Four proofs of “Tales From The Mansion” arrived today, our last check before the books are printed up and shipped here. Some will go to the Mansion, 100 will go to Battenkill Books, where they can be pre-ordered and shipped anywhere in the world for $10 plus shipping.
The stories were gathered by myself and Julie Smith, the Activity Director of the Mansion, there are 15 stories over 38 pages plus 10 of my photographs. The stores came out of a workshop I did with Julie at the Mansion in June. They are rich, surprising, poignant and very authentic. They come from the edge of life from people who have lived full lives.
Our stories are important, I told the residents. You are your stories. They rose to that challenge, I am proud to be associated with this book. You can order copies online or call the bookstore at 518 677-2515. There are not many left. If warranted, we will go back to press.
Back to work today, and with a vengeance. This morning, I got up at 4 a.m. to work on my book. Then to the Post Office, and then to the Mansion to drop off another air conditioning unit, then home to blog and put up a photo or two, and then to Albany to meet with Devota and Mawulidi, and give them some support.
Morning is a peaceful time at the Mansion, it takes Red a good long while to get down a hallway, there are many people waiting to touch him.
The Army Of Good has been busy.
Today, Abrah Griggs send me four page proofs for out new book “Tales Of The Mansion,” a collection of mostly true stories from the Mansion residents that we have assembled into a book. You can pre-order the book at Battenkill Books for $10 plus shipping, all proceeds go to benefit the Mansion outings program.
That should be fine, I’m hoping to bring Gus and Red to the birthday party.
In Albany, I plan to give Devota a check to help knock down her mistaken loan and Mawulidi cash to buy carving tools.
Tomorrow,one more birthday celebration. The Mansion residents have invited me to come there at 2:30 p.m. Friday to join their monthly birthday celebration, they are marking my birthday this week.
I’ll be meeting with Ali and Brother Francis at the RISSE offices.
The new LG portable air conditioning unit the Army Of Good bought for the Mansion’s Activity Room is up and running, and the room is cool and comfortable. I am one or two units away from providing air conditioning to every one of the residents who needs or has asked for one.
I thank you for your support in providing air conditioning units to the residents in need.
Nothing in assisted care is simple. Some of the residents who asked forgot that they asked, some can’t have portable units because it can be a falling risk if they use a walker. So we have to check with the staff each time – maintenance as well as resident care – to make sure, and the situation changes fairly often.
We had a meeting this morning, Madeline gave Barbara her unit, she decided she doesn’t really want it, she can now go to the Activity Room. Peggy does want one, but the staff has to evaluate her space to make sure it won’t be a falling hazard for her. It was decided that I should order one any way.
You can contribute to this and other needs of the Mansion residents by sending a donation to my Post Office Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 or via Paypal, ID [email protected]. Please mark all checks “The Mansion” or “Refugee Fund,” up to you.
A reminder that the Friends Of The Mansion photo contest is underway, the residents invite you to send a photo of a favorite animal, your or someone else’s, we will select three winners at the end of August and the residents will send you a surprise gift.
They wanted to pay back some of the generosity and courtesy you have shown them, and they want to show your photos on their bulletin boards. You can send your photos to The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
It is quite wonderful to go into one of the residents’ rooms and see them so cool and comfortable. Thanks again.
