I wanted to update you all on the progress of the Break Room for the aides at the Mansion. Friday, I bought a table and four chairs, an old stained glass table lamp, a table, two fun paintings for the walls, and one soft chair.

They were all delivered to the Mansion on Sunday, and I’m going to meet with Mansion Director Kassi Gormley to measure for a carpet (a member of the Army Of Good offered to buy one and have it shipped if I give her the measurements.)

I instantly got about $600, which covers the things I bought (about $550). Thanks. The furniture and the lamp and table are all used and refinished. We’re doing well on price.

I want to get a floor lamp this week, and Kassi reminded me this morning that there are no outlets for a refrigerator or coffee machine. I offered to pay to have an electrician come in and put an outlet in.

I’ll take a photo this afternoon so people can see what we have done so far.

I’m on fire about this project, a wondrous example of small acts of kindness that are really quite big.

That shouldn’t be expensive, as there is a light in the room on the ceiling, which means it’s wired. But it will at least be $100 for an electrician to come.

I’d like to buy a small refrigerator, a coffee machine, perhaps a small boom box for music.

I think I need to get something for the walls, Maria is coming with me today to give some artistic advice. She’s considered some original fiber art for the walls.

That should do it, I think between $200 and $300 additional dollars should enable us to do what we want to give the Mansion aides a comfortable resting and retreat room, they have to go out to their cars now to rest and eat their lunch or take a break.

A mini-fridge will cost between $130 and $169 dollars, Shiny Sisters, the furniture restoration and repurposing store is looking for another soft chair.

I want to do this right, these people work hard and for little pay, their work is intense and draining, they deserve a quiet room to eat their lunch and rest.

If you want to help finish this off, that would be great. You can send a contribution to Paypal, [email protected] or to Jon Katz, Break Room, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.