Newsletter

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 Lindsey Glorioso Hennis, 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 Lindsey Glorioso Hennis, 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 Lindsey Glorioso Hennis, ago

August 2022 Newsletter

Welcoming Our Newest Addition

In July the Akron Makerspace did a grand overhaul of the Wood Lab to make room for this shiny new (to us, its refurbished) CNC router!!! It is set up, and factory training for it has been completed.

The machine is a 4′ x 8′ Maker-Fab Series Router made by and reconditioned by Forest Scientific.

We are ramping up for member training starting in September!

AMS Wood Lab Meeting

In more Wood Lab news, a meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 pm on August 25, 2022 to discuss various topics concerning the Wood Lab to include but not limited to:
  • Development of a committee of maintainers for the Wood Lab.  Bob Hasenyager has too many AMS responsibilities to maintain the lab alone. We are looking for AMS members who would like to be involved in the planning and execution of improvements, machine maintenance, planning and training.
  • Policy to address wood storage outside of lockers and rental benches.  Fortunately the wood shop usage has been growing, but with that we need to better control the temporary storage of projects and materials, please come and help us work out solutions.
  • The increasing request for more  Wood Lab classes. We need more teachers for our student hungry for knowledge! Do you have a skill or project that you’d like to share?
  • Discussion of future general Wood Lab meetings.  Come with your ideas of what you’d like to hear at periodic meetings such as discussion on the various uses of individual tools, group projects, build and/or design contests, tricks and tips, etc.
  • Want to help with a project?  We have several potential projects for improving the usability of the wood shop:  completion of dust collection, design and building of helpful machine jigs, building improved workbenches, wiring improvements, etc.
As the AMS is only run by volunteer work, our facility will greatly improve with members working together to make it better.

    New Open Workshop Hours

    AMS has updated its Open Workshop Hours for members. We are now open for un-keyed members on Monday and Thursday nights from 7 to 10 pm. Members with a key can ‘host’ Open Workshop Hours (really just opening the door at 7 pm then turning off fans and closing windows and doors at 10 pm). Members with keys can sign up to host here.

    Open Workshop Hours are a great time to stop in to say ‘hi’ to other members and check out the rad projects they’re working on!

    Akron Makes

    AMS will be participating in a free, interactive, and family-friendly event at the downtown  Main Akron Library on Saturday September 17th from 11am – to 4pm.

    Tech, crafts, art, engineering, and imagination are all on the table!

    Our Facilities Manager Andy B. will be there with his Skee-Bowl build, so stop on by! A big thanks to the APL for including us in such a fun event.

    Kids Maker Fest

    Sunday September 18th from 11am – 2pm, AMS will have a station in the Akron Art Museum’s Kids Maker Fest! Its a family event where we’ll be teaching all ages, toddlers to grandparents, the importance of tool safety, knowing how to fix things yourself, and how cool it is to make something with your own hands.

    The event is free, but registration is recommended. Follow the link above for more details.

    Cleveland Gaming Classic

    Mark your calendars for Saturday September 24th! AMS will have a booth at the Cleveland Gaming Classic at the IX Center. The convention is slated to have an on-site arcade, tabletop board games, tournaments, vendor tables, VIP guests, cosplay, collectibles and more!

    AMS will be showing off the equipment we have that can help gamers make merch, dice, character miniatures, cosplay, and fix their retro gaming consoles. Stop by our booth while checking out the largest gaming con in Ohio! 

    Large Classroom Mural

    The Cool Shit Committee got its mural proposal approved by the Board! Work to complete this amazing art is scheduled to start soon. First the false wall will have to be built, then painting will begin. Reach out to Liz (head of the Cool Shit Committee) on the committee’s Discord Channel to see how you can help out!

    Summit County COVID Status

    COVID cases are again on the rise in Summit County. Please keep yourself and your family safe in taking precautions and help to protect your fellow makers. If you have any of the common COVID symptoms, please refrain from visiting the Space, seek a COVID test and follow all CDC protocols if testing positive. And if another member asks you to mask up, please do so. So please have a mask with you. THANK YOU!

    Recent AMS Board Changes

    The AMS Board of Directors voted at the August Board Meeting to move Lindsey Glorioso Hennis to the Secretary position from an At-Large position.

    They also voted to appoint Ian Campbell to the newly vacant At-Large position.

    These two members bring fantastic skills and knowledge to the AMS board.

    At the next Member Business Meeting on August 22nd at 7 pm we will have the present membership vote to confirm these appointments.

    If you’re interested in being a part of AMS’s leadership we have the Membership Coordinator and ‘Cruise Director’ (events coordinator) positions still open. If you have people and/or planning skills we would love to have you join!

    Thank you for reading and being a member of our rad Maker community!

    By Chloe Wingard, ago

    February 2022 Newsletter

    Happy February, Makers!

    Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. Now is a great time to get started on a rad project for that certain someone. Ya know, instead of shelling out your hard-earned cash to Big Hallmark.Wooden valentines? Metal fab roses? 3D printed hearts? The sky is the limit!

    Board of Directors Election

    An email was sent out a few weeks ago giving all of our members an update on the upcoming Board Elections. Anyone interested in helping to lead the organization is welcome to submit a nomination form for a position here.

    Nominations will be open until February 15th at 8 pm

    A ballot for voting will be sent to members on the evening of February 15th

    That ballot will be open for voting until February 22nd at 5 pm

    After the voting closes, the votes will be counted and the new board members will be announced via email.

    Cool Shit Committee Meeting

    The first Cool Shit Committee meeting of the year will be tonight! Friday, February 4th at 6pm. Both in person and virtual. 
    We will be discussing ways to create an inviting and relaxing area to chill & take breaks, located by the back wall of the large classroom. 
    This can include: 
    Mural painting
    Furniture building/acquisition
    Making fun things to hang
    Setting up an area for gaming
    & Whatever else you can think of!
    Please attend if you’ve got any fresh ideas for a chill zone in the space. If you cannot attend, shoot an email withy our ideas to Liz@akronmakerspace.org

    Open Workshop Hosting

    AMS holds Open Workshop Hours on Monday and Friday nights from 7 pm to 10 pm. This gives keyless members a time to come use the Space. These nights need a member with a key to come open the door, and shut down the space when they leave.

    If you’re an AMS member with a key, please consider hosting an Open Workshop night once or twice per month. Its a great way to meet new members and have a solid 3 hour block of making on your schedule. We have sign-up sheets here for members to sign up to ‘host’ these nights.

    No one is currently signed up for February.

    February Woodshop Classes

    The following classes and work days are scheduled for February.  To reserve classes email, text or call Bob Hasenyager, bobhasenyager@gmail.com or 330.608 7725. 
    One safety class is scheduled,  but others will be conducted on a request basis by contacting Bob.
    • 2/8, 5:30 – 9:00 woodshop safety class. Limited to 3. $10
    • 2/10, 12 pm to 8 pm woodshop work day
    • 2/15, 5:30 – 8:30,  Woodturning Basics, Spindle Turning. Limited to 3. $15.
    • 2/24, 5:30 – 8:30, Turning a Wood Bowl on the Lathe. Limited to 2. $35.
    • 2/27, 12 pm – 4 pm, Turning a Wood Bowl on the Lathe. Limited to 2. $35.
    By Chloe Wingard, ago

    January 2022 Newsletter

    Welcome to a brand new year at Akron Makerspace! We hope you all had fun making things for the holiday season and are ready for fun new projects in 2022.

    Ceramics Lab Update

    Our highly awaited Ceramics Lab is going live this month! On January 10th it will be open for experienced potters to come in to work on the two wheels available- one is a standard wheel and the other is wheelchair accessible!

    We do ask that any members wishing to work in the Ceramics Lab contact its maintainer- Chloe@akronmakerspace.org to set up a time to talk about the organization of the Lab and how to keep it clean when you’re working in there.

    Any AMS members who are inexperienced in pottery wheel work, but are interested in learning, are invited to reach out to Chloe at the above email to set up an hour or two of instruction time on a wheel.

    See the Ceramics Lab page on our website to stay up to date on official Lab news, and check out the Ceramics Lab channel on the AMS Discord server for pottery chat, questions, and comments.

    We’re so excited to add a new lab to our space!

    New Donation Policy Posted

    AMS is open to receiving equipment and material donations from a variety of sources. We’ve added a Donation Policy to our website to streamline the process for donors. Check it out here.

    Currently we’re looking for more electric pottery wheels so we can have the resources to teach classes to more than one student at a time.

    Mask Info

    We know you’re tired of hearing about it, and believe us, we’re tired of talking about it. But since the COVID pandemic marches on, so does our mask policy.

    Please make sure to wear your mask over your mouth and nose when you’re around others in the Space. Its so important to help keep others safe in our maker community.

    KN/N95 masks are available for members in the entrance portal.

    That's A Wrap!

    Our magical designs at Stan Hywet Hall’s Deck the Hall holiday event were seen by over 40,000 visitors this year!

    By Chloe Wingard, ago

    November 2021 Newsletter

    Volunteer Event Sign-Ups

    Do you like helping out the Makerspace? Do you have a free evening? Well, we need a few volunteers to open the Space for Member Open Workshop Hours! There’s not much to it: All you need to do is open up the Space for members to come in and make, then close everything up when it’s done.

    If you’re interested, check out the sign-up sheet here!

    Our Member Handbook is Now on the Website

    Do you have a burning question about how something works at AMS? The new handbook section of our website is now your first stop! Check out the “Member Handbook” drop-down on the navigation bar of our website to find all the most up-to-date information on a variety of topics at AMS.

    Update on Equipment Usage Billing

    You’ve probably noticed some new signs popping up around the ‘Space. These are QR codes that have been rolled out to make paying for equipment usage easier and more consistent.

    You can scan one of these with your phone to go to our page about that Lab or machine. From there, you can add your machine time to a cart and checkout straight away – no waiting on someone to bill you for it.

    Can’t scan the code? No problem, each sign also has the address for the page it points to, and all the pages are included in the navigation menu on the website.

    We plan on adding important and useful information about each piece of equipment to the pages, so keep an eye out for that.

    Have something you want to see on a machine’s page? Add it to the Public Share Drive (more on that in a bit)!

    Why are we doing this? It can get pretty expensive keeping the equipment and Labs maintained and stocked with consumables, this helps us offset those costs – which keeps us running – and it gives us an idea of what’s getting used so we can make good investments in the right gear.

    Right to Repair Interview

    Check out this rad radio interview from 93.5 WKAR on Right to Repair. Host Jeanne Destro interviewed AMS’s very own Chris Bennett about why he thinks Ohio should consider passing state laws to address issues in Right to Repair.

    Public Share Drive

    Did you know Akron Makerspace has its own Public Share Google drive? It’s a hub of all things AMS- from classes and labs, to project sharing and paperwork form access.

    All members are welcomed and encouraged to populate information on this drive. If you have tips and tricks to share about certain equipment, or pictures of an amazing project you just finished, or are curious about classes offered in the past, the Public Share drive is the place to go! Check it out here.

    Think Share Play Plaque

    The Cool Shit Committee would like to announce that there is a new addition to our walls in the Makerspace! This past month, we partnered with Think Share Play, another local non-profit, to install a plaque in our entry portal. The plaque has a scan-able QR code that we encourage members to interact with. This is part of a larger project organized by Think Share Play which includes plaques around the Akron & Barberton area all with interactive QR codes. Visit ThinkSharePlay to learn more about this new local non-profit & the projects they are working on. If you take the time to check out this new addition to the Makerspace, let liz@akronmakerspace.org know what you think! 

    Wood Lab Safety Classes

    Wood Lab classes continue upon request. Please email Bob_H@akronmakerspace.org to get something on the schedule. If you’d like a safety class in another lab, or are looking for lessons on how to use pieces of equipment in the Space, check out the Public Share drive to see if there’s already info on it, or email board@akronmakerspace.org to set up a time to learn.

    By Chloe Wingard, 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

    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