I am grateful for Ruth, a new resident of the Mansion, for sparking the idea of hats for some of the residents as the cold weather approaches. Hats encourage them to go outside and walk, they also love the colors. They were just delighted with the hats, so of course, I am scheming to get a few more.

I estimate I need a dozen hats – wool caps of different sizes, the more color the better. They are not expensive and I don’t need a lot. If anyone has a colorful wool cap in good condition that they don’t  use anymore, please stick it in an envelope and send it to Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

Please do not go out and buy new ones, the holidays are approaching and you all have lots of presents to buy. Used ones in good condition are as good a new ones. If there are any extras, I will see they get to the Red Cross or our local food pantry or churches.

There is also an assisted care facility in nearby Granville, I can bring any extras there.

I saw how much pleasure this brought, and it is a simple and practical way to brighten up the lives of the Mansion residents, especially as we approach the cold and dark days. Ruth was beaming, she may not take it off for awhile.