Sustainable Seattle, founded in 1991, is an organization that strives for social justice, collaboration, and stewardship. Their mission is to be a catalyst for positive change. In December REED’s Recycled Paint Program (Green Man Paint) was nominated for the Sustainable Community Outstanding Leadership Awards. There are numerous categories of award and RPC won the Innovation in Sustainability Award. This award recognizes organizations or individuals that introduce a new way to do things that inspire others and contribute toward positive change in our progress toward sustainability. We were honored to receive the award and gracious for the nomination. For more information about Sustainable Seattle and their many wonderful programs please visit: www.sustainableseattle.org.

For more information about the recycled paint program please contact Tammy Sheridan at tammy@reedpaint.com. 

 

REED in the Community

WE’RE IN THE ZOO

REED Assists Woodland Park Zoo with Facility Maintenance

This fall, REED started working with the Facilities and Exhibit Department. The Woodland Park Zoo has been a part of our community for more than 100 years, encompasses nearly 100 acres and is home to 1,090 individual animals. All of this requires a lot of maintenance every year; and this year they gave us a call to see if we could help them with  a few projects. For a little over one month,  two of our painters have been camped at the Zoo painting various buildings. Keep an eye out for us the next time you’re there. For information about Woodland Park Zoo Memberships click here.

What do Elephants, Hippos and Bears Have In Common?

They love watermelon! RPC’s neighbor , who had many watermelons left over from their vodka and gin distilling process, donated the melons to us and we were able to donate a few dozen to the animals at the zoo. Zoo crew member Lanny Kittleson was able to walk us through the warehouse to see what the animals are fed. As you can see from the photos, the warehouse stocks fresh produce, grain and meat; it takes approximately 2,000lbs of food per day to feed the 1600-1800 animals the zoo houses. Did you know that elephants and orangutans love ketchup and mustard? Peanut butter and jam is a real hit too – it’s a great way to camouflage the taste of medicine. Would you like to feed penguins, giraffes, and elephants? Check out the zoo’s website for feeding schedules.

ZOO DOO: The Best Manure in Town

Are you an avid gardener? Looking for a unique stocking stuffer? Zoo Doo is just one of the ways the zoo maintains their conservations efforts – and they make it available to you! We were fortunate to have Composting & Recycling Coordinator Dan Corum give us a tour. Manure is collected from nearly 2 dozen species; it takes about 6 months to transform into living soil. As bacteria feed & reproduce the core temperature can reach 150 degrees, eventually turning manure into the most rich compost available in the Pacific Northwest. This compost is excellent for enhancing water & nutrient retention, improving soil texture, and it’s completely organic. Plus, it saves the zoo nearly $60,000 per year in disposal costs! In fact, the demand has caused the zoo to institute a lottery twice a year for patrons wanting more than what is regularly available at the zoo store. For more information please visit www.zoo.org/zoo-do. For a limited time the zoo will be selling Holidoo, a compost made entirely from the end products of the elephant exhibit. For details click here.

 

GO PSAAZK! WAIT, WHAT’S PSAAZK?

Puget Sound Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers

RPC has long been concerned about wildlife conservation. That’s why we are doing our part to contribute to the growth of wonderful organizations such as the  Puget Sound Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (PSAAZK) and Wild Fish Conservancy. The PSAAZK recently held their Annual Holiday Silent Auction & Bake Sale to raise funds for zookeeper professional development, educational outreach, and worldwide conservation. RPC was pleased to donate a “Painter for a Day” to assist this notable organization raise funds. Last spring they provided partial support in funding a collaborative research project studying the Burmese Vine Snake. For more information, visitwww.pugetsoundaazk.org.

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Save the Salmon with The Wild Fish Conservancy

The Wild Fish Conservancy recently held their Annual Wild Fish Soiree & Benefit Auction. RPC was happy to donate a “Painter for a Day” to this event’s auction, thus helping raise funds to support science, education, and advocacy. For more information about this organization please visit their website at www.wildfishconservancy.org.

HEALING WITH HOLIDAY LIGHTS

RPC recently heard of a family that suddenly lost someone very close to them. Dave, husband to Sharon, and father to Michelle, suddenly passed away a few weeks back. One of our painters heard of the story and brought it to the attention of owner, Randy Reed. It is hard to feel anything other than grief during a time of loss, but RPC was ready to do whatever we could to hopefully bring a bit of cheer to this incredible family. While Dave’s brother-in-law took out Sharon and Michelle, Randy and a couple of technicians installed holiday lights on their home. Sharon and Michelle were delighted by the surprise!

LUMINOUS AT SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is currently holding a special exhibition which includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and South Asian art. SAM is home to one of the finest collections of Asian art in North America and has safeguarded these treasures for nearly eighty years. RPC was brought on board to paint the gallery stands and walls for this exhibit. The exhibit will run through January 8^th. If you have some time this would certainly be an excellent one to see.  For more information please visit www.seattleartmuseum.org.

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HOLIDAY TREATS

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup egg substitute
• 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups honey
• 1/2 cup butter or stick margarine, melted
• 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• ICING:
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons fat free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and egg substitute. Stir in the pumpkin, honey, butter and yogurt until smooth. Stir in wheat germ. Combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Coat a 10-in. fluted tube pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust with flour; add batter.
2. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Combine icing ingredients until smooth; drizzle over cake.

RPC SUPPORTS LOCAL ANIMAL CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

Every winter the Puget Sound Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (PSAAZK) holds a Holiday Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Dinner to raise funds for thier organization.  This year the PSAAZK reached out to one Seattle painting contractor and that was Reed Painting Company.  RPC was happy to support the non-profit organization by donating a “Painter For A Day” to the silent auction.  One of our painters will provide the winner with a day’s work of professional services to do any job they like, whether residential  or commercial.

The Silent Auction preview will be on November 18, 2011 from Noon-2pm and the Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Dinner will begin at 4pm.  All are open to the public.  For more information, visit the PSAAZK website here or contact Steve Cremer at steve.cremer@zoo.org.

The PSAAZK is located at the Woodland Park Zoo grounds.  Recently RPC was asked to assist the maintenence department at the Zoo in the painting of numerous buildings on site.  The majority of jobs that come in for RPC are residential properties and in the Seattle Metro area, however, we do have a number of contracts with local businesses and are excited about our new relationship with the Woodland Park Zoo.  Our local zoo has many wonderful exhibits and programs – you can visit their website at www.zoo.org.

The PSAAZK, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of zoo keeper education and strives to make the public aware of valid and deserving conservation projects and the need for the preservation of natural resources and animal life.  Vis

REED PAINTING COMPANY OFFERS RECYCLED PAINT DRIVE TO AREA RESIDENTS

Twice a year Seattle painting contractor, Reed Painting Company, offers a recycled paint program to area residents.  The drives are typically held in the Spring and Fall, giving homeowners an opportunity to recycle their used paint instead of dumping in a landfill.  The latex paint is then sorted, filtered, and repurposed by donating to area non-profit organizations such as schools and churches.  In the past the paint has also been donated to the Sheriff’s Department for graffiti removal and to artist for mural paintings.

The Spring drive received nearly 600 gallons of paint and created $3,000 in savings to customers by eliminating disposal fees.  This program is one way that Reed Painting Company hopes to contribute to environmental conservation.

The Fall paint was held October 15-22, 2011.  For more information on the Spring 2012 drive please contact Tammy Sheridan at tammy@reedpaint.com or (206) 965-0504.

REED PAINTING VISIT LOCAL LANDMARK FOR THE DAY

As many of you know, one of the odder tourist attractions here in Seattle is the Market Theatre Gum Wall.  This rather lengthy portion of wall is located in Post Alley under Pike Market.  The tradition began in 1993 when patrons of the theatre decided to appease their boredom in line by sticking chewed gm on the wall, followed by coins.  It didn’t take long before that wall, as well as the opposing wall, was covered.  Pike Place Market asked RPC to come down and remove gum off of the opposing wall.  Don’t worry – we didn’t touch the landmark wall!  Two of our solid-stomached painters spent the afternoon power washing the gum wall, complete with the lingering smell of fish from the Market and Spearmint.  The job quickly became a tourist attraction as a few dozen spectators lingered to watch the show!

KING 5 NEWS VISITS REED PAINTING COMPANY!

In a downed economy Reed Painting is not only staying in the game, we’re actually growing!  Thanks to our loyal customers and a number of referrals, we’ve needed to add a few members to keep up with our growing work load.  It seemed the most efficient way to find quality prospective employees was to hold a Job Fair on August 20th.  The Fair provided an opportunity for painters of all skill level, from apprentice to professional, to meet with Reed Painting owner Randy Reed, as well as other RPC staff, and demonstrate their skills.  King 5 News thought it air worthy and joined us at the shop to film the skill assessment tests in progress.  The applicants performed an array of tasks such as winding an extension cord, carrying 5 gallon buckets, ladder raises and painting.  King 5 then aired the segment on the evening news.  Thanks to the Fair, as well as a number of skilled painters that applied after the segment aired, we were able to hire three skilled employees.  Reed Painting prides itself on providing quality work and professional service, which would not be possible without the excellent training program offered by owner, Randy Reed.

REED PAINTING COMPANY DONATES PAINT FOR LOCAL MURAL

In April two local artist, Siolo Thompson and Maggie Schneider, dedicated their time and artistic talent to the Wallingford community.  What once was a drab business exterior is now the “Wallingford Robot” mural.  Reed Painting Company operates a recycled paint program which encourages area residents and businesses to donate their unused paint, which is then recycled, donated and reused – and because of the success of this program we were able to donate five gallons for the Wallingford mural.

The “Robot” can be viewed on the side wall of Bottleworks, which is located at 1710 N. 45th Street.

The lackluster wall before the mural…

…and after!

9 YEAR OLD HAILEY VISITS REED PAINTING FOR A DAY

Its 6:30 in the morning as Hailey eagerly jumps in the car and begins the 45 minute commute to work.  Yes, that’s right—work. This day is quite different than every other day in the life of a 9 year old; thanks to the National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Hailey gets to join a parent at work, gaining valuable exposure to career options and in the process build self-confidence.  She had the choice to join mom in an office setting but opted for a more active pursuit and joined dad instead.  Kris, a crew leader with Reed Painting Company, welcomed the opportunity to show his daughter a day in the life of a painter.

Hailey looked the part in Carhartt bibs and RPC work shirt as she walked into the shop—she came ready to work!  The day started with an introduction to owner Randy Reed, complete with professional hand shake, and then the work begins.  First there is a quick look over the job board, a bit of painting in the shop and then it’s off to the job sites.  The first stops of the day were to residential projects, where Hailey was able to meet homeowners and get a tour of all the jobs in progress.  Nexton the list is the Seattle Art Museum.  It was there that Kris taught his daughter how to prepare a room: lay a drop cloth, mask the walls and trim, and sand areas in need prior to painting.  Hailey worked hard all morning and the reward for a job well done was lunch at the Rusty Pelican Café.  After a few more hours of work our friends at the Museum surprised Hailey with a private tour and even let her get a “behind the scenes” look at the inner workings of the museum and the Nick Cave Exhibit.  It certainly was a nice way to end the work day!

Hailey noted in a paper she wrote for her class project, “…over all I had a good day at work and I learned a lot.”

For more information on this educational program please visit the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation Website at
www.daughtersandsonstowork.org.