Originally published at: https://claremontmakerspace.org/2025/01/14/member-newsletter-january-2025/
Hello CMS members and happy new year!
We’re already two weeks into January and a lot is happening at CMS, not just classes but members are spending more time in the building making things! There is a lot of news this month covering new door access cards, the open call for our Winter Artist in Residence, a member survey and upcoming volunteer opportunities. CMS Fall Artist in Residence Jane Kolias is still busy in her studio working on new projects. If you have not stopped by to see her work and gallery space, please do so before the end of this month. Besides the news, there are several reminders and member tips at the end of this newsletter.
CMS News…
NEW DOOR ACCESS CARDS! – CMS is upgrading our facility access system and are assigning new cards for all members to enter the building and shops. Please stop by the front desk to pick up your new card when someone is on duty (Mon – Sat 10am to 1pm, or Sun noon to 3pm) or see a staff member. We expect to change the lock on the front door at the end of January, so please try to pick up your card before then, but if we don’t see you, then you will need to buzz in when someone is on the desk to get your card. New capabilities will be promoted once everyone has their new card.
Open Call for Artist in Residence Program – The Winter AiR Program has launched with a deadline of January 26th to submit the online application. Please help us spread the word – you can download the press release here.
Member Survey – We want your feedback!! Please share ideas and feedback on tools, membership, classes and more by completing this brief survey. I will include a summary of the results and next steps in the February newsletter.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities – CMS Community Quilts is running this coming Thursday 1/16 to Sunday 1/20 as part of a weekend of service. This event is free for all and the quilts produced will be donated to local non-profits. We are very thankful for Mascoma Bank sponsorship of the Community Quilts Program in 2025. Also, COVER Home Repair is teaching us how to build interior storm windows on January 25th, and we will be making inserts for local residents. This class is free to members and available to the public for a small fee. No experience is required to help with either of these programs. If interested in lending a hand, please sign up on the Upcoming Events page.
Grants – I am especially thankful for the recent grant support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and their KMFG Fund, Bio X Cell Fund, Brown Fund, Theodore Papoutsy Fund for Entrepreneurship, and the Satzow Family Fund. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, CMS could not achieve all that we are striving to do without their support, and the support of other local donors this past year. You will hear more about our supporters next month.
CMS SHOP LEADS:
Wood Shop: John Lambert and Peter Gunn [email protected]
Machine Shop: Joe Sneed [email protected]
Metal Shop: Jo Ann Clifford and Sheldon Heselton [email protected]
Jewelry Studio: Theodore Castellani [email protected]
Electronics & Digital Fab. Lab: Tiffany Vincent and Paul Davis [email protected]
Fiber Arts Studio: Allison Zito [email protected]
Computer Lab: Kevin Tyson [email protected]
ShopBot: Russ Scaduto [email protected]
REMINDERS & TIPS
Tool/Shop Reservations – With many more classes going on at CMS, you might want to check the reservation calendar to see if a tool or shop will be occupied before you drive in. An easy way to check the schedule is to go to: https://reservations.claremontmakerspace.org Also, remember to make a tool reservation if you need it for more than a quick job – that is done through the member portal.
Classes – The class calendar is being updated regularly thanks to Cortney’s efforts and the growing community of instructors at CMS! You will start to see a class newsletter twice a month but please check the upcoming class list for the latest additions and changes through the month.
Tailgating – Please use your badge to swipe in when you enter the building – no tailgating! Our building reports are not accurate lately because many forget to swipe their badge if they follow another member into the building – and don’t let others follow you in.
Clean-up – Please remember to clean and tidy your shared workspace when you leave.
Finally, we have a lot to announce next month as part of our Workforce Development Program and partnerships with the SRVRTC (Claremont Tech Center), River Valley Community College (WorkReadyNH) and ApprenticeshipNH. Exciting training opportunities are ahead for those interested in a career change, funded by our Northern Borders Regional Commission grant – more to come.
Stay warm and I hope to see you in the MakerSpace! …f
Felicia Dalke, Executive Director, [email protected]
[Note – This WordPress newsletter doesn’t always translate well to email, so please excuse any formatting issues!]