Tag Archives: Paper Source

Day 136: Kevin

Posted on May 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

Day 136-2-4Could you go back to school, sit in a class room a couple of days a week, do homework, take tests, etc.? I don’t know if I could although I have thought about it several times since graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania back in 1997.

My friend Kevin did it, in fact I think he’s done it twice making this his second Masters degree. This one is in Dramaturgy.

Trust me, 87-year-old Mary Higgins Clark is up there at the podium.

Trust me, 87-year-old Mary Higgins Clark is up there at the podium.

Today I had the honor of joining him while he participated in Catholic University’s commencement – an event that brought me back to my own university days and the feelings I had as I finished my four, ehm, five years of studies there. Mary Higgins Clark gave the keynote speech – a bit disjointed but hell, she’s 87 years old. She rocked!

Congratulations to Kevin and all those who are wearing caps and gowns this spring.

Day 136

Comhghairdeas (that’s Irish for Congratulations)

Kevin,

Day 136-2Congratulations on your M.A. in Dramaturgy. Your continual desire to hone your skills, expand your knowledge and practice what you have learned inspires me. I’m sorry I can’t stay for lunch – but let’s find a time to let me treat you to a few pints to celebrate.

With admiration,
Reed

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Day 135: Postmaster General Megan Brennan

Posted on May 15, 2015 | Leave a comment

Actor and activist Danny Glover was the recipient of my letter  yesterday. Glover, whose parents and brother worked for the U.S. Postal Service, was here in D.C. to encourage people to stand up for postal workers.

So today I thought I’d do just that. This is my second letter to Postmaster Megan Brennan – my first one was on Day 51.

Day 135

I stand with Postal Workers 

Postmaster General Brennan,

Postal service is declining, offices are closing, letters are taking dramatically longer to be delivered. I urge you to not reduce hours, improve wait time in line, bring delivery times back to where they used to be and explore innovative ways the post office can be relevant in a digital world. Your organization is vital to vibrant communities.

-Reed Sandridge

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Day 133: Alex

Posted on May 13, 2015 | Leave a comment
A photo from my Eagle Scout Banquet, May 12, 1990. From left to right: my grandmother and Alex's great grandmother Virginia Sandridge, Scout Leader Don Stevens (I think), me, my grandfather and Alex's great grandfather Paul Sandridge. Photo: Ryan Sandridge

A photo from my Eagle Scout Banquet, May 12, 1990. From left to right: my grandmother and Alex’s great-grandmother Virginia Sandridge, Scout Leader Don Stevens (I think), me, my grandfather and Alex’s great-grandfather Paul Sandridge. Photo: Ryan Sandridge

Twenty-six years ago yesterday I was presented with the Eagle Scout Award – the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. I don’t think about that day very often, but I do think about how being an Eagle Scout has affected my life.

Professionally, I found myself in leadership roles at a young age. It seemed to come naturally to me. Outside of the office, I was driven toward ways to engage with my community. My training and experiences in scouting surely had an impact on my life.

Doug, Alex and me taking a break durin Alex's Eagle Scout Project in Goochland County, VA. Photo: Ryan Sandridge

Doug, Alex and me taking a break during Alex’s Eagle Scout Project in Goochland County, VA. Photo: Ryan Sandridge

This Sunday my cousin Doug’s son Alex, I think that makes him my cousin once removed, will receive his Eagle Scout Award. I wanted to attend the ceremony in Colorado, but I’ll be traveling for work unfortunately.

I was thankful that I got to participate in his Eagle Scout Project where he revitalized a historic family cemetery outside of Richmond, VA that was in dire need of repair and maintenance.

Congratulations Alex!

Day 133

Dear Alex,

eagle scout awardCongratulations on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. I am very sorry that I cannot be with you this Sunday at your Eagle Banquet.

Sunday you will join an elite group – only five percent of those who join scouting, and one tenth of one percent of all young men your age achieve the rank of Eagle. You are truly outstanding. I encourage you to continue to apply the skills and knowledge you have attained to improve the community in which you live and help those around you. Be the one who steps forward to lead and create the good you want to see the world.

I’m extremely proud of you.

Your cousin and fellow Eagle Scout,
Jason

P.S. I have a small gift for you that you will receive in the coming weeks.

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Day 131: Howard Schultz, Starbucks

Posted on May 11, 2015 | Leave a comment
Photo: Starbucks.com

Photo: Starbucks.com

Wow, it’s easy to get behind on posting to the blog. Don’t worry though…the letters are still going out, at least one a day.

Today I’m sharing my letter to Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz. You may recall a few months ago the coffee giant launched an initiative called Race Together. The results were mixed at best (I’m being kind – it received some very strong criticism), but I commend Mr. Schultz and Starbucks for taking the risk.

Day 131-2

Dear Howard,

About two months ago, Starbucks launched the Race Together initiative. While I know that the results were not what you hoped for, I want to congratulate you for being bold enough to take on this topic. From his jail cell in Birmingham, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” Thank you for breaking the silence.

Coffee shops have their roots in bringing people together for conversation. You attempted to help facilitate a dialogue that we desperately need. While Baltimore and Ferguson are easy to focus on, we need not look further than our own neighborhoods to see that we still have a long way to go to improve racial harmony in our country.

I generally hold disdain for corporate leaders who use their status to further agendas that fall outside of their stated responsibilities to shareholders, but when the issues are as paramount and universal as race, equality or conservation – I feel it is not only your right, but your duty to help bring people together, break down discriminatory practices and operate in a sustainable manner.

Keep up the good work and let me know what I can do to help.

Best,
Reed

P.S. I wrote this letter to you over a doppio espresso at the Starbucks at Connecticut and R in Northwest Washington, D.C.

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Day 128: Dale & Leslie

Posted on May 8, 2015 | Leave a comment

Dale grew up a few blocks away from both houses I lived in in Mechanicsburg, PA. We went to the same schools and played on the same baseball team. After graduation, we went separate ways and I lost contact with Dale. Then came Facebook and we were in touch – well sorta. Facebook is kind of a pseudo connection.

Day 128-2

My thank you note in front of a print that I bid on and won at the auction. That’s the Georgetown harbor in 1865.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to get a Facebook message from Dale on Tuesday asking if I was free on Thursday – he had a few extra invitations to a charity fundraiser in DC – two blocks from my apartment no less.

It was a lot of fun. The event was nice, I got to meet Dale’s wife Leslie, his boss Mr. Bunn, and hang out with another high school friend, Justin. I’m thankful that Dale reached out – it was a great night and I enjoyed spending time with old friends.

Day 128

Dale and Leslie,

It was great to spend time with you on Thursday – the gala was a lot of fun. Thanks for thinking of me and extending the invitation to join you. I get back to Mechanicsburg a couple of times a year – it would be great to get together on one of those visits.

Thanks again!
Reed

P.S. Please pass on my thanks to Mr. Bunn as well.

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