I’ve started a new project to help the Mansion residents get through their long and draining isolation due to the pandemic. I’m asking the aides to canvas the residents and ask what they would like for a birthday present.

They usually don’t get many presents, Beverly in Memory Care got a bear yesterday and Ruth and I spoke on the phone today and she asked me for a 58-inch women’s belt. Two are on the way.

I love this program, it will bring a lot of joy and connection to the residents, who have been largely cut off from the outside world since March, and no end is really in sight.

If you wish to help, you can contribute via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, P.O.Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

I miss the residents and visiting them at the Mansion, but I am happy we can find meaningful ways to help them. The residents never ask for much, Ruth also wants a baby doll with pink socks.

I’m on it.

The birthday project is an example of something we can do directly for them.

Thanks much.