Bellingham Makerspace Newsletter
October 2021
Hello from the Makerspace! We have exciting news for you.
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Here is a preview of upcoming classes and events at the MakerSpace.
- Bellingham Maker Faire
- Makers can be Helpers
- Gifts and cards for the holidays
- Build Your Own 3D Printer class
- 3D Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting class
- Intergenerational High School Partnership
- Words from Executive Director Tina Stroh
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Words from Tina
It’s hard to think it only been a few weeks since I stepped into the role as Interim Executive Director of the Makerspace. These few weeks have led to several conversations, exploring new opportunities for the Makerspace, and reworking some of our processes.
For all those that have come to me with your concerns, gripes, hopes and dreams for the Makerspace, I can’t thank you enough. I love to hear feedback as to how things are going and what can be improved upon. People say they don’t want to hear anything negative but I am that odd, weird, whatever that does. I can’t work on problems or concerns if I don’t know what they are. Since I became a Board member, my life has been such that I have not had the time or opportunity to use the Makerspace. Now that I am taking a break from my nursing career, I have lots of plans for my own projects. I say this only because I don’t know the concerns or wishes of the Makers. I am always open to hear your creative dreams as well as what is or what is not going well. I expect the next few months to be a continuous revolution with the goal of starting the New Year as the Makerspace that is the envy of all Makerspaces.
This past Friday, I opened the Makerspace to the local Amateur Radio Club to host a testing site for potential new HAMS (Amateur Radio Operators) to take their FCC exam. A group of HAMS toured the space and was quite impressed. Our volunteer Karla took a few on a tour. That night, we had three candidates with two passing their exam. Both my husband (Steve, N8GNJ) and I (KD7WSF) are HAMS with Steve writing a weekly national newsletter for HAMS called Zero Retries. Last evening, Steve forwarded a message that he received that I would like to share with you:
“Hi Steve, I took an introductory 3D printing class at The Space today. The young manager/instructor there Ben was great, both at giving the class and at promoting the facility and it
concept/mission. So much, that I went home and signed up for a membership. Can you let your better half know, from my blind walk-in off the street perspective, I thought the guy did a great
job. Impressive! Thanks. Cheers, and 73. Mike W7MDH"
I can’t begin to tell you how touched and proud I am. Ben is doing a fantastic job as one of our Operations Managers and teachers. Also, the Makerspace is reaching out to new groups and having people so inspired to sign up for a membership. The local Digital Communications group is asking to form the Bellingham Makerspace Amateur Radio Group. I will present their request at the next Board Meeting. If you have no idea what amateur radio is all about or what the capabilities of digital communications are, I encourage you to come to the Maker Fair and check out their booth.
Another new opportunity for the Makerspace is working with a local private school (Gabriel’s Art Kids) to teach an after school program once a week. We will begin a two-month trial next week with the opportunity to expand. I am excited to reach out to these students and see how we can stimulate their minds and explore new ideas with them.
Next, I am sure you have heard that the Makerspace is bringing the Maker Faire to Bellingham. If you haven’t, then we have done a really poor job of advertising. The Faire will be this Saturday, October 9th from 10 AM to 5 PM. At 5 PM, I will be hosting a wrap up party so I hope you will come and see some new changes that we have made in the space. We will also have the store next to the Makerspace for the vendors. I believe the last count was 24 vendors, all showcasing their talents. I have asked that if anyone would like to place items in the retail space for sale, please let me know. This will be a unique opportunity to showcase your work, introduce the public what can be done and the chance to buy that unique holiday gift.
Some of the processes that are in review are how we pay our teachers, how Makers are paid for their items in the retail space and how we reimburse people for Makerspace expenses. For now, I am still working on a few kinks so if any one has a question, please contact me directly. I will outline this in the next newsletter but please, let me reassure you that it will be my intent payments are made in a very timely manner.
As I close, these past few weeks have been utterly a real joy. There have been a few headaches but those are few. I think there is nothing better than to reach out to our community and let them know the Makerspace is here and open with opportunities for all. As we move forward, the Makerspace would be nothing without the commitment our wonderful volunteers. You are the backbone to our organization and your commitment is invaluable to the Makerspace. THANK YOU for all that you do and know that we appreciate all your efforts.
Until next month, keep MAKING!
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Come to Bellingham Maker Faire
Looking for ideas for maker projects, connections with other makers, or a fun, family-friendly activity? Bellingham Makerspace is bringing the Maker Faire back to the Pacific Northwest. Bellingham Maker Faire will be October 9 from 10am to 5pm at Bellis Fair Mall. Admission is free. Individuals and other makerspaces are presenting. They are showcasing many maker projects, including costume masks, space sabers, electromechanical 3D prints, cardboard machines, and kitchen and outdoor cutlery. We hope to see you at this inspiring, educational, and fun event!
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Makers Help People Solve Problems
Members of Bellingham Makerspace can solve problems. Makerspace Assistant Manager Ben Holmgren partnered with Dr. Loch Trimingham, orthopedic surgeon, to solve a medical problem. Dr. Trimingham is a volunteer doctor in Ethiopia. He saw patients with large wounds and diabetic ulcers. Negative pressure wound therapy requires a vacuum pump, which is expensive and requires electricity. Dr. Trimingham asked Ben to design a low-cost mechanical version that doesn't require electricity. Ben designed a prototype that they want to manufacture in Africa. This will be available to low-income Africans in remote areas. Congratulations to Ben and Dr. Trimingham on the success of this project! Bellingham Makerspace is a great place to turn your creativity and ingenuity into projects that can help the world.
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Gifts and Cards for the Holidays
What are you making for the holidays? Come into the Makerspace and make that unique gift or card for someone on your list.
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Intergenerational High School Partnership
Bellingham Makerspace is partnering with the Whatcom Intergenerational High School as part of their phenomena-based learning program, which partners groups of students with community organizations to learn from experiences. We have been teaching an introduction to design and engineering class, making Rube Goldberg machines. We are teaching four of these classes and will work with a select group of students who want to dive deeper into the Makerspace on a project they are interested in.
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Build Your Own 3D Printer
Are you excited about 3D printing at home and interested in building your own 3D printer? There is a class just for you. In two sessions on October 23 and 30, you will build your own 3D printer. Then, after you have a week to work with it at home, Bellingham Makerspace will provide open office hours to troubleshoot any glitches that arise. Sign up at bit.ly/3wHq0DN.
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3D Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Do you have a 3D printer but you are unsure how to maintain it and troubleshoot problems that arise? This November 7 class will use an Ender 3 3D printer, but the skills can be applied to most FDM/FFF 3D printers. Sign up at bit.ly/3wHq0DN.
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