FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FEATURE STORY - AUTHOR FEATURED AT GOOD IN THE HOOD

PORTLAND OREGON

DATE: June 27, 2017

 

Best Children's Book Ever! Portland Publisher and Author Featured at Good In The Hood - Best Ride Ever! Featuring Oaks Park

 

PORTLAND, OREGON – Portland creative innovator, community media legend and African American editor and publisher Raymond F. Quinton entertained kids at last weekend's Good In The Hood celebration. Quinton was sponsored by First Student Transportation and signed books for community kids. Quinton's current series of popular Children's books features Bus Driver Raymond and Oaks Park. First Transit used this opportunity to support kids literacy, positive bus driver role models and fundraise for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 

“This was a great opportunity to create a lot of awareness not just for a cool kids book, but to show the community that we are strong and positive,” Quinton said about the recent events concerning the event.

 

Quinton spent the day talking with kids, community leaders, and signing and giving away books.

 

“The kids were so excited to read about Oaks Park. And when I showed them my picture as Bus Driver Raymond their eyes lit up. This great local topic is a sure way to engage kids and get them reading and they're excited to see a real bus driver role model in the book and in person,” Quinton said.

 

Never one to do anything simple, Quinton has a knack for doing the unusual and scoring hits. After completing his last stint as fundraiser and media director for the large and popular green expo, The Better Living Show, he teamed up with his oldest child to produce a picture book for kids featuring Oaks Park. The book was inspired by his two seasons working as a ride operator.

 

"After seven years of intense, stressful contract/commission-based development and sales, I really needed to do something completely different; something that did NOT require staring at a screen and something that was fun" Quinton said. "So in the spring of 2015, I saw a listing on Mac's List for ride operators. I wasn't sure at first, but I met the executive director, Joe Norling, and office manager Laura Mcglothlin and they inspired me to come on board."

 

Quinton pointed out that Norling and Mcglothlin both warned him that there would be 10-hour days and he would be on his feet most of the time. To top that off, they said it would be hot and crowded and would involve a lot of customer service.

 

"I said that was perfect," Quinton said, "I'll do what I always do; try to be the best ride operator on earth and have as much fun as possible."

 

That summer, Quinton split his time between Oaks Park and Portland International Airport, where he worked as a baggage handler for the arriving International flights. "I was right there with the planes as they landed. It was and is the coolest job I've ever had. I know I sound like a big kid, but I believe it's important to never lose that sense of wonder. Along with spending the summer planning new writing projects, I also discovered that I love all things that drive, fly, move, lift, and transport, especially trains.”

 

"When my kids were younger, I always picked out the Bob the Builder books and The Magic School Bus." Quinton eventually got his CDL and started driving anything he could get his hands on, eventually securing Union positions with First Student, SPPlus, driving parking shuttles and the International Arrivals Shuttle, the PCC shuttle bus, and he even spent the winter training to operate the Lake Oswego Trolley, another historic Portland institution. He is a certified Motorman 2, and said Portlanders might find him at the controls this summer.

 

Quinton currently lives with his wife in the Cully neighborhood and exploring current printing and publishing opportunities.

 

"The Best Ride Ever! makes me smile every time I read it. I remember the long days working at the park, but what stands out most is the extended, unadulterated, unmitigated JOY in the faces of all those kids and adults. Anybody that tells you happiness is not infectious should work at Oaks Park. I just loved it, and when I look at the pictures, I can see the park through the eyes of a child. I can also hear them reading or trying to learn new words. I also hear them saying what I heard all summer long - BEST RIDE EVER!”

 

ABOUT THE BEST RIDE EVER! - The Best Ride Ever! is available at Amazon in Print ($9.99 - 8.5 x 8.5) and digital e-book ($2.99). Quinton is available for readings and guest appearances. FTNPress will also do custom press runs for organizations and events in two formats (11 x 8.5 - Booklet 11 x 5.5). They will also be available during the summer at the Oaks Park Gift shop (price to be determined).

 

CUSTOM PRINT PROJECTS - FTNPress is currently looking at other amusement park and transportation clients for custom children's books. Projects are written, produced, photographed and printed by FTNPress and include some client information and logos. As well, FTNPress will print books for Children's events, trade shows and schools. Minimum print run is 25 books. Pricing is available upon request.

 

Contact

Press & Editorial Staff - FTNPress - 503-933-0120 - Email - Raymondftn@gmail.com - www.bestridesever.com

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Raymond F. Quinton - Writer - Editor - Publisher

Active Member – ATU – Teamsters – Volunteer Motorman 2 for Willamette Shores Trolley

Below pictures - 2017 ATU 100th anniversary picnic & Good In The Hood 2017

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PRESS RELEASE - APRIL 29,2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FEATURE STORY

PORTLAND OREGON

DATE: APRIL 21, 2017

 

Best Children's Book Ever! Portland Publisher and Author Debuts 2 New Books - Best Ride Ever! Featuring Oaks Park and Writing By The Seat of My Pants: Book #1 in an event at Clyde's on Sandy April 29, 2017.

 

Quinton, a mainstay in the Portland creative scene also celebrates his birthday on the same day. Alex Bond, local restaurateur and new owner of Clyde's is hosting the private event to kick of what Quinton hopes is a series of books featuring amusement parks and transportation.

 

Never one to do anything simple, Quinton has a knack for doing the unusual and scoring hits. After completing his last stint as development and media director for the large and popular green expo, The Better Living Show, he teamed up with his oldest child to produce a picture book for kids featuring Oaks Park. The book was inspired by his two seasons working as a ride operator.

 

"After seven years of intense, stressful commission-based development and sales, I really needed to do something completely different; something that did NOT require staring at a screen and something that was fun" Quinton said. "So in the spring of 2015, I saw a listing on Mac's List for ride operators. I wasn't sure at first, but I met the executive director, Joe Norling, and office manager Laura Mcglothlin and they inspired me to come on board."

 

Quinton pointed out that Norling and Mcglothlin both warned him that there would be 10-hour days and he would be on his feet most of the time. To top that off, they said it would be hot and crowded and would involve a lot of customer service.

 

"I said that was perfect," Quinton said, "I'll do what I always do; try to be the best ride operator on earth, raise the bar, so to speak, and have as much fun as possible."

 

That summer, Quinton split his time between Oaks Park and Portland International Airport, where he worked as a baggage handler for the arriving International flights. "I was right there with the planes as they landed. It was and is the coolest job I've ever had. I know I sound like a big kid, but I believe it's important to never lose that sense of wonder. Along with spending the summer planning new writing projects, I also discovered that I love all things that drive, fly, move, lift, and transport, especially trains.”

 

"When my kids were younger, I always picked out the Bob the Builder books and The Magic School Bus." Quinton eventually got his CDL and started driving anything he could get his hands on, eventually securing positions with First Student, SPPlus, driving parking shuttles and the International Arrivals shuttle, the PCC shuttle bus, and he even spent the winter training to operate the Lake Oswego Trolley. He is a certified Motorman 2, and said Portlanders might find him at the controls this summer.

 

Quinton talked a little about what he calls his amazing past and continuing media career. He explained that it is a career that took him to the reporter's desk at the Kansas City Star, to the towers of McGraw-Hill in New York City, then to the foggy peninsula of San Francisco; eventually to Portland, Oregon.

 

"I wasn't trying to prove anything, just create stuff. You know, I'm just a simple guy who grew up in a tiny town in Kansas," he said, laughing. He tries to downplay his past achievements, but notes that it took him months to finally finish his extensive CV. He continues with, "I've spent 40 years overachieving in publishing, writing, marketing and business development. I kept my intellectual brain busy and I like to say I've had some fabulous failures and incredible successes. It's all made me humble. When I was publishing the Lunch Times Newspapers in Portland and Seattle, I stopped in to have lunch with David Zeeck, the publisher of the Tacoma Tribune. He was city desk editor at the Kansas City Star when I was a bright-eyed 19-year-old intern reporter. He was great. Once again he said he was proud of what I'd managed to accomplish. I said I was proud to know him and thanked him for being a great, kind editor."

 

Quinton reflected on his time in San Francisco and talked about his brush with celebrity, "As I said, I just needed to keep busy and entertain my creative brain. So, I figured that since I was downtown working as a gardening, home improvement, and cookbook editor for Ortho, I might as well review 300 lunch spots and publish a pocket guide." Quinton said it was an instant hit and he suddenly found himself doing interviews on TV, radio and doing guest appearances at food events.

 

"You know, I was 26. What the hell did I know? I just know I was assistant editor on 30 cookbooks, so why not write a guide. When I arrived in San Francisco from Denver, I didn't even know what cilantro was. Well, after I botched a KQED interview and mistakenly thought cannelloni was calamari, I swore off that kind of attention. I was happy the late great Herb Caen loved my book and mentioned it in his columns. He and I would cross paths at Lescaux restaurant. Now, there was a sophisticated gentleman."

 

Quinton said that after that brush with fame, he went behind the scenes and he and a partner founded the Bay City Guide,The Commercial Property Guide and managed the already existing Rental Guide. "After all the chaos of the book passed, I could spend more time making friends, learning the trade and enjoying San Francisco. It was nice to be able to dine at a wide variety of restaurants, go to any art openings and exhibits I wanted to, and see concerts--most without having to pay. It was all part of my job. For example, when I treated a friend to Cab Calloway, prime rib and champagne at the Fairmont Hotel, I wrote about that being one of the best experiences in San Francisco. And it was. Most people never have that kind of access. And, trust me, after four years of publishing what became the top visitor’s guide, I had lots of access. But, we’ll save that for writing memoir book #2"

 

Quinton said he's finding balance now. He moved to Portland in 1992 and started a northeast neighborhood newspaper, which he published for years. "I got to know the community," he said, "and I made a lot of friends. Accomplishing is cool, but it's the people that count." He currently lives with his wife in the Cully neighborhood and exploring current printing and publishing opportunities.”

 

"I'm developing ideas, manuscripts, and even inventions. Every day is a new chapter in a continuing life book. I make new friends all the time and love new perspectives and ideas. I may be 58 now, but as I always say, wonder and curiosity keeps us thinking, feeling and appreciating."

 

"TheBest Ride Ever! makes me smile every time I read it. I remember the long days working at the park, but what stands out most is the extended, unadulterated, unmitigated JOY in the faces of all those kids and adults. Anybody that tells you happiness is not infectious should work at Oaks Park. I just loved it, and when I look at the pictures, I can see the park through the eyes of a child. I can also hear them reading or trying to learn new words. I also hear them saying what I heard all summer long - BEST RIDE EVER!”

 

ABOUT THE EVENT - Clyde's, 5474 NE Sandy, will be hosting the gathering in a private room connected to their new patio. The event starts at 4 p.m. Complimentary champagne will be served for 4 to 7 p.m. Clyde's happy hour is daily from 3 to 6 p.m. The event is open to the public, but RSVP is required so Clyde's can plan staffing. The happy hour menu features seafood, wings, veggie dishes, and, or course, rib tips. Call 503-933-0120 with questions. You can RSVP at www.bestridesever.com or text with last name and number of guest. Please RSVP by 4/27/17. All contacts should go through FTNPress. Please do not call the restaurant with questions.

 

ABOUT THE BEST RIDE EVER! - The Best Ride Ever! is available at Amazon in Print ($9.99 - 8.5 x 8.5) and digital e-book ($2.99). Quinton is available for readings and guest appearances. FTNPress will also do custom press runs for organizations and events in two formats (11 x 8.5 - Booklet 8.5 x 5.5). They will also be available during the summer at the Oaks Park Gift shop (price to be determined).

 

CUSTOM PRINT PROJECTS - FTNPress is currently looking at other amusement park and transportation clients for custom children's books. Projects are written, produced, photographed and printed by FTNPress and include some client information and logos. As well, FTNPress will print books for Children's events, trade shows and schools. Minimum print run is 25 books. Pricing is available upon request.

 

Contact

Press & Editorial Staff - FTNPress - 503-933-0120 - Email - Raymondftn@gmail.com - www.bestridesever.com

 

​

Raymond F. Quinton

 

Best Ride Ever Cover

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