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Day 154: Anthony Kaczynski

Posted on June 3, 2015 | 1 comment
This post card is from Joon Bar & Kitchen which is at the very end of Cape Cod, 119 miles away from Tavern at the End of the World.

This post card is from Joon Bar & Kitchen which is at the very end of Cape Cod, 119 miles away from Tavern at the End of the World.

Back on May 21st I left an anonymous note at a bar in Charlestown, MA. Along with my note, I included a five dollar bill for the finder to get themself a refreshing beverage. I’ve left similar anonymous notes in various places but have yet to ever hear from the people who have found them – until today.

Anthony Kaczynski, a musician who says he plays regularly at the Tavern at the End of the World where I left the letter, dropped me a note in the mail along with his band Fireking’s CD. Sweet!

Their music is loud, energetic rock n roll. I enjoyed it, but I have a feeling that seeing them live is the real treat. You can check out Fireking here. Enjoy.

Day 154

Anthony,

Thank you for your letter – I’m glad you found my note at the Tavern at the End of the World. The Year of Letters has been an awesome project and making random connections like this one is just one of the many cool things that have happened along the way. I enjoyed your CD, thank you for sending that. You guys rock! I’d love to see you guys live. If you ever venture down to our nation’s capital, let me know!

Keep on kicking ass!
Reed

 

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Day 152: Will Hayes & Chris Long of the St. Louis Rams

Posted on June 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

Yesterday I saw an ESPN video that featured Will Hayes and Chris Long, two players on the St. Louis Rams football team. They spent the night out on the streets of St. Louis to learn what it was like to be homeless for a night. Check out the video.

Photo: ESPN

Photo: ESPN

Homelessness is something that is close to my heart so I dropped them a note. Speaking of homelessness, those of you in DC should join me tomorrow night, June 2nd, for the Street Sense Awards night where journalists are recognized for the best stories covering homelessness from the past year.

Day 152

Will and Chris,

I saw the ESPN video where you spent a night on the streets of St. Louis. I’ve been on the board of directors of a local homeless organization here in our nation’s capital for the past three years. Street Sense gives men and women experiencing homelessness economic opportunities.

Day 152-3I see that you’ll be here in DC to play Washington on Sept. 20, 2015. It’d be a pleasure to meet you both or introduce you to some of the homeless here if you were able to stay an extra day. It would make an inspiring story – spreading your work and awareness to other cities you visit this year. Maybe we could get a few players from Washington to join.

It would be great to hear from you regardless. I applaud you both for your willingness to see the people you met for more than just their current status of their housing. Your story inspired me, and many others, and I thank you for sharing your experience.

All the best (except against the Steelers),
Reed Sandridge

Day 152-2

 

 

UPDATE June 1, 2015

St. Louis Rams Defensive End Chris Long got in touch with me yesterday via Twitter. Very cool!

Screen Shot 2015-06-02 at 8.23.38 AM

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Day 146: Dad

Posted on May 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

Day 146

Dad,

When I look back at the letters that I have from you and Mom growing up, the majority were sent while I was spending time away from home at camp, as an exchange student, at college, etc. I’ve kept those letters, I treasure them. They bring back beautiful memories when I hold them in my hand and read the words that you wrote by hand.

As you spend time at the cabin, I thought you could use some mail. It was great to see you this past weekend – I really enjoyed the time we got to spend together.

DadJason

With Dad at a Nationals game a few years ago.

I wonder if you saw the Nats yesterday – close game, they beat the cubs 2-1, Ramos hit the game winning home run. You should google Michael Taylor’s catch if you didn’t see it already, beautiful!

Things here are going fine. I got your check for the Street Sense event on June 2nd. Thank you, that was very generous of you. Put Oct. 1st on your calendar – the 2015 Street Sense Gala. It’s shaping up to be a really cool event.

I’m going over to Ryan’s tonight to babysit Jacqueline and Mackenzie – Ryan and Mandy are going to see comedienne Amy Schumer.

We need to talk about our trip to Europe – we put it on hold as I recall when you had your knee surgery, but that’s been four years now and we still haven’t made plans for the trip.

I’m not sure how long you’re planning on staying up there, but maybe I will try to come visit. And I hope you know that you are always welcome here – I really enjoy when you visit. Maybe we can find time for you to come when we can get to a couple of Nationals games. That would be fun.

I know you have things you want to get done up there, but I hope you take some time to relax and enjoy yourself too.

I love you very much,
Jason

Day 146-2

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

Posted on May 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

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!

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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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