We did our first dry Karaoke run at the Mansion yesterday, I was eager to see what it might mean to the residents. It feels important to me, and I think it is important.

I watched how happy Peggy was to be belting out her  beloved Johnny Cash songs, how uninhibited she was, I watched Jean, still recovering from a recent illness, tapping her foot and mouthing the words she remembered but can’t sing.

This is not just about entertainment, this is about singing our songs, raising our voices to the world.

Peggie says singing brings her back to the best parts of her life, and I could see this joy and meaning reflected in the faces and smiles of some of the other residents.

Gradually, I will bring more and more residents – many are quite shy – into the singing process. I’m even thinking of a Mansion Chorale.

On Christmas morning I am honored to have been asked to do a Christmas reading and carol-singing in the Mansion Great Hall, when many of the residents will be away visiting their families. I believe Maria will be joining me, if I know her.

I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate Christmas, or embrace it’s true spirit.

I look forward to raising our voices together with the residents who remain, or have no families to visit. Karaoke is important it about so much more than music, it is about voice and memory and joy.

The Mansion Fund is pretty low now, there was a rush of requests for clothing, and we have been honoring and celebrating the Mansion aides. I’d like to built it back up a bit.

Over the holidays, my goal is to make sure every resident has warm slippers, flannel pajamas and nightshirts, good shoes, clean and warm underwear, winter socks, sweaters and flannel tights. Their world alternates between hot and cold, we are  heading for the cold.

I want to make sure the residents have a proper Christmas. This is the lonely time for them, when the world reminds them what they have lost.

If you can help, please send a donation to me, Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 (I promise not to sing often), or via Paypal, [email protected]. Please mark the gift “Mansion.”

You can also donate by credit card in any amount for a single time by going here: I work hard to keep our work small and in perspective, but I can not do it without you. Small contributions are just as welcome as big ones.