Robotics team works to finance their activities

NEWTON — Newton FIRST Varsity Robotics - Team Aperture 3142, showed their entrepreneurial spirit at the Green Hills School Craft Fair this last weekend. Promoting STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to the fair attendees, Aperture helped raise awareness of robotics programs in the tri-district area and raised funds for their team’s upcoming season by selling STEM Charms, their famous Gourmet Mudslide Brownies, and Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Bars.

Team Captain Tess Bugay of Green, and Build Team member Daniel Marion of Andover, talked about the team’s hand crafted STEM Charms which aid in identifying one stem glass from another.

The two declared the charms as perfect stocking stuffers, wonderful for the season’s social gatherings, and a great way to remember the importance of STEM. The team also sold handcrafted paper bead necklaces made from magazine advertisements that reflected Aperture’s desire to recycle and use their resources wisely, reflecting their team color, green.

Green Township Superintendent John Nittolo stopped by the craft fair hosted by Green Hills Elementary School’s Drama Department. After supporting the robotics team with a purchase,Nittolo posed with the team coach John Hofmann, and Aperture Build Team members Cameron Matulewski from Green, and David Nelson from Andover for a photograph. Coincidentally, Nittolo was sporting a jacket in the Aperture team colors of black and green, which did not go unnoticed by team members.

Newton FIRST Varsity Robotics is currently running a clothing drive to help generate funds and aid families in need.

Those interested in supporting the team and their outreach efforts may drop off used wearable clothing, stuffed animals, belts, purses, and jackets to the Newton High School auditorium through the month of December and until Jan. 19, 2013. All donation are gratefully accepted.