The Pandemic
Greg's story has been shared in books for different reading levels. The Silhouette Man is geared to adults. The First Thirty is for 5th - 12th grade (or adults who prefer shorter books). The Milkshake Man is geared to Kindergarten - 4th Grade reading level (& kids at heart). A Place To Sit is the companion workbook for The First Thirty or The Silhouette Man. One Lunch is the companion workbook for The Milkshake Man. SCROLL DOWN
Greg normally travels to different places to do readings or teach or speak at companies, schools, events & conferences. When the pandemic limited his ability to travel, he looked for ways he could make a positive impact from home. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SOME EXAMPLES - as well as some of the ways you, your staff, your kids, your family, your organization & your company can get involved if you are interested. And scroll to the very bottom of the page for a photo gallery with additional pictures & examples
(1) BOARDS, STAFF, DONORS, VOLUNTEERS, MEMBERS & CLIENTS
Nonprofits & foundations & organizations & companies have ordered the books for their Board members &/or staff &/or for specific donors / volunteers / members of their organization &/or their clients. Then, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for those people who received those books. During the pandemic, he has been doing this activity with groups in many states like Utah, Wisconsin, Nevada, Alabama, Alaska, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, New York and Mississippi. It has involved groups as small as 5-10 adults (5-10 books) & as large as nearly 200 people (nearly 200 adults). To do this for your Board members, volunteers, donors, staff &/or clients, email us here
Nonprofits & foundations & organizations & companies have ordered the books for their Board members &/or staff &/or for specific donors / volunteers / members of their organization &/or their clients. Then, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for those people who received those books. During the pandemic, he has been doing this activity with groups in many states like Utah, Wisconsin, Nevada, Alabama, Alaska, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, New York and Mississippi. It has involved groups as small as 5-10 adults (5-10 books) & as large as nearly 200 people (nearly 200 adults). To do this for your Board members, volunteers, donors, staff &/or clients, email us here
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To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(2) NONPROFIT TEEN PROGRAMS - AND - MIDDLE SCHOOLS, HIGH SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
During the pandemic, nonprofits that serve teens as well as middle schools, high schools, colleges in places like Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, California, Illinois, New Mexico, South Carolina, Florida & Oregon have gotten the books &/or companion workbooks for students in specific programs, classes or grades (or an entire school). Then, Greg takes part in a long-distance Q&A for that group of students. These pandemic groups have ranged in size from 8 books/students to 100 books/students. To arrange this with your organization or school, Email us here.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(3) LEADERSHIP / YP PROGRAMS
During the pandemic, organizations in places like Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio, Wisconsin & Virginia have gotten copies of the books as a 'common read' book for participants in adult & youth leadership programs as well as young professional programs. Then, after the group reads the books, Greg does a Zoom Q&A session with that group. To arrange something with your organization, Email us here.
During the pandemic, organizations in places like Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio, Wisconsin & Virginia have gotten copies of the books as a 'common read' book for participants in adult & youth leadership programs as well as young professional programs. Then, after the group reads the books, Greg does a Zoom Q&A session with that group. To arrange something with your organization, Email us here.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(4) ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS & YOUTH PROGRAMS
During the pandemic, elementary schools & nonprofits that serve youth in places like California, Washington & Montana have gotten the books &/or workbooks for kids in specific programs, classes or grades (or an entire school) or organizations. Then, Greg takes part in a long-distance Q&A with the group (& their teachers/nonprofit staff /parents). These pandemic groups that have ordered the books for this activity have ranged in size from 6 books/students to 275 books/students. To arrange this, email us here.
(5) CIRCLE OF FRIENDS & CLIENTS
In places Iike Nebraska & Idaho, a parent has gotten copies of the books & workbooks as gifts for their child and their child's circle of close friends - or - a business owner has gotten books for a group of their professional clients. In selected cases, Greg has signed on to take part in a Zoom Q&A with them after they finish the books. To arrange something with your child & their circle of friends (or a group of your professional clients), Email us here.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(6) SENIOR GROUPS
During the pandemic, Greg has been teaming up with senior communities & other organizations that involve older adults in dozens of states such as Arizona, Kansas, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Connecticut, Wyoming, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, & Delaware on a two part project. Part one: group orders the books through the Shop on this website for the seniors to read as a 'Common Read'. Part two: Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for those seniors. For more info, click here. Want to do this? Email us here
During the pandemic, Greg has been teaming up with senior communities & other organizations that involve older adults in dozens of states such as Arizona, Kansas, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Connecticut, Wyoming, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, & Delaware on a two part project. Part one: group orders the books through the Shop on this website for the seniors to read as a 'Common Read'. Part two: Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for those seniors. For more info, click here. Want to do this? Email us here
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(6-b) INDIVIDUAL SENIORS
In addition to many groups ordering the books for groups of seniors (#6 above), individual people & families in places like Maryland, Colorado, Wisconsin, Nebraska & California have ordered copies of the books & workbooks -- and then left it to us to identify seniors who receive them as a surprise gift during this time when many seniors are isolated away from their families.
In addition to many groups ordering the books for groups of seniors (#6 above), individual people & families in places like Maryland, Colorado, Wisconsin, Nebraska & California have ordered copies of the books & workbooks -- and then left it to us to identify seniors who receive them as a surprise gift during this time when many seniors are isolated away from their families.
(7) VETERANS & VET-RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
Greg has teamed up with organizations - including those that support Veterans and/or those founded in honor of a Veteran (&/or those that assist kids of military members) - on a two part activity: The organization gets copies of the books for Veterans and/or for donors & volunteers who support their organization (&/or for kids of military members) - and - then Greg has signed on to do a private group Zoom Q&A with the people who are given those books. In addition, Greg &/or other people have provided copies of the books for individual Veterans during the pandemic. The Vets & Vet-related organizations have been in places like New York, Kentucky & Utah. Want to order copies of the books as a gift for seniors and/or Veterans? Email us
Greg has teamed up with organizations - including those that support Veterans and/or those founded in honor of a Veteran (&/or those that assist kids of military members) - on a two part activity: The organization gets copies of the books for Veterans and/or for donors & volunteers who support their organization (&/or for kids of military members) - and - then Greg has signed on to do a private group Zoom Q&A with the people who are given those books. In addition, Greg &/or other people have provided copies of the books for individual Veterans during the pandemic. The Vets & Vet-related organizations have been in places like New York, Kentucky & Utah. Want to order copies of the books as a gift for seniors and/or Veterans? Email us
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(8) NEW GRADUATES
During the pandemic, Greg has participated in projects for students who are completing programs or schools. For example, when schools, nonprofits, organizations & families in states like Illinois, Michigan & Arkansas have gotten copies of The First Thirty or The Silhouette Man for students graduating from a program or a school, Greg has written letters to those graduates. In one instance, he teamed up with a baker. Thanks to generous people in places like California, Illinois & Minnesota, selected high school graduates in Minnesota received a copy of The First Thirty, a letter of congratulations from Greg & a graduation cake from the baker. To arrange this, email us here.
For more information on the books' connection to scholarship recipients & new graduates, click here.
During the pandemic, Greg has participated in projects for students who are completing programs or schools. For example, when schools, nonprofits, organizations & families in states like Illinois, Michigan & Arkansas have gotten copies of The First Thirty or The Silhouette Man for students graduating from a program or a school, Greg has written letters to those graduates. In one instance, he teamed up with a baker. Thanks to generous people in places like California, Illinois & Minnesota, selected high school graduates in Minnesota received a copy of The First Thirty, a letter of congratulations from Greg & a graduation cake from the baker. To arrange this, email us here.
For more information on the books' connection to scholarship recipients & new graduates, click here.
(9) SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
During the pandemic, Greg has partnered on book-related activities with organizations in places like California that provide students with scholarships. For example, in a town in Alaska, an organization got copies of The First Thirty for its newest scholarship honorees. As an added surprise, the students got to hear from Greg virtually. To arrange this, email us here. For more information on the books' connection to scholarship recipients & new graduates, click here.
During the pandemic, Greg has partnered on book-related activities with organizations in places like California that provide students with scholarships. For example, in a town in Alaska, an organization got copies of The First Thirty for its newest scholarship honorees. As an added surprise, the students got to hear from Greg virtually. To arrange this, email us here. For more information on the books' connection to scholarship recipients & new graduates, click here.
(10) LIBRARIES & LITERACY GROUPS
During the pandemic, Greg has teamed up with libraries & literacy groups in places like Wisconsin, South Dakota, Maine, Idaho, Florida & Iowa. First, they order copies of The Silhouette Man for their staff, Board, volunteers, frequent patrons or Friends of the library -- or -- order copies of The First Thirty for 5th to 12th graders they serve -- or -- order copies of The Milkshake Man for Kindergarten-4th graders they serve. Then, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for the people they gave the books. These groups have ranged from 5 books/people to 100 books/people. To arrange this on behalf of your library or literacy organization, email us.
During the pandemic, Greg has teamed up with libraries & literacy groups in places like Wisconsin, South Dakota, Maine, Idaho, Florida & Iowa. First, they order copies of The Silhouette Man for their staff, Board, volunteers, frequent patrons or Friends of the library -- or -- order copies of The First Thirty for 5th to 12th graders they serve -- or -- order copies of The Milkshake Man for Kindergarten-4th graders they serve. Then, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for the people they gave the books. These groups have ranged from 5 books/people to 100 books/people. To arrange this on behalf of your library or literacy organization, email us.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(11) HOME SCHOOLING / OFFLINE LEARNING
Searching for productive ways for their kids to occupy their time at home during the pandemic, parents in places such as Nevada, Minnesota, Iowa, California, Georgia, Connecticut & Maryland have filled part of that void by ordering The Milkshake Man & companion workbook, One Lunch (for K-4th grade kids) or The First Thirty & companion workbook, A Place To Sit (for 5th-12th grade kids). The workbooks in particular provide hundreds of questions & activities that can be done at home & almost entirely without a computer or phone. In selected instances, Greg has arranged a surprise Zoom visit with the parent & their child. To order copies of the books & workbooks for your own kids, click here.
Searching for productive ways for their kids to occupy their time at home during the pandemic, parents in places such as Nevada, Minnesota, Iowa, California, Georgia, Connecticut & Maryland have filled part of that void by ordering The Milkshake Man & companion workbook, One Lunch (for K-4th grade kids) or The First Thirty & companion workbook, A Place To Sit (for 5th-12th grade kids). The workbooks in particular provide hundreds of questions & activities that can be done at home & almost entirely without a computer or phone. In selected instances, Greg has arranged a surprise Zoom visit with the parent & their child. To order copies of the books & workbooks for your own kids, click here.
(12) HOSPITALS & HEALTH CARE
During the pandemic, Greg teamed up with a hospital in Texas. The hospital ordered the books & workbooks for some of their child patients. In turn, Greg made a video the hospital can play for the kids before they read the books. He made a similar video for a hospital in North Carolina where selected kids will receive copies of The Milkshake Man from a donor to the hospital. In places like Texas & Kentucky, hospital & health care-related foundations or nonprofits have ordered copies of The Silhouette Man for staff or valued volunteers or Board Members. And in turn, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for the people they gave the books. To do one of these things with your hospital or health care-related organization or foundation, email us here
During the pandemic, Greg teamed up with a hospital in Texas. The hospital ordered the books & workbooks for some of their child patients. In turn, Greg made a video the hospital can play for the kids before they read the books. He made a similar video for a hospital in North Carolina where selected kids will receive copies of The Milkshake Man from a donor to the hospital. In places like Texas & Kentucky, hospital & health care-related foundations or nonprofits have ordered copies of The Silhouette Man for staff or valued volunteers or Board Members. And in turn, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for the people they gave the books. To do one of these things with your hospital or health care-related organization or foundation, email us here
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(13) INTERNSHIPS Each semester, Greg typically has 1 or 2 off-site interns from high schools or colleges around the country. Knowing many students are cooped up at home & looking for productive ways to spend their time, this gave him an idea -- offer some additional off-site student internships. The pandemic-period internships have included some great students from Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida, Virginia, & Wisconsin.
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To read more about previous interns, click here. If you are a rising junior or senior in high school, or a college student and interested in a possible off-site internship during the pandemic, message us here.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(14) FAMILY ACTIVITY
The book series shares the story in different forms for different reading levels. So, families in places such as Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio & Missouri have been able to use the books (& workbooks) as an full-family activity while sheltering at home: the kids (depending on their age) read The Milkshake Man or The First Thirty while the parents read The Silhouette Man. And then, the parents & kids can do the workbooks together & discuss the story's lessons together. To order the books & companion workbooks for your family, click here.
The book series shares the story in different forms for different reading levels. So, families in places such as Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio & Missouri have been able to use the books (& workbooks) as an full-family activity while sheltering at home: the kids (depending on their age) read The Milkshake Man or The First Thirty while the parents read The Silhouette Man. And then, the parents & kids can do the workbooks together & discuss the story's lessons together. To order the books & companion workbooks for your family, click here.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(15) PARTIAL PROCEEDS TO GREAT CAUSES
For many nonprofits, the pandemic made it harder to raise funds. This led to an idea: During the crisis, we have provided selected individuals in places like Missouri and Texas the chance to recommend the books & workbooks to their friends -- and we will donate 10% of the proceeds of those particular sales to a cause they select. In some cases, such as a family in Massachusetts, the people leading the project chose to try to do it as a fundraiser for their child's school (&/or the school's PTO). Want to do this? Email us.
For many nonprofits, the pandemic made it harder to raise funds. This led to an idea: During the crisis, we have provided selected individuals in places like Missouri and Texas the chance to recommend the books & workbooks to their friends -- and we will donate 10% of the proceeds of those particular sales to a cause they select. In some cases, such as a family in Massachusetts, the people leading the project chose to try to do it as a fundraiser for their child's school (&/or the school's PTO). Want to do this? Email us.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(16) CONNECTING DOTS During the pandemic, Greg has looked for ways to connect people with resources, information, opportunities &/or other people. Examples include connecting: a farmer in Wisconsin - with - information on a program for farmers hit financially by the pandemic, a writer from Virginia - with - a magazine in Michigan that hired her to write an article; and a man in Illinois - with - a man in Colorado who hired him for a project. Think about people you know who are impacted by the pandemic & connect them with a person, resource or article that might be helpful. Feel free to friend Greg on social media as well.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(17) DEALING WITH GRIEF, LOSS & ISOLATION
As a single person sheltering at home during the pandemic, Greg got a sense of how pandemic isolation can take a toll. This became especially clear in June 2020 when a man tragically took his own life a few feet from where Greg happened to be sitting. To make matters worse, in December 2020, Greg's home was badly damaged by water coming from elsewhere in the building. In July 2021, he learned one of his closest friends died during the pandemic (and other friends passed away during the pandemic as well). To address his isolation, Greg has volunteered time to dogsit & foster dogs during the pandemic (which he also did pre-pandemic). To help other people deal with grief, loss & isolation, he began sending brief 'check in' messages to single friends, senior citizens, his friends' parents who are widows, friends who work in 'front line' positions (i.e. hospitals or grocery stores). He also made a point to continue to respond promptly when people write him -- knowing it's possible their note, no matter the topic, is a way to 'reach out' to someone while they're struggling with isolation or depression. Pick some people you know who have 'solo isolated' &/or who are widows, who work in hospitals / health care &/or who work elsewhere on the front lines (such as truck drivers, postal workers, grocery store staff) and send them check-in notes. If someone writes you during the pandemic, write them back promptly -- even if it seems like they wrote you about something insignificant.
As a single person sheltering at home during the pandemic, Greg got a sense of how pandemic isolation can take a toll. This became especially clear in June 2020 when a man tragically took his own life a few feet from where Greg happened to be sitting. To make matters worse, in December 2020, Greg's home was badly damaged by water coming from elsewhere in the building. In July 2021, he learned one of his closest friends died during the pandemic (and other friends passed away during the pandemic as well). To address his isolation, Greg has volunteered time to dogsit & foster dogs during the pandemic (which he also did pre-pandemic). To help other people deal with grief, loss & isolation, he began sending brief 'check in' messages to single friends, senior citizens, his friends' parents who are widows, friends who work in 'front line' positions (i.e. hospitals or grocery stores). He also made a point to continue to respond promptly when people write him -- knowing it's possible their note, no matter the topic, is a way to 'reach out' to someone while they're struggling with isolation or depression. Pick some people you know who have 'solo isolated' &/or who are widows, who work in hospitals / health care &/or who work elsewhere on the front lines (such as truck drivers, postal workers, grocery store staff) and send them check-in notes. If someone writes you during the pandemic, write them back promptly -- even if it seems like they wrote you about something insignificant.
(18) WRITING BOOKS
The 'down time' caused by the pandemic provides a chance to write & create. Greg has used the time to complete the 15th Anniversary edition of his book, The First Thirty as well as the Updated Edition of his workbook (A Place To Sit) & continue work on his next book. To see the front covers & page 1 reviews of his existing books & the updated edition of the workbook, click here. To be notified when his next book comes out down the road, send a message here. And you don't need to be an author to write things during the pandemic. You can write...a letter to a relative, a letter to seniors in a nursing home, a thank you note to first responders or hospital staff or grocery store staff or other people making an impact during this crisis. You also can keep a Pandemic Diary.
The 'down time' caused by the pandemic provides a chance to write & create. Greg has used the time to complete the 15th Anniversary edition of his book, The First Thirty as well as the Updated Edition of his workbook (A Place To Sit) & continue work on his next book. To see the front covers & page 1 reviews of his existing books & the updated edition of the workbook, click here. To be notified when his next book comes out down the road, send a message here. And you don't need to be an author to write things during the pandemic. You can write...a letter to a relative, a letter to seniors in a nursing home, a thank you note to first responders or hospital staff or grocery store staff or other people making an impact during this crisis. You also can keep a Pandemic Diary.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(19) WRITING ARTICLES
During the pandemic, Greg has continued writing articles for various magazines. The pandemic-timed pieces have primarily been related to people helping people deal with obstacles & challenges. He interviewed a chef in North Carolina (who uses food to bring a community together) for a magazine in Louisiana. For a magazine in Oregon, he interviewed an expert on dealing with grief and loss. For a magazine in Michigan, he interviewed the head of a bridal salon that raises money for a nonprofit that helps families affected by cancer. For another magazine in Michigan, he interviewed a veterinarian who has continued to help animals during the pandemic. To see a sample of his magazine articles, click here.
During the pandemic, Greg has continued writing articles for various magazines. The pandemic-timed pieces have primarily been related to people helping people deal with obstacles & challenges. He interviewed a chef in North Carolina (who uses food to bring a community together) for a magazine in Louisiana. For a magazine in Oregon, he interviewed an expert on dealing with grief and loss. For a magazine in Michigan, he interviewed the head of a bridal salon that raises money for a nonprofit that helps families affected by cancer. For another magazine in Michigan, he interviewed a veterinarian who has continued to help animals during the pandemic. To see a sample of his magazine articles, click here.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(20) BIRTHDAYS
During the pandemic, many kids have not been able to have big birthday celebrations. So, families have tried to come up with alternative ways to make their kids smile on their special day. As a way to help with that, when people in places like Oregon, Michigan & Illinois have gotten the books for someone celebrating their birthday during the pandemic, Greg began adding personal birthday notes to go with those books. In addition, beginning with a person in Massachusetts, people celebrating their own birthdays have 'paid it forward' by ordering copies for kids celebrating birthdays during the pandemic. If you want to get the books for someone's birthday, send a message here so the order can be flagged & Greg can write a note to them.
During the pandemic, many kids have not been able to have big birthday celebrations. So, families have tried to come up with alternative ways to make their kids smile on their special day. As a way to help with that, when people in places like Oregon, Michigan & Illinois have gotten the books for someone celebrating their birthday during the pandemic, Greg began adding personal birthday notes to go with those books. In addition, beginning with a person in Massachusetts, people celebrating their own birthdays have 'paid it forward' by ordering copies for kids celebrating birthdays during the pandemic. If you want to get the books for someone's birthday, send a message here so the order can be flagged & Greg can write a note to them.
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(21) THE ELEVATOR PROJECT
Through The Elevator Project, chambers of commerce, CVB's, other organizations, families & individuals order extra copies of The Silhouette Man to be given to people in a neighboring community (or their own community) who are spotted being kind & hospitable. The Project is now in its 15th year. During the pandemic, this project continues to be carried out by sponsors in states like Ohio, New York, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, Illinois, Idaho & Oregon. Do you, your family, your organization or company want to sponsor The Elevator Project in your community? Email us
Through The Elevator Project, chambers of commerce, CVB's, other organizations, families & individuals order extra copies of The Silhouette Man to be given to people in a neighboring community (or their own community) who are spotted being kind & hospitable. The Project is now in its 15th year. During the pandemic, this project continues to be carried out by sponsors in states like Ohio, New York, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, Illinois, Idaho & Oregon. Do you, your family, your organization or company want to sponsor The Elevator Project in your community? Email us
To order your own copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
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To read additional reviews
on the books, click here * For the Readers Gallery, click here * To order any of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
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