Monthly Newsletter: Volume 11

March 31, 2024

MARCH NEWS

from Maine STREAM Place, Inc.

It's hard to believe March has come and gone so quickly, but time flies when you're having fun! Longer days and warmer weather have us excited for summer fun around the corner! In this edition you'll find FRC competition recaps for our Knights, a visit the Knights and Squires made to spread their message, as well as photos to share from a special visitor to the MSPI shop. As always, we're grateful you're here, and for the support we continue to see from our awesome community.

Knights of Katahdin

2024 Granite State + Pine Tree Events

Erin Fletcher, Student Contributor

Our previous newsletter shared updates of the robot build progress as we anxiously awaited competitions to begin! The season at times feels like such a flurry of activity, each group within the team working on different tasks simultaneously. Competition is a means to 'strut your stuff' in terms of the robot's ability, but also for practice with interviews and public speaking. It's also a time where the entire team is able to enjoy time together, and to see what other teams have chosen to create! Filled with strategy and problem solving, competition is also packed full of excitement, spirit, and fellowship.

 

WEEK ONE: Granite State, Salem, N.H. | February 29 - March 2nd

For this event, our team was fortunate to collaborate with two other area teams, supporting each other for student, mentor, and robot travel logistics! A huge high-five to our friends from Infinite Loop (FRC 2648) of Oakland, and The Collective (FRC 4906), of Waterville.

 

Competing alongside 35 robotics teams from all over New England, we took in details of how our competitors set up their pit, transported their robot on and off the field, and strategies for game play, they had created and tested. During this first competition we experienced a few technical issues, but thanks to our Drive Team on the field and mentors in the pit, were able to make changes quickly to problem solve in every way possible. While we weren't in playoffs for this competition, we rooted for our fellow Mainers to finish strong --- and finish strong they did! The winning alliance boasted two Maine teams who earned their spot with tons of talent and team spirit. Our Knights' Business Team created a presentation to be in the running for the Impact Award, which highlights the accomplishments of teams within their home communities and the way they spread the message of FIRST to make a difference. In the 2023 rookie season, we were not eligible to give a presentation and be in the running for the Impact Award. Even though we are now a second-year team, this was our first ever attempt at the award. The team did a fantastic job presenting in front of a panel of three judges, with glowing feedback!

 

WEEK THREE: Pine Tree State, Lewiston, ME | March 15 - 17

This event was held at the Colisee, and hosted 29 New England teams. During this competition, a few changes to our robot and strategy paid off as our alliance placed third out of twenty-nine. We fought hard with our alliance mates against some incredibly talented teams, and as this competition was much closer to home, we were so grateful to have had more of our Knights family and friends cheering by our side! Our Business Team again presented for a chance at the Impact Award (pictured in their tunicks and capes below), gaining confidence and refining our presentation look and theme. While we did not win the award, seeing what other teams are doing to serve their community has given us ideas for how we can grow our reach and solidify our impact!

 

As we close our second season, it's incredible to see the progress we've made together --- both on and off the competition field. Our team has grown in size, in skill, and in heart. Photos below show a quick preview of both events, along with our alliance from Pine Tree!

 

SPECIAL VISITS

FARMINGTON ROTARY CLUB | BILLIAN MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

On Thursday, March 7th, several members from both the Knights and the Squires were welcomed by Farmington Rotary Club. This was an opportunity for the Squires and Knights to share about FIRST, and what they do on their respective FIRST Lego League (FLL) team and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. In addition to a quick look at how each team functions and student responsibilities, both teams showed off this season's creations!

Matt Billian of Billian Moments Photography visited MSPI on March 21st, camera in hand and ready to snap photos of Knights in action! From shots of this year's FRC robot, CNC mill operation, Lego League game elements, team buttons or newsletter production, Matt made the rounds to capture a little bit of each department on the move. We'll be sure to share more with you in future, but here's a quick look at some of our favorites!

COMING SOON: Summer Programs

In our next newsletter, we will share details of late Spring and Summer activities and programs, which only happen with the support of our volunteers and community! It's because of you that we can continue to create opportunities for students to meet and learn in a multitude of ways!

PROGRAM NEEDS

How can YOU make a difference at MSPI?

Financial contributions toward programs, competition fees and team travel are always needed and appreciated!

 

The WISH LIST items below would be put to good use, and could be new or gently used:

 

  • Paper towels

  • Snacks for teenagers!

  • Coffee Maker

  • Vlogging Camera so we can take better pictures and video footage, example linked HERE

  • Heat Press for ironing logos on our team shirts and hoodies, our favorite is HERE

  • Refrigerator (Could be full or apartment size)

  • Metal Cabinet (Counterheight for food storage, metal to be creature-proof,) example linked HERE, but a similar style would work!

  • Safety Glasses for Glowforge use linked HERE

  • Laminator

  • Markers for Glass White Board, linked HERE

  • Composition Notebooks, linked HERE

  • Sublimation Printer and supplies This would allow us to make multi-color iron-ons that meld to the shirt material and a bunch of other items like mugs, water bottles, can cozies, etc.

 

You can also donate the proceeds from your RETURNABLES (Bottles + Cans) to Maine STREAM Place, by visiting Ron’s Redemption in Farmington (144 Franklin Avenue)

 

DONATE

REACH OUT

We would love to connect with you! If you are interested in learning more about us by way of a shop tour or meeting, please contact us. Does your business or organization offer grant or sponsorship opportunities? Please reach out!

 

 

info@mainestreamplace.org

207.645.3171 (This is a landline: Please leave us a message)

 

INSTAGRAM + FACEBOOK

@mainestreamplace

@KnightsofKatahdin

 
Contact Us
170 Route 133, Wilton, ME 04294
207-645-3171

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