I went over to the Mansion today with two missions in mind: heat patrol and my regular Sunday and Monday delivery of cookies for the staff and for the residents who are allowed to eat sugar (I have a list).

Annette and Ellen were sitting together reading a book I brought on memory and how the mind works to recall and retain information. The hallway was comfortable, and both happily and gratefully accepted their cookie. I had other cookies to disperse to residents without dietary restrictions and to two Mansion aides, Megan and Kathleen, who were patrolling the halls. I’m bringing more to the aides tomorrow.

The cookies were a hit, and I felt good leaving as these two readers began munching.

If you walk through the Mansion, you will always find at last one person in need, especially in extreme weather,  and this time I got an SOS for a room air conditioner for two residents who live in a small upstairs room. It has been especially close in this heatwave and on other warm days.

Two years ago, there were no room air conditioners, and part of our mission is to make sure everyone who needs one gets one. That makes a huge difference for the elderly, this is a health issue as well as a comfort issue.

I wouldn’t delay on a request like this, we’ve got air conditioners for everyone else who needed one, both of these residents are new and their room gets direct sun all day. I ordered a highly recommended portable room air conditioner yesterday, it cost $299 plus shipping, it will arrive shortly.

Otherwise, everyone is comfortable at the Mansion, there is a breeze today, and the heatwave is supposed to break tonight or tomorrow.

If you wish to contribute to the purchase of this air conditioner – any amount is appreciated – you can send a contribution to me via Paypal, [email protected] or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion/Refugee Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Please mention “air conditioner” or “AC.” And thanks.