I’d been looking forward to tonight for several weeks. Tonight we’re holding our VASE Spring Meeting at Generator.. Two of my worlds were colliding (in a nice way) just like when Fluffy came to Generator
A week and a half ago.. I like it when my my friends get to meet my friends 🙂
Today’s meeting was sweet. We had about 40 folks form VASE… we gave them all tours, then got down to our meeting. Grace kicked it off and updated the audience on what was new in VASE.. we’ve raised much more money gotten grants, given out more grants.. and created a new Mentor stipend program thanks to a generous grant from the Leahy Center on Rural Partnerships. I think we’re on a Roll !!!!
After the update, we invited each of our new members to give a short talk on their research. Prof Mathias Brewer from UVM gave us a crash course in organic chemistry. He was one of Gabe’s favorite professors ! Prof Marilyn Cipola gave a great talk on the role of collateral circulation in the brains of stroke victims. We had 5 talks (I think) .. and all were very good.
I really enjoy VASE.. it feels like we’re doing some good in the state !
I am a member of a group called the Vermont Academy of Science and Technology (VASE).. Vase has a mission to help spread love and understanding of science and technology across the Green Mountain State. One of the ways we do that is through our grants programs. We’re in the middle of this springs grant offering period. You can read about the grants here
Do you know a Vermont Science and/or Technology Teacher that deserves recognition which includes a $1000 award and an invitation to speak at the VASE Annual Meeting. Check out the VASE Paula Fives Taylor Teacher of the Year Grants here . The nomination is due by end of dat on April 30th.
Are you .. or someone you know .. a classroom teacher who needs a a grant to buy equipment for hands on science and technology learning ? If so, check out the VASE Small Equipment Grants (SEG) .. SEG grants can be forf up to $1500 . The grant application is due by end of dat on April 30th. The application is here
or.. Are you .. or someone you know .. a student, coach, teacher or mentor who need help with funding wh needs funds for an extracurricular Science or Technology club such as FIRST Robotics..then check out the VASE Hands-on Science and Technology (HOST) Grants .HOST Grants can be up to $1500. The grant application is due by end of dat on April 30th. The application is here.
Finally.. if you or someone you know is a coach or mentor to an extracurricular science or technology activity like a science club or FIRST Robotics you may be eligible for up to $2000 as a coach/mentor stipend. These grants are available thanks to the generosity of the Leahy Center on Rural Partnerships. (Note due to the rural focus these grants are not available in Chittenden county) .The grant application is due by end of dat on April 30th. To learn more please check out the application here.
Today was the Beta Manufacturing day.. We invited folks from all over Vermont to come in and learn about the manufacturing jobs we’re hiring for.. I helped by manning (personing ?) our carbon fiber assembly displays. I got to speak. to so many cool and talented people.
We had those and several of our other demo displays.. It was nice seeing them all together.
If you are out there reading this and either you or someone you know is interested in applying for one of our composite assembly jobs, please reach out to me and I’ll tell you haw to apply !
The temperatures are starting to hit the 60s outside so it was time for the spring ritual of taking down the storm windows. Usually that means 6 outside storms (ancient 6 over 6 wooden storms about 7 feet x 3.5 feet) and 8 interior storms (each a single 7 x3.5 pane of glass) Though it’s not an easy job.. it’s satisfying to get done.. and it’s SO nice to be able to open the windows and get fresh air inside !
We worked around the house today.. then early evening we had a small potluck of some of our Fluffy teammates to plan for this years maintenance and extensions. Several key members were out of town rebar, stein, Marie.. they were missed .. We did have Duane, Coco, Amey, Gizzo, Wiki and Kristin ! We made good progress. What is on the list for this year is
dialing in the over pressure switch on the fire rig,
exploring the swap out of the 200 gallon propane tank
exploring a scheme for allowing at least some of the dance poll rigging to stay up when fluffy is in town doing local stuff
a paint job for the clouds
a rethink on the wiring for the lights on the handicap access door to make it easier to open
New cloud lighting for the front and back.
That’s still a lot of work.. but hopefully much less than the last two years. Good discussion and nice hanging out with our friends. Duane brought the Duaneswhirld book for 2024 .Laura makes one for him every year ! I don’t think I’ve been in one since 2009 due to my usual short trips to the playa
