Author: GeneratorVt

  • In solidarity, with responsibility.

    In solidarity, with responsibility.

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_style” images=”9815,9817,9810,9811,9814,9813,9812,9816,9809″ onclick=”link_no” img_size=”1200×1200″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]

    We are in a time of an overdue awakening. Tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rashard Brooks, and other Black Americans has roused us from complacency. As an organization, we’ve been listening, learning, and engaging in deep reflection as to how Generator will make profound and lasting change that honors and respects Black lives and addresses racism in our communities.

    To this end, we are: 1) making racial and social justice a central component of our strategic planning process scheduled to start this fiscal year.  2) providing on-going diversity, equity, and inclusion training for Generator staff, volunteers, instructors, mentors, and board members; 3) launching a BIPOC Scholarship Fund to explicitly provide Black, Indigenous, People of Color access to tools, programs, and services at Generator; 4) establishing an advisory committee dedicated to a transparent process of moving Generator forward with the critical work to counter racism and ensure equal access to opportunities in the sciences, technology, engineering, and arts.

    We recognize these actions as the first of many steps our organization will take to be greater advocates and to better serve our members, partners, and community at large. When we make mistakes we will acknowledge them, learn from them, and continue forward with our commitment to change. To this end, we invite your thoughts, questions, and comments.

    Standing in solidarity and working to make change,

    Meg Hammond, on behalf of the Generator staff & board

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • A letter from Meg.

    A letter from Meg.

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Hello Generator enthusiasts, 

    It is a great honor to start the new year serving as Generator’s new Executive Director. I am grateful for the warm welcome into this community of makers! I am especially thankful to be joining such a fantastic team who has been working hard throughout this transition to serve our members, partners, and guests. 

    I spent the past eight years at Goddard College as Director of Development and the Haybarn Theatre Event Producer. Prior to this, I cultivated my event and business management skills as a founding member of the collectively owned Langdon Street Cafe–an arts and music venue in Montpelier. 

    In 2015, my life partner Ben t. Matchstick became a member at Generator where he launched his business, PinBox 3000. Through this experience, I learned first-hand about the profound impact Generator has in support of artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs.  I look forward to many more collaborative efforts supporting creatives while advancing Vermont’s economic development. 

    While our mission drives the direction of my work, the community we serve brings my efforts alive. I am committed to helping our members, partners, and the community-at-large enjoy hands-on, experiential learning, prototype products, tinker, collaborate, and dream of solutions to local national, and global concerns.

    My door is open, please stop by to say hello. I look forward to envisioning the future of Generator with you.

    Sincerely,

    Meg Hammond

     

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” url=”https://generatorvt.com/welcome-generators-new-executive-director/” text=”READ 10/11/19 PRESS RELEASE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Member Made: Jude’s “Knob Library”

    Member Made: Jude’s “Knob Library”

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1611946809732{padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]When a group of intrepid wood shop members set out to build new cabinetry for Generator’s wood shop, member Jude Dircks volunteered to make the knobs.

    Jude had recently taken one of our Wood Lathe Trainings and he was looking for a project that would help him practice using it.

    Behold: Jude’s knobs! Next time you’re in the wood shop, be sure to admire each unique knob.

    Next time you see Jude, be sure to ask him for wood lathe tips — as you can see, he’s now an expert.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”10879″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Pitch It, Fab It

    Pitch It, Fab It

    Call to innovative Vermonters!

    Do you have a product in early stage development that could benefit from a solid engineering push? Are you in need of a prototype that your customers can touch, feel and experience?

    Join UVM’s Instrumentation and Modeling Facility (IMF) and GENERATOR for an evening of invention and ingenuity. Dubbed ‘Pitch It, Fab It’ this fast and interactive evening of pitches is aimed at exciting the IMF to collaborate with you on your idea.

    Event Date: Wednesday, October 17 | 5:30 – 7:30pm
    Event Location: Generator is located at 40 Sears Lane, Burlington, VT 05401
    Deadline for Submissions: October 5th, 2018
    Check out a VIDEO about the competition!

    For 45 years IMF has designed and fabricated custom instruments and innovative prototypes for UVM researchers, emerging technology companies, and Vermont inventors. Here’s your chance to access the tools and minds on tap at IMF.  Learn more about IMF HERE

    Work with UVM Instrumentation and Model Facility (IMF to Design and Fabricate a Killer Product. With a single pitch, a team can walk away with up to $5,000 in-kind services, materials and expert mentoring for:

    • Precision machine and mechanical design consultation
    • High-resolution 3D printing using hard and flexible materials
    • And the parts and materials needed to build your prototype

    Past winners have included laboratory devices, kitchen products, specialty bartending apparatus, educational holography, farm equipment, robots for kids and more.

    HOW TO ENTER

    Prepare a pitch deck of SIX (6) slides that includes:

    1. Who you are, what’s your passion?
    2. Problem – What’s the challenge you’re tackling?
    3. Context – What makes this challenge significant?
    4. Solution – What’s your big idea?
    5. What does your model look like?
    6. How will you use the IMF?

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PITCH DECK TEMPLATE

    Populate a product description and share the link for your pitch deck.  Applications will be denied without the pitch. (Don’t worry, everything under your “details” tab is only seen by the judges and a live audience. If you have any questions, just click that little blue question mark on the right). You will receive an email from the competition hosts when you are accepted to the PITCH OFF. Pitch your product in 5 MINS or less to a panel of IMF-invited judges on Wednesday, October 17 at 5:30PM. Award decisions will be made that night, on the spot, by a panel of IMF and Generator judges.

    [button color=”accent-color” hover_text_color_override=”#fff” size=”medium” url=”https://survey.uvm.edu/index.php/571951?lang=en” text=”APPLY NOW” color_override=””]

    SCORING

    Pitches will be judged for their:

    • Clarity
    • Innovation
    • Feasibility

    TIMELINE

    All awardees have the opportunity to begin work immediately and are expected to maximize their use of the IMF facility to get their product prototype developed efficiently.

    Sponsors: UVM Instrumentation and Modeling Facility, UVM Office of the Vice-president for Research

    Thank You for Your Support

  • Generator Announces Fall 2018 Season of Reckless Ideas Speaker Series featuring Burlington Innovators Embracing Big Ideas

    Generator Announces Fall 2018 Season of Reckless Ideas Speaker Series featuring Burlington Innovators Embracing Big Ideas

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”5295″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]BURLINGTON: Generator, Burlington’s makerspace, announces the fall 2018 season of Reckless Ideas, a speaker series featuring a diverse mix of Burlington’s top thinkers and innovators at the intersection of design and science. Created in collaboration with UVM’s Complex Systems Center and Champlain College’s MFA in Emergent Media, Reckless Ideas features speakers who push disciplinary boundaries with topics including artificial Intelligence and creativity, data privacy, and the tension between creativity and profit for entrepreneurs.

    The speakers: Lisa Soros, Paul Budnitz, Randall Harp and Julia Vallera.

    “We are excited be able to introduce our audience to some of the most intriguing, high-impact research and design being created right here in Burlington.” Said Chris Thompson, Generator Executive Director. “The Reckless Ideas lectures aim to inspire audiences from many backgrounds to come together, share big ideas, discuss and collaborate.”

    All lectures are free and open to the public at 7pm at Generator, 40 Sears Lane Burlington VT. Liquid libations and light snacks will be served. See Full Schedule>>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Dealer.com & Generator Brings Maker Education to Vermont Students

    Dealer.com & Generator Brings Maker Education to Vermont Students

    Dealer.com and Generator are launching: Design Lab innovative STEM workshops for 7th-12th grade students. Working closely with area teachers Generator has developed programming that offers students unique hands-on learning experiences that focus on collaboration, prototyping, and flexible thinking. Rachel Hooper, Director of Community Outreach at Generator says, “I see maker education as a way to engage all kinds of learners in STEM, especially those who have struggled with science or math, by exposing them to a new kind of creative problem-solving.”

    Design Lab workshops start with design thinking, a creative problem-solving method that embraces human-centered design. Students work with design thinking specialist in the classrooms to design projects. When it’s time to prototype, students head to Generator where they will build and test their projects. Hooper says, “Students drive the design process and our maker educators guide them while teaching them how to use tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and other CNC tools.” When projects are collaborative, the opportunity to unite around a choice-filled creative project often helps students who had previously struggled to work in groups.

    Design Lab itself is an iteratively developed program. “This is our pilot year and we will be observing, testing and improving our offerings as we move forward,” Hooper says. Featured workshops for the year include:

    • Parklet with Purpose – Collaborating with Winooski School’s iLab and Burlington Parks and Recreation the Design Lab team will help students create a mini-park inside a parking space for Winooski residents.
    • Marble Run – What does it take to make a gigantic marble run? Middle school students learn prototyping skills as they design and build a gigantic marble run.
  • FreshTracks Road Pitch Opportunity for Generator Members

    FreshTracks Road Pitch Opportunity for Generator Members

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”5684″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][heading]Call to members![/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]To be a candidate in the Champlain Mini Maker Faire FreshTracks Road Pitch competition, Generator members must submit a product or an invention pitch to Chris Thompson at [email protected] by August 15th. This is a great opportunity to get connected to the sponsors and support your product needs!

    Two Generator members will be finalists in the September 22nd pitch
    off at the Champlain Mini Maker Faire between 2 teams from each of the
    3 maker spaces (Mint, The Foundry, and Generator)

    CHAMPLAIN MINI MAKER FAIRE
    Shelburne Farms Coach Barn
    1611 Harbor Rd
    Shelburne, Vermont 05482
    SEPTEMBER 22 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    More info at-
    https://champlain.makerfaire.com/
    https://www.roadpitch.co/schedule/champlain-mini-maker-faire-2/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Generator Rolls Out New Opportunities With Marble Coasters

    Generator Rolls Out New Opportunities With Marble Coasters

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program (VRRP) hosts a free annual summer camp for youths of refugee and recent migrant families. This year, 12 VRRP youth visited Generator with CEDO AmeriCorps team members, Saylia Moo and Elizabeth to see STEM concepts in action. Generator’s AmeriCorps Outreach Associate, Jon Weisbecker, led a marble coaster workshop exploring how makers prototype, collaborate and fabricate ideas into reality. By the end of their time,  students minds were racing as fast at the marble coasters. One student said, “This was awesome! I really want to come back here and create a portable weightlifting system. When can we come back?” Others hope to return to use the woodshop and laser cutter down the road. Generator is looking forward to expanding programming to serve refugee and recent immigrant families.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”5666″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Middle Schoolers Rock Out Their Rockers At Generator

    Middle Schoolers Rock Out Their Rockers At Generator

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][heading]Middle Schoolers Rock Out Their Rockers At Generator[/heading][vc_column_text]Edmunds and Hunt Middle School are having their summer school program join Generator for a week-long Chair Design Workshop. Gaining inspiration from past designers, such as Charles and Ray Eames and Jean Prouvé, students will imagine, prototype and build their own chairs from a  single piece of plywood. Making furniture requires skills in design, planning, and fabrication. Students will work with talented artists and designers to learn how to blueprint, use adobe illustrator, and laser cut their creations to reality. The first session of the Chair Design Workshop is launching July 30th to August 3rd, dedicated to women’s education. Students will learn how to use the laser cutter to prototype their chair in cardboard. The final product will be laser cut plywood, hardware independent chair, painted or stained with a finish of their choice. The plywood chairs will be utilized in students’ schools; so they can share their final products with friends, family, and future persons.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”5638″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Member Made: Christine DeMello’s CNC Routed Floating Letters

    Member Made: Christine DeMello’s CNC Routed Floating Letters

    Christine DeMello floatinglettersco.com