When I spoke with Kelsie at Jean’s Place two days ago, she was devastated. She and her mother had just had to lay off two waitresses who had worked at Jean’s for 24 years. Both were crying and crushed.

I think they’ll never get over it. Almost everyone who wanders into Jean’s place ends up being family.

(For local takeout: 518 -686- 3258.)

Today, there was still some sadness, but also exhilaration and joy.

“I do feel exhilarated today,” Kelsie said, “our community is really behind us.” For sure, once again, their big and delicious muffins were sold out.

They are busy, taking one take-out order after another, working 18-20 hour days, but lifted by the beautiful response from their community, which does not intend to see them perish.

I could feel the good energy pouring out of that place today. They are not people to give up too easily.

Today, I negotiated with Jean’s to cater to several lunches and unique desserts for the Mansion residents. Monday, they are bringing soup, sandwiches, and desserts to 43 people at the Mansion – residents, and aides for lunch.

They are charging $250, a fair price. The Army Of Good and I are delighted to pay.

It is wonderful to bring these two different parts of the community together.

The Mansion residents love special meals and desserts, it lifts them, and Kevin, Kelly, and Kelsie are eager for the business.

They’ll make the food and deliver it to the Mansion front door, where the staff will be waiting to bring it in and serve it on the new and colorful tablecloths we brought last Fall.

They are hard workers at Jean’s, they are not looking for handouts, but food orders and work – and a return to normal. At the end of the week, they’ll make special cupcakes for a surprise Mansion desert.

If the lockdown at the Mansion goes on, we’ll try to do more special meals.

(Local people: You can order take out from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Jean’s. 518 686-3258.)

The Mansion is also putting up a special Wish List shortly seeking additional art supplies and movies – they are running out – and the residents are bored and restless, they’ve had no visitors or outings in several weeks.

I could tell Kelsie was in good spirits, she was wearing her Wonder Woman shirt and skirt. Kelsie is not one to hide her moods.

Her mother, exhausted, took a short nap in the afternoon, Kevin was in the kitchen cooking, Kelsie is operating the phones and dealing with the take-out orders.

They are a powerful group, those three. They intend to make it through this nightmare. And they love to see Zinnia, Jean’s is one of her many homes.

It was a great lift to see Jean’s so busy. The human spirit is an amazing thing, easily underestimated, but full of power and drive and wonder.

I’m hopeful about Jean’s, and so, I think are they. Thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm, they feel it all the way through the ether. The Internet can be harnessed for good, not just for judgment and anger.