In 2014, recenet Staples High School graduate Noah Johnson bonded quickly with Carnegie Mellon University roommate Scott Krulcik, a brilliant tech engineer.
After college, Noah was hired by Accenture. Scott worked for Google. Both were in New York City, and remained close.
Scott Krulcik
Last December Scott died of a rare, previously undiagnosed congenital heart condition. His service was filled with stories of how he had helped, encouraged and mentored many people to do more than they thought they could.
He had mentored those younger — and older — than himself. Most were on completely different life paths. He accomplished much in his short 22 years — for himself, and so many others.
Scott’s life and death gave Noah’s parents — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito — an idea. They want to encourage people to become mentors.
Frederic and Jeanine have the perfect platform to make their plan a reality. They’re the founders and hosts of Beechwood. The series — named for their their 1806 renovated farmhouse on Weston Road — brings artists, musicians and other creative types together in unique and compelling ways.
Karl Schulz
“Beechwood Arts Celebrates Mentorship” is set for this Sunday (May 5, 3 to 6 p.m.). The salon features a special pairing: noted jazz and gospel composer/ pianist/singer/ teacher/choir director Chris Coogan, and 14-year-old jazz pianist prodigy Karl Schulz.
Scott’s mother, father and sister are coming from upstate New York and California, to join Frederic, Jeanine and scores of others at the event.
The Beechwood Arts theme for this season is “Journeys.” It will be explored — via music, visual art, sculpture, performance, film and culinary arts — in all its forms, real and metaphorical. Click here for more information, and tickets.
Going forward, Frederic and Jeanine will provide seats to all events for 1 mentor, and 1 mentee. Email contact@beechwoodarts.org for nominations.
In honor of the mentorship celebration, Frederic and Jeanine offer these thoughts — from Scott — on what all humans should strive for, to help others:
- Share your knowledge to help others achieve their dreams.
- Encourage them that they can do it.
- Celebrate them and have joy for their accomplishments.
- Make time. Help others, in spite of your busy schedule.
- Make things — and share what you make.
- Give out smiles generously. You can always make more!
- Say thank you, for all things big and small.
- Value and honor friends and family. Show up.
- Be accepting. Be generous. Be humble.
- Accept the challenge — and do your best.
Beechwood House — with its magnificent copper beech tree — is the site of fascinating salons.
