Tag Archives: West End

Day 187: Keaton Marek

Day 187-3Just after midnight on June 14th, Keaton Marek, a 22-year-old recent graduate of George Washington University, was found dead on the sidewalk near the intersection of 24th and M streets here in Washington. I work less than a block away and frequent a Starbucks there often.

I went by today and saw a memorial of letters and flowers and stopped to read them. Although I did know the young man, I was moved to write him a note and place it at the memorial.

RIP Keaton.

 

Day 187-4

Keaton,

We never met, but perhaps we crossed paths as I live nearby. I as deeply saddened to learn about your death. It touched me as it has so many others. I read the heartfelt messages that others have left for you and your family. I read about your athletic and academic accomplishments, your volunteer work and your natural curiosity of the world. I wish that I, and others, had known you. You made a difference in people’s lives and they are better for having known you. 

You will live forever in our hearts.

With love for you and your family,
Reed Sandridge

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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 64: Josh Levin, West End Cinema


When I first moved to Dupont I was very excited that there were a couple of theaters with character. There was the one just south of the circle that had a column or two and sprinklers that obstructed the view – I think it’s now a CVS. And there was another one on Florida Avenue that showed independent films – that closed the day I moved in I think.

Anyway, when the West End Cinema opened up in the lower level of an office building on the corner of 23rd and M, I was stoked. I met the owner the week before it opened – he wouldn’t remember me, but I remember that day and how excited I was that it was opening. I’ve seen lots of great films there – Josh gets a lot of independent films and has also managed to attract some of the big Oscar winning flicks.

The theater landscape in DC is shifting though – new screens are opening up off of U Street and over in NoMA. There’s even a pop-up theater at Union Market.

If you have a great independent theater near you – go out and support them. You never know when they may be gone.

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Josh,

YearOfLetters-3I was sad to learn this week that the West End Cinema will be closing at the end of this month. Living and working next to the theater, I’ve enjoyed seeing wonderful films in your cozy and welcoming space. The last one I saw there was Citizenfour which was phenomenal – very deserving of the Oscar it won. I will pay my tributes by seeing at least one more film there in the remaining days.

Thank you for bringing quality films to our neighborhood for the past 5 years. Best of luck to you in all of your future endeavors.

Reed