At Bingo last night at the Mansion, Wayne was waiting for me with a surprise – he found a peasant hat just like mine. I met with Wayne and Ruth last night to talk about their commitment ceremony scheduled for May 15.

We went over the arrangements. She has a dress, a headband (thanks Fran) and some new blue flat shows. The flowers have been ordered and will cost about  $125. The olive oil cake and cupcakes will cost $103.

Wayne has a new pair of black sweatpants and a new shirt. They each have the angel pins they requested. Ruth has a necklace and earrings to match her dress.

I’ve ordered blue bead bracelets for each of them. Ruth has asked that three people read at the beginning of the ceremony – Peggie, Kassi, Bonnie.

I’m scanning the Internet for appropriate readings. I’m conducting the ceremony, which will be brief, and I will also handle Wayne’s ring. Maria will hold the ring for Ruth.

Ruth and Wayne seem very happy to me. They know what they are doing, they understand what a commitment ceremony is, they will have everything the way they want it, within reason.

We are also spending $60 for music.

I thank you very much for your contributions to the wedding, including the napkins and decorations many of you sent. I am also grateful to the contributions coming in the Kathy Sosa’s class trip to the FDR Home and Library in Hyde Park, N.Y.

It seems the class has been unable to go on the school field  trips because most of the students – hers are refugees and immigrants – don’t have the $60 fee required.

Perhaps we can help them in the future. Any extra money I receive – we asked for $500, a donor is sending $800 – will go for that purpose and to buy snacks and donuts and ice cream for the  kids to buy on this trip.

When I asked Kathy about snacks, she said they were saving up to have $20 for donuts. I said I think we can do better.

I want to give her $220 for snacks and postcards and small souvenirs.

I’m also trying to give Kathy enough money so that the students – there are 30 – can all buy postcards or some small souvenirs. The class is studying FDR and World War II.

They are struggling to understand the controversies that now swirl around them and the families.

The Army Of Good is a miracle, and the children have asked me to thank you, so have Ruth and Wayne.  You can contribute via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, FDR Trip, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.