Great news: the first ugly discarded Christmas sweater came into the Mansion this morning thanks to Army Of Good Commander Kathy Kelly of Concord, Massachusetts. As I mentioned last week, Mansion Activities Director Paryese Bates Becker (photo above), The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
Paryese has the activities room, stirring with laughter, art, creativity, and energy.
She’s done an excellent job of coalescing the residents around a dozen new activities, including me, my Meditation Class, Maria, and her art class.
We are finally getting past the trauma of the pandemic at the Mansion and having some fun. I’m bringing two boxes of books and magazines for my class tomorrow. I know exactly what they all want.
As part of the upcoming Christmas activities (we’ve sent the tablecloth, colored paper, and paint so every room can be decorated), Paryese is proposing an ugly discarded Christmas Sweater Party. Each resident will wear one and can decorate it any way they wish.
Feel free to send old sweaters that are not ugly Christmas sweaters; part of the fun is that the residents can decorate them any way they wish. So plain old sweaters are welcome also.
This is a great idea, perfect for the Army Of Good. “Ugly” is a subjective term, but you get the idea. Christmas is a tough time for the Mansion residents; some go to families, and most stay at the Mansion. We want to get them laughing, and this is a great way to do it.
If you have any old or discarded Christmas sweaters, please send them to:
Paryese Bates-Becker, c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
The residents will be free to decorate or leave them as they are and use them if they choose. It sounds like a great party. Maria and I and Zinnia, will be there. We think almost everyone has an ugly Christmas sweater tucked away somewhere. Please send it if you wish and can.” We need at least 25 more.
Paryese, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y. 12816.
Thanks for the beautiful photos and your wrestling with your concerns as you walk through a day.
It is hopeful and helpful to me as i encounter blocks as I attempt to make it through the day
You are a blessing to all who view your blog. Thank you. Wishing you and Maria a Happy Thanksgiving.
Keep on keeping on.
Thanks for the beautiful photos and your wrestling with your concerns as you walk through a day.
It is hopeful and helpful to me as i encounter blocks as I attempt to make it through the day
You are a blessing to all who view your blog. Thank you. Wishing you and Maria a Happy Thanksgiving.
Keep on keeping on.
Not an ugly sweater at all. I think it’s very colorful and pretty! But, as you say, “ugly” is subjective – and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thank you for all you do for the mansion. You have impacted many lives for the better.
Beth “ugly” is a joking tradition on Christmas “ugly” sweaters are on Amazon and all big stores. They don’t mean the sweaters are literally ugly, it’s just a fun tradition that has grown in popularity…it’s just fun. THanks for your good words to me