Maria and I went over to the Mansion first thing this morning to hang the new banner we made yesterday. I hope the Mansion aides get to see it when they come to work, and a number of people driving by honked and waved as we put the sign up.

Thanks to Maria for her artistic skill and labor.

Most of the world will never see what these amazing men and women do day in and day out, but I’ve been privileged to see their love, dedication, and this year, their heroism.

Usually, the work of a Mansion aide is to care for lives. This year, it was to save them. And save them they did. More than 4,000 elderly people died of the coronavirus in the state’s nursing home and elder care facilities.

No one at the Mansion died from this virus, a testament to the hard work, discipline, vigilance, and commitment of the Mansion aides, who are exhausted and still at it.

There is no end in sight. Thanks also for helping us to buy the $3,000 disinfectant fogger (and four air conditioners), they have made the Mansion safer, and the residents more comfortable.

The aides deserve much more money and recognition than they get – health care workers are poorly paid –  but for now, recognition will have to do. We are proud to be able to help in this way.

The Army Of Good has increased its support of the Mansion aides this year. We’ve bought masks, lunches, dinners (they’re getting a huge “heroes” cake on Tuesday) plus toys for their gifts and food gift cards to those who need them.

I want to keep up this program of recognition and support (we furnished their new aide’s lounge as well.) If you wish to contribute to this effort, you can do so via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Aides, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

We can’t alter the course of the world, but we can offer small acts of great kindness to worthy people who need help.

The sign says a lot.