Don’t Forget To Live
Today marks the 137th day of the COVID-19 pandemic and during those four and half months, we’ve been collectively focussed on not dying. We’re doing everything we can to dodge death — wearing masks, washing and sanitizing our hands, staying six feet away from others, and avoiding contact. We’ve closed down businesses and schools and at one point, even the great outdoors.
And while we’ve been so busy not dying, we forgot about living. We sit at home. We’re afraid to go out. We’re in the ‘Dog Days’ of summer and school starts soon, in one form or another. Before you know it, Labor Day will be here and we will wonder where summer went. So this week, I encourage you — my colleagues, friends, and business associates — to get out there and take this opportunity to start living again. Get outside, go to a restaurant, and do anything that’s not virtual. Do something that’s real.
I repeat: Get OUT of your house!
Don’t be so afraid of dying that you forget about living.
Monday, August 10 — Decades of Dedication
On Monday the Madison+Main-iacs virtually helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hilliard House Shelter ribbon cutting. We are so proud of the entire Housing Families First team for reaching such a monumental milestone and constantly providing families experiencing homelessness with the tools to achieve housing stability for two decades. To show your support and help them extend their effort for many more years, make a $20 to their nonprofit organization by texting “20for20” to 243725. If you’d rather donate goods such as snack bags, all-purpose cleaners, and blankets, you can do that too!
Tuesday, August 11 — Annnd Action!
On Tuesday, Account Executive Andrew Simpson and I were on set for an all-day TV shoot for our clients at Hermitage Richmond. When Andrew wasn’t indulging himself with ice cream Drumsticks, I encouraged him to sneak into a few shots. Special thanks to our friends at Broadscope Media for producing the spot and helping us beat the heat.
Wednesday, August 12 — Happy Birthday To The Little Girls & Big Girls
August 12 is a big day around Madison+Main. President & Chief Operating Officer Molly Whitfield’s youngest turned one year old so we all wished happy birthday to Georgia Grace Whitfield. We also wished my oldest Harriet Brookes Saunders a.k.a. Hattie a very happy 22nd birthday, as she celebrates her special week in Nashville. In the not-so-lyrical words of Taylor Swift, “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22.” With apologies to Miss Swift, I’m feeling every single bit of 52.
On Wednesday afternoon, Communications Director Kent Brockwell took a trip down to Irvington, Virginia to handle a great PR opportunity for our friends at Compass Entertainment Complex. He reports that the full-service 28,000 square-foot family entertainment center is putting the final touches on everything in preparation for its September 4th opening and it looks fantastic. Kent had full access to try out all the new climbing walls, arcade games, electric go-karts, batting cages, bumper cars, and mini golf. We were shocked that he actually came back to Richmond later in the day.
Thursday, August 13 — Operation School Nurses
Our friends at the Virginia Association of School Nurses got some great press last week from the Virginia Mercury. This week, we’ve been helping them with a PR campaign to bring statewide attention to the fact that some school districts in Virginia do not employ a single school nurse. In fact, unlike more than half of the states in our great nation, Virginia still does not have legislation requiring the hiring of registered school nurses. Hopefully, that will change for the better at next week’s special session at the General Assembly.
Friday, August 14 — When Life Gives You Lemons…
Today, the good folks at Hermitage Roanoke are partnering with Deb’s Frozen Lemonade to lift some spirits as they host a Drive-Thru Lemonade Parade. As you read this, folks are lining up their vehicles inside their senior living community decorated with signs, streamers, posters, and balloons. Pinnacle Living CEO Chris Henderson states, “Although celebrations have taken on a different look during the pandemic, our community will continue to recognize our residents, team members, and family members in ways that minimize contact yet maximize fun and inclusiveness.”
A Few of Our Favorite Events
4308 Hermitage Road | Richmond, VA
October 24, 2020 | TBD
Our good friend, Bobby Kelland from Aflac, is gearing up for his second non-profit bike ride this year on behalf of Andrea Starr and the Forward Foundation. This time, it’s a 50-mile ride from Bryan Park to Ashland and back. The ride will raise money to support single mothers and provide them financial assistance for quality childcare, as well as educational workshops. Donate today online or text “Donate” and the amount to 804-352-2820 (ex: Donate $5) to help him reach his $15,000 goal by October 24.
Master Distiller’s Dinner at A. Smith Bowman Distillery
1 Bowman Drive | Fredericksburg, VA
November 14, 2020 | 6-9 p.m.
Smith Bowman Distillery and Earth Apple LLC have partnered to bring you a unique bourbon experience! Master Distiller Brian Prewitt will start the evening off with a guided tasting of rare Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Whiskies, accompanied by delectable small bites specially selected by Chef Jessica Wilkins. Following the tasting, Chef Jessica will treat guests to a 3-course dinner served with carefully crafted bourbon cocktails. Tickets will cost $125 per person and go on sale October 14 at 10 a.m. via Eventbrite.
Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!
“Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.”
— Elbert Hubbard