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 reading level (and adults who prefer shorter books). The Milkshake Man is geared to Kindergarten - 4th Grade reading level (including ESL / adult learners) as well as 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 in different communities. SCROLL DOWN to see some examples of those pandemic-time activities & scroll to the 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, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, and Mississippi.
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, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, and Mississippi.
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To order copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(2) NONPROFIT TEEN PROGRAMS - AND - MIDDLE SCHOOLS, HIGH SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
During the pandemic, nonprofits & organizations that serve teens -- as well as -- middle schools, high schools, colleges in places like Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, California, Illinois, New York, New Mexico, Indiana, 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.
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To order copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(3) YP PROGRAMS / LEADERSHIP / YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
During the pandemic, organizations in places like Georgia, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ohio, Wisconsin & Virginia have gotten the books 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.
During the pandemic, organizations in places like Georgia, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ohio, Wisconsin & Virginia have gotten the books 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.
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To order copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(4) ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS & YOUTH PROGRAMS
During the pandemic, nonprofits & camps that serve youth - as well as - elementary schools in places like California, Hawaii, Washington, New York, & 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)
During the pandemic, nonprofits & camps that serve youth - as well as - elementary schools in places like California, Hawaii, Washington, New York, & 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)
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(5) CIRCLE OF FRIENDS &/OR CIRCLE OF CLIENTS
In places Iike Nebraska, Kansas & Idaho, a person has gotten copies of the books and/or workbooks as gifts for their circle of adult friends or for 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 order 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, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania & 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.
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, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania & 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.
To order 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 & MILITARY-RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
Greg has teamed up with groups that support Veterans &/or were founded in honor of a Veteran (as well as youth centers for military members' kids) on a 2 part activity: The group gets the books for Veterans &/or for donors & volunteers who support their organization (&/or for military members' kids) - and - then Greg has signed on to do a private group Zoom Q&A with the individuals who are given those books. In addition, people have provided copies of the books &/or workbooks for individual Veterans &/or the children of military members during the pandemic. The Vets & Vet-related organizations & bases have been in places like New York, Illinois, Oklahoma, Washington, Kentucky & Utah.
Greg has teamed up with groups that support Veterans &/or were founded in honor of a Veteran (as well as youth centers for military members' kids) on a 2 part activity: The group gets the books for Veterans &/or for donors & volunteers who support their organization (&/or for military members' kids) - and - then Greg has signed on to do a private group Zoom Q&A with the individuals who are given those books. In addition, people have provided copies of the books &/or workbooks for individual Veterans &/or the children of military members during the pandemic. The Vets & Vet-related organizations & bases have been in places like New York, Illinois, Oklahoma, Washington, Kentucky & Utah.
To order 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. 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. 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 / ESL PROGRAMS
During the pandemic, Greg has teamed up with libraries, literacy groups & ESL programs in places like Wisconsin, Arizona, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Florida & Iowa. First, they order copies of The Silhouette Man for their staff, Board, volunteers or donors -- or -- order copies of The First Thirty for students (youth &/or adults who are 5th to 12th grade reading level) they serve -- or -- order copies of The Milkshake Man for students (youth &/or adults who are Kindergarten-4th grade reading level) they serve. Then, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for the people they gave the books. In some instances, libraries have specifically done this for a group of "future authors" or "aspiring writers.
During the pandemic, Greg has teamed up with libraries, literacy groups & ESL programs in places like Wisconsin, Arizona, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Florida & Iowa. First, they order copies of The Silhouette Man for their staff, Board, volunteers or donors -- or -- order copies of The First Thirty for students (youth &/or adults who are 5th to 12th grade reading level) they serve -- or -- order copies of The Milkshake Man for students (youth &/or adults who are Kindergarten-4th grade reading level) they serve. Then, Greg does a private Zoom Q&A for the people they gave the books. In some instances, libraries have specifically done this for a group of "future authors" or "aspiring writers.
To order copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(11) INTERGENERATIONAL GROUPS
The books include a significant focus on an intergenerational bond (the main character and his grandparent). That has led to an intergenerational activity during the pandemic. Organizations that work with people of different ages in places like Oregon, Illinois and Michigan have ordered copies of the different books and workbooks for adults and students with different reading levels -- and then -- Greg has done a Zoom Q&A for that intergenerational group of adults & students to participate in together.
The books include a significant focus on an intergenerational bond (the main character and his grandparent). That has led to an intergenerational activity during the pandemic. Organizations that work with people of different ages in places like Oregon, Illinois and Michigan have ordered copies of the different books and workbooks for adults and students with different reading levels -- and then -- Greg has done a Zoom Q&A for that intergenerational group of adults & students to participate in together.
(12) GLOBAL PROGRAMS
During the pandemic, Greg has tried to make the most of technology to take part in positive experiences in other countries. For example, he did a Q&A via Zoom for university students in their final day of a communications course in Turkey. For more on Greg's experiences in other countries, click here
To order 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. During the pandemic, he has offered extra off-site student internships, and he has been flexible about the internships' length -- allowing the students to shorten or lengthen them. The pandemic-period internships have ranged from several weeks to several semesters in length. The crew of 'pandemic interns' have included great students from Missouri, Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida, Virginia, & Wisconsin.
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To read more about previous interns, click here.
To order copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(14) LONG DISTANCE HELLO
For groups that can't do Zoom for one reason or another, Greg has teamed up on an alternative 2 part pandemic-timed activity: (1) Group gets the books (and in some cases, the companion workbooks) for the people they serve, and then (2) Greg provides a link to a brief (usually around 3 minutes) "Hello" video that can be played for those people before they read the books. The participating groups have included shelters for youth, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, organizations involved in foster care, nursing homes and other organizations & companies that support seniors in places like Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, California, Montana, Rhode Island and Michigan.
For groups that can't do Zoom for one reason or another, Greg has teamed up on an alternative 2 part pandemic-timed activity: (1) Group gets the books (and in some cases, the companion workbooks) for the people they serve, and then (2) Greg provides a link to a brief (usually around 3 minutes) "Hello" video that can be played for those people before they read the books. The participating groups have included shelters for youth, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, organizations involved in foster care, nursing homes and other organizations & companies that support seniors in places like Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, California, Montana, Rhode Island and Michigan.
(15) 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 copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(16) 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.
(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 was sitting. To make matters worse, during the pandemic, he also has endured: his apartment was badly damaged by water coming from elsewhere in the building; his family dog died; one of his closest friends (& other friends) died; and he had his own serious health scare that led him to the hospital. To address his isolation and to shift his focus away from the obstacles and onto positive things, 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 (e.g. hospitals, grocery stores).
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 was sitting. To make matters worse, during the pandemic, he also has endured: his apartment was badly damaged by water coming from elsewhere in the building; his family dog died; one of his closest friends (& other friends) died; and he had his own serious health scare that led him to the hospital. To address his isolation and to shift his focus away from the obstacles and onto positive things, 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 (e.g. hospitals, grocery stores).
(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, the 2nd Anniversary edition of his book, The Milkshake Man, and Updated Editions of his workbooks (A Place To Sit and One Lunch) -- and -- to continue work on his next book. To see the front covers & page 1 reviews of his books & workbooks, click here. To be notified when his next book comes out down the road, send a message here.
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, the 2nd Anniversary edition of his book, The Milkshake Man, and Updated Editions of his workbooks (A Place To Sit and One Lunch) -- and -- to continue work on his next book. To see the front covers & page 1 reviews of his books & workbooks, click here. To be notified when his next book comes out down the road, send a message here.
To order 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 copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(20) 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. 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.
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. 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 order 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 books 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, Oklahoma, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, Illinois, Idaho, Nevada & 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 books 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, Oklahoma, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, Illinois, Idaho, Nevada & Oregon. Do you, your family, your organization or company want to sponsor The Elevator Project in your community? Email us
To order copies of the books or workbooks, visit the Shop
(22) 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.
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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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