Maria and I went to the Mansion today to visit with the remaining residents, and also to make some signs for the displaced residents at the Danforth Adult Care Center in Hoosick Falls. We all spent about an hour drawing and signing two signs, one that read “Come Home Soon,” and the other that read “We Miss You.”

Julie Harlin, the Mansion Activities Director, brought them over in the afternoon.

It looks like the displaced residents will be away for another two weeks, so I am compiling a list of things to do to help ground them and get them through what is a long and difficult time for them, their families, and the Mansion staff.

I’m planning outings – lunch trips outside of their facility. Tomorrow, I begin regular readings both at the Mansion and the Danforth. Maria and I are planning tea parties – food and cookies and tea – and some talking to one another.

Tuesday,  I’m going to the Mansion to read Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream Speech” (part of it) after my regular reading. There is a MLK day celebration in the afternoon.

I’m also gathering special books, puzzles, photo books and DVD’s to help the residents at both places get through long days. The mold remediation is underway, they are just about to finish their tests. There is work to be done with carpeting, some sheet rock and ceiling tiles. The target date for the residents to return is February lst.

I  welcome some  help to keep the residents stimulated and grounded – flowers, more stuffed animals, crossword and other puzzles, food and readings. If you wish to support this work, your help would be welcome. This is a longer and tougher haul than I envisioned.

You can donate via Paypal,  [email protected], or by mail, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. You can also donate by clicking on the “Support The Army Of Good” button on the bottom of the page.

Thanks. We had fun working with Madeline, Julie, Maria (and me) and Wayne And Ruth. They are eager for life at the Mansion to return to normal. It will happen.