Category Archives: Uncategorized

Day 302: Steven Weitzman

I found out that the artist of one of my favorite pieces of art in our nation’s capital, literally in the Capitol, lives just a few miles outside of the District. I thought I’d let him know that his beautifully crafted bronze statue of Frederick Douglass inspires me every time I see it.

Day 302-3

Steven,

As a resident of our nation’s capital, I’m accustomed to walking by monuments and statues. I cruise down hallways of some of the most iconic buildings in America and don’t stop to appreciate the artistry on display.

I created this tree on the front of the card, then realized I wrote the card upside down so the tree seems like it's on the back of the card!

I created this tree on the front of the card, then realized I wrote the card upside down so the tree seems like it’s on the back of the card!

Often times when I do take an interest in a piece of art or the masterfully painted ceiling, I am unaware of the artist or if I do find out who it was, they’re more than likely deceased. So when I learned that you were the creator of the Frederick Douglass bronze statue that captivates visitors to the U.S. Capitol, I wanted to write you to let you know that your work moved me. Its beauty and power are striking, doing tremendous justice to one of the most charismatic and influential leaders in our history. Brilliant!

With great admiration,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. Ooops – I just realized I wrote this upside down.

Day 201: Chris & Karrin

My friends Chris and Karrin had a beautiful boy last year – and I’m just now getting around to getting them a gift. I’m terrible, I know, but better late than never is what I say.

Day 201

Chris & Karrin,

This is so overdue, but I really have been meaning to get something for Calvin – he’s so adorable!

Ryan and Mandy received one of these blankets for Jacqueline and it became her favorite. I hope that Calvin likes this one as much as she likes hers.

See you soon!
Reed

Day 169: Kelly

This is my second letter to Kelly. On Day 14 I wrote to congratulate her on the purchase of her first home. Unfortunately that letter never arrived. So here’s another one to say “thank you” for her recent donation to help one of the organizations I support.

Day 169

Kelly,

Thank you so much for your recent donation to Street Sense. That was very generous of you. I’m delighted to match your gift and all the donations that were made as a result of my outreach and challenge. Sorry we haven’t gotten together lately, I really want to catch up with you and hear what you are up to. So name your date in July!

Miss you,
Reed

Day 164: Richard Schiff

Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler on ‘The West Wing. Photo: NYDailyNews.com

Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler on ‘The West Wing. Photo: NYDailyNews.com

As I mentioned earlier this week, I got a letter in my mailbox addressed to an actor from The West Wing. I know the suspense has been killing you – so today we’ll have the big reveal. The letter was addressed to Richard Schiff who played the rather morose White House communications director Toby Ziegler.

I have no idea how common of a name Richard Schiff is. But I do know that Schiff was born just 5 miles up the road in Bethesda, MD so it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that this is in fact the actor.

After making note of his address, I handed the letter back to the postal worker, letting her know that it had been put in my mailbox by mistake.

One thing I’m curious about. If I take this letter into the post office, do I need to put a stamp on it? They’re just going to walk 10 feet and put it in Richard’s PO Box. I guess I will find out later today.

Toby was my favorite character on the West Wing so I’m really hoping I’ve got the right Richard Schiff!

Day 164 

Dear Richard,

I received a letter addressed to you in my mailbox recently. I couldn’t help but notice your name and wonder if you were the actor Richard Schiff – for the purposes of my letter, I will assume that you are.

Your portrayal of Toby Ziegler was nothing less than outstanding. One of my favorite episodes was the one where they find your business card in the jacket of the homeless veteran who died. I do a lot of volunteer work with the homeless and that storyline touched close to home. I understand you won an Emmy for that performance – congratulations, you deserve it!

I’d love to know what you’re up to these days. We should meet up sometime in the neighborhood for a drink – after all we’re neighbors. Maybe go to McClellan’s Retreat or Glen’s Garden Market? Both are good spots, but I picture you more at the dimly lit McClellan’s Retreat enjoying a boozy cocktail like an old fashioned or something along those lines.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you,
Reed Sandridge 

Day 164-2

P.S. If this is not the actor Richard Schiff – we can still meet for a drink and you can tell me all about what it’s like having people confuse you with the actor.

Day 155: Carol

Day 155-2Earlier this week I mentioned that Street Sense held their 6th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards. Securing sponsorship for these events is essential to their success. The entire evening wouldn’t have been possible without a generous donation made by the law firm WilmerHale – they provided the space and catering for the event. My fellow Street Sense Board Member, and employee of WilmerHale, Liz Canizares informed me that their Partner-in-Charge, Carol Clayton, was the one who gave us permission to use their facility. Thank you Carol!

Day 155

Dear Carol,

Thank you so much for generously hosting Street Sense’s 2015 Excellence in Journalism Awards in your beautiful Pennsylvania Ave. office building on June 2nd. As a member of the Board of Directors, I know how much it means for us to have access to such premium space for this event. Patrick McCahan, Jaclyn Culler and Mike (audio/video) were outstanding – I hope that you will share our sincere appreciation with each of them as well as the others who helped make the evening such a success.

With sincere gratitude,
Reed Sandridge