The computers at Vector Space just got a serious upgrade, thanks to a planned effort from our founder and Facilities Manager, Adam Spontarelli — and an unexpected but perfectly timed visit from member John Vollmer.

John, a pilot and former programmer, popped into the office right as Adam was elbow-deep in this labor-intensive project. As if by magic, he casually offered, “Hey! I’m killing some time — what can I help with?” His background made him the perfect taskmaster to join the crew. Member magic at its finest. John wasn’t the only computer wizard to jump in, though, Nathan Wyand, our Shop Captain for the area — and ever-incredible resident wizard — also helped plan and execute this much-needed upgrade. Under Adam’s leadership — and with John and Nathan’s expert help — the lab’s entire computer fleet received brand-new motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and hard drives. Vector Space became Vector Spa, at least for our hardworking machines.

Fun fact: Each computer in the lab is named after the teen who originally built it during one of our youth programs. So here’s to Renzo, Ben, Caroline, Dustin, and all their fellow computer friends — may your circuits be swift and your data plentiful as you power countless CNC projects to life in the makerspace.

We love this story because it highlights not only Adam’s constant drive to improve the space, but also the deep sense of community that makes it all possible. There’s nothing quite like someone’s unique skills showing up at exactly the right moment — and Shop Captains' steady force for good.

This upgrade was made possible by support from Stanley Levinson, in honor of Pamela Levinson.

#ComputersRock #CommunityRocks

Seven builders in all contribute their own expertise, creativity, and grit to a project that’s nothing short of visionary. Much like the best collaborations we see inside the makerspace, the Robotic Legends team thrives on the diverse strengths each member brings to the table. No one person can do it all—but together, they’re pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Their current project is a true standout. While most bots in this weight class are powered by three motors, their design requires ten—driving a fully articulated, VR-controlled humanoid arm. This innovative system allows the robot to mirror human movement in real time, introducing a completely new approach to strategy, control, and engagement on the BattleBots stage.

With less than 30 days until their debut competition, the team is deep into the final stretch of building and testing. We last saw Robotic Legends at our 2025 Maker Faire (https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6GvDux7Ml/), where they demonstrated their VR control system—an unforgettable moment that showcased both the technical complexity and human-centered design of their approach.

Todd is back at Vector Space, hard at work on our milling machine, fabricating a backup set of aluminum arms designed to lift up to 350 pounds! These arms aren’t just a contingency plan—they’re a critical component of the team's overall strategy and will be rigorously tested in the weeks ahead, and ultimately, in the arena. (And yes—350 pounds. Whoa.)

But beyond the machinery, there’s something even more powerful at play. In the robot combat arena—just like in our own FIRST Robotics Competition (https://vector-space.org/frc-robotics) team and throughout the Makerspace playground—we’re reminded of a deeper truth: bold ideas and complex builds only succeed when the humans behind them are operating at their best. Success in these environments demands more than technical skill—it takes patience, respect, collaboration, and the courage to bring your full self to the team. Robotic Legends is living proof of what happens when a group embodies those values. 

We’re honored to support Robotic Legends as they continue developing a robot that’s not just impressive in form and function, but also a symbol of what’s possible when teams work with trust, vision, and relentless creativity. We can’t wait to see their bot—and their team—take the spotlight.

“Robotic Legends is dedicated to empowering the robot combat community by offering broad support to builders, event organizers, vendors, and content creators. Our mission is to ensure that anyone with a passion for designing, building, and competing with robots has the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to bring their imagination to life.” — Todd Rogers, Founder

Are your gears turning for more? Follow Robotic Legends on their journey: https://www.instagram.com/roboticlegends/

At Vector Space, being named Maker of the Month is more than a simple nod to someone’s skills—it’s a way to honor individuals who truly represent the spirit of the maker community. That spirit is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to building alongside others. Makers like Vanessa show us what’s possible when creativity meets purpose and generosity.

As a member, Vanessa Knight is no stranger to the laser area, but her creative endeavors go far beyond that. A dedicated and versatile presence in the space, she has continued to make an impact across multiple disciplines, including the woodshop and textiles areas. Her creativity and commitment have consistently stood out, making her a valued part of the community.

Over the past month, Vanessa has been on an impressive streak. She designed a CNC-routed watercolor set, began developing a quilting class, and took the initiative to implement meaningful organizational improvements in the textiles area. Her drive and attention to detail make her an inspiring presence in every corner of the makerspace.

We are excited to recognize Vanessa as this month’s Maker of the Month—remarkably, for the second time. She is only the second person in Vector Space history to receive this recognition twice!

We don’t have to wait long to see what Vanessa is bringing to her community next. Her one-of-a-kind textile classes are already underway—check out her latest offering on our website: https://vector-space.org/workshops

Please join us in congratulating Vanessa Knight on this well-earned recognition.

Written by Savannah Hicks, SHARE Greater Lynchburg Communications Intern

Vector Space has forged a new collaboration with Big Brother Big Sisters for the BYO—Build Your Own program. BYO engages high school students and mentors from BWX Technologies, meeting twice per week thoughout the summer, to create something from scratch. The challenge is to create something that encourages the community. The end result will be a 12-foot tall Adirondack chair to invite the entire Lynchburg community to come, sit, snap a picture, and feel at home.

“I want this structure to represent more than just a comical chair—I want it to be an attraction that reflects pride in Lynchburg.” —Elise Spontarelli, Vector Space Executive Director

With invaluable input from mentors and woodworking instructors, students are working to turn a simple concept into a beautiful beacon that celebrates the impact of young hands molding a stronger, more connected Lynchburg. Dre, a rising senior at E.C. Glass, says, “This program is perfect for kids who feel lost. I feel like I’ve learned so many truly important skills.” His statement is proof that when we invest in youth, we’re not just building structures—we’re building determination, tenacity, and courage to keep learning.

Three weeks into the project, the chair is still a work in progress. Each cut, dimension, and drawing is full of energy and possibility. It becomes a place of learning, and the realized potential of time together. There is an authenticity in the making-- in the showing up and learning and making something together that will soon speak for itself. After reflective conversation regarding the chair’s size, blueprint, and general power, the group went on two field trips to support inspiring their plans. Their first stop was at the nonprofit Roads to Recovery, where they contemplated community and strength firsthand. Next, they visited the Aviary at Miller Park, a cherished local place known for its scenic beauty and as a popular wedding location. These trips provided the young builders with a clarified view of how their project could fit into our community and contribute to Lynchburg’s heart.

While the final placement of the structure is still being deliberated, one student shared what genuinely matters most: “For as many Lynchburg citizens as possible to have a seat at the table.” This sincere goal perfectly reflects the mission behind the program collaborators. While hosted at Vector Space, this program has support from throughout the community, includuing partners at Big Brothers Big Sisters, LAYSi, and financial supporters BWX Technologies and Mustaches4Kids Lynchburg. Together these partners are invested forging long-lasting connections, empowering youth, and building spaces where everyone belongs. That is, after all, the Lynchburg way.

This past weekend, our community came together for another incredible MEGA Meetup—an event that brought learning, making, and connection through hands-on projects led by our talented shop captains. Whether attendees were seasoned members or first-time makers, the June MEGA Meetup served as a vibrant reminder of what happens when curiosity meets community. These one-day learning extravaganzas happen just three times a year, and anticipation is always high. The sign-up sheet fills up quickly, with members eager to dive into new skills and connect with others who share their passion for making. Once members were on site yesterday they jumped into everything from machining gears to laser-etching painted surfaces, mud slinging on the pottery wheel to ink printing on a 1918 letterpress. Participants also explored woodworking, electronics, CNC routing, and 3D printing, enabling them to sample the wide range of tools and expertise our space has to offer. The day was full of energy for leanring and sharing!

MEGA Meetups are designed with a focus on fun, building comfort, confidence, and connection amoungst members within the space. Each event is structured like a mini maker conference, made up entirely of short, hands-on breakout sessions led by shop captains. Participants rotate through four different 45-minute activities which are focused on dirrerent skills and different shop areas at each of these tri annual events. This June, we offered 73 individual activity slots and welcomed about 20-25 members for an afternoon of fast-paced, highly participatory learning. The MEGA Meetup continues to be one of our most beloved programs—not just for the variety of experiences it offers, but for the spirit of exploration, mentorship, and community it fosters every time.

A gigantic thank you—as always—is owed to our amazing shop captains, whose volunteer commitment makes this event, and so many other great days in the shop possible.