CMS Updates
Staffing News: In late January, CMS’s Board of Directors hired Steve Fortier to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. Steve brings to the role over 35 years of non-profit leadership experience. The long-time resident of Alstead was Executive Director of Meeting Waters YMCA–which serves dozens of VT and NH communities just to the south of CMS–for nearly two decades. Steve has served in leadership roles at other regional, national and international non-profits as well as in higher education. From Steve: “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to play a role in broadening and deepening the impacts of this valuable regional organization. On my three visits to CMS during the interview process, I was inspired by the strong sense of community among the members and the incredible volunteer involvement.” You can contact Steve at [email protected] or 603-504-3419 x 101.
First Steps: In Steve’s first month, he held a Shop Leads meeting to learn more about the vital role volunteers play in the operation of the Claremont MakerSpace. The following week, he met with Shop Leads and instructors department-by-department to begin preparing for the future.
In-Person Classes: One purpose for the shop meetings was to develop plans for bringing back our in-person classes as soon as we are able to safely bring people together in small groups. Please “like” and visit our Facebook page for announcements leading up to the re-launch of in-person classes.
In the Meantime: Keep in mind that we continue to offer one-to-one instruction and certification on CMS machines and equipment thanks to the large pool of volunteer instructors in each shop. Email Valerie, our Member Services Coordinator, at [email protected] or call her at 603-504-3419 to set up an appointment to learn, re-learn or get certified.
Upcoming Member-Only Event: CMS volunteers and members Tiffany Vincent and Sarah Goldsmith are co-hosting a member-only Pi(e) Day celebration on… well, 3.14, of course! Make a pie of any kind to share with fellow members for TAKE-OUT (we still do not allow masks down at any time). Every pie you bring enters you in a drawing for fabulous Pi prizes. Extra points if your pie is dairy-free, keto, gluten-free and/or vegan (please label appropriately). Get an additional drawing entry if you can recite the first 10 digits of pi! Please arrive with your pie(s), something to serve it with, and a take-out container at around 6:30.
Downtown Claremont Block Party and CMS Open House: Looking a little further down the road, the City of Claremont will be hosting a Block Party on July 9th to celebrate the re-imagining of Pleasant Street. We’ve been asked to have the MakerSpace open as part of the celebration and to have a few of our Makers on Pleasant Street leading activities for party-goers. More on that next month… but get planning!