August 2010

They asked …we came. Bausch & Lomb’s FLL team asked for help in learning to program the Lego NXT robots and how to approach the team project. Several team members and mentors gave a presentation on basic programming, how they approached the project during their years as FLL team Mechanical Mayhem and expectations during judging during competition. The team also helped to demonstrate team building games to develop team spirit.

Many Team 340 members attended Kate Leipold’s CAD training class. We learned how to make a base for the robot and a standard drive chain. Everyone learned a lot more on Autodesk Inventor Pro 2010 and were excited for . . .

SURPRISE it’s a BABY Shower!

Along with the CAD clinic, Team 340 decided to surprise our expecting mentor Kate with a robotics baby shower. We decided to tie in her goodbye party because she will be taking her maternity leave from mentoring this upcoming season. We will all surely miss her, but it was a nice way of celebrating and saying our adieus.

The team ran a booth at the Churchville Lions Country Fair. At the request of one of our sponsors, the Churchville Lions Club, the team also added the Sunday morning pancake breakfast to their to-do list this year. Over the weekend of August 21 and 22, 2010, Team 340 manned a booth, demo’ing Jeep bot, selling bandanna bracelets and GRR coffee mugs, and also running a quarter toss game for kids. We also helped out the Lions by working with their parking crew to direct cars. The weekend was lovely, and we were able to spread FIRST to the many people who attended the fair. The only thing we could have possibly asked for was sun on Sunday! The team had lots of fun supporting the Churchville Lions.

To further the public’s view of FIRST Robotics as a sport, Team 340 went right to the center of football in New York. Spending a whole afternoon at Ralph Wilson Stadium at the Buffalo Bills Family day helped to get that message across. Kids were drawn in by FLL, baffled by the idea that Legos could create a robot! They asked probing questions, for five to fifteen year olds, they all wanted to know how to start a team at their school, parents included. A lot of parents went home with pamphlets and brochures about how to start a FIRST team. Visitors were also interested in the big robots too. Kids and parents alike were lined up just for a chance to drive our jeep bot. We also let kids catch a soccer ball from our competition robot. All in all this was the perfect demo to promote FIRST and Team 340.

Team 340 held a picnic to wish the parting seniors farewell and best of luck in their future endeavors. The party was hosted at Justin M.’s house located near Pineway Ponds Park with co‐host “Bower‐ the huge drooling black dog.” The picnic was loads of fun starting with good food and ending with euchre, playing on the playground, running through the splash park and ultimate Frisbee. The team wishes the best to their seniors as they head off to college and work.

• Kat Zelak – Cornell University – Animal Science with Pre Vet Focus “I am really excited about getting out into the world and trying new things. Goodbye Churchville!”
• Juliana Lawniczak – University of Dayton‐ Chemical Engineering “I think I am most excited about changing things up. I am most nervous about dying during track practice!”
• Ian Shelanskey – University of Buffalo – Theatrical Technician “The name of the game is technical theater, lights and sound work for musicals, rock concerts and maybe even FIRST Events.”
• Bryan Duong – RIT – Electrical Engineering “I’m definitely looking forward to graduating but I’m really nervous about heading off to college. Gonna be a mentor next year, yay!!”
• John Maffett‐ Alfred State University – Computer Science “I’m most excited to be on my own. I’m most nervous about being so far from everyone and my mother making a surprise visit.”
• Jen Wilson – RIT – Electrical Engineering “I’m most excited about meeting new people and doing new things. I’m most nervous about meeting new people and doing new thing. Is it possible to be both nervous and excited?… I’ll come back and mentor when I can.”
• Tawny Martin— Buffalo State— She is going to mentor Kate’s little baby in the fine art of Gracious Professionalism when wearing his wee little GRR tiger outfit.

GRR members went to Ontario Beach Park today to volunteer to help in Maggie Brook’s Salute to Seniors. Helping guide the seniors to their pavilions, carrying chairs, passing out lunches, and pushing those in wheelchairs who needed assistance, GRR was able to benefit those who have helped make the community what it is today. It was a great opportunity to show what Gracious Professionalism is all about.

GRReat fun running the booth for FIRST at the NYS Fair in the 4H Youth building. This year we spent two busy days, August 28 & 29th, spreading FIRST to the eager crowds at the fair. We worked with another FLL team, The RoboSpartans, to demonstrate FLL, FTC and FRC programs. We created a veggie race track, with a twist. Fair goers raced their Lego creations, instead of vegetables, against our Lego tomato down the track. Many visitors were interested about FIRST and loved building with Legos.