Author Archives: Reed Sandridge

Day 139: Anonymous letter left at New York Mets Citi Field

Day 139-2I love going to baseball stadiums to watch America’s pastime. There’s something nostalgic for me, something that brings me back to my childhood when I hear the crack of the bat or catch a waft of hot dogs and spilled beer.

When I was 12 my Dad took me to see the New York Mets play the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the National League playoffs. Back then it was Shea Stadium, now they play at Citi Field. I’m no longer a die-hard Mets fan, in fact, I’m actually more of a Nationals fan today, but I have a soft spot for the Mets.

As I am in New York, I decided to head out to the ballpark and watch the Mets take on the St. Louis Cardinals. I thought it would be fun to leave a letter at the stadium for some unsuspecting fan. My ticket was up on the 400 level and I wanted to leave the letter up there, instead of down on the lower levels where people certainly didn’t need the money – oh, I almost forgot to mention, I left a ten-spot in the letter.

The game was fun, even though the Mets got crushed 10-2 by the Cardinals. Maybe we’ll hear from the lucky fan who found my letter.

 

I had to write this note on hotel stationery. I also tucked $10 in the envelope so that the finder could treat themselves to a beer or some snacks.

I had to write this note on hotel stationery. I also tucked $10 in the envelope so that the finder could treat themselves to a beer or some snacks.

“90% of my salary I’ll spend on good times, women and Irish whiskey. The other 10% I’ll probably waste.”
-Tug McGraw
Former New York Mets Pitcher

Ballgames can be tough on your wallet – here’s a few bucks to help you out. Get yourself a hotdog, beer or a pretzel. Or buy something for someone else.

Enjoy!

Day 138: Joseph Broadman, President & CEO of Amtrak

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo: Lucas Jackson, Reuters

Photo: Lucas Jackson, Reuters

The derailment of Amtrak 188 on May 12th forever changed the lives of many people. Eight lives were lost, many were injured and families were broken. I take Amtrak a few times a year and know many others that do too. Thankfully I don’t think anyone I know was onboard, but my heart goes out to those who were.

Photo: Amtrak.com

Joe Boardman, President & CEO of Amtrak Photo: Amtrak.com

I’ve been impressed about how Amtrak has handled this tragic event. President and CEO Joe Boardman stated, “Amtrak takes full responsibility and deeply apologizes for our role in this tragic event.” You almost never hear a leader say that.

Everything that I’ve read and heard about how Amtrak has responded to this situation has been positive. Good for them for doing things right. I thought Mr. Boardman might like to get a note letting him know that we are watching and appreciate his leadership during this difficult time.

Day 138-2

Dear Mr. Boardman,

Day 138

I embossed the letters and added washi tape to the bottom of this card.

Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and the entire Amtrak family for the recent tragedy outside of Philadelphia.

I wanted you to know that I have been very impressed with how you have managed this situation. It’s easy to be at the helm when business is going smoothly, but real leaders are uncovered amidst trying circumstances.

I was on one of the first trains to carry passengers between Philadelphia and New York since the crash on May 12th. As you can see - it was a pretty sparse train, only two other passengers in my car.

I was on one of the first trains to carry passengers between Philadelphia and New York since the crash on May 12th. As you can see – it was a pretty sparse train, only two other passengers in my car.

I was one of the first passengers to ride Amtrak between Philadelphia and New York this morning when the route was reopened. Some questioned whether that was a safe decision on my part. Your leadership and transparency to date definitely played a role in establishing the trust that I have in your organization. Please keep up the good work.

My thoughts are with you, your team and the families of those affected by derailment.

Sincerely,
Reed Sandridge

Sunday Notes & Letters for Week 21

Day 96- Reyes-2Writing a handwritten letter or note every day for the past five months has been so much fun. Today I thought I would share a blog post I found from Traci Bild that talks about why you too should be writing letters and more importantly, why you should write them now instead of later. She’s got six reasons – all good ones.

Who will you write to this week?

 

Day 136: Kevin

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

Day 135: Postmaster General Megan Brennan

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