I went to the Mansion this morning for my creativity class and was blown away by what the residents are making and doing.

Activity Directors Paryese and Kim have brought an energy to the activity room that is surprising and exhilarating. Your generosity has made so many things possible. Come and take a look.

(Above, Kim takes her turn blowing up balloons.)

Mansion work calls for many skills.

Parise and Kim are assembling a 100-balloon arch outside the Great Room next to the dining room. When I came in, the residents were howling with laughter as the balloons were bounding all over the floor. With special tape, the ballons were brought together and under control and are now a welcome arch marking Christmas at the Mansion.

Today I brought three boxes of art beads and decorations and bought 15 pairs of special socks for the Memory Care residents.

Last week, we purchased and sent a portable food mixer, essential for the Memory Care kitchen.

The Mansion residents worked hard to make and decorate these edible gingerbread dolls. They were available to everyone and were going fast.

Thanks to the Army of Good, who answered the call for canvas for the residents to paint on. There are four stacks of canvases all over the activity room.

Painting has become the hottest activity; it promotes community, training, and high spirits.  These will last a while; they can always use more.

Our support of art activities and supplies has brought a dynamic and exciting new tone to the activity room, now a hive of energy and creativity. Thank you. (The Address is Kim, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. The rough size is 11 X 14, but anything close will do.)

The Mitten Tree got its final box of mittens, scarves, and caps today and is open to any of the Mansion residents to come and take what they need. People have been coming in daily to get hats and mittens so they can walk outside, shop, or visit their doctors comfortably.

I’m always surprised how few residents have the clothes to dress warmly in an upstate New York winter. The aides often ask me for warm clothes and socks. I think we are almost up to speed.

Many can’t go out, and some don’t want to. But for those who do, they can now be warm and comfortable when they leave the building, thanks to you.

I saw two men sitting outside in the cold, warmed by caps, scarves, and mittens that we sent them for the Mitten Tree. I felt good seeing that.

 

Zinnia loves the Mansion almost as much as the Mansion loves her. The laughter and shouts of joy when she rushes ahead of me lift my heart.

She greeted everyone, took her pats and hugs,  sniffed around for Gingerbread crumbs and went to sleep at my feet once I started talking.

Thanks once more for all the beautiful things you sent to the Mansion to ensure they can have a brighter Christmas. You’ve triggered an explosion of energy and good feeling. Thanks, thanks.