Akron MakerSpace

February 2023 – Member Newsletter

Stay In the Know

We have quite a few updates for you in this month’s edition of the AMS member newsletter. Read on to get more info on:

  • Board Elections – February 20
    • Meet the candidates!
  • AMS’ Location
  • Submit Your Project

Board Election - Feb. 20

We have a full ballot this month for our Board of Directors election! You will receive an email with a link to your ballot on Monday, February 20. Please be sure to complete it promptly in order for it to be counted! The ballots will close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25. 

Read below to find out more about the candidates running for the different offices.

See Who's Running!

We’ve included information on all open positions as well as information that the candidates submitted to inform your decisions on who gets your vote. 

Board Member At Large

We will be electing three (3) At Large Board Members this month. Members At Large are not assigned specific responsibilities, but will regularly lead projects and assist titled board members. 

  • Provides guidance and insight
  • Has voting powers, but no permanently assigned duties
  • May be requested to assist in tasks under the responsibility of another board position.
Read on to meet the candidates for the At Large positions!
Ellie Payne

Ellie Payne

Why do you want to join the board?

I am very happy to be part of a community that pushes learning new crafts/skills. Recently graduating college made me think I might lose that sense of the art world, but AMS has shown me I did not.

I went to Maine for a summer to teach a workshop about metalsmithing. I had no idea I loved teaching, creating lesson plans, and watching people hold up their work and feel so proud of what their hands just created. Bringing more people to the 5th floor (in a kind-of scary elevator) and embracing learning new skills is just where I want to be.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

  • Metals knowledge
  • Strong organization skills
  • Teaching experience
Alan Bowers

Alan Bowers

Why do you want to join the board?

Running for re-election

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

Presently serving on the Board of Directors for the past three (3) years.

Beck Salchak

Beckett Salchak

Why do you want to join the board?

I’ve previously served on the board from 2013-2021. I’ve been on hiatus but am ready to serve on the board once again.

I run my business out of the craft lab and am passionate about the success of AMS. I am also passionate about accessibility and diversity in the maker community and want to make sure that everyone has a safe space to make cool things. Everyone but douche bags. They don’t need safe spaces.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

  • I’ve served on the AMS board previously.
  • Experienced in running meetings
  • Experienced in running committees
  • Experience in serving on committees
Casey Miller

Casey Miller

Why do you want to join the board?

My involvement with the Space started in 2019. I started as a member interested in what Akron Makerspace was all about. Since then I’ve learned that it’s about community, growth, teaching, learning, and accessibility which lines up with a lot of my interests and passions. I’ve watched AMS grow and change over the years and very much want to continue being a part of that.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

In the past I have built up communication skills with PechaKucha Akron where I presented and helped plan events. I’ve also built up skills and knowledge around the American’s with Disabilities Act and wheelchair accessibility. This was done through 13 years with a disability, being on the AMS board and participating in the Akron Civil Rights Commission. Activism for equal rights and opportunities is a passion.

Cruise Director

We will be electing a Cruise Director this month. The Cruise Director works on member engagement and oversees activities at AMS. They are also the point of contact for external events and publish the monthly newsletter.

Kandace Harrris

Kandace Harris

Why do you want to join the board?

Although I am one of Akron MakerSpace’s newest members, I believe that I would bring an interesting, fresh perspective to the Board; as well as a myriad of ideas in my areas of knowledge/expertise and beyond.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

  • Experienced in content creation and editing
  • Millennial magic: I’m old enough to know how to conduct business; but young enough to be in touch with the trends (helpful with social media engagement and recruitment).
  • Quick turnaround time on responding to inquiries.
  • Schedule flexibility: Available for activities and meetings at pretty much any time of day.

Secretary

We will be electing a Secretary this month. The Secretary handles records for the Space. This includes taking meeting minutes, documenting member activities (ongoing projects in space, etc.) and more.

Caitlynn Tauscher

Caitlynn Tauscher

Why do you want to join the board?

I love the MakerSpace and want to be a bigger part of it. I’m organized and passionate about creating new things and sharing my knowledge and skills with others so I think I would be an asset to the board.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

  • Educational skills: I was a college professor and manage training and knowledge database maintenance at my current job.

  • Critical thinking skills: I am frequently sought out to attend meetings in my current position to identify flaws or bugs in software designs.

  • Passion and creativity: I love the joy that pottery has brought me and seek to learn new skills that I can bring in and teach at the MakerSpace as well.

Membership Coordinator

We will be electing a Membership Coordinator this month. The Membership Coordinator keeps the member database up to date, tracks
member trainings, manages recruitment, issues key cards/tokens and more. 

Doug Stevens

Why do you want to join the board?

I care for making!

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

  • Current board member
  • Welding
  • Glassblowing 

Systems Administrator/CTO

We will be electing a Systems Administrator (a.k.a. Chief Technology Office) this month. The CTO handles the IT systems within the Space, ensures they’re all in working order, and handles software acquisition and licensing. 

Jo Sugiura

Jo Sugiura

Why do you want to join the board?

I’m an existing board member looking to continue helping with the computer, networking, online needs of the space, and sometimes other things. I still have a lot of things I want to accomplish to help our community grow both online and in the physical world, and find ways technology can help makers bring their idea to fruition in various labs in the space.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

I’m knowledgeable in IT/networking with over a decade of experience, have an acute attention to detail, and willingness to explain stuff to anyone interested.

Vice President

We will be electing a Vice President this month. The VP is charged to assist and support the President, act as a secondary public figure for the Space, handles PR and community outreach and acts as the main point of contact for the Space.

Lindsey Glorioso

Lindsey Glorioso

Why do you want to join the board?

As a current board member, I am highly invested in the success and growth of AMS and am excited to see it continue to grow and evolve. I’ve seen AMS evolve through a global pandemic and come out even more successful than before. 

I am very passionate about building community, promoting art programs and supporting small businesses.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

I have a wealth of experience that includes the following and more: 

  • Community organization 
  • Volunteer management
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Communications 
  • Social media 
  • Budget management
  • Fundraising

Fundraising Coordinator

We will be electing a Fundraiser Coordinator this month. The Fundraiser’s responsibilities include donor management, PR and community outreach related to fundraising, and grant-writing. 

Ian Campbell

Why do you want to join the board?

I want to help make a difference at the Makerspace by people part of the core leadership. By combining my love and knowledge for technology with the board’s leadership I hope to help make the Makerspace a better experience for everyone.

What skills or experience do you bring to the table?

I am an IT professional with multiple years of experience, and also the current maintainer of the 3d printer lab. I have a well rounded knowledge of most disciplines when it comes to creating things.

Moving On Up

You may have heard through the grapevine that the AMS Board of Directors is looking for a new location for Akron Makerspace. While this is the case, we are just looking at the very first baby steps in what will be a very long journey.

Canal Place will be our home for the next several years, but we are starting our location search now. Our hope is that with patience, due diligence, and long-term planning the new location will be able to serve our growing community better than ever.

If you have suggestions or any insight on commercial real estate, grab the ear of a board member (in person, via our Discord server, or email) to let us know. It will be a long road and is a tremendous project, but it’s all to provide our best to our maker community!

Submit Your Photos and Videos

Share Your Project

Want to have your work featured in the newsletter on AMS’ social media channels? Submit your information through this form and let us know.

Share your projects! 

Screenshot of social post on Akron Makerspace's Instagram
By Akron MakerSpace, ago
"Happy New Year" over two hands holding sparklers

January 2023 – Member Newsletter

"Happy New Year" over two hands holding sparklers

Happy New Year from the AMS Board of Directors

Last year is officially in the books and we’re moving at full throttle to make 2023 our best year yet. 

Read this edition of our member newsletter to find info on:

  • Member Spotlight: Paul Musso
  • Upcoming Events: Make Your MakerSpace on Jan. 13.
  • Get Involved: Board of Directors Elections
  • Member Survey: What does the future at AMS look like to you?
Bright spotlight against a black background with "Member Spotlight"

Member Spotlight: Paul Musso

We love seeing the incredible works of art that come out of the AMS community. AMS Member Paul Musso recently submitted these photos of the gorgeous cradle he crafted at AMS for his grandchild.  Kudos to Paul on this brilliant work.

Here’s what he had to say about this project:

“As an amateur woodworker, I wanted to make something special for my grandchild. I would never have been able to build this cradle without the Akron Makerspace! Not only did they have the toys…I mean tools I needed (and didn’t have myself) but there were people to help with all my how-to’s. The cradle is made of a red oak frame, maple slats and poplar inserts. I ended up using most of the tools in the woodshop, including the band saw, planer, belt sander, drum sanders, router and table saw. Thanks, Akron Makerspace, for helping me create a family heirloom!“

Cradle in the style of a rowboat made by Paul Musso. The cradle has a white outer hull and is hung from a frame by carefully tied ropes. The inside shows the careful craftsmanship by Paul.
Cradle in the style of a rowboat made by Paul Musso. The cradle has a white outer hull and is hung from a frame by carefully tied ropes. The inside shows the careful craftsmanship by Paul.
Cradle in the style of a rowboat made by Paul Musso. The cradle has a white outer hull and is hung from a frame by carefully tied ropes. The inside shows the careful craftsmanship by Paul.
Cluttered workshop with "January 13: Make Your MakerSpace"

Monthly Deep Clean Event

Make Your MakerSpace is a monthly event where members of our community work on projects to benefit the space. Sometimes that’s installing new equipment, completing maintenance or other projects.

Our next MYMS will be held on January 13.

Throw Your Hat in the Ring

As a non-profit organization without employees, we depend on the volunteers that run our organization. Right now, our Board of Directors has a number of open positions. 

You can volunteer for a position on the Akron MakerSpace Board of Directors. We have a number of open positions and are always looking for members to step up and help with the future of AMS. On the BOD you’ll have the opportunity to help steer the organization, make decisions, and bring new and exciting projects to the table.

Current Openings

Unless otherwise noted, the positions below are for two-year terms. 

  • Vice President 
  • Secretary
  • System Administrator/CTO
  • Fundraiser
  • At Large
  • Cruise Director (1-year term, re-election in 2024)
  • Membership Coordinator (1-year term, re-election in 2024)

Submit your name here!
Fill out your nomination form by February 15th to be on the ballot.

Voting will take place via digital ballot which will be sent to the email you have on file with AMS. It will be sent out on February 20th and will close February 25th. The new Board Members will be announced via email that evening.

Close up of hand holding phone with satisfaction survey scale above it under "Share Your Thoughts"

Member Survey

We want to hear from you! Fill out this survey to share your thoughts on Akron MakerSpace, ideas you have for the future and priorities for the coming years. 

"Submit Your Photos and Videos" over orange background

Show Us Your Projects!

We loved being able to share Paul’s stunning craftsmanship on the wooden cradle featured at the top of the newsletter. What do you want our AMS community to see? We’d love to see pictures of your projects –in progress and finished!

Want to have your work featured in the newsletter on AMS’ social media channels? Submit your information through this form and let us know.

Share your projects! 

Smart phone showing AMS Instagram account where the first three photos say "Your Project Here!"
By Akron MakerSpace, ago

December 2022 Newsletter

2022 is coming to a close!

Welcome to our final newsletter of 2022. We have a number of items in the works and have already started planning well into 2023. Read on to find out what’s happening at your Akron MakerSpace! Including:

  • Join the AMS Board of Directors!
    • We want YOU to bring your awesome self and skills to the table. 
  • Upcoming Events
    • Make Your MakerSpace – Dec. 9
    • Spacegiving – Dec. 11
  • Recent Events
    •  Make Your MakerSpace
  • Board Updates
    • Elevators and accessibility issues
  • Be Featured on Social Media
  • Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall

Akron MakerSpace Board of Directors

9
Dec

Make Your MakerSpace
Join us at the Space for our monthly event to work on projects around the space like installing new equipment, completing maintenance, or other projects.

11
Dec

Spacegiving
We're hosting a potluck!
Spacegiving is an annual holiday potluck for our AMS community. Click this link to sign up to bring a dish to share.

Participant password: 1211

"Submit Your Photos and Videos" over orange background

Show Us Your Projects!

What have you made lately? We’d love to see pictures of your projects –in progress and finished!

Want to have your work featured on AMS’ social media channels? Submit your information through this form and let us know.

Share your projects! 

Smart phone showing AMS Instagram account where the first three photos say "Your Project Here!"
"Open Board Positions" over red-orange background with hands raised

We Want You (on the Board of Directors)

As a non-profit organization without employees, we depend on the volunteers that run our organization. Right now, our Board of Directors has a number of open positions. 

Volunteer for a position on the Akron MakerSpace Board of Directors. We have a number of open positions and are always looking for members to step up and help with the future of AMS.

Current Openings

  • Cruise Director
  • Membership Coordinator

Submit your name here to be added to a special election. 

"Elevator Updates" against red background with mechanical drawing overlay

Canal Place and Elevator Issues

As you all know, we have been facing recurring issues with the Building 9 and Building 4 elevators. The Board is actively working to identify solutions and processes to address this interruption in access.

Because of the increasing frequency of these issues, we are putting processes in place to protect our members, the Akron MakerSpace, and to improve accessibility. 

Wooden disc ornaments on a red plaid and "Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet"

For the fourth year in a row, AMS has been invited to decorate a room at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens for its award-winning holiday event: Deck the Hall. 

This year we were placed in the Round Room to create a floating tree design, and the structure is made of scrap logs from Stan Hywet’s Birch Tree Allée. Special thanks to Bob from our woodshop for constructing the piece, and to Beck, Liz, Chloe, Doug, and Casey for making decorations and helping to put it all together.

You can see AMS’s work at Stan Hywet on select nights thru December 30th. Check their website to get tickets.
Birch frame progress in Stan Hywet
Finished structure and ornament tree
Chloe, Liz, Casey and Beck in front of the decorations at Stan Hywet
Wood shop with an orange overlay behind "Thank You!"

Make Your MakerSpace Success

Make Your MakerSpace is a monthly event where members of our community work on projects to benefit the space. Sometimes that’s installing new equipment, completing maintenance or other projects.

Thank you to everyone that showed up for Make Your MakerSpace! One of the biggest projects worked on at this month’s MYMS was the dust collection system for the wood lab. 

Our next MYMS will be on December 9. 

By Akron MakerSpace, ago

October 2021 Newsletter

First Things First..

Devin Wolfe

The board of Akron MakerSpace would like to thank and acknowledge Devin Wolfe for his service and dedication to AMS.

After several years serving on the board Devin is stepping down from this position for health reasons. Devin has been part of AMS and it’s leadership from the beginning. Through his time as President he has led many group projects, taught countless classes, made partnerships with other makerspaces and non-profit organizations, as well as bought and repaired an unknowable amount of equipment (especially bandsaws). In 2016 he represented us at the White House with many other Makerspaces where they joined together to for Nation of Makers.

Don’t worry, he is still staying on as a member and we look forward to seeing what cool projects he will make! 

Beck Salchek, the Vice President of the board, will be taking over the President position. If you see either Devin or Beck in the Space, send a big ‘thank you’ their way! 

Current AMS Mask Policy

Masks are required to be worn in the Space.

We value all of our members and please keep in mind that not all individuals can get vaccinated due to various conditions. Individuals with certain medical conditions are still at higher risk for COVID even if vaccinated, and there is not a vaccine available yet for those under 12.  Please help us to keep our great maker community healthy and mask up!

Thank you,
AMS Board of Directors

Board Positions Open

AMS has a Board of Directors who are elected to represent the organization and oversee policies.
The board currently has a few open positions and AMS will be looking to fill them in the upcoming Board Elections in February. If you are interested in becoming a part of the AMS Board of Directors, send an email to us so we can get the conversation started!

 The open positions are:

  1. Facilities Manager
    • Ensures the facility is in good operating condition
      • reports problems to the board
      • plans for and executes preventative maintenance as required
    • Maintains (M)SDS list and data
    • Ensures building is up to all relevant building and fire codes
    • Resupplies all relevant consumables
      • Assistance of Treasurer
    • Point-of-contact for all inspections
    • Ensures safety and cleanliness of facilities
    • Check and replace air filters
    • Inspect fire-extinguishers and other safety equipment as needed
    • Plans and initiates the installation, moving and decommissioning of machines and equipment when needed
  2. Treasurer
    • Manages the organization’s money
    • Pays the bills
    • Provides monthly financial reporting
    • Point-of-contact for state and federal government interactions involving financials (aka, does the taxes)
    • Bills members for machine usage (in process)
    • Is responsible for the financial section of our GuideStar profile
    • Assures that tax documents are completed and filed

All board members are required to:

  • attend at least 75% of the monthly board meetings
  • Create, dismantle, join, and head committees relevant to their duties as required
  • Communicate temporary delegation of duties to other board members if on an approved leave of absence or other special scenarios
  • Maintain availability (have a phone)
  • Maintain records of actions taken
    • Create quarterly reports showing metrics in their area of operation
  • Train incoming board members before formally exiting the board themselves

Classes Continue by Request

Due to COVID, AMS classes continue to be available for members only.
Classes for October will be held by request only.
If you’re interested in any of our popular classes like Woodshop Safety, Wood Turning 101, Welding 101, or Soldering 101, or wish to get training on any of the equipment in the space, shoot an email to the board and we can help you get something on the calendar

Without A Trace…

A speaker that was lent to the Space is missing.

It is a Rockville RHB70 Bluetooth speaker. It was normally in the Craft Lab or Small Classroom. It was owned by a member of the Space and they really misses their jams.
If you happen to have seen it or know where it is, please email the board.

 Thank you!

Another Race to the Finish

The Akron Makerspace Power Racing team made an appearance at another race near Pittsburgh on September 18th and 19th.
Congrats to the ‘Fett-Vette’ and our awesome members Andy B. and Warren P. for a great race!

By Akron MakerSpace, ago

Events

Events

We offer classes and collaborative events on a variety of subjects as well as various social events throughout the year.

Want to learn something not currently offered or wish to teach a class and share your knowledge?

Want to join a class? Send us a quick comment down in the Contact Form!

[ai1ec view=”agenda”]

By Akron MakerSpace, ago

Become a Maker

Normally our facility is open to the public for classes and events. Although members still have full access to our Space, public access has been limited to help contain COVID 19. We will again offer public classes and open house events as soon as we are able to do so safely.

In the meantime you can request a personal tour of the Space and learn more about membership by completing the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Our membership application is available here.

To take full advantage of the Space now we ask that you become a member. Membership is a great way to support the space as you gain valuable access to the tools, equipment and knowledge needed to complete your project. Members also receive benefits such as storage, discounts on classes, and the ability to get a key for round-the-clock access.

After completing the application and paying first month’s dues you can come in during our open hours and build! Open hours are currently on Monday and Friday evenings from 7 pm to 10 pm. You can use tools and equipment you have received sanctioned training on. We want you to build and work on projects, but we also want you to be safe. After your first month, you can apply for full membership with storage space, voting rights, and can apply for an access key.

Start Making Today!

Rates

  • Basic member – $35 per month
  • Student/Military/Discount – $30 per month
  • Family Discount – $35 for the first member per month, $15 per every member after that
  • Access Key Fee – $5 one time fee

By Akron MakerSpace, ago

10-27-2019 Akron MakerSpace Announcements

What’s happening at MakerSpace?

If you’ve not been to an event at the space (check out the calendar at https://akronmakerspace.org/#events), you might not know how far along the new space has come. Huge thanks to the awesome Community of Makers pushing to get everything in shape. There are still loads of opportunities to make your mark – check the calendar for build nights, or get in touch with the Cool Sh*t Committee.

Grand Opening – November 16
We’ve had the work labs open and (mostly) set up for member projects, meetups, and classes, but we’ve not gotten a chance to celebrate just how awesome this new space is, or what it means for our community. Join us on Saturday, November 16 for the official opening of Akron MakerSpace at 540 S Main St! There will be tours, equipment demonstrations, and opportunities to network with Akron’s maker scene – all following a ribbon-cutting ceremony you won’t want to miss.

Cool Sh*t Committee
The Cool Sh*t Committee wants to make cool/fun stuff for the MakerSpace. Our goal is to make the space fun and inviting for like-minded nerds, to help them feel comfortable and excited to participate and be a member at the new space. The tools & equipment get people here, but the community and atmosphere we help create will keep them coming back, and bringing friends. A couple things I want to get started with are a UFO donation jar and small murals on some of the pillars. I think these are relatively easy and fun and give a sense of direction for the Cool Sh*t Committee to shoot for. However, we can do much more! I want to get more people involved so as to reflect the community & not just impose a couple people’s interests on some really fun ideas. Anyone interested in and willing to help spruce up the space with cool shit can contact me  -Liz Bennett

Membership Payments
We’ve been working at getting the “back office” processes a littler neater, and part of that means streamlining how we do member payments. Expect some updates soon about how we’re making that process simpler for you to manage.

One Last Thing..
Thank you so much for being here and supporting maker development. We’re looking forward to doing some amazing things, and hope you’ll continue to be a part of that as We Make Akron.
Akron MakerSpace Grand Opening - November 16, 12-8pm
By Akron MakerSpace, ago