We went to Connie’s room – she is not at the Mansion now – and saw that her new chair had been delivered. Red and I came into the room and Red jumped up into the chair, something I had not seen him do before. It’s a neat chair, simple and functional I believe Connie will find it comfortable when and if she returns to the Mansion.

Red is very close to Connie, and always goes directly to her room. She has never seen or used the chair, so I don’t really know why Red jumped up, he is trained to never go on furniture without permission.

I bought the chair from Bennington Furniture in Vermont, it cost $799, but the store gave us a $100 discount. The chair is a Guardsman Cornflower Lift Chair, and I wanted you to see what your donations bought, as I always try to do. There was a $39 delivery charge and $54.39 in sales tax, plus a five year plan guaranteeing the fabric and the machinery that runs the lift. The total was $831.39.

The chair didn’t arrive in time for Connie. She was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Troy, N.Y. on Friday, and on Tuesday, she was transferred to the Wesley Rehabilitation Cetnter, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 12886.  It is not clear how long she will be there, or if she will be able to return to the Mansion.

She does wish to receive letters and message.

Everyone at the Mansion was asking after Connie and hoping she returns soon and gets well.

They are holding her room for her until all of that is clear.

Federal regulations require that residents of a Medicaid assisted care facility be mobile and require a minimum of medical care. All of the furniture/air conditioners/equipment that I purchase to the Mansion is given to the Mansion, not the residents.This is so  it can be used and re-used if a resident leaves, gets sick, or dies.

Connie is strong and determined, she has beaten the odds before. She might very well get back, the Mansion is where she wants to be.

Today, agreed, with your assistance, to support two activities for the Mansion. One is an outing to the Hubbard Hall Christmas Breakfast held on December 9. I bought eight tickets for $96. I’m going along to help.

I also told Julie Smith, the activities director there, that I would fund the hiring of an Irish band in March for St. Patrick’s Day. It will cost between $200 and $300. I  am also asking, if it is possible, that the Army Of Good send Christmas decorations, favors, gifts, wreaths or other Christmas messages for the Mansion’s annual Christmas Party.

Our hope is that every resident has something for them under the tree, as happened last year, a celebration that shocked and delighted the residents and staff.  The gifts convinced the residents that there were people out there who cared about them.

Everyone is still talking about it. You can send your Christmas gifts to The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

Your letters, photos and messages are perhaps the most important gifts you give. I have a new and updated list of the Mansion residents who wish to receive your letters, messages and photographs:

Robert, Allan, Sylvie, Jean, John Z., Tim, Ben, Arthur, Alanna, Peggie, Ellen, Joan, Brenda, Jane, Connie, Alice, Madeline, Mary, Barbara, Bill, John K, Diane, Helen, Winnie, Jean, Dorothy, Ruth, Kenneth, Gerry, Guerda.