Burlington is a powerhouse for innovation, creativity, and art. The Generator community is composed of people from all demographics, backgrounds, interests, and goals. These articles highlight different members stories and how Generator is part of a bigger creative community.
Have a bike that needs a little TLC, a torn jacket, broken buckle, or a pack that’s seen better days? Let us help you fix it! Throwaway culture has become widespread and repairing what you can is a powerful act of sustainability. Every patch, stitch, and fix helps keep useful gear out of the landfill. Rather than extracting additional resources to make something new, we should focus on extracting as much life as possible from what we already have. It’s a simple shift with a big impact—and we’re here to help!
Here’s what’s on deck:
Bike Repair We will have two stations set up for basic bike tune-ups. Our volunteer mechanics will be focusing on safety checks, clean drivetrains, and dialed-in brakes and shifting. We won’t have spare parts on-hand, so it’s more tune-up than overhaul.
Gear & Clothing Repair Generator & The Sandbox will be on-site with sewing machines, scrap fabric, and other supplies. Whether it’s a torn jacket, busted strap, or frayed pack, bring it by — we’ll fix what we can on-site and can help make arrangements for more complicated repairs.
Custom Decals & 3D Printing Fun While you wait come learn more about 3D printing, and design and make your own custom vinyl decals! Repairing gear is fun, but customizing your gear is the ultimate upgrade!
Hang Out & Hydrate This whole thing will take place at Zero Gravity, and they have some of the best beer and food in the area. So, come for the fixes, but stick around for the food and friends.
This event is totally FREE!
So, whether you’ve been getting out all winter or just dug your gear out of winter storage, join us at Zero Gravity on Wednesday, May 14th and let us make sure you’re ready to roll!
What: Bike & Gear Repair Fair When: Wednesday, May 14th Time: 4:00-8:00pm Where: Zero Gravity Brewery (Map) Cost: FREE
Today we got to sit down with Veronica Pham to learn a little bit more about her and her art! Veronica is an artist and educator who we’ve had the privilege of hosting here at Generator as our most recent Artist-In-Residence. Veronica used her residency to further explore traditional and contemporary Vietnamese papermaking techniques in order to preserve the centuries old craft from disappearing in an industrialized society. During the last week of Veronica’s residency, we had the opportunity to hear more about where her passion for paper making comes from and how others can learn more about the craft. Let’s turn things over to Veronica!
Name: Veronica Pham Current Location: Burlington, VT Hometown/Birthplace: Bridgeport, Chicago Website: veronicapham.com Instagram: @veronicaypham
Tell us a little bit about yourself… your background, education, etc.
I was born in Bridgeport, Chicago and grew up only really knowing this Chinatown neighborhood. I’m a child of immigrant and refugee parents from China and Vietnam. Because of this, I found my little world of belonging in art, which helped me understand my place in the world.
My mom used to joke around and say that she forgot I was home when I was little because I would spend hours quietly drawing at my desk. I give my mother a lot of credit for always encouraging me to pursue art. I completed my BFA in Painting and Sculpture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and took a lot of time off before pursing my MFA at the University of Wisconsin Madison in Design Studies- Textile, Paper making, Material Culture.
By the time I started graduate school, I was asking a lot of questions about materiality- what relationship do I have with the materials I am using in my own work? I like to say that papermaking found me through this question. I completed my MFA in 2024 and right after that moved to Vermont to teach art and design in the Community Development and Applied Economics department at the University of Vermont.
How did you find yourself creating paper- was this something you learnt growing up or was an art you discovered while in school?
When I was painting and making sculptures [in undergrad], I was mainly using a lot of toxic, unknown materials. This created a disconnect with my practice- I didn’t feel like I was making a connection with the materials I was using, where it came from, or why I was even making it. I questioned all the sculptures I was making going into waste streams and it felt wrong in my work. Papermaking found me through those questions. I got plugged into a papermaking research lab, Fresh Press Paper, and I fell in love with the process of using the abundant agricultural waste found in the Midwest as a medium to make work. This gave me a sense of place and meaning in my work!
In graduate school, as I was making connections to land, materiality, and ecology, I started to ask more questions about the historical relevance of papermaking traditions across East and Southeast Asia to relate back to how my roots are tied to this specific craft. What I discovered was that traditional Vietnamese papermaking is the fabric of Vietnamese culture, used for spiritual events, food wrapping, art, and daily life. However in the past century, the craft is at risk of disappearing because of the history of colonization, war, and rapid industrialization. I found this information relatable- growing up I felt a disconnect with being Vietnamese. I saw the erasure of Vietnamese identity from my own father as a refugee assimilating to both American and Chinese culture. Stories get lost in these complex situations and only perpetuate as time passes, until you slow down and listen.
Vietnamese papermaking taught me to slow down and reconnect with my own identity. I’ve found relationships between papermaking and speaking about my own identity in other ways that I could not before- the nature of how I was slowly forgetting my family’s cultural traditions the same way history was forgetting traditional Vietnamese papermaking techniques. I see the purpose of making objects in my practice inextricably connected with the knowledge inherently passed down through my hands.
How did you hear about Generator’s Artist-In-Residence program?
My colleague, Steve Kostell, who also works in CDAE at UVM forwarded me the Artist in Residence program information. We also both work in handmade paper so we bounce a lot of ideas together! I’m so thankful he forwarded me this opportunity right when I moved to VT.
Was there anything unique about this program that made it feel worth pursuing?
The incredible facilities, especially the woodshop. I loved the idea of working in a community with other artist and sharing facilities. The Generator program really gives a chance for artists to explore different mediums or continue building off of a medium that you may have wanted to work in more. That was wood for me!
As a Generator Artist-In-Residence, what has your experience been like?
Working amongst a community of artists at Generator has been so fulfilling. When you move 1,000 miles from where your previous home was, it can be so daunting. Generator made home in VT feel much easier. Since being here, I have felt really focused. It also helps that I am working in a space with other incredibly talented artists.
How have you grown as an artist during your residency? Are there things about the community, or the tools available, that allowed you to grow in ways that might not have been possible otherwise?
I have spent almost all my time in the woodshop and have never completed wood projects this quickly. the woodshop at Generator is like a big sun hug. The natural lighting and garage doors really invite you into the space. Spending so much time in the sunny woodshop helped with those cold Vermont days.
Usually it takes me such a long time to complete woodworking projects, but with the 24-hour access at Generator, and all the right machinery, I was able to complete all the projects I started on. I’ve learned to be more focused in my projects and overall have become a much better person that can play/manipulate with wood kind of well!
Do you have any advice for the incoming Artist-In-Residence?
If your curiosity drives you, experiment with the medium that you have never really felt comfortable in. It will surprise you when the material starts teaching you. Also, try your best to connect with the other artists at Generator and collaborate. I was able to work with artist Eric Roy, prototyping for a project using the 3D printers and that has been such an unexpectedly fun collaboration. Connecting with other artists in their area of expertise is what makes Generator unique!
What’s your next goal for your art? Do you hope to accomplish anything particular?
I want to continue advancing Vietnamese papermaking techniques, its craft related histories, and work to connect craft futures to time, land, and the inherent knowledge stored in our bodies. I’m also in the midst of working on a collaborative artist book project with the papermaking communities in Northern Vietnam. This will probably become a decades long project. Being new to Vermont, I hope to also connect with more textile/fiber artists, papermakers, and book artist within the Northeast.
Veronica will be hosting a commemorative workshop at Generator, what is the workshops focusing and why is this time of year so relevant?
April marks 50 years since the Fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. Many places around the U.S. and all over the world are hosting commemoration events related to this moment in history. I will be giving an artist talk and hosting a Vietnamese papermaking commemoration workshop on Saturday, April 26th from 1:00-4:00pm. Participants will be able to make their own sheet of paper using traditional equipment I constructed during my residency at Generator. They will also experiment with embedding their stories within the paper pulp through a watermarking process. This workshop will be free and open to the public, so I hope that you’ll join!
I feel immense gratitude that I am able to share this craft to the community here in Vermont. This is an extension of the generosity from my own friends, teachers, mentors, Zó Project, in Vietnam who continue to teach and collaborate with me. For many people, it will be their very first time making paper or knowing about Vietnamese papermaking/ This is exactly why I teach workshops! I love introducing new people to work in handmade paper. Much like my own experience, it is both exciting and challenging. Vietnamese papermaking is also a way to commemorate the unique stories of individuals. For me, this papermaking workshop is special- it is a dedication to my father and his journey from Saigon 50 years ago.
Big thank you to Veronica for sharing the story of her art! For any questions regarding Veronica’s upcoming workshop, please contact [email protected]. To learn more about Generator’s Artist in Residence program, check out our website!
This summer, Generator is hosting jen berger as the Artist-In-Residence. jen comes in with experience in printmaking, painting, mixed media, and installation work. A theme she is currently exploring through her public artwork is the idea of care. How the use of care as a lens puts responsibility on artists to truly consider what is being created and put into public spaces.
jen comes to Generator with many years of experience in utilizing care within her artwork and practice. Originally from outside of Philadelphia, she spent time in Chicago and moved to Vermont in 2001. Her interest in herbalism and living closer to plants is why she moved to Burlington. jen has always had an interest in art, however, it was not until after 9/11 that she began to veer away from herbalism and use art as a tool of activism. jen has been bringing people together for many years, through her community-based work, teaching artistry, and as an educator. jen has worked for several higher education institutions in Vermont, such as Community College of Vermont, and Champlain College, and currently teaches art at the University of Vermont. She has been involved with Generator for the last decade, because of her previous work at Champlain College, she came in to work on a project, and using the laser cutter is what kickstarted her relationship with the makerspace. She has brought students here, has had friends who were Artists-In-Residence and has been a member on and off for many years.
Though her art began as activist and social movement-oriented, it has changed to not be less literal as “in your face”, but instead has become more of a personally memorable experience to folks engaging with the work. As the Artist-In-Residence, jen will be working on an installation, tying together the ideas of care, public art, memorials, and monuments, things that have been prevalent in her mind since the racial reckoning of 2020. She will be highlighting the concept of loss, not only physical but intangible, and this will manifest in the form of a multi-alter memorial monument. The piece is intended to be used as a means to bring people together and make it easier to be in the world with one another. jen has spent the last month of her residency practicing and planning, she expresses her love for power tools, and how “there’s a world of opportunities that [she] can just scratch the surface at right now” at Generator. She foresees herself focused on the metal and wood workshops for her installation piece. She is also playing around with a print to accompany the installation.
Though jen is a full-time teacher and artist, she is also a full-time human being. Some of the things she does for fun outside of art are spending time with friends, traveling, swimming, cooking, being outside, hanging out with friends, and dancing. Joy is also a big part of jen’s life, specifically joy as resistance. To jen, going dancing feels like joy, or when she can find time in her day to do something that is not scripted feels like joy.
If you would like to learn more about how joy, care, community, and education take hold in jen’s work visit her business website At the Root, or her Instagram. Also, you can connect with jen, and see her most recent work, on September 6-8 during the South End ArtHop–More Info Here.
I’m Prince Awhaitey, the founder and CEO of Healthy Kingdom and a graduate of the JumpStart 2024 business incubator program.
I first heard about JumpStart when I was selling coconuts at the Burlington Farmers Market and met Meg Hammond, Generator’s executive director, who encouraged me to apply. Healthy Kingdom is my nutrition wellness business that provides nutrition retreats, corporate wellness, and branded coconuts for events. Over the past 3 months in JumpStart I’ve refined my business plan, constructed a coconut bike cart prototype, and optimized my laser engraving process for my coconuts.
I grew up in Ghana where fresh coconuts were a big part of our culture. Then when I was pursuing my Masters in nutrition I learned that coconuts have a wide variety of documented health benefits; including macronutrients and antioxidants that help with insulin sensitivity, high blood pressure, kidney function, and digestive health. As a community nutritionist, I was thrilled to discover that coconuts are a superfood that can make a positive impact for so many people.
Now I put a fresh spin on serving coconuts by customizing them for events. I use a laser cutter to engrave logos or words on the shell of the coconut, which have become very popular as event refreshments or promotional giveaways.
JumpStart has been hugely beneficial to my business development. It’s been so helpful to have the structure of a class and cohort of peers to provide accountability and motivation to keep moving forward. I’ve taken other business courses, but JumpStart is the only one that’s had such relevant information that I can immediately put to use for my business.
I think a lot of that is thanks to our instructor Emily Eley. Her advice is like food with good seasoning – it has spice to it! It’s never the obvious or generic response, she’s giving us well-researched, grounded, and innovative guidance.
The engineering consultation I received through JumpStart helped me to finesse my process for laser cutting my coconuts, and put me in touch with skilled metalworkers that constructed the prototype of my new coconut bike cart – complete with a freezer, sink, and awning!
Looking ahead, I want to grow my business to offer more corporate retreats and nutrition workshops. And I am especially passionate about connecting low-income communities with better nutritional options. I am hoping to become part of the USDA funded Summer Food Service Program to provide eligible families with free coconuts.
I am so grateful to Generator and the JumpStart program for providing me with the guidance and support to push my business forward and provide healthy food options to more people.
Prince… Thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful words!
As a nonprofit, community support from people like you is what enables Generator to continue to offer our impactful programs for entrepreneurs such as Prince.
Supporting Generator is never a bad idea, but right now it’s an especially good one!
We are currently fundraising to support programs like JumpStart, and if we raise $20,000 in community donations by June 16th we will unlock a $20,000 match from some generous sponsors. So please consider making a donation today… We won’t make it without you!
Barbara Sauer-Davis first came to Generator as a fledgling woodworker looking to make use of the full suite of tools in our woodshop. Since then her skills and her small business have grown, and we’re thrilled to have her in this year’s cohort of our JumpStart entrepreneurship program. Barbara has a unique focus on using traditional craftsmanship techniques to make furniture that connects history, sustainability, and quality.
We hope you enjoy reading about Barbara’s woodworking journey in her own words.
Woodworking for me isn’t just about crafting furniture – it’s about weaving together history, craftsmanship, and community. I’m Barbara Sauer-Davis, the maker behind Wolf and Wood Thrush. Being a member at Generator, and now as an entrepreneur in their JumpStart business incubator, has allowed me to elevate my business to new heights.
At the heart of my practice is an appreciation for history and sustainability. Using traditional centuries-old techniques, I aim to forge connections between the past and the present. My commitment to sustainability drives me to challenge the disposable culture of mass-produced furniture and to craft pieces that transcend trends and are made to last.
My woodworking journey began at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School, where I took an 11- week certificate course that sparked my interest in historic craftsmanship. During the course I constructed a chair using only hand tools and fell in love with the process of crafting furniture by hand. After selling my final project, an old fashioned wooden coffee grinder, I launched an Etsy store and ventured into entrepreneurship.
Joining Generator Makerspace in 2018 was transformative for my business. I was able to expand from the hand-carved spoons I was making at home to larger cutting boards and pieces of furniture that I could make in the woodshop. Being a member opened up so many opportunities, like accessing a full suite of tools and selling at the Art Hop and Holiday Humbug markets.
I’m now enrolled in Generator’s JumpStart program and I’m gaining guidance on all the logistics of running a small business. Before this class I was flying by the seat of my pants. Now I’m learning all the specific steps and skills I need to move my business forward – from taxes to marketing strategy. JumpStart has given me clarity on my business goals and a concrete roadmap for the future, empowering me to navigate entrepreneurship with purpose and direction.
As I work towards turning Wolf and Wood Thrush into a full-time career, Generator remains a vital resource for me. Generator members have given me advice, support and creative inspiration in what would otherwise be a very solitary pursuit. Its community, tools, and supportive environment have been instrumental in my growth as a woodworker and entrepreneur.
JumpStart and Generator have given me the confidence to grow my business in ways I never thought possible. I hope they can continue to help other makers like me in the future.
Right now Generator is trying to raise $20,000 in community donations to unlock a $20,000 matching donation. These funds would provide vitally needed support for Generator’s educational programs.
We’re 25% of the way towards our goal. Will you join me in giving back to Generator?
Sincerely, Barbara Sauer-Davis
Thank you so much for sharing Barbara!
As a nonprofit Generator relies on community support to continue to offer our impactful programs and resources to makers like Parker. Will you give today to support Generator?
We currently have a fundraising goal to raise $20,000 in community donations to unlock an additional $20,000 match from our generous sponsors – which means if you give today your gift will have twice the impact!
Parker Silver is a talented multimedia artist and performer who strives to use art to bring people together and create joy and healing. Since becoming a member two years ago, they’ve been creating gothic artwork for their small business on the laser cutter, and also actively building community at Generator. Now they’re launching their own community arts nonprofit that also incorporates creativity, experimentation, and connection.
We hope you enjoy reading Parker’s story about building “Third Spaces” that foster creativity and inclusivity.
My name is Parker Silver, and I wear many hats – business owner, artist, performer – and a member of Generator. This makerspace community has supported my creative exploration, and has also played an important role in my growth as an artist and entrepreneur.
As a multidisciplinary artist, I work with acrylic paint, digital design, resin, and wood cutting to make pieces inspired by gothic and art nouveau aesthetics, and anatomy and nature. Access to Generator’s tools and space has been instrumental in developing my artistic practice. The rapid prototyping tools at Generator have allowed me to make pieces more quickly and with a wider variety of materials.
I made use of these tools when I was previously operating Hi Ho Silver, my small business selling art, apparel, and stickers – many of which were made using Generator’s laser and vinyl cutters. I am also a contemporary performance artist, working in spoken word, burlesque, and as an emcee since 2018.
Recently, my focus has shifted to Grimm’s Domain, a community arts event nonprofit that I lead. Our mission is to create spaces and events where people can connect, express themselves authentically, and celebrate diverse voices from the QTPOC and Disabled community.
Grimm’s Domain offers free and paid programming that spans vaudeville, drag, and pole dance performances; and community events focused on somatic wellness, self-expression, and intergenerational connections. In the next year we are hoping to launch free movie and karaoke nights, tabletop role-playing game meetups, and an inclusive DIY fashion show event. We aim to provide inclusive environments, epitomizing the concept of a “third space” where people can connect beyond work or home.
I see Generator as another example of a thriving third space in Vermont. My favorite thing about this community is that the professional equipment and expertise is paired with a sense of play. People aren’t limiting themselves to projects for a specific goal or job – they are experimenting because they love to learn and create.
The greatest benefit Generator offers, in my opinion, is the access to a network of support. The community’s unwavering support means that even if there’s a glitch with a machine, there are always people to help you troubleshoot or find alternate solutions, ensuring that you are still able to create.
As a nonprofit Generator relies on community support to continue to offer our impactful programs and resources to makers like Parker. Will you give today to support Generator?
We currently have a fundraising goal to raise $20,000 in community donations to unlock an additional $20,000 match from our generous sponsors – which means your gift can go twice as far!
Here at Generator we host Green Mountain Robotics, a regional robotics team comprised of Chittenden County high school students that competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). But did you know that you don’t have to wait until high school to get involved in robotics?
FIRST Lego League is another option for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, and they offer multiple programs for students ages 4-16. A growing number of communities are coming together to form teams, and we had the chance to check in with Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics (GMHR), a team located in Williston that represents families in Chittenden County. GMHR has seen a lot of success in the two years they have been around, recently winning the State Championships. Now, they are preparing to head to the World Championships in Houston, TX in April. Continue reading to learn more about GMHR and how you can help support their world championship dreams!
Team Name: Green MTN Homeschool Robotics What: FIRST Lego League Team Facebook: LINK Fundraising Page: LINK WCAX Story: LINK
How did Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics (GMHR) come to exist… How long has it been around?
The Green Mountain Homeschool robotics team launched two years ago when we became aware of the need for a robotics team that could serve homeschoolers. When researching FIRST Lego League, we watched the video “FIRST Global – Not A Robot”, and we were inspired to tackle the challenge of creating a team so that we could provide this tremendous opportunity for our students.
What is FIRST Lego League and what kinds of activities or challenges are the students engaging with?
FIRST Lego League is an organization that structures teams to compete in four areas— core values, robot design, robotics runs (solving a set of missions within a specific time frame by coding a custom robot), and innovation projects. Each year, an innovation challenge is released asking teams to solve a problem using innovative and inclusive technology.
Why does FIRST Lego League include a service/innovation project? How does it connects to the rest of the program, and what is GMHR’s service project?
FLL includes a service project/innovation project to help students understand how they can connect with their community and use technology to solve the world’s problems. One of the FLL founders has invented so many solutions to benefit others that his goal is to inspire this sort of thinking early on in our students. The Green Mountain Homeschool robotics team has chosen stone carving to answer this year’s challenge of using technology to introduce a favorite hobby to more people. They are creating an app called “See the Stone” for the blind and visually impaired to stone carve as easily as a sighted person. They are partnering with Vermont’s Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to design this app for blind children to use as part of their upcoming summer camp.
Can you tell us a bit about winning the State Championship, and the upcoming world championships in Houston? What challenges will the students face?
The team was happy about what they accomplished together to win the State Championship. Unlike many teams that have schools behind them, each student on our team represents their own homeschool and small town. They come from four different towns to meet and solve problems together. At the World Championship, the robotics challenges will stay the same, but the challenge of just getting there and raising the necessary funds will be this team’s biggest hurdle. In Texas, there will be thousands of participants and attendees from countries worldwide, and our team is excited to compete at the highest level while also presenting the design for our app “See the Stone” to a much wider audience.
This next set of questions were asked of the four students that currently comprise the Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics Team: Arielle, Emilyn, Ted, and JJ.
How, and when, did you get involved with Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics?
Arielle: I found out about GMHR from a friend who does it, and it sounded interesting. I just joined in 2023.
Emilyn: I was friends with one of the team members before the team started, so when they got the idea to start a robotics team, I joined right away.
Ted: I started in August of 2022 when I was looking for activities to do during the school year.
JJ: I started as a way to refocus just after my grandfather, who had been living with us, passed away.
What are your favorite parts about participating on this team?
Arielle: I loved working with the team to create an innovation project. We have to work together to figure stuff out. I also liked working on the robot and helping code with the team. It is great to celebrate when we break through a tough part.
Emilyn: My favorite parts are everything! I love the challenge of the innovation project each year and the super intense excitement of competing on the robot runs. When the referee calls “Teams, are you ready? 3,2,1, LEGO!” we start the robot runs that we’ve worked so hard to code, and for the next 2 ½ minutes we are so focused, that despite all the crowd cheers, our eyes are only busy following the robot.
Ted: It is super fun, and you make new friends. It is probably the most fun form of learning out there. We also get to learn about and use cool software.
JJ: It combines all my favorite things: good friends, playing with LEGO, and coding simultaneously.
What are some of the things you’ve learned through FIRST Lego League?
Arielle: I learned how to code better and how to program a robot.
Emilyn: I’ve learned how to code and that it can sometimes be fun to be nervous on competition day as we make sure we are where we need to be with all the components of our robot. I’ve also learned that I love giving presentations! It feels just like performing on stage, and theater is another favorite hobby of mine.
Ted: I’ve learned how to code a robot, as well as how to design and build it.
JJ: How to be a good friend and be supportive; I’ve also learned about coding, and with the innovation project, I learned about different aspects of the community in Vermont.
Why is challenging yourself so important?
Arielle: It is important to challenge yourself. If no one ever did there wouldn’t have been anyone to invent things like iPhones and rocket ships or even the U.S.A.
Emilyn: Challenging myself is important because when things are hard to do, I learn more. It is mega fun to challenge myself.
Ted: Challenging yourself helps you build up confidence to try new things. It helps you get better at things that used to seem impossible.
JJ: My brain works so fast that I need a challenge to keep myself engaged. When I challenge myself, I realize that I can do things that are hard.
Next, we asked the parents to share their perspective about how getting involved with FIRST Lego League has impacted their families.
How has participating in FIRST Lego League benefitted these young students?
FLL has given each team member a new view of themselves, both as individuals capable of new challenges and as part of a cohesive and supportive team. It has allowed them so many new and valuable experiences, and they have gained many new life skills along the way. They have learned how to be part of a team, how to overcome challenges, and how to problem solve. I’ve seen my son’s confidence grow since joining this team, as I’ve watched him tackle new things that are out of his comfort zone, with his team supporting him. My daughter has excelled at staying calm and focused in the midst of high-stress competition; she has become much more confident in her ability to do hard things and to solve challenging open-ended problems together with her team. Participating in robotics has opened doors of possibility for her, and I’m certain that the skills she is learning will be greatly beneficial for her future career and life goals, no matter what she chooses to pursue.
What is something that you learned, or surprised you, as a coach/parent about First Lego League that other parents/teachers should know about?
We just had no idea how big of a movement the FIRST Lego League is! We’re continually impressed at the skills these kids have and know these experiences will serve them well in life. We didn’t realize how important FIRST Lego League would be to these kids at such a young age and what an impact it would make on their interests and development. The FLL Challenge provides integrated learning across so many areas – engineering, math, art, design, writing, communication, teamwork, innovation, science, coding, presentation skills, networking, community building – the possibilities are endless.
How has participating affected you as a coach/parent? Have you grown or changed in any way?
Learning to work with group dynamics in our own home basement has been valuable for us as a family. It’s a wonderful platform to be able to support kids and families in such a fun yet meaningful outlet. It’s been fun to learn a bit more about coding and technology and to have the kids teach us new things!
Is FIRST Lego League something other parents and teachers should consider getting involved with? Why?
This has been a great experience for my son, and I would definitely recommend it for other families who are on the fence about it. As a homeschooling family, it has been great to be able to participate in a group project, where my son can make friends and develop important teamwork skills. There are so many different facets of the FLL Challenge, from coding to technology development, community relations, and details such as shirts, team support material, and even snacks! There is room for involvement at any level, especially for our small team. Participating in FLL gives our kids valuable skills that will serve them well in throughout their lives and future careers. It shows them a world of possibility and the challenging and the integrated nature of the competition teaches them so much more than we ever anticipated.
Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics recently won the State Championship for FIRST Lego League for the second year in a row, and have been invited to represent Vermont in the World Championships in Houston, TX in April! They are currently fundraising to help make this trip possible. Money raised will be used to cover event registration costs, travel, lodging, and meals. Any extra funds would be used to support the upcoming summer camp for blind students hosted by the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
You can Contribute Here, and if you’d like to follow along during the World Championships the team plans to post periodic updates on the team’s Facebook Page.
[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]Richard Gliech is a Burlington based engineer & entrepreneur who spends his days providing English-to-French translation services for companies operating in technical and industrial fields. In the evening’s Richard likes to entertain and cook, inviting family and friends to gather around an old steel drum he turned into an oven over 15 years ago. That oven was inspired by similar ones he had seen used to cook tarte flambée while growing up in Wissembourg in the Alsace region of France.
During the pandemic, after many years of requests to purchase ovens, Richard decided to try and build a smaller version that would be more appropriate for backyard entertaining. He signed up for metalworking classes here at Generator, participated in the JumpStart Business Development Program, launched WoodFyred, and has been slowly growing the business ever since with the enthusiastic support of his wife Sandra.
Below we check in with Richard to see how things are going, and to learn a little bit about his experience participating in the JumpStart Program.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”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=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”13397″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” 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 css=”.vc_custom_1704746904232{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Name: Richard Gliech Business: WoodFyred Website: www.woodfyred.com Instagram: @woodfyredovens[/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 css=”.vc_custom_1704747129654{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Tell us a little bit about your business… What do you sell… Why is it unique?
I’m selling a compact, affordable, easy-to-use wood-burning outdoor oven made with an upcycled 20-gallon steel drum.
Where did the idea for your business come from, and when did you know it was more than just an idea and worth pursuing as a business?
Years ago, I designed and made a similar oven out of a larger drum. It worked beautifully and I was told many times that I should sell it. For Christmas 2020, my wife and I took a metal-working class at the Generator and made our first smaller oven to give as a present.
[/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=”13393″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” 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=”13401″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704748810295{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Do you remember how you heard about Generator’s JumpStart program?
During the class, Alex Hahl mentioned JumpStart, saying that the oven would fit the bill nicely.
What was it about the JumpStart program that made it worth applying to… What were you hoping JumpStart would help you accomplish?
JumpStart was very helpful in clarifying in my mind what I was trying to achieve, as well as defining the identity and mission of my business.
After being accepted, how would you describe your JumpStart program experience… Was there anything particular that stood out, or surprised you?
Overall, it was a lot of fun. There was a nice focus on group dynamics, with real positive energy. It felt like a very safe environment to present our products and ideas to the rest of the group before going public.
How did JumpStart help you grow as a business owner or affect the development of your business? Were there any particular challenges that the JumpStart program helped you to overcome?
JumpStart really got my business on track. In addition to all the practical training I received in the various areas, the assignments we received helped me stay focused on its development. I strongly feel that I achieved results that would otherwise have taken me months or years. One area that I had absolutely no experience with is social media and JumpStart was very helpful in that area. Also, comparing notes and sharing knowledge with other participants was very useful, for example in the choice of an e-commerce platform.
[/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=”13394″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” 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=”13389″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704748798614{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Were there things about the Generator community, or the tools available to you, that allowed you to grow your business in ways that might not have been possible otherwise?
The metal shop is central to my business, more specifically the CNC plasma cutter and welding equipment. I also started using the wood shop recently, as well as the laser machine.
Do you have any advice for future JumpStart applicants and/or recipients? Any advice/tips/tricks that you wish someone would have shared with you?
Make sure you take time between classes to complete assignments and make the most of JumpStart. Also, take advantage of the additional training offered on the various shops and equipment.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704811765921{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]How are things going with the business today? What’s on the horizon, and where do you hope to be in 5 years?
My business has been growing at a slow and steady pace (it’s still a side gig for me). I’m still doing a lot of initial work (product development, business development, etc.) and hope to be able to scale it up within a year or two.
What’s the most beneficial piece of advice you’ve received during your entrepreneurial journey?
Have fun!
[/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=”13387″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” 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=”13402″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704812021196{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Thank you to Richard for sharing his time and thoughts with us! If you’d like to learn more about WoodFyred, you can read more about Richard’s entrepreneurial journey in this Seven Days Story.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704748878228{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]
Are you a maker or entrepreneur with an awesome product or idea? Are you ready to turn that product or idea into a business?
Every year Generator’s JumpStart Program selects up to 10 emerging entrepreneurs to participate in a FREE 12-week business bootcamp. In addition to the 12-week business development program, participants also receive free tool trainings and full-time access to Generator’s shops & community of engineers, developers, crafts professionals, and entrepreneurs.
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level… JumpStart might be what you’re looking for!
[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]Krista Jones is a person of many talents. A veterinarian and ecologist by trade, Krista first discovered Generator while planning her own wedding. She was looking to provide a unique and personalized experience for her guests and was happy to make items herself. So, when she found Generator it was game on!
Krista ended up really enjoying the process and, recognizing that this was a service not currently available in the market, decided to start her business Whimsically You to try and fill the gap.
Though her existing connection with Generator Krista learned about our JumpStart Business Bootcamp. She applied and was accepted, and now we are here, ~ 1 year later, checking in to see how things are going. Continue reading below to learn more about Krista and her business, and whether or not the JumpStart juice is worth the squeeze![/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”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=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”13369″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” 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 css=”.vc_custom_1704311667191{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Name: Krista Jones Current Location: Essex, VT Birthplace: Massachusetts Business: Whimsically You Website: www.whimsicallyyou.com Facebook: @whimsicallyyouvt Instagram: @whimsically.you[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][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_1704312051771{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]
Tell us a little bit more about your business… What do you sell… Why is it unique?
My company, Whimsically You, focuses primarily on helping couples to create one-of-a kind weddings that reflect their stories, their passions, and their values. We do this by helping with general event conceptualization and starting with a couple’s unique vision and priorities (rather than automatically following preconceived notions). We can then assist by crafting custom decor elements (e.g., placecards, signage), designing interactive enigmas to bond and entertain their loved ones (think escape-room-like games and challenges), and providing a bespoke rustic photo booth to delight the guests and provide fabulous & candid keepsakes. While our primary focus is on weddings, we do other events as well. To our knowledge, we are the only U.S. company to focus on providing custom wedding puzzle games. More broadly, our focus on bespoke and meaningfully personalized creations means that every event really reflects the individuals behind it.
Where did the idea for your business come from, and when did you know it was more than just an idea and worth pursuing as a business?
I got married in 2022. We saw a gap in the market where there were services we would have hired someone for (like creating a reception table game for us) but couldn’t find anyone that was offering it. I also gained a lot of new skills and discovered just how much I loved embracing my creative and crafty side when preparing for our celebration. However, it was seeing the reaction and response to all of these elements from diverse guests at our wedding that made me realize it might actually be a viable venture!
What was it about the JumpStart program that made it worth applying to… What were you hoping JumpStart would help you accomplish?
I was hoping for a few things – a big one was knowledge about actually starting and running a business, which was totally foreign to me! I expected both new info and reassurance on what I’d already done. I also wanted the accountability of a structured program to help drive progress in a busy time, and the perks of feedback, membership, and training funds!
[/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=”1/1″][image_with_animation image_url=”13360″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704311745314{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]After being accepted, how would you describe your JumpStart program experience… Was there anything particular that stood out, or surprised you?
JumpStart was a fantastic and somewhat frenzied experience! It definitely felt a bit overwhelming to be tackling so much with the business while trying to balance all of my other obligations. However, Emily and our guest experts provided lots of great foundational knowledge in a wide range of areas and in a supportive way. The community component was a fantastic element that I hadn’t thought about as much in advance. Just having other folks in a similar stage to bounce ideas off of, commiserate with, and rely on for accountability was huge.
How did JumpStart help you grow as a business owner or affect the development of your business? Were there any particular challenges the JumpStart program helped you to overcome?
Participating in JumpStart provided a lot of initial structure and momentum to get the business off of the ground and gave me the confidence that it could really be a thing (along with normalizing the fact that none of us 100% knew what we were doing). I actually found my first paid client through the public Pitch Night event at the end of JumpStart! And it was awesome to feel supported by Generator and also part of the bigger community by having our photo booth at Art Hop this year!
Were there things about the Generator community, or the tools available to you, that allowed you to grow your business in ways that might not have been possible otherwise?
I don’t think the business would be at all possible without Generator! I rely heavily on your tools in a number of the shops, and the ability to use a variety of modalities really increases our flexibility and ability to design to specific needs for the event. Yet, even if I only used the laser (which I use the most), it would be extremely challenging to create a setup of similar caliber at home – between cost, space, and safety components! In addition, the community is super supportive and inspiring! It’s a great environment to promote creativity and to get trouble-shooting help.
Do you have any advice for future JumpStart applicants and/or recipients? Any advice/tips/tricks that you wish someone would have shared with you?
As much as possible, really try to carve out the space to devote as much time as possible to working on your biz during this time! Be prepared that you may find it hard to work ON the biz while also working creatively IN the biz. Give yourself some grace and know that you probably won’t be able to do everything you’d like during this time.
How are things going with the business today, what’s on the horizon, and where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I’m pretty excited about the future of Whimsically You! We’ve had some great events this year and have some bookings for 2024 that we’re really excited about. I’m leaving my current position in May and plan to focus on the business full-time at that point. In 5 years, we would love to be in a position where my husband can also join the biz full-time, as well as expanding the kinds of puzzling experiences that we create.
What’s the most beneficial piece of advice you’ve received during your entrepreneurial journey?
I think, as someone with perfectionist tendencies, the mantra of “Progress over perfection!” has been super useful. It’s scary to put things out there, often before we think they’re fully ready or perfect. We could spend another year making them 3% better…but we need to keep making forward progress and know that we will improve as we go!
Are you a maker or entrepreneur with an awesome product? Are you ready to turn that product or idea into a business?
Every year Generator’s JumpStart Program selects up to 10 emerging entrepreneurs to participate in a FREE 12-week business bootcamp. In addition to the 12-week business development program, participants also receive free tool trainings and full-time access to Generator’s shops & community of engineers, developers, crafts professionals, and entrepreneurs.
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level… JumpStart might be what you’re looking for!
Today we get to sit down with Juli Badics to learn a little bit more about her and her art! Juli is a Hungarian American artist and illustrator who we’ve had the privilege of hosting here at Generator as our most recent Artist-In-Residence. Juli’s residency is coming to an end, and it has been wonderful watching her explore mixing paint and embroidery, and utilizing this space to create larger works. Juli is just getting going and we look forward to following her in the future. So… without further ado, let’s turn things over to Juli.
Are you from Vermont? If not… What brought you here?
Both of my parents moved to the United States in the early 1990s and raised my two older sisters and I in the suburbs of Massachusetts near Boston. We spent most summers in Hungary visiting family and friends and staying with our extended family in both Budapest and Ajka. In 2008 we moved to Hungary for a year so that my parents could show us what it was like to grow up there for a little while. College brought me here as I graduated from the University of Vermont in 2021 with a double major in anthropology and studio art and have kicked around here ever since.
How would you describe your art? Is your style something that came easily to you, or was it something you had to work to discover?
Hmm describing my own art… that’s a tough question. It’s always been something that has kind of naturally flown out of me and has changed through experimentation and explorations of different mediums over time. I’ve worked with printmaking, painting, drawing, illustration, clay, and fibers as a way to constantly pursue new elements in my work. I am a firm believer that each artistic medium informs one another as I ebb and flow within my own creative practice. Right now, I’ve been leaning into my painting the most but my drawing and multimedia explorations have informed and altered my approach. I would say that my art centers the human perspective and hopes to capture certain emotions and atmospheres depending on the scene I’m depicting. I am intrigued by places that feel placeful– that seem to have a history and a depth to them that can only be felt through experiencing the place itself, or rather, experiencing it through its artistic interpretation. The liminal spaces that hold so much rich emotion and often sadness and quiet, those are spaces I’m drawn towards.
My more thematic work surrounds my personal experiences growing up between two cultures and observing the pressures and cultural expectations in an almost out of body way. I feel like a silent observer in the settings of my paintings, observing the untold labors of the women in my lineage behind the scenes. Capturing feelings of nostalgia, longing, and distance. Witnessing their personal identities and inner peace fade for the sake of family, men, and societal expectation. There is a bittersweet edge to some of my paintings as my relationship with my Hungarian identity has its challenges. While Hungary hosts so much beauty and tradition, and many of the nostalgic scenes are reflections of my childhood innocence, the sexism and current political state which suppresses freedoms and denies its own involvement in history creates a strong discomfort with connecting to certain elements of the culture. Being a first generation American puts you in a unique position where you can feel the divide between cultures strongly and sometimes struggle to find your own place within those differences. I hope to explore these themes further in my current and future work and am really excited about my current works in progress. I hope to capture the rich storytelling and remnants of the old-world traditions my family practiced at the backdrop of generational changes that are being witnessed with the rise of the globalized technology age and feverish state of the world. I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of my work through experimentation, exhibition, and interdisciplinary study and am eager to thoughtfully engage with color and material relationships throughout my future work.
How did you hear about Generator’s Artist-In-Residence program?
I had a friend—Josie Bunnel—who was a past artist-in-residence and her experience gave me the push to apply!
Was there anything unique about this program that made it feel worth pursuing?
Working in an environment that supports creativity and allows for focus and experimentation was the immediate draw. Utilizing the many facilities such as the sewing studio to create experiments and mixed media works was a huge bonus to the experience. And ultimately my favorite thing was being able to connect with the people who work there day in and day out and finding a community that supports and uplifts one another.
As a Generator Artist-In-Residence, what has your experience been like?
It’s been such a joy. A real stepping stone for understanding the importance of having a dedicated space to create outside of your own home. Until now, I had only ever worked from my living room and the projects and ambitions I have were starting to outgrow my space. I hope to be a part of the generator community in the future!
How have you grown as an artist during your residency? Are there things about the community, or the tools available, that allowed you to grow in ways that might not have been possible otherwise?
I have been able to scale up my work and create larger embroidered canvases as I had hoped and being able to purchase materials that elevated my work was so exciting as well. I got a hand held rolling press which allowed me to experiment with monotypes and I have plans to incorporate that into my larger works as well. The sewing studio has been a fun experience and I have plans to continue to utilize it and hopefully stretch my own canvases which I could build in the woodshop. For now the smaller experiments have been a great way to get a feel for new tools and generating ideas.
Do you have any advice for the incoming Artist-In-Residence?
Make use of the first month to get trained up! The delays in my personal life made it a challenge to fully utilize the space until a little later in my residency and now that I am in a flow, I don’t want to leave! Take advantage of the tools in your disposal and try to push the boundaries within your work.
What’s something you haven’t explored yet but would like to?
I want to use the laser cutter and woodshop more but have been bogged down with my larger projects. I want to spend the rest of my time exploring the multimedia elements I have some ideas with. Also building a better website would be an important next step for me.
Where do you hope your art will take you? Do you hope to accomplish anything in particular with your art?
I would love to show my work in new spaces and be a part of larger conversations around the subjects of belonging, dueling cultures, and gendered work and identity. Getting connected with curators and museum collections would be the dream! I have a passion for artmaking and have certain stories I’d like to tell through my work, and I am looking forward to finding my audience in the future and connecting with people on the human experience.
Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?
Everyone has their own process and experience in this program so lean into what feels right at the moment. Be ambitious– apply to everything and don’t let the fear of failure disway you from trying. That is ultimately the beauty in art, that everyone is simply trying their best to capture something intangible.
