First off, I want to thank all of you for your generous and immediate response to my call for help in assisting the Mansion residents, most of whom were evacuated from the Mansion hurriedly last week on New Year’s Day after water poured into the building due to structural and other problems.

A few of the residents were able to say in a separate wing, some went home with families or friends, the bulk were transferred to other assisted care facilities, especially to the Danforth Adult Care Center in Hoosick Falls, N.Y.

They were understandably traumatized and bewildered by the move. This has been a wrenching few days for them, but the Mansion staff and contractors are working to get them back “home” as they now call the Mansion.

You have sent over $1,000 in a very short time. Some of this money has gone to flowers, stuffed animals, clothes and books. We are hosting a Homecoming Celebration as soon as the residents get home, hopefully by Wednesday. I think that will cost between $300 and $500, we’re looking for a band to play some music.

I am not sure what the other needs of the residents are, there was some damage to a few rooms, I really don’t know if any of them will need new clothes. If so, I’m ready to jump in.

If there is any money left over, I’ll put it in the Mansion Fund, and use it, as we have been using it, to support the residents and their needs.

I want you to know how much your help meant to these people, bewildered and frightened. The flowers brightened their rooms, the stuffed animals gave even the “tough” men something to hold and be with, and today I’m bringing a box of cookies to the Danforth right after lunch. I think one of the best things Red and I can do is just show up.

I had the means and opportunity to move quickly, to restore some semblance of order to their lives, and to represent continuity and stability.

The Mansion staff, as always, is loving and committed.

The residents often thank me for “showing up,” it is a sad reality that they have very few visitors from the outside.

I’ll know more about what’s happening later in the day.