“Tales From The Mansion,” the new book of stories from the residents of the Mansion, a Medicaid Assisted Care Facility in Cambridge, New York, has been proofed and printed and is on its way to Bedlam Farm. It cost $10 plus shipping and can be purchased in only one place – Battenkill Books, the wonderful independent bookstore in my town.
The book store has already received pre-orders for more than 100 copies of “Tales Of The Mansion,” not bad for a book with a first print run of 200 copies. Move over, Harry Potter.
It’s easy to get this book, Battenkill Books takes Paypal and major credit cards. You can order the book online or by calling the store at 518 677 2515. I will sign the book if requested. All proceeds will go to help support the Mansion outings for the residents.
The Mansion is a special place, full of life, memory, yearning, struggle and love. The residents are lucky to have a staff so dedicated to them, it is an unusual place. When I began the short story workshop at the Mansion, I asked the residents to think of story that was important to them and their lives, and they responded.
The book has 15 stories and is 38 pages long. It includes ten of my photographs from the Mansion. The book is dedicated to the proposition that the stories of the elderly on the edge of life are important, and should be told and remembered. You can participate in this project and promote this idea by pre-ordering your own copy of “Tales Of The Mansion.”
This is something every assisted care facility in the country could do easily and well.
Printed copies should be available in the next few days, and the book is selling quickly. You can order it here. The Mansion residents and their families will get free copies, the rest will be sold. I can order more quickly and easily. Thanks again to the Army of Good, whose deeds are becoming legend.
A reminder that we will be sponsoring a “Pizza Party” to kick off “Assisted Care Week” at the Mansion on September 11, 11:30 a.m. Decorations, gift bags, favors or photos and cards will be very welcome, they can be sent to The Mansion, “PIzza Party,” 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
You have given the residents of the Mansion many gifts, but the greatest are your messages and photographs and love. More than anything else, the residents need to feel known and cared for, and you (we) are doing that. Thanks.