Author: Greg Maino

  • VT Makers: Kristian Brevik’s Illuminated Whale Sculptures

    VT Makers: Kristian Brevik’s Illuminated Whale Sculptures

    [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_1611956873199{padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]Kristian Brevik is an artist on a mission: to bring whimsy and levity to considering our serious impact on fellow species and the environment.

    In this VT Makers video, Kristian talks about his process, his inspiration, and how Generator helped his business gain efficiency and grow.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/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]The VT Makers campaign is made possible with support from Northfield Savings Bank.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Member Made: Elliott’s capper/decapper mod

    Member Made: Elliott’s capper/decapper mod

    [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]The State of Vermont’s division responsible for COVID testing reached out to Generator for help with their capper/decapper machine.

    Our Operations Director Elliott Katz was able to solve their problem with a little 3D modeling, printing, and rubber mold making.

    Want to learn how to use the 3D printers? Sign up for one of our trainings or classes here.

     

    [/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20lMkZlbWJlZCUyRnVaa3RuVmdNTkYwJTIyJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4lM0QlMjJhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4lMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZpZnJhbWUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/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][/vc_row]

  • Member Made: Alex’s Scrap Pile Dumbbell

    Member Made: Alex’s Scrap Pile Dumbbell

    [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]In the era of home workouts, it’s apparently pretty hard to come across exercise equipment at your local sporting good shop.

    Not a problem for our member Alex Hahl, who took a few minutes to clean up Generator’s metal shop scrap pile and make himself a dumbbell at the same time.

    [/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=”10478″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]Addressing scarcity and cleaning up the scrap pile and having fun while doing it?

    That gets an A++++ from us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Member Made: Aidan’s 3D Printed Nerf Gun

    Member Made: Aidan’s 3D Printed Nerf Gun

    [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]Blink and you’ll miss the shot! Aidan’s 3D printed nerf gun is crazy powerful. 🔫 ☄️

    He downloaded the files for this print from Thingiverse and printed it using our line-up of Josef Prusa 3D printers.

    When asked why he wanted to make this, Aidan shrugged and said he loved nerf guns growing up and didn’t have anything better to do.

    Cheers to embracing your inner kiddo and diving into funny pandemic projects. 🥂 🤷‍♂️[/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”][vc_column_text][/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”][vc_column_text]If the video isn’t appearing, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Our new CNC router is on the way!

    Our new CNC router is on the way!

    [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=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”9627″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/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_column_text]Catapulting Generator’s CNC capabilities into a higher atmosphere was a long-shot idea that started circulating about a year ago.

    With the support of dozens of members and donors, our long-shot idea became a reality!

    The removal of our old CNC router and installation of the new CNC router and will require temporary closure of our woodshop and front parking area to members July 27th through July 31st.

    We’re talking cranes, trucks, and a lot of heavy-lifting.[/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”][vc_column_text]

    We apologize for this short term inconvenience. It will certainly be worth it!

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    Curious about our other equipment?

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” url=”https://generatorvt.com/spaces-and-tools/” text=”LEARN MORE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Reopening Phases Update

    Reopening Phases Update

    [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]Since July 1st we’ve welcomed back members with studios, volunteers, and members who access Generator for business purposes.

    Our reopening has been wildly successful!

    It’s encouraging — and not surprising — to witness Generator volunteers and members get back to work and operate with extra care and caution to keep our shared space as safe as possible.

    We’re excited to continue the reopening process! We’ve made some adjustments and additions to our original plans:

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”9904″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]All phases will include the following:

    • Masks required in the building at all times
    • Check-in and health screening upon entering
    • 6ft distance required between people
    • Mandatory orientation and VOSHA safety training for all members
    • New membership sign-up process and agreement
    • Reservation of equipment required (more details to follow)
    • No guests
    • No events
    • Members required to clean tools and equipment before and after use
    • No shared kitchen
    • Increased cleaning and sanitation by members, volunteers, staff, and hired cleaning service

    Please note:

    • College Members: At this time, there is no date set for when Champlain Members and UVM Members will be welcomed back to Generator. In the meantime, former members who utilized these two membership programs are welcome to become General Members — please reach out to our Membership & Communications Director to begin the enrollment process.
    • New Member enrollment is TBD. At this time, we’re only accepting new Studio Members (you can apply for a studio space here!). We look forward to welcoming new folks to Generator, and since getting the most value out of your Generator membership requires being trained to use our tools and equipment, we are finalizing our training and class schedule before setting an official date to begin new member enrollment. Stay tuned for an announcement in August!

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

    Questions about our reopening phases? Please get in touch!

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

  • Reopening begins July 1st!

    Reopening begins July 1st!

    [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, members!

    We’re excited to share that we’re beginning our reopening process on July 1st!

    Generator is committed to protecting its members, volunteers, and staff throughout the reopening process by following clear guidelines set by the State of Vermont and the CDC, and by going above and beyond with our own measures based on Generator’s unique operational requirements.

    While everything is subject to change, here is an overview of what our projected reopening phases will look like, with more details about Phase 1 below:[/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=”9793″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]All phases will include the following:

    • Masks required
    • Check-in and health screening upon entering
    • 6ft distance required between people
    • Mandatory orientation and VOSHA safety training for all members
    • New membership sign-up process and agreement
    • Reservation of equipment required (more details to follow)
    • No guests
    • No events
    • Members required to clean tools and equipment before and after use
    • No shared kitchen
    • Increased cleaning and sanitation by members, volunteers, and staff

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Phase 1: July 1st

    • Studio Members & Volunteer Members; General Members who are business owners by appointment
    • Hours: 10am – 7pm
    • Capacity limits on each workspace (see above)

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Some additional notes:

    • Expect our appearance to change. Wherever it is possible, we are moving equipment around to make working while maintaining 6ft of distance possible. For example, we’re spreading out computers in the Learning Lab. Where it’s not possible to move equipment, we are creating acrylic shields to separate people while they’re working.
    • We all have a part to play in keeping Generator safe. There will be a zero-tolerance policy for not following official protocols and procedures outlined in the new training and membership agreement.
    • Volunteers are integral to our safe reopening. We’re increasing the number of volunteers to ensure we have a thorough and consistent check-in process and regular sanitation and cleaning happening throughout our open hours. Volunteers receive discounted membership in exchange for their service! Learn more about volunteering and apply here.

    [/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”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

    We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we move forward and we will share updates and more information very soon!

    In the meantime, you can always contact us with questions.

    We’re looking forward to seeing you!

    Warmly,

    the Generator team

    [/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=”9795″ 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][/vc_row]

  • “It’s a much more sturdy face shield.”

    “It’s a much more sturdy face shield.”

    [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 were surprised and humbled to get a nice shout out from Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger during another Stuck in Vermont video.

    Eva talked to a number of Vermont’s essential workers this week including Kristin Baker, a Nurse Manager in UVM Medical Center’s Emergency Department.

    “I did a story on Generator, who made these face shields…” Eva says, “I don’t know if you’ve come into contact with them. Have you seen them out?”

    “Yes, we just got them!” Kristin replies. “So these new ones that came in… they wipe down every single aspect. It’s a much more sturdy shield. And so far the staff love it. I think it’s also really cool that is was made locally. There’s also that sense of Vermont pride.”

    This is just a teeny part of a longer video capturing the bravery and strength of our frontline workers. Please give it a watch and heed their advice. Thank you for capturing these important stories, Eva![/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/EY3JL73kghc?t=468″][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 12 intubation boxes go to UVMMC

    12 intubation boxes go to UVMMC

    [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 went another batch of intubation boxes to UVM Medical Center yesterday.

    Board member and jack-of-all-trades Steve Contact made the delivery.

    Thank you to everyone who’s donated to make our PPE production possible![/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”][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][recent_posts style=”default” category=”covid19″ columns=”3″ title_labels=”true” posts_per_page=”3″ post_offset=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 2,200 face shields!

    2,200 face shields!

    [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]An update about our PPE effort:

    • As of Friday 4/17, Generator has built and packaged a total of 2,200 face shields. Soon, much larger manufacturers around Vermont will able to build far more face shields per week than our small-yet-powerful “boutique” factory can. We’re proud to have responded so quickly and to continue producing PPE while larger-scale operations ramp up.

    • We are currently fulfilling an order from the State of Vermont for 4,000 face shields. On Friday 4/17  we sent the first batch of 900 shields to the State.

     [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

    • Thanks to generous donations from over 110 individuals over the past few weeks, Generator has donated 45 face shields to smaller organizations including:
      • Addison County Home Hospice Center
      • Anew Place
      • Birth Wife Midwifery
      • Spectrum

    [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”9213″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”9214″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

    • We’ve built 35 intubation boxes. With the support of a few anonymous donors, Generator was able to donate many of the intubation boxes to Vermont hospitals. Elliott is working on version 2.0 of our intubation box in response to feedback from emergency doctors at UVMMC. The new design is easier for doctors to use and clean, and it accommodates more body sizes and bed sizes.

    • Our production team has grown thanks to collaboration with ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain! Caroline Frigon, ECHO Education Coordinator, and Nina Ridhibhinyo, ECHO Education Director, pivoted from their usual work at ECHO to join our production team. We’re working hard to meet demand and we couldn’t do it without these two, or without this kind of community generosity and collaboration.

     

     

    Thank you for your continued support of our PPE production effort![/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][divider line_type=”Small Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/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”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]

    RECENT POSTS

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][recent_posts style=”default” category=”covid19″ columns=”3″ posts_per_page=”3″ post_offset=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]