Tag Archives: DC

Day 150: Rev. Charles

Rev. Randolph C. Charles at The Church of the Epiphany. Photo: epiphanydc.org

Rev. Randolph C. Charles at The Church of the Epiphany. Photo: epiphanydc.org

Street Sense, an organization that I’ve supported for many years, has been housed at The Church of the Epiphany on G Street in downtown Washington for as long as I can remember. The staff is extraordinarily welcoming and kind to the staff and the many men and women who sell the Street Sense newspaper.

I learned yesterday that Rev. Charles, who has skillfully led the church for many years, is retiring. I’ve only met him briefly, but his kindness and compassion toward the organization has touched the hearts of so many and I thought I would send him a note to thank him and wish him well.

Day 150

 

Dear Rev. Charles,

Yesterday I learned that you were retiring from your position as pastor at Church of the Epiphany. I’ve been on the Board of Directors of Street Sense for 3 years and appreciate very much everything that the church and you personally have done for the organization. Your warm, welcoming spirit has touched the hearts of many of the men and women experiencing homelessness that are involved with Street Sense. As a pastor, you recognize the importance of community, fellowship and establishing a home – the Church of the Epiphany has been a home to all of us who visit. Street Sense would not be able to do the work that it does and help so many people find their way home without the leadership and friendship you have provided to so many. Thank you! On behalf of Brian Carome, our staff, vendors, volunteers and fellow Board members, I thank you and wish you well in all of your future endeavors. May our paths continue to cross.

With great appreciation,
Reed Sandridge
Street Sense Board Member

 

Day 126: Street Sense Filmmakers Co-op

Photo: Jane Cave

Photo: Jane Cave

I serve on the Board of Directors of Street Sense – a media group in DC whose mission it is to elevate voices on the issue of homelessness while giving economic opportunities to the men and women in DC experiencing homelessness.

Last week they had the premier of Cinema From The Street – a collection of films produced by the Street Sense Filmmakers Co-op. Led by local filmmaker Bryan Bello, the group not only shared their stories but learned the ins and outs of filmmaking. The films were terrific – and if you are in DC you’ll want to mark August 26th on your calendar when they release the next group of their films.

To learn more about the Filmmakers Co-op or buy tickets to the August event, click here.

Day 126

Dear members of the Street Sense Filmmakers Co-op, 

Day 126-2Congratulations on your first film screening! And while I enjoyed all three films, I’m arguably more moved by the larger impact of your work. I look forward to seeing how you take the knowledge of what you are learning in the Co-op and apply it in new and creative ways.

Thank you for sharing your stories, I look forward to seeing you at the next screening on August 26th.

-Reed Sandridge

Day 125: Anonymous letter left at Washington, D.C. Trader Joe’s

I placed the letter under a package of the sinfully delicious TJ's ice cream sandwiches.

I placed the letter under a package of the sinfully delicious TJ’s ice cream sandwiches.

Trader Joe’s is a strange but wonderful grocery store. On one hand, I get frustrated with them due to their limited selection. But just when I’m starting to take my business elsewhere I find some really awesome product. Or one of their quirky employees will make my day. I think that’s really what wins me over, the people. They actually seem happy there.

I left an anonymous letter with a five dollar bill at the Trader Joe’s in the West End neighborhood of DC today. I placed it under a box of Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are amazing and a crew member there once told me that they saved her marriage on more than one occasion. Ok, so that might be a stretch, but I figured if they could bring some happiness to someone, I’d like to make that happen.

By the way, if you’re a fan of TJ’s, check out my letter on Day 31 to Trader Joe’s CEO Dan Bane.

Day 125

Hey there!

I see you are checking out the Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches. They’re delicious and appropriately named. I bought them the first time on a recommendation from a TJ’s team member who said that they had saved her marriage – more than once! They’re on me today. Enjoy.

 

Day 121: Ed, Brian, Jena, Aprill, Sam, Tyler and others

121-2I’ve become a huge fan of Paper Source – especially my local store here in Georgetown. It’s been a lifesaver for the Year of Letters. I don’t know of any other paper retailer with the level of quality and variety as Paper Source that beats their reasonable price point. And the staff is extremely helpful.

I’ve become a pretty regular face in the store since starting my letter-writing project – enough so I guess that they kindly invited me to a workshop that they had recently to teach cardmaking and giftmaking techniques. It was great – and they even had some snacks and wine for everyone.

I probably should have incorporated some of the new techniques I learned into this letter to them, but stay tuned, you’ll see some new things in my cards in the coming days and weeks.

 

I used one of Paper Source's bags to make a liner for the envelope.

I used one of Paper Source’s bags to make a liner for the envelope.

Ed, Brian, Jena, Aprill, Sam, Tyler and others,

121-3Thank you very much for your kind invitation to attend Crafter’s Night Out last evening led by Aprill and Sam. I learned several new techniques – like how to apply gilded edges, use washi tape and even make my own gift bags. Your entire team is exceptional and it is always a pleasure to be in your store.

Thanks again,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. I also bought the marbling set…keep a look out on YearOfLetters.com for some marbling!

Day 111: Gary Fish, Deschutes Brewery

My favorite brewery is 2,690 miles from my home in Bend, Oregon. I figured they should make their way into my 365 letters, right? Cheers!

Day 111

Dear Gary,

We met briefly back in June of 2011 here in Washington, DC at SAVOR Craft Beer festival because I won free tickets after I wrote a letter to the Washington Post requesting free tickets based on the fact that it would be the only place I would find Deschutes here in DC.

Day 111-2That was then. Now Deschutes is starting to pop up here in Washington….at RFD’s, Nando’s Peri Peri, Founding Farmers, Arrowine, Lost & Found – even Whole Foods. This is making my life better and I wanted you to know that we here in D.C. appreciate it very much!

If there is ever anything I can do to help you and Deschutes here in DC, please let me know.

Cheers,
Reed

 P.S. I’m planning a big party in January of 2016 – I’d love for you to join us and have lots of Deschutes on tap!