Here to Help, Springfield

BRING on the good times


New Toolbox Tactics classes make how-to a can-do

GLENWOOD — BRING Recycling sent a survey out on social media last December, asking the public about skill-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshops. With over 250 responses, the need for such a workshop was clear, and the idea has finally been brought to life.

BRING hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony July 10 to celebrate the beginning of its new Toolbox Tactics workshop.

ERIN TIERNEY-HEGGENSTALLER / THE CHRONICLE
Representatives from the cities of Eugene and Springfield, along with representatives from its respective Chambers of Commerce, gather with BRING employees and patrons on July 17 for its ribbon cutting event, which celebrates BRING’s newest set of hands-on classes. 

The space was initially used for storage, according to Jeff Franzen, community workshop coordinator. Franzen rebuilt the space, building shelving and racking, and even removing a wall.

Several of the workbenches were salvaged from North Eugene High School when it was rebuilt, he said. And some of the tools came from donations, though many came from Franzen’s shop or had to be bought out of concern for safety.

“That’s my biggest concern is I want to make sure that your tools that you use here are safe,” Franzen said. “Nearly a third of these came out of my workshop because I wanted you to have what I use. I didn’t want you to have to compromise while you’re learning”

Franzen has an impressive background with quite a range. From working as a theater technician for the Repertory Theatre of Boston to building exhibits for the Eugene Science Center, Franzen is a more-than-qualified handyman.

ERIN TIERNEY-HEGGENSTALLER / THE CHRONICLE
Jeff Franzen, community workshop coordinator, shows off materials he’s scraped together to be put to good use in terrariums for his other workshop, Make It! 

After working with BRING staff on their float for Eugene’s BEAM BRIGHT parade, the team wanted Franzen to come back as an instructor and came up with the idea of the Toolbox Tactics workshop, according to Sonya Carlson, executive director of BRING Recycling.

BRING has previously had monthly Make it! workshops which welcome all ages. These workshops are drop in, and vary in length and price depending on the activity.

BRING added Toolbox Tactics as a DIY workshop based around home improvement for an older audience. Participants must be 18 or older, though teenagers are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

These workshops are $30 for general admission and $15 for reduced admission, and pre-registration is required. 

Toolbox Tactics classes are also 90 minutes long and held one to two times a month, Sonya Carlson, Executive Director, said. Classes span from learning which tools to keep at home to furniture upcycling, and each workshop has space for 10 participants.

BRING’s first Toolbox Tactics workshop, held on July 13, featured the basics of wiring. The class was in high demand and tickets sold out within the first week of availability, three weeks before the class, Franzen said.

“Bring me questions, bring me ideas, bring me concerns,” Franzen said at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “I want to help you figure all that out. That’s what this is really for. It’s for you.”

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