Here is another bit of good for the Army Of Good, should you choose to accept it.

Red and I looked up and one of the aides shouted, “here comes trouble, “the Three Wild Women Of the Mansion.” Jean, Alice and Mary were astonished, Jean asked, “could they mean us?” We did, these three are a powerful presence at the Mansion, two of them – Jean and Alice – have been my dates a number of times, we have even danced together.

I am told they are Bingo fiends.

Sometimes, they walk the halls of the Mansion. Best get out of the way. They do stop for Red.

I learned today that the Mansion has two “bingo nights,” Sunday and Wednesday. Some of the residents came to me and asked for help, as there are few – sometimes no – prizes for the bingo winners.

They need some prizes – simple but fun things – crossword puzzles, large print magazines and story books, stickers, glitzy necklaces, small stuffed things, stocking stuffers and party favors (no candy), beginner magazines and books. The activity budget is low at the end of the year. Maybe we can help.

I should point out that many of the Mansion residents have vision, hearing, or some memory issues, so I shoot for small and simple and colorful gifts, charms,  stories. When I learned about the need for prizes, I went right over to the Dollar Store just down the road and got about $45 worth of fun  stuff to get them through the next couple of weeks.

I like our local Dollar Store, it reminded me of the old Woolworth’s, all kinds of stuff in there.

Many of you are already sending Christmas gifts and decorations, which are very much appreciated, they are being stored for the Christmas party so everyone will have something under the tree. I’ve been invited and plan to attend with Red and Maria.

I found many perfect prizes in the Dollar Store – fake glasses that glow, animal sticker books, short and illustrated stories and all kinds of small and simple puzzle and crossword books, balloons,  coloring books, party favors,  some silly hats, picture books,  four small stuffed animals.

If anyone can help with bingo prizes, that would be great. Please send them to Julie Smith, Activity Director, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. These should be fun, colorful, simple and inexpensive. No clothes or sweets, please.

Thanks to those sending paints and pictures, we have covered the bare walls of the Mansion, and have no more room, thanks.

Only six or seven residents play bingo, but they love the game and are faithful to it. It means a lot to them and is one of the few evening activities possible at the Mansion.

Some prizes would make for fun and some excitement. If you send anything, please mark it “For Bingo Prizes.” And thanks for already responding to Christmas. The staff is getting excited.

If you wish to help with the Bingo prices, you can send them to Bingo Prizes, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

As I said, I got enough for the next couple of weeks. And I don’t wish to overburden anyone. The Three Wild Woman appreciate it.

The updated names list of the Mansion. Some residents are new, some do not wish to get mail. Robert, Allan, Sylvie, Jean, John Z. Tim, Ben, Art, Alanna, Peggie, Ellen, Joan, Brenda, Jane, Connie, lice, Madeline, Mary, Barbara, Bill, John K., Diane, Helen, Winifred, Jean, Dorothy, Ruth, Ken, Gerry Guerda.

If you wish to support the Mansion Fund, you can donate to my post office box, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge,N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected].