ON BECOMING & GROWING AT AGE 95

STILL GROWING AT  95. 

I look out my window searching for the Blue Moon. 

If nature proves me reliable, I am about to see the Blue Moon of June for

 

which songs are written.  I wonder, does this moon hide behind clouds?

 

I look at the pictures here on my desk. There are pictures of my family. I have

two sons, a daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren.  My grandson

married the woman he met and courted in Webster Universty in St. Louis. 

My granddaughter who, attended Bard University, recreated her brother's 

nuptuals here in my apartment for those of us unable to attend the Wedding

in Austan Texas.  

Also are pictures from, family, friends, neices 

nephews and their large and small pets.  Tucked away in a  picture-holder

is a broken replica of Carpenters' Hall in Phildelphia, Pennsylvania,

for which I served as a doesant in the 70s. 

I was born during the depression of the 20s.   I knew the fun of discovery 

with my parents, four grandparents, two on mother's side and two from my father. 

I grew up with aunts and uncles and their spouses. 

From these we became one of a cherished group of first and second cousins.  

As we grew, we formed a large Cousins' Club. We met through the years. The Club was

established in the 50s.  Our first meeting was held in an old, three- story guest house

around the corner from the Knife & Fork Inn off the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J.

Our numbers increased as our family grew from generation to generation.  

We incorporated different lifestyles, moved further from one another

but tried to "keep in touch".  We went from one State to other States

and  from countries around the world.  Still there remained a love of our family.

We came together once in a while.  We were all ages. Children, 

grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and those bringing  a child

of their own or a friend's child.  We developed a newspaper.

We published our own editorial style. Some  columns were chatty. 

 One writer selected joke stories.  Recipes were shared and we

wrote articles about books, music, philosophy, poetry and sports.

While through the years, we learned about wars. We planted

vegabtable and flower gardens. Under it all we were striving for

the oppertunity to work, to prosper for justice and peace. Our

grandchildren celebrated mariages, graduations, traveled to places

near and far. Even so, at my age of 95, I still feel I am growing.

Planet earth holds a fascination for me as do the wetlands off 

the Jersey Coast.  There is still an Election to win and savor and

still time to extend good wishes to all as we begin Autum 2024.

Beverly

Wear a mask. Wash your hands.

And...VOTE

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail/com

                                                  ########

"BE KIND TO EACH OTHER"

 On the evening of June 28,  a few of Revitz House

residents had just left a program about the "History of Pride Month".

As they were coming up the hall to the lobby, they heard some

lovely, but unscheduled music.  Once there, a few people

grabed the first chair they could.  They sat down to listen.

Ron Siegelman was playing on his accordian, accompained

by Annie Mchnick on the piano. The melody was catching.

More people arrived. But then, the old sheets of music being used

came apart and fell to the floor.  Eeryone in the lobby

started to be of assistance.  Aides, staff and other visitors

got some tape, and binders to put the sheets back together.

As we went home, the words of our Cafe Manager, and

the program about the "History of Pride Month" came

to mind. Would that we could be kind to each other.

Beverly Rehfeld

SKYWATCHING: JUNE 12, 2024

THE DAY WAS SUNNY BUT NOT TOO WARM

THE SKY WAS CLEAR BLUE FILLED WITH

BILLOWING CLOUDS.  PEOPLE SEATED BELOW 

CREATED A MURMER UNTIL ICECREAM ARRIVED.

THAN THE BIRDS STOPPED TWEETING.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Wear a mask.  Get your shots and VOTE!

 

SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENED OVER THE WEEKEND

Something Wonderful  happened over the weekend.

Corbyn Strawberry and Hoben Rehfeld were married in

Austin, Texas.  In atendence were hundreds of guests

who had come from New York, St. Louis Mo, Maryland,

Florida, and Washington, D.C. The newly weds met in 

Webster University and were attended by coleagues, 

students and family on Memorial Day, 2024. At the

same time a large contingent of friends and family

celebrated in Rockville, Maryland.

Both Strawberry and Rehfeld bring with them large

family back grounds that speak of the strong faith

they have for the future. Each counts closeness

and tribulations of growing up with siblings, as the

ability to respect and honor shared values.

Though we watched them come down the isle

through the technology of Facebook in my apartment,

Emma and her friend decorated here with an

abundance of flowers, food and drink and music.

Winnie  the dog came too.  Emma's sharing this 

moment with each of us made me know that

the future held good things for both

Corbyn & Hoben & their families. 

Beverly

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

.

.

Revitz's New Residents

A family of Mr. and Mrs. geese and baby goslings has taken on residence
here at Revitz house. The family of two adult geese and seven small 
ducklings seemed to have known just where they were headed. Cute as 
they were, the small baby ducklings knew they were protected by both their mom
and dad. They expected no messing around in front of Revitz main entrance. 
They filed past the front door of Revitz house. Two days later they were joined 
by additional goslings in another location. Now, we know that it is in the best 
interest of all of us not to feed the animals, which will be more prevalent as 
the weather warms up. In addition to the gosling family, bunny rabbits were 
also seen running about and messing with some of the flowers, and squirrels 
were seen Playing around. With all that sweetness and seeing such a wonderful, 
strict family of geese, we are being asked to please stop feeding animals for the safety
of everyone. The photo was provided with a neighbor of Revitz, who does go by the
name Shazia Khan.

Stay safe. Wear your masks. Get vaccinated. AND VOTE.

Beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

This is a REAL Lockdown

This is a real Lockdown.

This photograph was shown to the population, to citizens.

It was printed showing prison inmates in El Savador.

When I first saw the image, it seemed to me that it was a

perfect example of how laws are not abided by.

I hope we never forget the effects of lawlessness.

As shown in the image, many people disregard laws.

Not only does inprisonment negatively affect inmates,

but families and citizens are also impacted.

From actions commited that resulted in imprisonment

in El Savador, society is often left with laws that deepen 

consequences.

The population of those who are in the prison 

shows that lawlessness of this sort has a great surge of gang 

activity, which is not only subjected to gangs in El Savador, 

but those all over the world.

Stay safe. wear your mask. and VOTE.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Come Take a Ride With Me!

When Trump turned to crowds watching him, he came out his 

helicopter. He said, "Come on, I'll take you for a ride!"

Like the song "In my yellow submarine", Trump did indeed take 

a boatload of passengers. He gave each of us matching red hats,

a spectacular view of the world, and we believed him! We had

so much fun. There was so little to worry about. Trump had little

to do. He told us, "This was the way the world works."

No! This is not the way the world works. The world sits on top of the

Earth. Sometimes, the planet moves upward. Sometimes the ground 

erupts spasm-like in places burying our hopes and creating our fears.

But, we know that there is much more to living than simply buying a

ticket for Trump's helicopter ride. We can and will be keepers for our

own security and safety.

May you and your family stay in good health and enjoy the holidays.

Stay safe. Get vaccinated. Wear your masks. and VOTE.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Who influences Creativity?

Sometimes in an effort to be creative we can create 

confusion.  Unfortunately I did so by trying to link 

you and your family with plans another family has

for Passover. I caused confusion. Please accept my 

apology. I extend good wishes for Passover, and the 

important celebration you have planned.

Stay safe. wear your masks. and VOTE!

Beverly

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail

THE WINDS OF MARCH

THE WINDS OF MARCH

 MARCH 25th, 2024

They come moving quickly and fiercely.

Blowing here and there. Above us, the birds and clouds

not sure where to turn. Surely Spring will come.

Once in a while the sun breaks through.

Allowing all, a moment of quiet reflection.

Stay safe. Wear your mask. Get vaccinated. AND VOTE!

Beverly.

SO BE IT! SIDNEY LEVY DIED 02/29/2024

Sidney Levy, who was the beloved husband of the late Sari Weinberg 

Levy,died. Both lived here at Revitz. They were memorialized with 

services. The Washington Post carried the famiy's extensive lineage.

The couple were devoted to their children, grandchildren, and great 

grandchilden.After grave site service of Sidney Levy, the 

family returned to Revitz House to accept the good wishes of the 

staff, residents, and management.

People were seated at round tables beside a large poster board, 

displaying photos of "Sid". It was clear, that he was having a good time. 

He seemed to be a participant in every event.  People were served 

rootbeer floats and cookies.  As we were eating, one of our 

administrator's invited anyone who might want to speak. The 

non-discrept room had been filled to capacity. Many people had 

something to say.  Each person spoke of "Sid's" kindness and how 

much he seemed to value life itself.

When I read more about "Sid" and the work he did as an engraver, 

I was reminded of small shops I would go to where ever I lived.

There wasalways a shop in which I would find one or two engravers 

that could help me. Usually, the shop was located in the back of 

another space.  Sometimes I could find an engraver in a store in a 

dusty, old nieghborhood or in a narrow isle in a mall.  

Since coming to Revitz to live, I learned about the generosity and

spirit of "Sid".  In 1970, Arnold Engravers was owned and operated

by the family of Arnold Preziotti.  In the 1970's, Preziotti was joined by

Sidney Levy.  Today the business is run by Arnold'son, Charles, who is

a master engraver, and Sidney's son Andy, who joined the business after

returning from Desert Shield, Desert Storm in the US Navy.

Today, the press release from Arnold Engravers tells me, "We pride

ourselves on our care, attention to detail, customer satisfaction, 

and having one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry." I 

believe the press releases from Andy, Charles, and the Washington 

post tell us a story of how good people can come together to plan

for the future.

Arnold Engravers is the leading source for awards, promotional 

items and engraving business in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Be safe. Wear your masks. Get vaccinated. AND VOTE.

Beverly. 

MY FRIEND ZUSE, THREE YEARS OLD & SNOW.

 ZUSE LOOKED OUT HIS WINDOW.

IT WAS SNOWING! 

THE SIDEWALK WAS COVERED WITH SNOW.

SO,

ZUSE WANTED TO GO OUTSIDE.

HE PUT ON A WARM COAT,

AND A HAT AND BOOTS.

HE SAID, "I WILL TAKE A BROOM

AND A SHOVEL TO CLEAR THE SIDEWALK."

 IT CONTINUED TO SNOW. 

YET ZUSE STILL SHOVELED.

ONCE AGAIN, ZUSE SWEPT 

THE FRONT OF HIS HOUSE

 UNTIL IT WAS FREE OF SNOW.

THEN HE WENT INSIDE

TO GET A WARM DRINK.

SHOVELING SNOW WAS

VERY HARD WORK!

WEAR YOUR MASK. STAY SAFE. GET YOUR SHOTS... VOTE!

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

NEW YEAR 2024

A GLANCE AT POLITICS:

Supreme court Justice Clarence Thomas, and his wife, Virginia Thomas, are marching forward with 112 ex-judicial clerks and corporate allies who share actions of justice and injustice. We read in our Sunday newspaper how this priviledged network fears President Biden's administrative impact on all people.

The polls demonstrate the effective efforts of the Biden administration to work with national, global, and ethical values. Citizens may display confusion, based on polls and self-interest.  There is anxiety right now about our future.  It has been suggested that wthe best way to deal with our anxiety is for each of us to be sure to vote.

Over the years, Justice Clarence Thomas has suppoorted his judicial decisions with his actions. His remarks show his opinions on religion, voting rights, and sexual orientation in politics. An instance where the importance of Justice Thomas' political views were demonstrated, by Mr. Eastman, a 1996 clerk. The conflicts came to the fore during "Stop The Steal" rally, on January 6th, 2021, which Mr. Eastman attended. He was a chief architect to create slates of fake electors.  

Virginia Thomas bemoaned the loss of the election, stating "let's pledge to not let politics divide THIS family.  " This was not the end of the discussion. The State Bar of California announced an ethics investigation of Mr. Eastman in march of 2022. Wendy Stonelong, a 1997 clerk, had written to the Thomas Network. "Dear clerk family, John Eastman is being put through a sham disbarment proceeding by the Bar of the State of California." She added a post script, warning the group not to leak the email used to encourage fellow clerks. "This family was created by Ginni and CT, and you are hurting them more than anyone if you assault each other."

So, what is the problem? From a retreat held at the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, to political candidates for office, the Thomas' have done everything to establish a network of like-minded Jurists. There was skepticism on welfare and social benefits and a pushback on gun regulation. The Republican party would probably draw on Thomas' clerk list. Thomas had clerks who worked as deputy white house counsels, to treasurers, and worked in the department of transportation. Each of these issues have an impact on citizens: finances, economic advancements, housing, education, and health and safety. Justice Thomas has a powerful network that contributes to the development and outcome of the Biden administration's campaign for state, federal, and local government through voting Rights.

 My co-writer, on this blog, is a young woman who's family immigrated from Nigeria. The family has welcomed the arrival of a new baby girl. The baby and the family enjoyed the holiday's together. My co-writer and I know what religious and economic oppurtunity mean. As writers, we are both aware of differences of our own opinios, and the impact of opposing views and the right to vote.

Stay safe. Wear your mask. AND VOTE.

Beverly

PANNENA SAVES THE DAY!

As I watch the days of December bow to the darkness of January,

I remember another parable.  My story begins in a small house in St. Louis, Missouri. 

In the living room a family gathered together. Each brought a candle to the small

mantel over a fireplace. There were two very excited children. It was Chanuka!

Pretty soon, their father and mother welcomed other people.  Some of the guests

brought candles.  Some brought holiday dishes.  All welcomed one another.

As the ten days began family and neighbors came to celebrate.

But there wasn't enough room and oil for everyone.  So

the father turned to everyone and began to tell the story of Pannena.

He said, Pannena was sent to fetch  more oil. Pannena left the celebration.  

Everyone waited for her to return. While Pannena was gone, the

father told everyone how brave Pannena was. They listened carefully. 

While Pannena was on her journey.  Her house became filled by even more

visitors who wanted to hear about Pannena's story.  They listened as more

family and friends brought their candelelabras and shared food, stories and gifts. 

When Pannena returned, there was enough room to display everyone's 

Chanukah candles and one special gift for Pannena.  

Pannena's journey to fetch oil was important. It is remembered

for its selfless journey that brought light to so many others.

Stay safe. Get vaccinated. Wear your Masks. And VOTE.

Beverly

THE SEASON FOR ALL

 There they sat. 

More than a dozen people.

Working with all kinds of Holiday trimming.

To make synthetic trees; White and Green.

Decorations began, as the trees were being assembled.

All the trimmers were residents of Revitz.

It was a small room filled with people of different religious faiths.

Some spoke of special Holiday celebrations.

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza.

People wore hats, some wore yamakas, some wore aprons.

With intentions to enjoy the season and decorate their trees.

They sang, laughed, and spoke of past times.

Participants came to enjoy their friends and neighbors.

Some came to share their news of the world.

While others wanted an activity in which to participate.

But all were there for a specific reason.

To express their Holiday Spirit. 

Before the snow decides to come.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Wear your mask. Get vaccinated. VOTE.

Thanksgiving November 23rd, 2023

 As I sit here, a day before my Thanksgiving dinner, I am not with my family. My oldest son, Edward, is traveling to meet his brother in New York City. My youngest son Andrew will be celebrating Thanksgiving with his wife Miggie, Edward, and my grandchildren Hoben, and his fiance Corbyn, and Emma. Emma has just completed a Shiva service as a Chaplin. My brother and his wife will see their children and grandchildren that are coming from many different states. 

Next to me is a young woman typing this blogpost. Her ancestors hail from Nigeria. Three other helpers of mine come from Pakistan, Uganda, and the Phillipines. All of us will celebrate in some fashion the American Thanksgiving holiday. When I opened today's newspaper, the image on the front page horrified me. Before my eyes, laid eight premature babies. They were birthed at a hospital in Southern Gaza. They were there because we suddenly seem to have forgotten the duty of Pidyon shvuyim, the Jewish mandate to free those who are held captive unjustly. As written in the newspaper, and in the Talmud, " he who saves one life saves the world entirely." 

When antisemitism rears its ugly head, conspiracy theories encourage them, and we allow the spirit of darkness to block our light. American progress was never inevitable. Courage was greatly taken. No one has been more aware of this than most marginalized and vulnerable communities. 

The effects of this are significant. It may seem as though we have taken steps backwards.We seem to have drifted from our principles. We still strive to be a community. We thank each other for what we have given to each other. I am grateful, on this Thanksgiving Day, that the security and safety of my forebearers and friends are protected. May others around the world feel the same.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Stay good. Get vaccinated.

Wear your masks. AND VOTE!

KEEP THE FAITH ALIVE

During the beginning of the Jewish New Year, my family and

I made plans to get togather for Rosh Hashanah.  We did so

here at Revitz House . Andrew and Miggi and

Ed and  I had dinner with small glasses of wine. 

Though news about the horrific events in the world had upset us, 

we joined Rabbi Amy Perlin and Gary Perlin at their lovely home. At their table, 

we shared a great dinner and the importance of Shabbat to each of us.  As we approached

 the heart of this holiday, we used Zoom to watch and hear

my granddaughter Emma sing Yom Kippur at her Synagogue in Boston.  

My grandson Hoben and Corbyn's Wedding invitation arrived just in time

to complete the joyous holiday. In spite of a world in turmoil,

the Sukkot was built and I was especially delighted to be able to

eat there, and found other residents who did the same.

Before I added to my blog today, I took a walk outside.

The trees have begun their showing.  Leafs crunched under

my feet. Somewhere there are people in places that may

not know or allow others to know the beauty of music that nature brings.  

May all people know the sweet harmony of faith, now and in the future.

Beverly.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Wear your mask. Get your shots. 

And VOTE.

SKY WATCH AT REVITZ HOUSE!

It was the brown bird of prey.

Waiting, waiting untill others would deal with the garbage.

The black birds, some very young, following others,

Zoamed across my sight through window curtains.

It was the high holidays on a rainy, misty night.

Standing on a bare branch, the bird was almost hiden

until a worker came along to take care of trash, than

the Bird of Prey took what it was after and vanished.

May the New Year 2024 be good to you.

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Wash your Hands.  Get your shots.

And VOTE!

MAGIC LADY REACHES 94

As the world turned from one century to the other,

the years were about to go from 1999 to 2000.  At the time,

people and businesses, had little international understanding

of what might happen when clocks would adhere to 2000. 

Top level management of many different  facilities and

Religious Communities predicted castastrophe, even though

humanity has been through more wars than historians

could accurately study.  So it was that when I reached the year

2023, my birth year of age 94, I was concerned about the planet's 

ability to survive. 

 Now as we prepare for the New Year,

I will mark my 95th birthday. I will do so by remembering the 

events that I believe will keep us hopeful. I use this small 

story, Magic Lady Reaches 94, to express the hope that I have for us.

 

In 1891 there was a fairly priced department store called Lit Brothers.

The store became more moderately priced and was called Strawbridge 

and Clothier. There were larger stores such as John Wanamaker and 

Gimbles.

In 1991, Colonel Samuel David Lit opened the small store at 7th and 

8th streets.The store became a major Christmas Outlet. It was well known

and popular for its "ENCHANTED VILLAGE", in which Magic 

lady and other holiday characters were there, from 

Thanksgiving to Christmas. 

Some Oil Company bought the original store and reactivated it to 

make it the "Please Touch Musuem." The musuem than contributed 

to the "American Treasure Chest", which is now located in 

a Business Center in Oaks, Pa, west of Valley Forge Historical Park.

So it is, that in the New Year, 2024, when the "Magic Lady" reaches 

95, let us remember that faith, education, and trust in each other, even 

in the face of conflict, allows us to enjoy humanity and life to its fullest. 

 

Beverly

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail

Wear your mask. Take your shots.

Stay Good and VOTE!

SKY WATCH: 2023

Fourth of July: 2023

We watched lighting strike close by here in Maryland.

There was scary thunder and rain poured down on

our streets.  Highways were closed.  We were not sure

exactly what or who had been hit.  Had the storm taken

down sheltering trees?  Could a parched Earth absorb rain?

Behind us a neihbor's child does not understand why he

can not go swiming?  It was as if Mother Nature had said,

Enough! In every state, North, South, East and West of us, 

all people seem unable to deal with reality. Some of us

are homeless, without food and water. 

We need to extend more kindness to each other.

Beverly

beverlyl@gmail.com

Wear your mask.  Wash your hands.

And VOTE!

 

 

MEMORIAL DAY 2023

My daughter-in-law, Miggie and my yonger son, Andrew and I spent an early

Memorial Day visit here in Silver Spring, Maryland.  We had a lovely dinner

at a favoriet Italian Restaurant.  We enjoyed each other's company and then came 

back to my apartment and went over family photos and told stories.  When they left.

I picked up my May 27 edition of the New York Times and read the article, "Tornado.

Treasure. Tina. Turner. The singer enthralled us by bringing her electricity to songs

about survival."

 Because it was Memorial Day, I remembered a ceremony in Ardmore, PA.   

where I use to live.  Our services were held at the end of a football field,

next to a duck pond. There were always one or two people who raised and 

and lowered the flag poles. Several others brought beach chairs and watered 

to one or two pots of flowers.  Most people were elderly. As the day began, young

people came to the field to play touch football.  After a while, some people from

a High School Band began to play.  And couples pushing baby coaches came and

put a blanket on the ground just to enjoy the day, as the Train from Ardmore, came

by on its way to New York.  I think of all this on Memorial Day 2023.

I do so not to recreate a memory of more than 50 years ago.  I live now in a

Retirement Community that is about to be torn down. But I do wonder, what

sort of commitment to integrity and honesty shall be remembered of the people

who now govern Seabury at Sringvale Terrace, in Silver Spring, Maryland?

What ever befalls me and where ever my home will be, Tina Turner's 

zest for life shall stay with me.

Beverly 

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.net

Wear your mask.  Get your shots.

And VOTE.