SMH Update 3/9/16…not a headline

Update 3/9/2016

Just an update from last night’s post about the robotics team.

After we both had cooled off a bit last night, Carey and I did have an email exchange. He privately offered his apology to me and the team. Because his post was made publicly and had several followers making disparaging comments as well, I asked for him to at least publicly make the apology and offered him the team email address. I know he’s a busy man, both trying to work and run a reelection campaign, so I’ll give him some time to do it. But, in fairness today, here’s his email apology to me (and by extension the robotics team):

“Baker apology
10 messages
Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 7:42 PM
To: stevenmoulden@gmail.com
Steve,
I deserved your rebuke and immediately deleted the post, I should have thought of you and the kids before I posted!! I am still stunned. I was invited, I didn’t invite myself and the guy who threw me out, threw me out!! You heard him “You gotta go” Who says that to someone?? Like I mentioned I was mad and embarrassed!
Please forgive me.
Warmest regards,
Carey
Sent from my iPhone
Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 7:47 PM
To: Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com>
The team email address is Team1557@gmail.com.
I think it should be emailed there.
Thank you,
Steve

Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 8:04 PM
To: Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com>
Also, the gentleman who had invited you doesn’t appreciate being thown under the bus.
You’re a public official, I expected more graciousness and less childishness. We’re a bit disappointed to say the least.
Steve
On Tue, Mar 8, 2016, 7:42 PM Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com> wrote:

Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 8:30 PM
To: Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com>
Steve,
My apology was sincere in regards to any possible adverse affects on the parents and kids which is why I immediately deleted the post. But the fact will continue to be that I was rudely throw out as if I had done something wrong and the gentleman who invited me said nothing, no I’m sorry we are so busy or how about you come back later, no nothing. I wasn’t told beforehand that the club was busy that night. I just walked in blind.
Maybe I am mad and embarrassed because I have never been treated that way before nor would I ever tell someone to leave in that manner. Please imagine how I felt just standing outside your club on the street by myself. But I acknowledge my poor choice in sharing this episode.
Sincerely,
Carey
Sent from my iPhone

Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 8:49 PM
To: Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com>
I understand. I also know that had I not replied to that post it likely would have continued. Your followers and friend not only saw it, but made additional disparaging comments about the team member and leaders (all volunteers by the way) in general.
It was a public posting, I believe the sincere apology should also be public.
Sincerely,
Steve

Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 9:00 PM
To: Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com>
You are a good man, Steve Moulden! Let me cool down about this and compose an email to your club. I could post something on FB but you know how people are, it could make it worse.
Sincerely,
Carey
Sent from my iPhone

Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 9:03 PM
To: Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com>
Thank you. I know you’ll do the right thing. Much appreciated, I wasn’t the only team mentor that saw it.

Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 9:06 PM
To: Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com>
And thank you!
Sent from my iPhone

Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 9:22 PM
To: Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com>
Steve, I know I deserve the public smacking but could you please consider deleting your posts?
Carey
Sent from my iPhone

Steven Moulden <stevenmoulden@gmail.com> Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 10:48 PM
To: Carey Baker <careybaker097@aol.com>
I’ll update it later with your apology to the team.
Until then, it stands.
Steve”

Carey, consider the post updated. We’ve got a big competition at UCF (Orlando FRC Regional) representing Lake County as one of the only two FIRST FRC teams in the county. If you’re ever curious about what it’s really about for us, and to see who we compete against come on out, it’s free to the public. For us, it’s about giving our kids an edge that they may not get elsewhere. STEM is making the rounds in Lake County, and we’re doing what we can to help close that gap for our students as parents, educators, mentors and coaches. FIRST is a big part of these students’ lives and we’re blessed to be able to volunteer with them. I hope you understand why I and several others were seeing red afterwards last evening.