FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FEATURE STORY
PORTLAND OREGON
DATE: July 17, 2017
Best Children's Book Ever! Portland Publisher and Author is Chosen as Featured Author for The Portland Park and Rec. Summer Lunch In the Park Program – He will read his new book Best Ride Ever! Featuring Oaks Park at NE Portland parks.
PORTLAND, OREGON – Portland creative innovator, community media legend and African American author, editor and publisher Raymond F. Quinton will entertain kids this summer during lunch in NE Portland. Quinton will read from his current series of popular Children's books, which features Bus Driver Raymond and Oaks Park. Quinton was chosen to be the exclusive featured author at NE Portland parks.
“I'm a publisher, author, editor and professional bus driver. I know that kids love books, buses and trains, so I just want to entertain, get kids interested in reading and have some fun at the same time,” Quinton said, when asked why he's reading to kids all summer and lauds Portland Park and Rec for their decision to feature his book and an African American children's book author at parks in diverse NE community parks.
Quinton explained that reading to kids is a great way to be a positive African American role model. Since his book was published, Quinton has been featured at Good in the Hood, the Almagated Transit Union 100th Anniversary Picnic, and hopes to read to kids in NE Portland schools during the school year.
“It's important for writers to create a sense of awareness of books by being visible. This lets kids know that the people behind the books are real and just like them. That further affirms that books are their key to knowledge, fun, and adventure—and that they can aspire to have fun in life and help others,” Quinton added.
During his reading, Quinton said this was a great opportunity to to sing the goofy bus safety song he wrote and meet kids and parents. “I loved reading to my own kids. They're grown now, so I'm cheating a little...I still get to read to kids.” Quinton said.
Quinton reads from 12:30 to 1:30 at selected northeast Portland parks. His schedule can be found at www.bestrides ever.com.
While reading to kids, Quinton said that he lalso oves the response. “The kids were so excited to read about Oaks Park. And when I show them my picture as Bus Driver Raymond their eyes light up. This great local topic is a sure way to engage kids and get them reading and their excited to see a real positive African American 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
Active Member – ATU – Teamsters – Volunteer Motorman 2 for Willamette Shores Trolley
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