Birchez Associates LLC

Having served as the executive secretary for four different mayoral administrations in the City of Kingston for over 20 years, June Diamond knows a thing or two about how tough it can be to juggle lots of responsibilities and still keep people satisfied.

“I enjoyed working for the city,” says June.  “People would come in, upset and mad, and I would make them happy when they left.  And they usually did leave happy.”

That’s why she appreciates her new home at The Birches at Chambers so much: she’s fully aware of the delicate balancing act it takes to make a place like that run while keeping residents content.

“I admire Steve and Judy Aaron, for the foresight and the compassion they have for senior citizens,” she says.  “I mean, look at this place!  They make sure everything is perfect.  Look at just what Judy did with interior decorating—it’s wonderful.  And Steve—man, he’s on top of everything.”

June and her husband, Charles (formerly the Postmaster for the City of Kingston) have lived locally their whole lives, so when Charles lost the ability to walk due to Parkinson’s disease, The Birches at Chambers and its ADA and senior-friendly amenities were the solutions to many of their problems.

“Here, the wheelchair can go right into the bathroom,” says June. And the handicapped accessible shower helps her take care of Charles with greater ease.  She adds that the building’s features allow her peace of mind should she need to leave the apartment.

“For me, it’s hard to get out,” she says.  “Lots of times I do leave the apartment in the afternoon, because Charles will nap in the afternoon and I know he’s safe.  I think that’s something else that Steve did, was ensure everyone that they would feel safe.  They have emergency cords in the bedrooms and the bathroom, if need be.  We haven’t needed to use them, but they are there.”

June goes on to say that even if she can’t go out, her new home has enough amenities that all her needs will be taken care of easily.

“I like all the facilities that are available.  I like the idea that I don’t have to go outside to get my mail or newspaper.  Laundry rooms are just down the hall.  Other places, you have to outside to do all this.…You get one snowy night or day, and you’re confined. Here, you don’t have to worry about going out because everything’s right here.  I really like that.”

The fact that she and her husband can afford to live in The Birches at Chambers on their fixed incomes is part of what impresses her so much about the building.

“Here’s how I feel about this place, and I think they should use it as a motto: it’s elegant living at affordable prices,” she concludes with a laugh.

June spoke at the dedication of The Birches at Chambers in July. To see — and hear — her remarks, click here.
Brian Rubin for Birchez Associates, birchezassociates@gmail.com