THE VIEWan insider`s look into the hill

THE VI E W
september 2014
volume 10 issue 9
an insider’s look into the hill
August was packed
with events and
performers. See the
month in rewind.
4
The kick-off of the
Classical Music
Series begins this
month—see who
will be the inagural
performer in this
annual series.
The Hill has many
interesting and
thought-provoking
events coming in
September. See
what’s in store for
the month ahead.
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The President’s Column
By: Judy McGruther, President &CEO
September is Active Aging Month and The Hill
at Whitemarsh is the personification and an
outstanding example of “Active Aging”. Our
September calendar is an enthusiastically packed
month, as we kick off the 2014-2015 Classical Music
Series with The Jasper String Quartet with Andrius
Zlabys; WHYY’s special pre-screening of the “The
Ken Burns Project”, featuring Ed Cunningham; our
Choir embarks on their new season; David Contosta
presents “A Tale of Erdenheim”; and energetic
autumn walks on the Wissahickon commence.
The Hill “officially” organizes over 200
programs and presentations a month. The programs
have been created in direct response to our
residents’ requests to continue to learn, experience,
and explore their favorite interests. Our calendar is
full and vibrant—all rooms are reserved, and our
residents are strategically juggling their schedules
to attend and participate in “all” the activities and
programs. Sounds like a very energetic group!
Aging
Health
2014
Board Spotlight: Frank Reed
Frank Reed has been a
member of the Board
of Trustees, The Hill
at Whitemarsh, since
2004. He served as
Chair from 2004
until 2012. Mr. Reed
is a resident of The
Hill and currently
serves on the Audit
Committee and The
Building Committee.
Frank grew up
Frank Reed
in Northern New
Jersey and worked in New York City for JP Morgan
before coming to Philadelphia in 1984 as President of
First Pennsylvania Bank. In 1995 Mr. Reed retired as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia
National Bank. During his successful career, he
served on the Boards of Harleysville Group, Inc. and
Harleysville Insurance, Centel, Sprint, Alltel, 360°
Communications and Wind Stream Incorporated.
Formerly of the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia,
he currently resides at The Hill at 4818 Marble Hill,
with his wife, Ann. Mrs. Reed is a past Chair of The
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania
and of The Morris Arboretum; she is a Board
member of The Academy of Natural Sciences of
Drexel University, as well as The Morris Arboretum
and Chanticleer. Frank shares his wife’s passion for
gardening, loves walking with Chloe, their Border
Collie, and enjoys trips to their second home in
Freedom, New Hampshire.
1
© AE
Goldman
Dixon Meadow Preserve Update: Final Report
By Ann Kent
T
he Nestwatch Team made their last visit for the season on Friday, August 1st and we used the new path from
the parking area off Flourtown Road—it is an easy walk on a paved surface and makes the Preserve very
accessible! Our second bluebird nest of the year has successfully fledged from Box #3 and there was no other
nest activity in any of the 12 boxes, making our second year of monitoring the nest sites come to a close.
Totals for this year:
• Bluebirds: 2 nests with 8 fledglings
• Tree Swallows: 6 nests with 12 fledglings. Three of
the tree swallow nests were destroyed by the house
sparrow predators.
The Nestwatach Team members: Pat and Connie
Anderson, Patty Beck, Larry Brownell, Sally Johnson,
Ann Kent, Bill Lutz, Charles Reim, Nina Schaefer, Ann
and Tom Schoonmaker, and Evan Silverstein, with
support from Hugh Moulton and Kim Sheppard.
Totals for 2013:
• Bluebird: 1 nest with 5 fledglings
• Tree Swallows: 3 nests with 13 fledglings
Comments: Mary Lee Klauder, our nestwatch mentor,
provided the following information: the adult bluebirds
will stay around the area all winter while the new
young birds will migrate south, but should come back
here next year. We will watch Boxes 1 and 3, which
have housed our nesting bluebirds, and are hoping for
more nest attempts in 2015!
Mary also said the reason we are yet to have
house wrens or chickadees nesting in our boxes is that
the wrens use sticks to make their nests and the trees
in the Preserve are not big enough to provide nesting
material; the chickadees need moss for their nests and
the Preserve doesn’t have enough mosses yet.
Bird varieties seen in the Preserve this year
include Canada goose, mallard, great blue heron,
spotted sandpiper, kestrel, bald eagle, red-tailed
hawk, northern harrier, robin, bluebird, kingbird,
rough-winged swallow, tree swallow, barn swallow,
mockingbird, starling, red-winged blackbird, song
sparrow, house sparrow, bobolink, eastern meadow
lark, rock pigeon, and mourning dove.
Connie Anderson and
Tom Schoonmaker checking the boxes.
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The Library Committee
By Dot Muessig
“What’s the point of having a book club if you don’t get to
eat brownies and drink wine?” – Jami Attenberg
Perhaps your book club does not provide brownies
and wine. You may not even belong to a book club—
despair not, though. Check out September’s Library
exhibit which features a variety of book club selections
for your consideration. You must, however, supply
your own brownies and wine.
In addition to the library offerings in the
Main Library on the 4th floor, which we reviewed last
month, this month we want to remind you of other
areas where material is also available. The Reading
Room, on your left as you enter the lobby, contains
newspapers, periodicals, numerous art books, small
collections on gardening, nature, animals, travel,
food, and music. The local Philadelphia area and
Pennsylvania are also well-represented. There are also
games and jigsaw puzzles to be used at your disposal.
Usually, a puzzle has been started and you are welcome
to contribute to its completion. Craft books are
available in the Creative Arts Room. Finally, Mather
House and Oakley Hall have reading material available
on each floor for residents and their guests.
SAVE THE DATE! On Thursday, November 13,
the Library Committee, with the cooperation of Barnes
and Noble, will present the annual and
ever-popular Holiday Book Fair. More details coming
next month on how you can simplify your shopping
chores. Until then, remember to keep on reading.
The October Art Show Exhibition
The Philadelphia Watercolor Society will be presenting the
an exhibition in the Fitness Center hallway in honor of Frank Nofer,
a celebrated graphic artist and watercolorist. Distinguished artists
represented will include a selection of past prize winners of the
Frank Nofer Award for transparent watercolor.
In conjunction with this Exhibtion, on Oct. 16th, there will
be a show and discussion of work on the current 114th Annual
International Competition held this September in Wallingford
at the Community Arts Center.
Curt Brewer Presents:
Wednesday, September 3: “Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild”
Wednesday, September 10: “The Great Rift: Africa’s Greatest Story Part 3”
Wednesday, September 17: “On the Road with Charles Kuralt”
Wednesday, September 24: “Buhtan: A Living Eden”
**All videos are shown each Wednesday at 2:30pm in the Theatre
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The Jasper String Quartet with
Andrius Zlabys, piano
Winner of the prestigious 2012 Cleveland Quartet
Award, The Jasper String Quartet recently released
highly acclaimed albums for the Sono Luminus label.
They feature works of Beethoven, Schubert, and
Aaron Jay Kernis, and digitally released Beethoven’s
Op. #131, also for Sono Luminus. In 2015-2017, the
Quartet will premiere their commission of Kernis’
String Quartet across the world. Locations include
Carnegie Hall in New York City and London’s
Wigmore Hall. In conjunction with Astral Artists,
the Jaspers were awarded a 2012 grant from Chamber
•J Freivogel, violin
•Sae Chonabayashi, violin
•Sam Quintal, viola
•Rachel Henderson
Freivogel, cello
Music America through its Residency Partnership
Program. They were the first ensemble to win the
Yale School of Music’s Horatio Parker Memorial
Prize; the Jaspers also won Astral Artists’ National
Auditions in 2010. Formed at Oberlin Conservatory,
the Jaspers trained with the Tokyo String Quartet,
as Yale University’s Graduate Quartet-in-Residence.
They are the Professional Quartet-in-Residence at
Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians
and have also held residencies at the Banff Centre
and the Caramoor Center for Music and Arts.
•
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A prizewinner at the esteemed Ceveland
International Piano Competition, Lithuanian
pianist Andrius Zlabys has performed with the
New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony,
and the Cleveland Orchestra, among others. Mr.
Zlabys has collaborated with such renowned
musicians as violist Yuri Bashmet and violinist
Hilary Hahn. He has also enjoyed a long-time
collaboration with legendary violinist Gidon
Kremer, with whom he has toured extensively in
Europe, Japan, South America, and the U.S.. He
holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music,
the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Yale
School of Music and is an Astral Artists’ alumnus.
Coming In October:
ALEXANDRE MOUTOUZKINE, PIANO
Wednesday, October 1 – at 8:00 pm
4
looking
back at
august
The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia, PA showcases a variety of the French
sculpturist’s work throughout his life.
great
The Delaware Opera
Company performs
“Murder and Mayhem”
at The Hill.
performances
at the hill
Residents listen intently to a discourse about the
extravagant works of Auguste Rodin.
Check Channel
24 and the
monthly
calendar
for updated
Saturday movies
and Sunday
presentations.
•
Dr. Phillip Cunningham
speaking on the
Catholic-Jewish
relationship.
The Charles Salinger Trio played a mix of jazz
and standard music for the residents to set a cool,
mellow mood for the evening.
Brought to you by
Mannie Weinstein—
thank you for your
contributions!
5
Dr. Allan B. Schwartz of Drexel
University spoke about FDR’s
Secret Illness and its Effects on
World History and Politics.
The Bryn Mawr Mainliners classic barbershop singing filled the Founders
Room at The Hill with delightful melodies.
Pat Anderson, Sophia Chitjian, Elly Panzer, and Rose Feldman sit and talk
on the back patio and enjoy some refreshing Rita’s water ice to cool down.
Marshall Maltzman gives a talk on Winston
Churchill to the residents at The Hill.
Pete Smyser and his quintet lit the night up with their celebration of
songs from Harry Warren.
The Chanticleer House sits against a
vibrant backdrop of lush plants and
well-maintained grounds.
6
Upcoming Trips for September
James Wilson Marshall House and
Walking Tour of Lambertville, NJ
Wednesday, September 3rd • Departing at 10am
Visit a historic landmark and then take a walking tour
through the quaint river town with a member of the
Lambertville Historical Society. Finish the day with lunch at
the Lambertville Station located on the scenic canal. Please
bring money—cost for lunch is on your own.
Advance Registration ($) - Sign up in the RSVP book.
Working Dog Center Tour
Wednesday, September 10th • Departing at 8:30am
Come and experience the Working Dog Tour at the
Univeristy of Pennsylvania. During this tour you will learn
the history of the center. In addition, you will witness a
demo of the dogs doing agility and/or search or rescue. The
trainers will explain the need, concept, and details of the
training program. Finally the tour will end with a meet and
greet of the puppies! Please note that there is an extensive
amount of walking and there are limited benches for
resting—please dress accordingly.
There is no lunch with this trip.
Advance Registration ($) - Sign up in the RSVP book.
Peddler’s Village
Wednesday, September 24th • Departing at 10am
Join Lauren Taylor and Michael Bitterlich for a group
trip to Peddler’s Village in historic Bucks County. Enjoy a
relaxing walk followed by shopping and a meal at Hart’s
Tavern. Please bring money—cost for lunch is on your own.
Advance Registration ($) - Sign up in the RSVP book.
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Nuggets from the Treasure Chest
By Lee Laden, Chair
whimsies. This month, we are featuring a magnificent
fish platter, scallop shell place card holders, and
beautiful glass bowls.
Visit us on Wednesdays from 3-5:00pm
and Sundays from 12:30-2:30pm. Donations are
accepted during business hours or call Lee Laden at
215.582.9642 if you need assistance.
Proceeds from sales of donated items provide
scholarship funds for part-time Hill employees.
SOL
D
Looking for an attractive table lamp? Here are just
three examples of wonderful donations that we have
received. All available lamps are in perfect working
condition complete with shades and are waiting for
a new home. Stop in and take a closer look at these
attractive lamps.
The Treasure Chest offers gifts for birthdays,
weddings, and special occasions. Need a hostess gift?
We have several to choose from, including trivets,
scented coasters (Mug Rugs!), and one-of-a-kind
Meet the Sales Team Members
From Top Left Clockwise:
• Beth Slater-Plechner
Sales Counselor
Sales Counselor
Marketing Assistant
Director of Sales
• Jennifer Cianciarulo
• Sandra Martin
• Pat Weltig
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Mindfulness Meditation
By Beverly Gast
H
ave you noticed how reports on the benefits of mindfulness are so pervasive
these days? For example, a recent New York Times article describes research
evidence that demonstrates how attention-practices improve cognition.
The studies come amid growing disenchantment with
the first-line treatment for attention-deficit conditions:
drugs. Among healthy adults, attention begins to
wane noticeably in the 70s or 80s, often manifesting
as an inability to remember names or words, because
of distractions that the mind once would have
suppressed. Researchers state from a New York Times
article, “Exercising the Mind to Treat Attention
Deficits,” published on May 12th, 2014: “That’s why
mindfulness might be so important. It seems to get at
the causes.”
Another recent report is in the WHYY July
th
24 interview with educators and a neuroscientist
about the impact of mindfulness practices with
children in the classroom. It’s fascinating to hear
third graders describe their experiences in their own
words: “Meditation changed my life because I was
stressed out—but when I found meditation, it kept me
happy and calm.” An 8 year old says: “If your shoulder
or head hurts, you do a body scan and after you’ll
feel better.” A teenager states: “When everything is
happening too fast, I
can stop and take a deep
breath, using focused
breathing.”
From that, we’re
able to see the spectrum
of ages who benefit from
practice. Of course,
these benefits are not
news to those of us who are so enthusiastic about all
we’ve learned in our weekly group. We feel fortunate
here at The Hill to have access on-site to our own
enlivening Mindfulness community.
If you’ve recently arrived or are curious,
an 8-week Welcome to Mindfulness program for
beginners, led by Kathy Corbett, will begin Thursday,
September 18th, 11:30am–12:45pm in Oakley Hall’s
Meditation Room on the 4th floor. There is a fee,
and pre-registration is required—the deadline for
registration is Friday, Sept. 12th. Contact Beverly Gast,
x8421, if you have any further questions.
Ongoing Group (for experienced meditators) resumes Sept. 18th, 10:00–11:15am. Please confirm with Beverly.
Heart of the Hill Resumes
Do you like choral singing? Do you have a good
ear? Come sing with the Heart of the Hill Chorus in
September. Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, September
9, from 1:30-3:00pm in the Founders Room. Singers
will be pleased to learn that Ken Lovett, our director
last year, will be returning. Ken is the retired choral
director of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut
Hill. He is currently
the organist at
Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church and director of the
Cathedral Village chorus. A one-time seasonal fee for
members is $30 and will be charged to your monthly
statement.
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DINING
SERVICES
Monday, September 1st, 12pm-2:00pm: Labor Day BBQ Buffet
BITES
Southern style BBQ
• We will open our celebration with the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and saluting of our flag at
11:45am
• Western picnic buffet: fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, southern fried catfish, corn, salad bar, ice cream
and other delicious desserts
• Space is limited; please make your reservation early
• Casual attire welcome
$19.00
Thursday, September 18th: Benvenuti in Italia: Italian Night at The Hill
Features Chef John’s selection of antipasti, fried calamari, beef carpaccio, slow roasted lamb with sage and
rosemary, cioppino, and much more. (Italian menu is subject to change depending on availability of fresh
ingredients)
Space is limited; please make your reservation early
Thursday, September 25th: Rosh Hashanah Menu
• Traditional Rosh Hashanah entrée will be available in
our dining room: circular shaped challahs, couscous,
and black eyed peas
• To symbolize the sweet year, brightly colored foods and
dishes will be prepared—apples dipped in honey, roasted
chicken, and pan seared salmon
• All inclusive catering menu available upon request with price
starting at $29.00 per person
• Kosher wine will be available for sale, by the glass or by the
bottle
• The Rosh Hashanah menu prices starts at $14.00
The Hill Shop September Specials
• Week of September 2nd: clearance sale on all summer
merchandise. Limited to quantity on hand.
• Tuesdays: $1.00 off blended cold drinks
• Wednesdays: $1.00 off all nonfood items (with minimum
purchase of $2.00 or more)
• Fridays: $1.00 soft pretzels
Coming in Oktober!
Say “Prost!” and enjoy
some German bier as
well as a selection of
traditional German fare.
Thursday, October 9th,
5:30-7:30pm
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[Math Magic]
august’s puzzle solvers:
w. johnson
j. berman
h. hill
h. kundel
august’s answers:
there are several more answers if you’d like to see them.
1000 = 888 + 112
= 888 + (8+8) x 8 - 8
8
OR
8 (8x8 + 8x8) - (8+8+8)
888 + 88 + 8 + 8
(8 + 8+ 8 - 8) x 8 + 8 - 8
8
The Puzzle:
An old man goes to a bank with a check for
$200 and asks the cashier: “Give me some
one dollar bills, ten times as many twos and
balance in fives!”
What will the cashier do?
Solutions can be
submitted to Box #321.
If you would like your name
published in The View for
correctly solving the puzzle,
please circle your name.
on The Hill
Wednesday, September 3, at 8pm: John Portman: A Life of Building
A look at one of the world’s most innovative architects and his approach to constructing a building.
Friday, September 12, at 8pm: Michael Wood’s Story of England
From Romans to Normans and Peasants’ Revolt and the Black Death, Wood takes a look into England’s past.
Friday, September 19, at 8pm: A Taste of History: The First Five Presidents
Join Chef Walter Staib as he visits the homes of the first five presidents and recreates their favorite recipes.
Friday, September 26, at 8pm: The Original Three Tenors Concert
Listen to the beautiful melodies of Carreras Domingo Pavarotti live in Concert.
**All programs are shown on Channel 24
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS IN
SEPTEMBER
“Under Glass” presented by John Whitenight
Thursday, September 4, 4:00pm in the Theatre
“Under Glass” is an illustrated talk by author, artist,
educator, collector and conservator John Whitenight,
Thursday September 4th in the Theatre at 4 pm.
Flower arrangers, birders, those who appreciate
Victoriana and art in general will not want to miss
John Whitenight’s talk about his collection of more
than 200 glass domes, each with still-life inside, all
parlor ornaments from the Victorian era. There are
flowers, food and fauna made of wax, paper, human
hair, wool, feathers, seashells, beads and seeds. There
are some birds preserved by Queen Victoria’s favorite
taxidermists, as well as automata, those musical
mechanical master pieces; some play arias from operas,
each one is under a glass dome. Whitenight has written
the definitive book on the subject “Under Glass,
A Victorian Obsession”, which has been reviewed
favorably in the New York Times, the Philadelphia
Inquirer and numerous antiques periodicals. The
Whitenight/LaValley collection of parlor domes,
probably the largest in the world, was featured in the
September/October 2013 magazine Antiques along
with the late 19th century furniture that Whitenight
and partner Frederick La Valley collected for their
1866 Philadelphia town house. Whitenight has
lectured widely on various aspects of the collection.
To educate others about his obsession he maintains a
website underglassavictorianobsession.com.
“A Tale of Erdenheim” presented by David Contosta
Tuesday, September 23, 4:00pm in the Founders Room
David Contosta is a cultural and intellectual historian at Chestnut
Hill College. He is the author of 17 books including biographies
of Henry Adams and the Houston/Woodward families. David will
trace the evolution of Erdenheim Farm from its origins as a modest
colonial tract in the Whitemarsh Valley to the unlikely rescue of a
large country estate and its preservation as a model of environmental
sensibility. The presentation will conclude with the four-minute
trailer of a projected documentary film about the Wissahickon Valley.
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EVENTS THIS
SEPTEMBER
WHYY Special Pre-screening of “The
Roosevelts: An Intimate History”
by Ken Burns hosted by Ed Cunningham
Friday, September 5, 11:30am room TBD
WHYY On Air Personality Ed Cunningham
will introduce Ken Burns’ latest project: the
first documentary to interlace the stories of
Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Meryl Streep portrays Eleanor Roosevelt
in readings from her personal letters and
“Sensors”
presented by Warne Johnson
Monday, September 8, 10:30am in the
Theatre
We live in a world today that has
become rife with sensors that we
depend on—the most complex are
those within our bodies.
“Jefferson Practice Highlights and
Initiatives and Quality Healthcare
Initiatives for The Hill at Whitemarsh”
presented by Peter von Mechow and
Dr. Danielle Snyderman
Tuesday, September 9, 3:30pm in the
Founders Room
writings. Joining Streep are
Paul Giamatti as the voice
of Theodore Roosevelt and
Edward Herrmann,
two-time Emmy Award
nominee for his performance
as Franklin Roosevelt, as
the voice of FDR. Following
the screening will be a small
reception.
Ed Cunningham
ARTalk: “Playful Paintbrushes & Pens:
Illustrations for a Child’s Imagination”
by Ann Terezo
Tuesday, September 9, 1:30pm in the Theatre
Beautiful, large prints from much-loved
children’s stories will be on display during
the talk. Ann will also review the history
of Children’s Book Illustration. Works
by Rackham, Tenniel, Wyeth, Maxfield
Parrish, Silverstein, Sendak, Clement
Hurd, and many more will be discussed.
Ann’s ARTalks include a blend of art
and entertainment, stories from history,
religion, mythology, politics, and world
culture. Bring a favorite illustrated
storybook to share with the group!
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AARP Safe Drivers Presentation
Wednesday, September 17th, 9:30am in
the Founders Room
The AARP Smart Driver Course, offered
by AARP Driver Safety, is a driver
safety course and is designed especially
for drivers age 50 and older. Cost for
AARP members is $12, non-members
$14, payable by cash or check to the
instructor on the day of the event.
COMING IN OCTOBER
The Costumes of Downton Abbey &
Tour of Winterthur Museum
Wednesday, October 8th, at 10am
Eastern State Penitentiary Tour
“Lincoln at Gettysburg and the
Gettysburg Address”
Wednesday, October 15th, at 11:30am
presented by Michael Jesberger
Monday, September 22nd, 7:30pm
in the Theatre
In commemoration of Abraham
Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg in
November of 1863, Historical
Re-enactor Michael Jesberger will
present a program on the Gettysburg
Address and the President’s visit to the
Battlefield.
Medicare Workshop
with Susan Kavanaugh
Fridays, October 17th and
24th, at 10am and 1pm
Resident Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, October 30th, at 10:30am
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ph tography
club
Tuesday, September 16th,
10am in the Theatre
Topic: Simplicity
{book
club}
Le Cercle FranÇais
Qui? Anyone who enjoys French literature
Quoi? Readings in French—Discussions in English
Oú? Club Room
Quand? 10-11:30am Saturdays
Pourquoi? Sharpen French skills—appreciate major
works—Bon amusement et Camaraderie!
Fall series begins September 6th: 20th Century French Theatre
Led by Charlotte Kleis, Ph.D, professor of French language and literature
(retired, Temple University)
questions? call: charlotte 215.402.8474
suzanne scott 215.402.8670
TREASURE CHEST
Thursday, September 18:
Wild by
Cheryl Strayed
(thrift shop at the hill)
OPEN 12:30-2:30 SUNDAYS
3-5:00 WEDNESDAYS
[Sales support scholarships
for part-time Hill employees]
come see our treasure—
displays are constantly changing
*All meetings are at 2:30pm in
the Private Dining Room
Play Readers Group Meeting
Wednesday, September 10th,
at 10:00am in Oakley Hall
For further information, contact Betsy
Galante, #443 or x8443
submissions for the view are due
by the 15th of each month to
ensure placement
Military Committe
Meeting
Thursday, September 11,
at 4pm in the Theatre
to submit articles or information to the view,
please contact will muller,
communications cooridinator, at
[email protected] or
thank you to our resident
contributors and editors for
helping us along the way!
215.402.8726
4000 Fox Hound Drive
lafayette hill, pa 19444