next year.
It also gave the children the opportunity to see where their parents/grandparents worked.
Beaumont Residents' Halloween By Linda Madara
On the real Halloween, October 31st, Resident Services decorated the Music Room with balloons, pumpkins, and scary things. Six tables were manned by a delightful collection of creatures including scarecrows, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Dorothy and Toto visiting from the Wizard of Oz, a barnyard sow, Grace Kelly, and the Little Mermaid. Residents, many in costume, arrived at lunch time. Some enjoyed a light lunch, others visited all the tables, coming away with non-edible treasures as well as delicious treats! Everyone delighted in the costumes of their neighbors. One or two of them were so well disguised that we still don’t know who they were. Halloween at Beaumont
Deb Zug as “COVID”
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Claire McDonald as Peanut Butter and Kristin Szoke as Jelly
Halloween at Beaumont
Is it possible that amid the unidentified guests here at Halloween there was one or two of the Beaumont ghosts several residents and staff have seen?
Louise Hughes as a Scarecrow
Caitlin Gardner as “The Little Mermaid”
Bernadette Bevilacqua and Willow as Dorothy and Toto from The Wizard of OZ
Paige Welby as Marilyn Monroe with leering Mote Howard spying on her
Hunter and Pam McMullin
Joanne Sebring
Joyce Randolph as a Spider
“ Youth would be an ideal state if it came later in life.” – Lord Asquith 5
Halloween at Beaumont
Eric van der Vlugt- Artist in Residence By Linda Madara. Photos by Linda Madara.
Eric van der Vlugt’s spectacular show adorned not only the Beaumont Room, but the main hallway walls as well when it opened the end of October. Invitations sent to friends, former students, and art enthusiasts, even a “Friend” from Facebook admiring his work, very quickly brought the anticipated guests for the opening and reception to a substantial number. Zack Margolis was called in to advise and plan for the reception.
In the audience were three of Eric’s young grandchildren. Their questions ranged from “How many brushes do you use to make a painting?” (About 8-10 of all sizes) Then there was, “Do you use photographs to paint from?” Eric spoke of using models and that he took shots of details such as folds of fabric or interesting shadows The artist Eric van der Vlugt because it was a waste Eric’s work has a magic of its own. This of their time to have them sitting Netherlander was raised in Laren, North Holland where he for long hours while he fussed studied printmaking and drawing. He took a leap further with details. when he began painting in oil which gave him the ability to have detail on the canvas as well as soft, intense lines. From industrial buildings fraught with angles to the loving touch of a portrait artist, his work draws the observer into the piece.
It was his youngest granddaughter, aged 2, who when Eric was inviting guests to ask questions and the audience circled around him, ran up to her Artist with his Granddaughter Lena, age 2 adored grandfather, and hugged him around the knees. Of course, he picked her up with a grandfatherly hug, then set her down lovingly, neither the least bit fazed. Back into the audience she darted.
Eric’s work is exciting on many levels: it is detailed and intense, at times challenging. Scenes of fields, structures, or shores are scenic and subtle at the same time, inviting the viewer to enter. His stand-out pieces, however, are his portraits in which he excels! Each child you want to hug. His two grown sons and their wives are portrayed as one each of the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water. He marries the personality of each with the element to perfection.
JJ McNutt, Naomi Rubin, and Joan Roberts Visitors viewing the art at the listening to the artist speak at the reception. reception.
During the Beaumont reception for him, instead of the planned talk about his work, he turned the tables on his guests, inviting questions from them. Questions included technique and whether he used varnish to visually soften a painting’s surface. No, varnish is not employed. Where did he get his inspiration from? What was around him served the purpose.
Eric’s work is exhibited in the Netherlands and the US. It has won best of show at the Fleisher Art Memorial Spring Show, Long Beach Island Art Foundation’s plein air show and the Masonic Library and Museum show to mention only three.
The “Four Elements” series - portraits of the artist’s sons and their partners
Structures in the “Forgotten Landscapes” series
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NEW in the Library Caring, Coping, and Aging
In recognition of the sudden changes that occur and the ongoing issues we each face, the Beaumont Library volunteers created a special section of books devoted to these topics. The square revolving bookcase is the new home for books on these subjects. A new sign on the bookcase points the way. Each book was chosen based on recommendations by residents, staff, and consumer health librarians. A Few Examples:
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by Dr. David Kessler
An expert on grief and a co-author with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (also in the Beaumont Library), Dr.Kessler goes beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth stage: meaning. Every Victory Counts: Living Well with Parkinson’s and Every Victory Counts Manual for Care Partners Updated editions from the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Happens in the End by Atul Gawande One of the books most recommended by Beaumont residents and staff.
Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To by David A. Sinclair PhD and Matthew D. LaPlante
A Harvard authority on genetics and longevity reveals a bold new theory for why we age. As he writes: “Aging is a disease, and that disease is treatable.”
Julie and Henry Berkowitz By Judy Anderson. Photo by Linda Madara. Julie and Henry Berkowitz have this past month moved from Villanova where they lived for over fifty years to a first-floor apartment in Austin. Both Julie and Henry are Philadelphia natives, Henry from south Philadelphia and Julie from Elkins Park. Henry graduated from the Steven’s School of Practice in 1952 and The University of Pennsylvania in 1956. Julie is a 1953 graduate of Cheltenham High School and a 1957 graduate of Smith College. They met on a blind date arranged by high school friends and married in 1957.
school Julie worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art finally utilizing her undergraduate degree in art history. She trained the guides for the permanent collections as well as special exhibits. She also received a master’s degree in art history Julie and Henry Berkowitz from Penn. During these productive and busy years three children were born: Henry, Jr. (Hank) in 1962, Claire in 1965, and Laura in 1968. Six grandsons are now part of the family unit.
Their first few married years were in Cincinnati working for Proctor and Gamble: Henry as a chemical engineer in pulp making for paper products and Julie in food products marketing. She was the only woman in the department and was told she could never be promoted because as a woman, she could not enter grocery warehouses that had “vermin and men!” Both concluded that industry was not their calling and returned to Philadelphia where Henry started medical school at Penn. He continued there with a residency and fellowship and became an assistant vascular surgeon to Dr. Brooke Roberts. While Henry was in medical
Henry and Julie are avid pursuer of the arts. Henry had an art show of his oil paintings at Waverly and Julie has written three books on art: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Portrait Catalogue (1984); Adorn the Halls: History of the Art Collection at Thomas Jefferson University (1999); and Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences: A History: 1947-2014 (2015). Julie has donated all three to our Beaumont Library. Be sure to check them out. 7
Kody Kampas - Friendly to the Core By Helen Ballard Kody, the son of Frank Kampas, is a 13-year-old Cockapoo, and a resident of Pond Lane. He was adopted from the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society [PAWS] and one could hardly find a more loving and friendly dog. He has a lovely soft wheat colored coat and exceptionally wonderful chin whiskers!
CANINES of BEAUMONT
an enlarged heart which requires a set exercise regimen, a special dog food, and several daily medications. Now Kody may be an easygoing, amenable and well-behaved fellow but he does not take kindly to his daily dose of medications. He frequently manages to spit his pills out sometimes requiring a parental scolding. There are often several more tries until he eventually loses the battle!
He is Frank’s shadow, loves to sit on his lap and, of course, share his father’s bed. He is, after all, like most dogs a pack animal and they like to be with the leader of their pack. Although to be honest one might wonder who is the leader of the pack, Kody or Frank?
Besides his outdoor walks he makes a daily visit to the Mansion. There are visits he must make where he knows he will be rewarded with treats. The first stop is at the Front Desk and then it’s across the lobby to the Gift Shop. He is not happy on the days the Shop is closed but takes it in his stride. Then it’s off to the Wellness Center where he visits various residents. He is gentle and affectionate, and they are always delighted to see him. Last, but definitely not least, it’s downstairs to the Fitness Center where he not only gets a treat but a massage as well! Only the best for Kody! He especially likes the fact that the Fitness Center is close to the Arts and Crafts Room because that is where he often finds Bling Madara for whom he has great affection...she is his secret love!
He takes his father on at least 3 walks a day stopping at all signposts and hydrants to read the daily canine 'news.’ Kody is religious about his walks, not only because he enjoys them, but because he feels it is important for Kody Kampas. Photo by Helen Ballard. him [and his father] to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is an important reason for his maintaining a healthy lifestyle because Kody has
If you happen to see Kody when out and about do stop to make his acquaintance, you won’t be sorry, and he will be delighted with the attention.
Vodka Toothpaste? By Eta Glassman
“What do you think of vodka toothpaste?” I asked my dentist, Bruce. Vodka toothpaste would make patients relax. They might even love getting implants (forget the cost.)
common -- night guards, capped teeth, dental floss, electric toothbrush, and a gorgeous smile! But, best of all, she has a kitchen!
I went home and began my research. I checked my toothpaste for the ingredients. It must be a secret.
NEWS ALERT!
Bruce sighed. “I am sure the toothpaste companies have already thought of this,” he said. I did not give up. This idea has tons of possibilities. There could be white wine toothpaste. Forget the red wine toothpaste, you will think your gums are bleeding. How about non-alcoholic toothpaste?
Marian took out her mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a strainer. Then she said with a guilty smile, “I do not have any idea how to make vodka toothpaste. How do you get the toothpaste into a tube? Who will be the distributor? How will we market the product?” My editor Beverly Wilson discovered that whiskey flavored toothpaste was a favorite gag gift way back when. Neiman Marcus even sold their version of Scotch and Bourbon toothpaste. But she said she could not find Vodka toothpaste!
I could not experiment making toothpaste in a kitchen at Beaumont. You, dear reader, may remember in a previous issue of the Beaumont News, I announced I was selling or renting my kitchen. I never use it. I eat all my meals in the dining rooms or order takeout. My sweaters are resting in the oven.
Maybe its time has come! What do you think dear reader? Well, for now, I think I will just drink the vodka. Cheers!
I called my long time shopping friend Marian Matez. “I would love to help “she said. She cooks and has a kitchen. She also uses the same dentist that I do so we have things in
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