BB2C Building Community Networks through the Woodshop

Cross-generational collaboration...those are the big words that we used last fall to describe one of the things we envisioned happening in the Epicenter Makerspace. Basically, we want to bring people together to create and build community networks that support all area youth in order to have successful students and prosperous communities. These are our mission and vision statements...you can look it up. It's happening! Let me tell you about Corey Farnsworth and David Vandenberg, and Steve Foutty. 

We have recruited David Vandenberg as our "Woodshop Personal Trainer". He is retired and is volunteering to share his knowledge of woodworking tools and equipment that he has gained through completing projects (like building a cabin) on his own. We are thrilled to have him!

Corey Farnsworth is a college student at Ohio University majoring in computer science, and is a local who recently graduated from Marietta High School. Corey is a member of the Makerspace and wants to build his own arcade game. Not having full knowledge of all of the woodshop equipment, he was a perfect candidate for some personal training with David. 

"Dave Vandenberg was an absolute pleasure to work with. He's very knowledgeable and encourages you to learn how to use equipment properly and safely. He is assisting me in building an arcade machine cabinet which I wanted to build as an exercise to increase my woodworking skill and use my current knowledge of electronics." ~Corey

"I've always enjoyed hands on activities in my spare time. It was a contrast to my career.  Passing on some experience to other people has always been satisfying. I look forward to expanding my volunteer efforts." ~ David

There are multiple ways to increase your woodshop skills at the Epicenter Makerspace. If you have a project in mind, become a member and schedule some time with David. If you prefer something a bit more structured, we have also recruited Steve Foutty to help us out, who is a local architecture, engineering, and wood shop teacher. He has put together a 3 session woodworking class that is designed to introduce you to each of piece of equipment in the woodshop. Participants will finish the class with a completed project and (hopefully) the motivation to work on projects independently. Contact Jenny Bruce, or any of us at Building Bridges to Careers to find out more, get registered for the class and to find out about volunteering.