Hello Family:
The brown couch still lives. It is now residing at a friend of Justin's, so it still is with us on this earth. I guess that's good.
I took my midterm in my tax class last night. I absolutely hate tests and don't always do very well on them so I was very nervous about it. I was so pleased to pass it with a 98%, I asked Mom and Dad to help me so maybe they did:) Again, I so wanted to call Dad to tell him about my accomplishment. It's times like those that I really miss him.
I am getting ready for our yearly audit at work, which is always a little tense. I am attending a Gala tomorrow night with some coworkers. It is an annual fund raiser for the school. They usually do an Octoberfest with gambling and beer. This year they decided to step it up a notch and try a gala which will include a silent auction, wonderful meal and musical entertainment. Sounds like fun...I must go buy new shoes!
Justin and Stephanie are doing fine. Justin is always working and Stephanie continues with school and working with Michelle the autistic young lady. She really enjoys working with her.
Peaches (my dog) is still kicking. She is getting a little more dementia I think. In the evening she wanders around like she's lost and stares at me like she doesn't know who I am! Kind of entertaining I must say. Our walks have turned in to not much exercise for me as she just saunters along. Hopefully she will stick around for awhile longer.
Hope all is well with anyone.
Love to all,
Beth, Justin and Stephanie
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Herman Beitch
October 14, 1918 – October 14, 2008
Herman was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 14, 1918, the son of Minnie Lander and Harry Bietch (later changed to Beitch), both Yiddish speaking immigrants from Kishinev, Russia. Herman was the 2nd of four brothers; Morris, Herman, Elmer and Leonard.
Herman graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis in 1936. Because his father died when he was still young, Herman worked to support his family and earn money instead of going to college, which later allowed his youngest brother to go to college.
In the early ‘40s Herman’s two brothers Morris and Elmer went off to war, but Herman’s high blood pressure caused him to be rejected, much to his chagrin. For the next 72 years he intensely managed and controlled the blood pressure by maintaining a very active and healthy lifestyle. He never missed a day of exercise, one of the JCCA’s most dedicated members, and later a very notable member of the YMCA in Redwood City, California, with computers recording millions of pounds lifted by a man in his eighties.
During the depression, when very few jobs were available, he was one of thousands who took the civil service exam, scoring 2nd highest and receiving one of the few jobs available at the US Post Office in St. Louis.
Herman worked at the post office for 46 years starting as a clerk/carrier and ultimately achieving the position of Branch Manager. After retiring from the P.O. at age 59, he finally had the opportunity to enroll in college and he earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies. All of his children proudly attended his graduation.
He met Shirley Lehr at a Temple Israel “May Day” singles’ dance and they were married in 1950, recently celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary.
Herman and Shirley raised three children: Janis, married to Jeff Baron, three children, living in Los Gatos, California; Gary, married to Sheryl, four children, living in San Ramon, California; and Mark, married to Leslie, two children, living in St. Louis, Missouri. While his children were growing up, he took the family on many camping trips throughout the U.S., taught his daughter algebra and taught his sons to repair everything in a home.
After living in St. Louis all their lives till then and now retired, Herman and Shirley decided to relocate to California in 1982 to help Janis and Jeff care for their three babies. At first they lived in Janis and Jeff’s house and later bought their own house in Redwood City. Herman was instrumental in the care of the three infants; single-handedly managing each day’s morning shift and mechanically transforming the house into a modern-day childcare facility. You had to see it to believe it. He was very involved in all of his grandchildren’s lives teaching each one, among other things, to ride a bike without training wheels!
His sports accomplishments were legendary, beginning with handball, winning tournaments at the old YMHA in St. Louis in the 1940’s, and then switching to racquetball, tennis, long-distance (sometimes week-long) bike riding trips, swimming, aerobics, and weight lifting.
He had a life-long interest in politics and current events, taking college classes and submitting dozens of published “letters to the editor.” He was a devotee of Time Magazine and never missed the Lehrer News Hour.
Throughout the 1980s and 90’s, Herman and Shirley traveled the world together, going to Europe, China, Turkey, Alaska, Hawaii, Russia, South Asia and the Pacific islands, and Israel, bringing back souvenirs and lots of stories.
Just three weeks before his 90th birthday Herman and Shirley, both sharp as a tack, played bridge at their senior center, Little House in Menlo Park, as a team -- and took first place.
On Saturday, Oct. 4th, Leslie and I were in the St. Louis airport on our way to visit the family and to celebrate his birthday, when we got the call that he had suffered a stroke. He was not fully conscience again for the entire week and he died on October 14th, --- on his 90th birthday! In my last conversation with him a few days before the stroke, he talked about proudly being the first Beitch to reach the age of 90. We will miss him.
Special Note: We had to find a nursing facilty to move him to after the first 3 days in the hospital. We were told by the social worker to contact several places, one was "Gordon's Care." "Gordon's" said he could not stay there, but instructed us where to send him - which ended up being the perfect place. Once we heard that "Gordon's" recommended a place, we knew who was helping us and we didn't look any further.
Herman was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 14, 1918, the son of Minnie Lander and Harry Bietch (later changed to Beitch), both Yiddish speaking immigrants from Kishinev, Russia. Herman was the 2nd of four brothers; Morris, Herman, Elmer and Leonard.
Herman graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis in 1936. Because his father died when he was still young, Herman worked to support his family and earn money instead of going to college, which later allowed his youngest brother to go to college.
In the early ‘40s Herman’s two brothers Morris and Elmer went off to war, but Herman’s high blood pressure caused him to be rejected, much to his chagrin. For the next 72 years he intensely managed and controlled the blood pressure by maintaining a very active and healthy lifestyle. He never missed a day of exercise, one of the JCCA’s most dedicated members, and later a very notable member of the YMCA in Redwood City, California, with computers recording millions of pounds lifted by a man in his eighties.
During the depression, when very few jobs were available, he was one of thousands who took the civil service exam, scoring 2nd highest and receiving one of the few jobs available at the US Post Office in St. Louis.
Herman worked at the post office for 46 years starting as a clerk/carrier and ultimately achieving the position of Branch Manager. After retiring from the P.O. at age 59, he finally had the opportunity to enroll in college and he earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies. All of his children proudly attended his graduation.
He met Shirley Lehr at a Temple Israel “May Day” singles’ dance and they were married in 1950, recently celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary.
Herman and Shirley raised three children: Janis, married to Jeff Baron, three children, living in Los Gatos, California; Gary, married to Sheryl, four children, living in San Ramon, California; and Mark, married to Leslie, two children, living in St. Louis, Missouri. While his children were growing up, he took the family on many camping trips throughout the U.S., taught his daughter algebra and taught his sons to repair everything in a home.
After living in St. Louis all their lives till then and now retired, Herman and Shirley decided to relocate to California in 1982 to help Janis and Jeff care for their three babies. At first they lived in Janis and Jeff’s house and later bought their own house in Redwood City. Herman was instrumental in the care of the three infants; single-handedly managing each day’s morning shift and mechanically transforming the house into a modern-day childcare facility. You had to see it to believe it. He was very involved in all of his grandchildren’s lives teaching each one, among other things, to ride a bike without training wheels!
His sports accomplishments were legendary, beginning with handball, winning tournaments at the old YMHA in St. Louis in the 1940’s, and then switching to racquetball, tennis, long-distance (sometimes week-long) bike riding trips, swimming, aerobics, and weight lifting.
He had a life-long interest in politics and current events, taking college classes and submitting dozens of published “letters to the editor.” He was a devotee of Time Magazine and never missed the Lehrer News Hour.
Throughout the 1980s and 90’s, Herman and Shirley traveled the world together, going to Europe, China, Turkey, Alaska, Hawaii, Russia, South Asia and the Pacific islands, and Israel, bringing back souvenirs and lots of stories.
Just three weeks before his 90th birthday Herman and Shirley, both sharp as a tack, played bridge at their senior center, Little House in Menlo Park, as a team -- and took first place.
On Saturday, Oct. 4th, Leslie and I were in the St. Louis airport on our way to visit the family and to celebrate his birthday, when we got the call that he had suffered a stroke. He was not fully conscience again for the entire week and he died on October 14th, --- on his 90th birthday! In my last conversation with him a few days before the stroke, he talked about proudly being the first Beitch to reach the age of 90. We will miss him.
Special Note: We had to find a nursing facilty to move him to after the first 3 days in the hospital. We were told by the social worker to contact several places, one was "Gordon's Care." "Gordon's" said he could not stay there, but instructed us where to send him - which ended up being the perfect place. Once we heard that "Gordon's" recommended a place, we knew who was helping us and we didn't look any further.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Maryland update
Still can't figure out the computer system. I want to make comments on everyone's stories but I am inept with the computer. First of all, we are all excited that Leslie is doing so well. Keep it up Leslie!!! We have all laughed@ Curtis's first day of school. Hope it is not indicative of things to come. Great pictures of the storm from Dayton. I can't believe the size of the trees that fell.
Keith won an award for his play Two Moms. The author of the play is actually a ghost name of Bob Moran. If anyone remembers, Bob was our best man @ our wedding. He did not tell people he was Bob Moran. Everyone in the theatre wanted to meet the famous Bob Moran. Keith would come up with adventurous stories of Bob and his whereabouts. The a funny thing happened. Some poor old guy from somewhere down here, named Bob Moran, died. The obituary was in the newspaper. When Keith received his award, he made mention of poor Bob's untimely death. Keith will continue to write but it will be under a different name ...Mike Bajorek...ring any bells. Who says we don't have fun.
I see that Ed and Morgan added their ultrasound picture of the little peanut to the newsletter. Who do you think the baby looks like?? Ed is taking all bets as to due date and weight. You can register all bets with ed @ edrft_99@msn.com. Tom turned 25 and for a present we allow him to live with us another year. Geoff continues with school. Brad hmmmmm. Emma is working hard in school. Jake is loving football. They lost the first game and he told the team that it was ok...just a game. For anyone who has not heard the Cubs have lost. My husband will suffer another long winter. Thanks Don for the phone call the other night.
Love to all, Pat
Keith won an award for his play Two Moms. The author of the play is actually a ghost name of Bob Moran. If anyone remembers, Bob was our best man @ our wedding. He did not tell people he was Bob Moran. Everyone in the theatre wanted to meet the famous Bob Moran. Keith would come up with adventurous stories of Bob and his whereabouts. The a funny thing happened. Some poor old guy from somewhere down here, named Bob Moran, died. The obituary was in the newspaper. When Keith received his award, he made mention of poor Bob's untimely death. Keith will continue to write but it will be under a different name ...Mike Bajorek...ring any bells. Who says we don't have fun.
I see that Ed and Morgan added their ultrasound picture of the little peanut to the newsletter. Who do you think the baby looks like?? Ed is taking all bets as to due date and weight. You can register all bets with ed @ edrft_99@msn.com. Tom turned 25 and for a present we allow him to live with us another year. Geoff continues with school. Brad hmmmmm. Emma is working hard in school. Jake is loving football. They lost the first game and he told the team that it was ok...just a game. For anyone who has not heard the Cubs have lost. My husband will suffer another long winter. Thanks Don for the phone call the other night.
Love to all, Pat
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Herard News
On August 13th we returned from a five day sailing trip around Lake
Michigan and Bruce checked the messages on his work phone to find a
"call me urgently " message. The message was from someone requesting us to relocate to Detroit.
During the 2007-08 school year we were approached for moves to Los
Angeles, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. None of those options ended up
happening for one reason or another, but they made it hard to settle
in Connecticut never knowing from day to day what might happen next.
So, when the offer for Detroit came we decided to jump at the
opportunity since we love Michigan. The big challenge was to find a
school for Emily. For public school you need an address in that town.
To solve the problem in a different way Emily applied to a private
school and was accepted in time to attend the new student orientation.
We are living in a two bedroom apartment; 3 people and 3 pets. We
looked at MANY houses and found one in Birmingham, MI which we will
move into on Nov 17th. For now you can find us at
6989 Chimney Hill Drive Apt 3009 West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
Emily is in the 7th grade at Detroit Country Day School. Her favorite
thing about her new school is that each student has their own laptop
(purchased by the parents) which they use in most classes. Emily gets
out of the car in the morning with her computer bag, her backpack, her
trumpet case, and her sports bag. My favorite thing is that lunch is
included in the tuition so I do not have to pack a lunch for Emily and
she seems happy with the menu. In Michigan Basketball is a fall sport
for girls so Emily is on the 7th grade team working hard and making
new friends. All three of us are very pleased with the school.
Allison is in her second year at Penn State. Bruce, Emily, and I drove
out to visit her last weekend. She is now 7 hours away. Allison will
be selecting a major this year. She is in the Business School. Penn
State is now 6-0 in football. Allison has tickets to all the home
games.
Jennifer is in Boston. She is teaching Adults to read . She is also
helping them toward a job that can become a career and provide
benefits. She says her students provide her with many challenges.
Sarah is working on the sailboat called The Spirit of South Carolina
which comes from Charleston, S.C.. The boat has been in the ship yard
out of the water in Newport, Rhode Island for over a month having
maintenance done. Sarah is ready to head south.
We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving visitors which will include
Grandma Debby Troemner, Grandma Ann Herard, Allison, and hopefully Jen and Sarah.
We send our best to all of you.
Susan
Michigan and Bruce checked the messages on his work phone to find a
"call me urgently " message. The message was from someone requesting us to relocate to Detroit.
During the 2007-08 school year we were approached for moves to Los
Angeles, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. None of those options ended up
happening for one reason or another, but they made it hard to settle
in Connecticut never knowing from day to day what might happen next.
So, when the offer for Detroit came we decided to jump at the
opportunity since we love Michigan. The big challenge was to find a
school for Emily. For public school you need an address in that town.
To solve the problem in a different way Emily applied to a private
school and was accepted in time to attend the new student orientation.
We are living in a two bedroom apartment; 3 people and 3 pets. We
looked at MANY houses and found one in Birmingham, MI which we will
move into on Nov 17th. For now you can find us at
6989 Chimney Hill Drive Apt 3009 West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
Emily is in the 7th grade at Detroit Country Day School. Her favorite
thing about her new school is that each student has their own laptop
(purchased by the parents) which they use in most classes. Emily gets
out of the car in the morning with her computer bag, her backpack, her
trumpet case, and her sports bag. My favorite thing is that lunch is
included in the tuition so I do not have to pack a lunch for Emily and
she seems happy with the menu. In Michigan Basketball is a fall sport
for girls so Emily is on the 7th grade team working hard and making
new friends. All three of us are very pleased with the school.
Allison is in her second year at Penn State. Bruce, Emily, and I drove
out to visit her last weekend. She is now 7 hours away. Allison will
be selecting a major this year. She is in the Business School. Penn
State is now 6-0 in football. Allison has tickets to all the home
games.
Jennifer is in Boston. She is teaching Adults to read . She is also
helping them toward a job that can become a career and provide
benefits. She says her students provide her with many challenges.
Sarah is working on the sailboat called The Spirit of South Carolina
which comes from Charleston, S.C.. The boat has been in the ship yard
out of the water in Newport, Rhode Island for over a month having
maintenance done. Sarah is ready to head south.
We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving visitors which will include
Grandma Debby Troemner, Grandma Ann Herard, Allison, and hopefully Jen and Sarah.
We send our best to all of you.
Susan
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Brown Couch
Hello Family:
Sad to say but I think it is time for the famous brown couch to go to couch heaven. If anyone would like to save the ole couch from going to heaven you have until Monday October 6th to claim it. To update you on its condition: there is a spring poking out on the top, it is disgustingly dirty and stinky as it has been through several young adult apartments and it is as hard as a rock.
The history of this couch as I remember is Dad's parents started with it, when they passed away it went to Mom's parents, when they passed away it went to ? ( I am not sure - help with that?) I think Keith had it somewhere, Pam and Jane had it at the Habitat Condo, I had it in my UD apartment. I think after Pam was done with it maybe it went to my house and I have been caring for it ever since, until I gave it to Justin who is now ready to surrender it back to me.
It has served many purposes some of which are not appropriate to mention in this blog I am sure.
It would be interesting to hear from others where this couch has been and stories that they remember about it. Any input?
Hope all is well with everyone and let me know if anyone wants it before it goes to the great beyond on Monday.
Love, Beth
Sad to say but I think it is time for the famous brown couch to go to couch heaven. If anyone would like to save the ole couch from going to heaven you have until Monday October 6th to claim it. To update you on its condition: there is a spring poking out on the top, it is disgustingly dirty and stinky as it has been through several young adult apartments and it is as hard as a rock.
The history of this couch as I remember is Dad's parents started with it, when they passed away it went to Mom's parents, when they passed away it went to ? ( I am not sure - help with that?) I think Keith had it somewhere, Pam and Jane had it at the Habitat Condo, I had it in my UD apartment. I think after Pam was done with it maybe it went to my house and I have been caring for it ever since, until I gave it to Justin who is now ready to surrender it back to me.
It has served many purposes some of which are not appropriate to mention in this blog I am sure.
It would be interesting to hear from others where this couch has been and stories that they remember about it. Any input?
Hope all is well with everyone and let me know if anyone wants it before it goes to the great beyond on Monday.
Love, Beth
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