strong. smart. bold.

What a great way to end the 2011 year! We've been visited by a few of Shelbyville's finest people including Stu Kaplan, President and owner of Makuta Technics, as well as James Polston and his intelligent co-worker, Nolan, from Mach1 PC.

These men have stepped up and really fostered some great things at the Barbara J. Anderson Center.

Makuta Technics Keeps Robotics Team Moving!

Stu Kaplan arrived just before holiday break to present Girls Inc. CEO Amy Dillon and Program Director Carmen Darroca-Wertz with a $1,000 contribution from Makuta Technics to go toward Operation SMART. This generous contribution will take the 2012 Girls Inc. Robotics Team a long, long way (to victory!!). Stu was able to visit with one of the current Brainstorm, 2nd Generation, team members and learn about the team's 2011 successes. This kind of one-on-one time is what makes Stu and the team at Makuta a great partner for Girls Incorporated. We thank Makuta Technics for the donation!

Mach1 PC Give Back - In a Big Way!

We were also excited to receive the outstanding "go ahead" from the Women's Fund of Central Indiana for a brand new -and MUCH needed- computer lab! The WFCI awarded Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County (in partnership with Mach1 PC) the almost $18,000 grant it took to completely redo and update our lab. The brilliant minds at Mach1 PC went above and beyond the call of duty for this project. We now have a fully equipped, brand new lab complete with upgraded monitors (donated entirely by Mach1), keyboards, mice, and fast and efficient computers that are also safe for young people to use.

James and Nolan worked many hours to install hardware, software, update systems, and remove old equipment. They were gracious and professional throughout the entire process.

Now the girls will have a great place for homework and free time! We thank Scott Polston and the staff at Mach1 PC for everything you've done for the girls of Shelby County.

The girls that make up Team Brainstorm, the 2nd Generation, have a lot to cheer about this time of year! After a strong showing at the Regional First Lego League Tournament in Columbus, IN last November, this Girls Inc. Robotics Team won a spot at the Indiana FLL Championship Tournament which took place in Ft. Wayne in December.

This team not only spent many hours together programming their own team robot to accomplish specific tasks, they also spent time researching, compiling data, and creating a "Food Factor" presentation. This kind of work required a terrific amount of focus and energy from these 9 to 12-year olds, and it paid off! For the first time since forming a robotics team at Girls Inc., Team Brainstorm, the 2nd Generation, brought home the 2nd Placel trophy from the Core Values: Inspiration category.

We send a great big congratulations to the following team members: Erika R., Allison D., Laurel E., Rylie & Macey D., Allison N., and Laura S. We would also like to thank Mike Eggleston and Rylie Geary for mentoring and volunteering to assist the team. Carmen Wertz, Girls Inc. Program Director, organized the group and kept the team on task.

You can find out more at the FLL Championship Tournament page.

 

100 Women Strong is accepting new members!

Becoming a member of 100 Women Strong is a great way to meet new people interested in inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold! Each member volunteers each year and makes a $100 contribution annually to Girls Inc.  A commitment to attending the occasional training meeting or luncheon is requested. Stop by the Barbara J Anderson Center at 904 S Miller St in Shelbyville to take a tour, ask questions, and get inspired!  Call Girls Inc. at 317-392-1190 for more info!