Kevin from Jean’s Place is an inspirational character to me, his face shows the determination to do his work and keep his restaurant alive.

He reminds me that I have three special goals to work through during this corona trauma.

The first is to keep the Bishop Maginn families from hunger and food insecurity. So far, the gift card program is helping to accomplish that. I hope we can keep it going, the families are getting sick as well as hungry.

My second goal is to support the Mansion aides and residents during a very difficult and dangerous time. We are supplying art supplies, computer games, puzzles and special lunches, and ice cream sundae surprises.

We bought a new disinfectant fogging system, and I’m resuming my book reading from outside the building. They can listen on the porch, 15 feet away.

We’re also getting toys for the children of the Mansion aides, and ordering special dinners for the aides to break the monotony and boost their morale.  They are exhausted as well as embattled.

My third goal is to support Jean’s Place, for me a metaphor for the countless small businesses struggling to survive during this frightening time. I’m setting them up for catering when I can and going there myself several times to week to see what I can do to help. So far, so good. If they can re-open soon, I think they’ll make it.

Their town loves them and is supporting their take-out business. If we support our community, I believe, it will recover and survive.

Focusing on these three goals with the support of the Army Of Good has brought meaning and comfort and dimension to my life in the time of corona. I thank all of you for your support, encouragement, and assistance.

I’m heading over to Jean’s Place now to pay them for tomorrow’s Mansion lunch and order some take-out.