tl;dr: Next Talk & Tinker w/intro to Locksport 2/27 @ River Valley Co-op, MakeFixHack is now incorporated, Easthampton Digital Equity Meeting 2/28
Hi All!
Our Next Talk & Tinker is on Tuesday 2/27, from 6-9 pm at the Easthampton River Valley Co-op. This week is the rescheduled Intro to Locksport theme we missed last time due to a no-show snow storm. Locksport is recreational lockpicking, done as a challenge, a hobby, a way to understand locks and security better, and because it’s fun! It’s not done with locks you don’t own or ones that are in use, and definitely not done for any nefarious purposes. So whether you’re just curious, an expert, or anything in between, come on out! We’ll have the big screen going for easy access to videos and other helpful resources, picks & locks to try out, and lots of great discussion about what it’s all about.
Big news on the MakeFixHack organizational side of things! As of now, MakeFixHack is now MakeFixHack Inc.! That’s right, we’re now officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the state of Massachusetts, which puts us one step closer to becoming a 501(c)(3), and is a key component to securing a space. Thanks to everyone involved in making this happen and everyone who has supported us by believing in this vision and being a part of the community! More news on this front and more opportunities to get involved will be coming in the near future, but needless to say, we’re very excited for what’s to come!
In local news, the city of Easthampton is holding a meeting regarding their Digital Equity Plan this coming Wednesday, 2/28 at 6 PM in the Easthampton Congregational Church 112 Main St. MakeFixHack is in no way associated with this meeting or the city’s project, but it is something that affects all of us who live in town and is relevant to our maker/hacker community. From the city website:
Join us for a public meeting on the City’s digital equity plan, including internet affordability, internet security and safety, access to digital devices, and more. With state funding, Easthampton has been developing a digital equity plan for our community.
As part of this process, the Mayor’s Office, the Technology Department, and the City’s consultant VHB will be holding a public meeting to gather feedback on the plan from community members. Topics will include: digital equity, internet affordability, digital literacy and learning, internet security and safety, device access, and Smart City technology. Digital equity refers to the concept of ensuring that all individuals and communities have fair and equal access to digital technologies–including the internet, computers, and mobile phones–as well as the skills and knowledge to effectively use them. Informed by state and local data and public feedback, the final plan will outline a path for closing the digital divide.
There is also a survey (not the upcoming MFH survey) associated with this meeting at https://bit.ly/MBI-survey and I encourage everyone to take a moment and fill it out so your voice can be heard on this important issue, whether or not you can make it to the meeting.
Be safe and keep making things!
Bill C.
MakeFixHack is a growing community of makers, tinkerers, hackers, crafters, and other like-minded people, sharing knowledge and working to create a community workshop/hackerspace here in Easthampton. MakeFixHack is an open and welcoming community and strives to be a safe space for all.
Be safe and keep making things!
- Bill C.
Where to find us:
MakeFixHack is a growing community of makers, tinkerers, hackers, crafters, and other like-minded people, sharing knowledge and working to create a community workshop/hackerspace here in Easthampton. MakeFixHack is an open and welcoming community and strives to be a safe space for all.