I have never worked in a lumber yard and until we began delivering supplies for the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project, I never had the need to purchase a large quantity of plywood. So, when Michael told me that 2 flats of plywood meant 2 trips to Niemiecs, I was frustrated because I had already mapped out the whole itinerary for 8 deliveries–a second trip had not been factored in. When he told me that 2 flats simply wouldn’t fit in the truck–I couldn’t understand it! I didn’t realize the quantity we’d delivered previously was considered a “partial flat.” It seemed to me that there’d be plenty of room for two of those strapped piles we’d bought previously. The crew at Niemiecs chuckled as I threatened to throw a temper tantrum; they must think Michael works with a real brat!
But then I watched the crew use 2 small forklifts to load 90 panels (a whole flat) into the back of the boxtruck and suddenly I understood–there’s no way more would fit in one trip. Now I see–now I know that a “flat” is . . . a lot.

I don’t want to exhaust you with the ins&outs of coordinating this effort, but I do want to share one little thing that makes it worth it and you’re going to think I’m a sap–or maybe you’ll think Jon Markle is the sap! When Snoop and Jon and I delivered the plywood and paint to Lenore Bethel at The Locust Street Art School, we were greeted with a team of helpers: Bryce, Gary, Tyesheka and Lenore all stepped out in the cold and we walked the panels up the stairs one at a time. Before we left, Jon said to me, “You gotta go see this room full of kids; they’re like 8s or higher on the cute-scale” ?? I was skeptical; I’ve babysat a lotta kids–but there was no doubt–they were incredibly cute in their smocks and smiles. Who can resist a smile like this?

There’s still more deliveries to be made this Monday. Medaille College has been running a paint drive for us all week and they’ll deliver the goods to the ReSource on Saturday. If you’ve been putting off that cold walk downstairs to the basement for those cans of used house paint–now’s the time to put on those fuzzy slippers and haul it up! Please note that 25% of inventory sales on Saturday goes directly toward plywood, buckets of screws and other needs for the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project and exhibition. Hope to see you from 10-4! Note from Kevin: Once again, 25% of our sales are available to purchase materials for the Mural Project. This Saturday we took in just under $700 and now have an addition $175 contribution directly from our loyal customers.