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     Resident, Virginia Fry, hosted her 8th tea party in December, 2008, with the theme this time being, "Take Joy," a quote taken from a letter written by Fra Giovanni:  "...the gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy.  Take Joy!..."

     This was a philosophy of Tasha Tudor, famous artist and writer.  She was well known for her illustrations of tohe classics such as, "The Night Before Christmas," "Mother Goose," "Little Women," and "The Secret Garden."  She produced more than 400 Christmas cards, raised her own food, took care of livestock, spun and wove the materials from which she made all her family's clothes.  She had one of the finest gardens in America, which she maintained herself.  She also had one of the world's best collection of 1830's clothing.

     She was well known for her gingerbread ornaments, which have been exhibited in many museums, Also, the White House requested her to make a batch for their tree during Lyndon Johnson's term.

     In reading about this woman you are so impressed with her calmness, peacefulness, contentment, happiness and deep love of live in everything and everyone around her.  She would say, "I don't believe in hurry," "gather peace from nature," "invoke the magic of childhood," "find pleasure in little things," "Take Joy!"

     Hamlet professional artist residents presented "Hamlet Fine Art Exhibition" on October 2nd to November 2nd, 2008.  An opening reception and gallery talk with Anita Rogoff was held on October 9th.  Participating artists were Emerson Alexander, Shirley Badger, True Evans, Dorothy Gregg, Tich Koepf, Elaine Levin, Ruth Long, Nancy Martt, Virginia Rondeau, Edgar Simon, Jane Stiefel, and Virginia Willard.

     Anita Rogoff talked about her paintings, Elaine Levin talked about her weaving and tapestry, Shirley Badger talked about her wildlife photography works, Virginia Rondeau said, "My artwork and my desire to create keeps me sharp and active."  Ruth Long explained her wood carving tequniques, Claudia Jackson explained her mother's (Tish Koepf) prints, and Ed Simon proudly displayed his pottery.

State and local candidates from both parties joined Hamlet residents and guests for Happy Hour with cocktails and appetizers in October 2008.

     U.S. Congressman, Steve LaTourette, served cocktails with Hector Caretto of Hamlet's activities department; Resident Kathleen Kadunc posed with Rob McClelland, running for Common Pleas Judge; Court of Appeals Judge Larry Jones spoke to a small group; Resident Frederika Kok posed with Laura Gallagher, running for Common Pleas Judge; Resident Agatha Stanard talked with Common Pleas Judge Steven Terry; Resident Emily Kertis posed with Bob Belovich, running for Ohio State Representative; Resident Evelyn Bichsel posed with Pamela Barker, running for Common Pleas Judge; Executive Director John Eberle posed with Congressional Aid, Nick Ciofani; Chagrin Councilwoman, Jan Evans, has a happy reunion with teacher, Barbara Vandivier, Atrium resident.  Barbara was Jan's daughter's teacher in Solon schools; Resident Gretchen Belt posed with Chagrin Library Manager Kimberly Dressel; Resident Nancy Martt posed with Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones.

    It's after dinner, the lights go down, and Hamlet Atrium turns into a cabaret.  Talented Atrium resident musicians Bill Barlow, Irene Butler and Marie Holzheimer sing and play the piano cabaret style for all to enjoy.

    Irene Butler and evening front desk receptionist, Renee Eilers, practice piano duets together in the afternoon before Renee begins work.  Irene has been teaching piano to Renee and she plays the guitar late in the evening while tending the front desk.  Residents love to sing along with her.

    Renee appreciates Irene's experience.  Irene was a former church organist and taught piano in her home.  She had two baby grand pianos in her living room in Moreland Hills before she moved to Hamlet a year ago.  Her students were able to play duel pianos eight hands at a time.  Irene taught theater in France and studied history, art, and literature in Europe after receiving a Hungarian scholarship at Shaker Heights High.  She once played the organ at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris!  She was able to experience the world before marrying at age 30.  "In those days, you were called a spinster at age 27!" says Irene.

    Irene plays classical and groovy jazz.  Some of her favorites are Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo" and Mozart's "Fantasia in D Minor."

    Bill Barlow sang at Karamu Theater, many community theaters, churches, and has auditioned on Broadway.  He sings Broadway show tunes and popular music.  His resonant voice carries through the Atrium singing his favorites, "As Time Goes By," from Casablanca, "Deep Purple," and "Misty."  He is also a wonderful piano player.  Incredibly, he plays entirely by ear.

    Marie Holzheimer has played piano since third grade and entertains at the Atrium.  A favorite is a song called, "The Camel Drive - In a Persian Market."

    Master bookseller, Richard Gildenmeister, visited Hamlet Village to tell residents and guests from the community stories and anecdotes from 52 years in the book business, working with over 9,000 authors.  Richard is the popular owner of the former Shaker Square Bookstore and one of Cleveland's most unique individuals.  He has made a dramatic impact on the region dedicating his life to books, the people who write books, and to the people who read books.  "I have five good stories to tell about Lauren Bacall alone!" he says.  He also has great stories about Maya Angelou, Robert Kennedy, James Michener, and a host of other authors, customers, and friends he has worked with over the years.

    Richard Gildenmeister came to Cleveland from his hometown of Bellevue, Ohio.  Cleveland became the Big Apple to him.  He has collected over 5,000 volumes of signed, first edition copies of some of the most famous books of the last fifty years.  Many have personal notes of thanks from the authors to Richard.  James Michiener's "Centennial" says, "Book general, keep the armies moving."

     Hamlet residents and visitors welcomed Bob "Rapid Robert" Fellers on June 21st, 2007.  Hamlet resident, Ellie Kuss, whose family at one time owned the Cleveland Indians, invited Bob to speak, and he graciously accepted the invitation.  When asked for advice on pitching from a young fan, Bob simply said, "Throw strikes and duck."

     Bob Feller's blazing fastball set the standard against which all of his successors have been judged.  He became the first American League pitcher to throw a complete game no-hitter on opening day, and remains the Indians all-time leader in shutouts, strikeouts, innings, and All-Star appearances.

     Ellie Kuss grew up at League Park.  Her uncle discovered the young Bob Feller and signed him at age 16.