New Year. Old Friends.
The beginning of a New Year gets us all dreaming and scheming. We make big plans and resolutions in the hopes that 2024 will be better than 2023. Somewhere around mid-January the enthusiasm fades and we find ourselves less resolute about resolutions.
But this year, I made a plan. I added it to my Google Calendar. I drew up goals and a timeframe. And the last part of the equation to ensure my 2024 goal is a success? Sharing it with everyone, to hold myself accountable.
My 2024 New Year’s Resolution is to “hang out” more with friends. It’s a new year, but I want to reconnect with old friends. You may remember this topic from the October 20th Weekly Report, where I mentioned the Surgeon General’s report “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”
Our increasing dependence upon digital technology over the past 20 years has created a major mental and physical health crisis in America. Our circle of friends in getting smaller and we “hang out” with them less and less. The result takes a toll on our health.
On New Year’s Eve I sent a dreaded “group text” to buddies of mine. We live in three different states and one lives in South America. I’ve known them for almost 30 years and we used to get together every year for a “boys weekend.” The purpose ostensibly was to visit every major league baseball park in America. But the real reason was to simply “hang out” and have fun. A number of years have gone by since we last made the effort to do “the trip.” Our busy lives got in the way and we’ve lost touch. The Pandemic crushed us a few years ago when we tried to revive our annual outing.
I’m happy to announce that the “Chicago 5” (aka Jim, Sean, John, Jeff, and yours truly) will be visiting our 15th MLB ballpark in Arlington, Texas on April 27-28 to see the reigning World Series champs — the Texas Rangers. 15 ballparks down and 15 more to go.
Parting advice. If you have a resolution for 2024, then make a plan and do it. But whatever you do, try to do it with friends. Do it in person and not over text or Zoom. Loss of social connection is indeed an epidemic. The cure is simply re-connecting.
MONDAY:
IT’S A NEW YEAR – DING!
My New Year’s resolution to “hang out” more started out with a whimper, instead of a bang, as I opted out of the party scene and crashed on a couch two hours before the ball dropped in Times Square. But I was awakened moments after midnight with 37 texts, Facebook messages, emails, and various other pings, dings, and alerts.
TUESDAY:
HOLIDAY BREAK
Over the Holiday Break, Communications Director Kent Brockwell and his family visited our client Fort Monroe. The visit was not official work, but rather a chance to learn some cool history and enjoy the beautiful views! Located one hour from Richmond on the Hampton waterfront, Fort Monroe is a great day trip. Check them out and plan a visit!
WEDNESDAY:
ON THE RADIO!
On Wednesday, we made the short trip over to Capitol Square with our friends at Metro Productions, who helped us with recording some radio spots with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares for our Ceasefire Virginia campaign. In addition to the awesome broadcast PSA I mentioned in the past few Weekly Reports, we are also producing a series of radio spots to help educate Virginians about this campaign. We thought we’d be there for three hours, but Mr. Miyares is a total pro and knocked out all the spots in less than an hour. I’m looking forward to sharing the final products with you soon!
THURSDAY:
ONE PILL CAN KILL
Madison+Main has worked on many public advocacy campaigns, like reducing gun violence and human trafficking and we are pleased to announce we’re helping the Commonwealth launch One Pill Can Kill, a multi-media campaign to help reduce the epidemic of opioid overdoses in Virginia. Sadly seven Virginians die each and every day from an accidental overdose. Stay tuned, the campaign launches at the end of the month and will include billboards, digital, and social media all around the state.
FRIDAY:
LEANNE 2024!!
I’m so excited to announce that our own Director of Business Development Leanne Pillow is Director no longer — we’re proud to say she has been promoted to Vice President of Madison+Main. Leanne has been a HUGE reason for our success over the past five years. Feel free to leave her some love on our social media.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Fort Monroe Presents: NPS Walking Tour–Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a Nation
January 17, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road | Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Learn more and plan your visit!
Join Fort Monroe for a ranger-led walking tour to explore the history of Fort Monroe. Learn about the establishment of the 3rd system, the role of the “Gibraltar of the Chesapeake” in local and national defense, and the diverse workforce constructing the largest fortification in the western hemisphere.
Reservations are not required.
Free Admission. Weather permitting.
DOMINION ENERGY GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
Nightly through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | 1800 Lakeside Avenue | Richmond, Virginia 23228
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a favorite tradition featuring millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, warming fire, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more!
Get tickets online before going, or buy at the door – and don’t miss it!
“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.“ — Muhammad Ali