I am very happy to report that I purchased a Pyle Pro 400 Watt Karaoke Machine with a wireless microphone, a screen and and Karaoke DVD Music player today from B&H Photo.

I had a 30 minute discussion with an electronics expert at B & H- I have always found them to be honest and patient.  And it was surprisingly inexpensive.

I described the Mansion in detail and the residents and we both felt the Pyle Pro would be simple to install and use and easy to listen to. I also read more than 150 ratings online, most of them 5 star.

I also bought three Karaoke CD’s –classic songs, show tunes, and country hits. This machine can also play music from smart phones and tablets.

The lyrics will pop up on the screen so the Mansion residents can read them and sing along. I’ll emcee.

There is a lot of excitement at the Mansion about Karaoke, I’m hoping to spark a weekly-Karaoke- sing-a-long, there some real hams among the residents – Peggie, Madeline, Joan, Ruth  – come to mind, maybe Allan.

I plan to sing along myself.

I’m having the machine delivered to my house tomorrow so I can make sure it’s all assembled and then I’ll bring it over to the Mansion.

I’m hoping Better Angel Lo Ann Sanders and I can plot a day during the holidays to stage the first Mansion Karaoke Concert.

Karaoke is an interactive entertainment system which originated in Japan in the 1970’s and 80’s. The term derives from “kara” which means “empty, and “okesutora” which means “orchestra.”

It is mostly sung in restaurants and bars.

The music is usually an instrumental version of a well-known popular song, lyrics are displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol, changing color, or music video images to guide the singer.

Special DVD’s project lyrics onto the screen.

It is especially valuable for the elderly in elder care facilities, who are often given concerts by local musicians, and can sing alone, but have no way of actively participating in the music.

This will be good for them. I picture them laughing and clapping along.

I think Karaoke is something that will stir up some happy spirits in many of the residents. The Karaoke machine cost $219, the Karaoke DVD’s – Musical Karaoke, Country Karaoke, and Classic Karaoke were ordered from Amazon, they cost $14.99 each.

I’m also beginning my weekly Mansion readings on December 4. I’m working to help offer stimulating activities to the residents on top of the activities they already have.

I’m working with two gerontologists and reading2connect to pick out some appropriate readings. The residents have asked that I read from one of my books also, I’ve chosen Saving Simon. And I’ve collected several stories written for those with memory issues.

I’ve been reading up on research about the elderly, reading, stories and memory. Stories can be very powerful.

I’m planning the readings to be interactive events, with a reading and some discussion afterwards. If some of the residents wish to help me read, that will be great.

I’ve been scheming for the holidays, here’s what else is planned:

I’ve raised several hundred dollars to help the residents pick out presents they want to give to each other and the Mansion aides.

I have 13 $50 Amazon Gift Certificates for the Mansion aides, they will be distributed next week.

I’ve ordered 50 engraved pens for the aides, they read “For Our Better Angels, The Mansion Aides.” I am hoping to give them some much deserved recognition this month. They work so hard and so so much.

Thanks for your support of this project (you especially Lisa). So those are my holiday plans for the Mansion, plus the Army Of Good is already sending stocking suffers and decorations for the Mansion Christmas Party on December 14.

Your cards and photos and crafts will be much appreciated. I am not planning any particular events for Thanksgiving, other than a visit from me and Red to see the residents who aren’t with families. Many of them go out with families for that holiday.

As part of the holidays, we’ve made sure everyone who needs socks, underwear, nightgowns, pajamas, jackets and warm slippers has what they need.

I think this will be a special  holiday season for the residents, I am so grateful to all of you for your support. This work has  become so important for me,  and I see to some of you, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

This is the season when good people rise up and glow. That’s my plan.