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Build a robot in six weeks;               
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Volunteer Newsletter
Issue: #14-003
March/2014
Quick Links
  

 

  

Teacher / Mentor Institute
21 and 22 July
Auraria Campus Aerospace Bldg Denver
8:30 AM - 4 PM

  

Kickoff

  6 September

Saturday
South High School
Denver
Noon - 4 PM
  
Practice  Day

11 October

Saturday 
Thomas Jefferson High School Denver
  9 AM - 3 PM

Game Day

18 October

Saturday

Auraria Event Center

Denver

7:30 AM - 5 PM

 

 
Steering Team

Carolyn Bauer-Hub Director, Game

 

JoAnne Fry and Lori Lazuk-

Consumable Kits

 

Jose Lopez-School Interface

 

TBD-Protobot

 

Linda King-Volunteer Interface

 

Linda Scott-Secretary, Awards & Judging

 

Lois Walton-Budget

 

Patty Gaspar-Events

 

Scott McEwen-Venues

 

Board of Directors

 

Kathy Geise - President

 

Linda Scott - Vice President

 

Jose Lopez - Executive Director

 

Carolyn Bauer - Secretary &  Hub Director

 

Lois Walton - Treasurer

 

Tim Bouvia - Member at Large

 

 

Dear (Contact First Name),

 

 Welcome to the March 2014 Rocky Mountain BEST Volunteer Newsletter. 
  
Listed on the left are this year's event dates and locations
Please Mark Your Calendars!
  
We are excited about our fifth year working with area students in the annual BEST robotics competition. More details below about the 28 schools interested in competing this year (still looking for more schools) and help needed to assemble the kits and build the prototype robot (Protobot) and Game Field.  Also more information below about our participation at Wings Over the Rockies Robotics in the Hanger event and the outstanding results of our Boosting BEST February fundraiser.
  
Please forward this newsletter to others who might be interested in Rocky Mountain (RM) BEST.  


2014  Blade Runner
We have 28 Interested Schools for our 5th Year

We are excited to have 28 interested schools for the 2014 competition. It is not be too late for a school to get involved. We plan to have 29 schools competing this year and we will have a waiting list, should a current school not be able to participate. Please ask any schools that might be interested to visit our website or contact Jose Lopez at jlopez@rockymountainbest.org.

 

   

If you missed it previously, check out the 67 second Blade Runner Teaser Video .

Volunteers Needed Near Term
Kit Team (Now), Protobot (July), and Game Field (July) Volunteers

Monday Kit Team (Now): The Kit Team is working on returned 2013 kits to prepare for 2014 kit activities. They meet most Mondays at Club Workshop 999 Vallejo St #2, Denver near I-25 and 8th Avenue from 10 AM - 3 PM with a lunch break at a local restaurant. They can always use an extra hand and no experience or specific skill is needed. If interested, please contact Carolyn at cbauer@rockymountainbest.org for more information. 

  

Protobot Robot Builders (July - August)We are looking for volunteers to build a prototype robot for the 2014 Blade Runner Game. The Protobot builders will receive a consumable and returnable kit and game rules by early July. The PROTOBOT will be tested with the game field in late August and it will be one of the highlights at the 6 September Kickoff at South High School. The builders need access to basic shop tools and the ability to program CORTEX controller.  If interested, please contact Carolyn at cbauer@rockymountainbest.org for more information

 

Game Field Builders (July - August): Use BEST provided drawings to construct and assemble game field pieces. We expect to have final drawings available by early July with construction in July and August. Full assembly of all components and testing must be completed at least two weeks prior to 6 September Kickoff. Multiple separate components permit multiple independent helpers to separately construct their components. Tools needed include the following depending on component: saws to cut plywood, lumber, foam, and PVC; wood sander; paint brushes; drill for bolt holes; and bolt and screw drivers. Skills needed include: read drawings, construct using tools above, and assemble components with glue (PVC), screws, and nuts/bolts. If interested, please contact Carolyn at cbauer@rockymountainbest.org for more information.

 

Kit and Game Field Donations - We need ideas on obtaining zero or reduced cost consumable robot and game field materials. For example, we need lots of PVC pipes and wood. If you have suggestions or need more information, please contact JoAnne at jfry@rockymountainbest.org.

Robotics at the Hanger
RM BEST Participating in Wings Over the Rockies Event  

Rocky Mountain BEST will have a booth at the upcoming Robotics at the Hangar event on Sunday, April 13th from  Noon - 5pm at Wings over the Rockies Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Boulevard, Denver, CO 80230- 6929. Come experience and explore the cutting-edge technology of robotics at this dynamic event. It's a fun-filled day of great activities.
Cost:   Adults (13 - 64) - $11.00
Seniors (65+) - $9.00
Active military and veterans - $9.00
Children (4-12) - $6.00
Children (3 and under) and Museum Members- Free
robot mascot purple-150 2014 Boosting BEST Fundraising Event
A Fun, Successful Evening for 100+Participants

Thank you to all those that attended Boosting BEST. We would not have been successful the help of all our volunteers, silent auction donors, and Sabina Kilpatrick who ensured everything went smoothly. We raised over $23,000 (a 50% increase over 2013's event!) thanks to all those who attended and donated, and then boosted by a generous matching donor.
St Mary's Academy
Manning Middle School

 

 

   
The evenings highlight was the participation by 2 schools that competed at the Regional level in Fort Smith Arkansas. Students from Englewood's Saint Mary's Academy High School and from Golden's Manning Middle School brought their robots. 

Chef Greg Boynton, Haute Event Catering, entertained the group with cooking demonstrations and also provided delicious appetizers and a light dinner.
We would not be successful without you!  We are looking forward to working with you in 2014.
  
Sincerely,
  

Linda King

Volunteer Interface, Rocky Mountain BEST

 

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