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

3 Fun Classes to Take in July!

Happy July! In the heat of summer, I know we're all looking for ways to stay cool while making especially for you metal workers. We have amazing classes happening almost every day here at Mixxer! Some that will help you keep cool and some not so much. Here are two featured classes to keep cool and one to bump up the heat!

Make Earrings: Intro to Forging Copper Jewelry, July 26 at 2 PM and July 30 at 6 PM

If you've been awaiting a new class in forged copper jewelry from us, here it is! Our Executive Director, Elaine Lamson, is back to teaching with a new copper earring class. With her busy schedule, Elaine doesn't always have the time to post classes. So I know people are always patiently awaiting it when she is able to. During this class, you'll make 2 pairs of earrings, perfect to make one for yourself and gift one to someone else!

July 26 at 2 PM

July 30 at 6 PM

Intermediate 3D Modeling with Blender: Working with 3D Scans July 23 at 6 PM

If you want to take your 3D printing to the next level, this class with long-time member Dakota Pahel-Short is for you! This class will show you how to take a real life object and turn it into a 3D model perfect to 3D Print! This skill has so many cool applications, from making repairs to your household objects to having a perfect scale model of something. I especially love that you can use it to create a 3D print for mold making! Dakota worked with another member and instructor, Murphy Boski, who teaches classes in Resin Casting and Silicone Mold Making, so this class could provide added skills to mold making. This is an intermediate class, so make sure you take the Intro to Blender class or understand the basics of Blender to sign up!

July 23 at 6 PM

Fabric Scrapbusting Series: Coin Keeper Keychain July 26 at 10 AM

Yet another fun and unique class from the multishop-skilled Lyssa Troemel! Many of you have taken her metalworking classes, but if you see her around Mixxer you know she works in just about every shop in the building. This coin keeper is a super fun project that she made into a project perfect for the beginner sewist. It's perfect to keep a quarter for getting a cart at your favorite store or for that emergency vending machine stash. I thought it was just the perfect way to use up all my little scraps from sewing myself. I'm sure there are plenty of you who will agree!

July 26 at 10 AM

I'll have another fun batch of classes to tell you next month but in the meantime take any of our prescheduled classes or reach out to me about scheduling on your time at workshops@wsmixxer.org

Happy making!

Savannah Shanley

Events Manager

Woodworker. Artist. Friend. A Dedication to One of the Best of Us

Mixxer began as a place where people could bring their fledgling ideas and turn

them into something real. Whether it was learning a new craft, starting a business

from scratch, or just making a Christmas gift for your friends and family—Mixxer

was built to be the space where all of that could happen.

People often come to Mixxer looking for a tool, maybe even a specialized one. But

what they stay for is the community.

And that community—it's special. It’s full of people who are deeply committed to

helping one another succeed. Whether in life, in their art, or in their personal

growth, the people here genuinely care. That’s what makes Mixxer unique. Many

have walked through these doors and found that sense of purpose, support, and

success. But few have embodied the spirit of Mixxer as much as Justin Kankula.

I met Justin in 2018. He was just beginning his business. At the time, he was

transitioning out of construction and had this dream—this spark—to make fine

woodworking items. I remember him saying, “I want to make furniture like that.” He

pointed at a piece, and you could hear the conviction in his voice.

Justin dove in. He became a cornerstone of Mixxer—not just a craftsman, but a

collaborator, a learner, a helper, a friend. He brought laughter, support, and his

whole self to this community. He learned. He grew. And he built something beautiful.

He didn’t just succeed in his craft—he built a thriving business, one that grew from

that early vision into something truly remarkable. He helped others along the way,

and his presence made this place better.

Justin is the personification of what Mixxer stands for—mastery of craft, a spirit of

community, and the drive to create something meaningful.

And with that, we are happy to announce that we are naming the woodworking

shop in Justin's honor. From now on, the woodworking shop here at Mixxer will be

called the Justin Kankula Woodworking Shop.

We know that this space will carry forward his spirit. With all the energy, passion,

and support that Justin brought into this place, we believe the shop bearing his

name will continue to inspire. This space will produce many success stories like Justin's—stories of people who need a place to work, to relax, or to simply commune with their friends. We hope to offer all of that and more, right here at Mixxer.

By naming the Justin Kankula Woodworking Shop, we get closer to that mission—

by honoring one of the most profound success stories we've had in Winston Salem.

Kyle Brueggeman

Board of Directors

Winston Salem Mixxer