A Message from Our Founder: Announcing Retirement

To my Mixxer family,

Today, I want to share some news regarding an evolution of Mixxer—a change that our staff, board members, and I have been carefully planning for several months. I will be transitioning out of my staff role this March.

While I am leaving being part of the staff, I want to be clear: I am not leaving the Mixxer community.

This has been a 12-year journey for me—eight of those since we first opened these doors. I have watched you build incredible things and even better relationships. Thanks to our dedicated members, mentors, donors, staff, board, and support from the Winston-Salem philanthropic community, I know Mixxer's future is very bright. I am leaving the organization in very capable hands.

A community of dedicated people created this amazing place, and I have been fortunate to be one of them. I remember when Mixxer was just a handful of us meeting monthly at different spots around Winston-Salem. I remember the cold winter evenings we spent painting and setting up our shops, supported by people who used their own vehicles to haul tools and supplies. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has invested their time and treasure to make Mixxer what it is today.

As I move into this next chapter, I’ll be restarting my design/build business and devoting more time to the creative work that originally gave me the energy to lead Mixxer’s development. You will still see me around—only now, I’ll be there as a member and a volunteer.

I look forward to continuing my work with the metal casting community, making molds, and joining you on iron pours around North Carolina.

As we look toward the future, the Mixxer board and staff will soon begin searching for new team members to manage safety training and maintenance. I ask you to consider how you might help during this transition. Whether it’s sharing the upcoming job posting with your network or volunteering your time to help keep our shops running smoothly, your involvement is what makes this place work.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see what we build next—together.

With gratitude,

J Alan Shelton

Mixxer Community Makerspace Town Hall

Jan 27, 2026, 6:00 PM

Open to past and present members

RSVP Here!

Proposed Agenda

We invite our community to join us for an upcoming Mixxer Community Makerspace Town Hall, where staff, board members, and committee leaders will share updates, plans, and opportunities for engagement.

The Town Hall will begin at 6pm with welcoming remarks, followed by brief introductions from Mixxer staff and board members.

Committee updates will include:

• Volunteer Committee

• Accessibility Committee 

• Marketing Committee 

• Membership Committee 

• Youth Committee 

• Robotics Committee 

• Makerpreneur Committee 

  
  

Additional updates will cover:

• Events & Programs 

• Facilities 

• Financials

• Fundraising

The Town Hall will feature a Community Feedback segment, providing an opportunity for questions, ideas, and dialogue from the entire community.

We will conclude with Member Awards & Acknowledgements

A Moment of Gratitude for One of Mixxer's Everyday Heroes: “Santa” Neil Underwood

True to his second calling as Santa Claus, Mixxer member Neil Underwood embodies the spirit of generosity in everything he does. At Mixxer, Neil is more than a familiar face, he’s a cornerstone of our community. Whether it’s training a fellow member on a new skill, sharing an encouraging word, or rolling up his sleeves for the less glamorous tasks, Neil shows us what it means to truly give of oneself.

Neil is the kind of person who doesn’t wait for instructions. If he sees a need, he steps in without hesitation. From cleaning restrooms to hauling yard waste, his willingness to tackle the jobs that keep our space safe, functional, and welcoming often goes unseen. But those who know him can attest to the countless hours he has poured into Mixxer, not for recognition, but simply because he cares.

What makes Neil’s contributions stand out is not just the work he does, but the way he does it, with a smile, with positivity, and with a servant’s heart. His presence lifts spirits, his actions inspire others, and his quiet leadership reminds us that a strong community is built on the shoulders of those willing to show up again and again.

We couldn’t possibly repay Neil for the thousands of hours, pep talks, and kindness he’s given so freely. What we can do is celebrate him, thank him, and recognize that Mixxer wouldn’t be the same without “Santa” Neil. The next time you see him in the shop, take a moment to say thank you, because every bit of appreciation means more than you know! 

- Alana James, on behalf of the Board of Directors, and a grateful community of members