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Sun
Life Computer Club Meeting Minutes October 9, 2003 October 23, 2003 November 13, 2003 December 11, 2003
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Sun
Life
Computer
Club
MINUTES
The meeting was held in the Computer Room and opened at 1:00 p.m. President Claudette Davis announced that she and Pat recently reformatted all the computers. They have added games (slots, cards, etc.) and Word to every computer and also want to add greeting card programs in order that they will be available for classes. Programs are being installed that will once a week dump whatever has been entered and start anew. One of her main concerns this year is finding people willing to serve as computer room monitors. Claudette is developing various laminated cards that monitors can review with people who are experiencing computer problems. Monitors don’t have to know everything. The cards will answer most questions. She is looking for a committee of people who will critique what she has put together before finalizing the project. Pat Davis has built a data base for the Computer Club to keep track of members, dues, etc. Marilyn Jensen volunteered to enter data into the program. New ink cartridges and new programs will be put on all computers and volunteers are needed. Claudette suggested that the Club consider buying 1 or 2 laser printers at some future date. She also announced that there are several on line classes at www.oneononesolutions.com, such as “Basic Computer for the Advanced User and she and Pat are working on Serving Online Seniors, a program with tips which are easy for people to understand. Fred ______ suggested that we have a list of members who can help other members on a one-to-one basis with various computer programs. People who would be willing to share their knowledge with others. Pat Davis took over the meeting , had members turn on the computers and walked them through various aspects of the XP program – a great learning experience for all who participated. June Pointer, Secretary Sun
Life Computer Club
Sun Life
Computer Club held its monthly potluck in the Social Hall on Thursday,
October 23 at 12:30 p.m. President
Claudette Davis announced that Fred was being honored for the many
hours he has served in the computer room in various capacities.
Fred was given a “seat of honor” at the front of the room and
was allowed to be first in line for the potluck.
Following the potluck Claudette opened the meeting with the
suggestion that the Club consider the purchase of a new laser printer and
discussed the pros and cons of such a purchase.
Currently it costs $1,280 to fill the
ink jet printers.
The computers could be networked to a laser printer that would
print 17 pages per minute; would run about 8,000 copies before requiring a
refill; and would cost around $149 to refill.
Discussion followed and a show of hands indicated that members were
in favor of the proposal.
Claudette will meet with Blaine to discuss the Club’s concerns
and ask about the possibility of Cal Am purchasing a laser printer for the
Computer Room or sharing, with the Club, the cost of same.
It was noted that CalAm Sun Life offices have replaced their ink
jet printers with networked laser printers.
Claudette discussed the need for the Club to have fund-raisers.
While Club dues are used for ink,
paper, etc.,
for the Club to be recognized across the valley it is a good idea
that we have goals to provide something beneficial for the Mesa area.
In other words, we would have a fund-raiser announcing that
“proceeds will go to ______”.
Pat Davis discussed several fund raising suggestions: (1)
Saturday Night Drive-In Movies.
Movies could be shown outside at the Sports Park area.
$5.00 per person.
Come early for a bar-b-que.
(2)
As they have in the past, people could order labels which could be
made by Club Members.
Labels would be printed only in black and would sell for $1.00 per
sheet. People
who want
fancy labels in color could be referred to one of our members who makes
them. (3)
Computer Tune-Up Clinic.
People could bring their computers in and members would clean them inside
and out, do a systems check, test for viruses, do all the Windows
maintenance and give the owner a complete report with recommendations.
Cost of this tune-up would be $40.00
to $60.00.
Places like Best Buy charge around $125.00 for this service.
Pat described how this would operate – with 5 stations.
(1)
Check in and registration, (2)
Disassembly/opening of PC and cleaning, (3)
Software test station.
Will conduct Delete Temporary Files, Delete Cookies, and Disk
Cleanup. (4)
Anti-virus will be conducted, installed if required and Disk
Defragmenter will be conducted or Instructions
will be provided to customer.
Instruction sheet on how to care for computer will be given. (5)
Customer briefing, payment for services and final test. Claudette
announced that she and Pat will no longer be conducting day classes.
They will be available to teach
one or two evenings per week and Saturday.
Members were asked for suggestions and the first class will be held
in the Computer Room on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.
In order to enroll in the class members must sign up to monitor in
the Computer Room.
Claudette circulated sign-up sheets asking for monitors and for
suggestions for classes.
She also distributed membership forms and Wanda Anderson accepted
dues from members who were ready to join for the current year.
Dues remain at $5.00 per person or $7.50 per couple.
Claudette thanked members for today’s potluck and circulated a
sheet for others to sign up to set up for future monthly potlucks (there
will not be one in November) and coffee/cookie set ups for the first
meeting of each month.
She advised that the club will provide table cloths, placemats and
napkins and $25.00 is provided for other decorations.
December’s potluck theme will be “International” and members
were asked to bring a dish representative of their nationality and provide
a copy of the recipe.
The December potluck will be held on December 18.
Set-up is at 12:00 noon and we will eat at 12:30.
Several members have already offered to teach classes this year:
Wanda Anderson will teach greeting card classes on Monday mornings
and Joyce Dillon has offered to teach a class on copy and paste.
Fred Stokes may teach a class on setting up e mail.
Claudette encouraged members, “If you are good at something share
with others and teach.”
She also advised that Micro Soft Word will be installed on all
computers as well as card programs.
Also installed will be GoBack, a program whereby every 24 hours the
computers will go back to their original set up.
Nothing will stay – no documents, downloads, etc.
The Club will buy the program and it will be installed on all
computers.
There will be sheets of instruction provided for all computers.
Discussion about “CharlieCart”, the projector, etc. followed.
Claudette indicated that the Club could buy a lap top with network
card that will network from CalAm for about $800.00 which will run our
projector.
She also called attention to the new web site Serving On Line
Seniors which is set up to help people with their computer questions.
People can type in their questions and receive assistance.
It is similar to oneoneonesolutions.
Fred cautioned people who use the computer room about putting the
chairs away.
Chair handles are being marred when pushed too far underneath the
computers.
The meeting adjourned at 2:23p.m. Sun
Life Computer Club MINUTES
The meeting opened at 1:05 p.m. and President Claudette Davis
welcomed returning “Snow Birds” and greeted new members who joined
today. Secretary June Pointer
read the minutes of October 23. It
was brought to her attention that the member honored at the October 23
potluck was Fred Smith not Fred Stokes.
New Business: Pat
Davis reported on a meeting held with Manager Blaine Fields whereat the
Club’s interest in a new laser printer was discussed.
Resort owner Cory Sukert, who happened to visit the following day,
agreed that we should get rid of the ink jet printers and has agreed to
purchase a new laser printer and the toner required.
It is understood that the new printer will be a high speed color
printer which will print two sides at once.
In the meantime, we will network 3 printers until the new one
arrives. Cory is also
talking about purchasing a new projector (similar to the one being used by
today’s speaker).
Treasurer’s Report::
There was no treasurer’s report today.
However, Pat and Claudette have built a new data base for the
treasurer which should make it easier to keep club records.
Other Business: Pat
Davis reported that the video card on the Charlie Cart died and he is
working on getting a new one.
Bill Littleton mentioned a problem in
the Computer Room with a resident who brought in a coke.
When notified that it was not allowed the person pointed out that
there’s no sign prohibiting it. Claudette
will make and post a “No Food or Drink” sign immediately.
Claudette announced that the Club is
growing in membership and doing well.
She encouraged members to check the Club web site for information
on classes that will be posted on the monthly calendar.
She also encouraged members to volunteer to teach what they know.
Pat Davis recommended HAWK COMMUNICATIONS web site for some of our
“snowbirds”. There is information on the Club web site about this site
which costs only $6.49 per month or $80.00 for two years. H.C. used Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
Program: Member
Dorothy Korus introduced her cousin Steve Barthel who provided a great
program on genealogy. Steve
worked at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City for many years.
Steve is not only accredited in German genealogy but he also worked
with a number of well-known celebrities helping them trace their family
history. He
gave us an orientation of the Family History Library and provided a great
deal of information for members currently searching or planning to search
their roots. Some of the
advice he provided: (1) If
you are planning to go to Salt Lake City for research, write a letter and
tell them what you need and it will be ready when you get there.
(2) Go to www.familysearch.org
for research and it’s FREE
. (3) The Mesa
Regional Family History Center (www.mesarfhc.org)
is east of the LDS Temple on Main Street.
(4) Ask questions at the Family History Center.
(5) For reference help e mail fhl@ldschurch.org.
(6) For free classes on the internet go to www.byu.edu.
(6) There is free software available through www.familysearch.org.
Steve closed by offering a future program on putting together a
family history book with information gathered from the internet.
He can be contacted at barthel47@Earthlink.net.
Claudette thanked Steve for his presentation and will arrange to
have him return for the program he has offered. Back
to top of page
President Claudette Davis opened the meeting at 1:05 p.m.
Minutes of the meeting of November 13, 2003 were read and approved. Treasurer’s
Report::
Pat and Claudette are continuing to build
a new data base for the treasurer which should be in operation
soon. Meanwhile, Don Carl
reported we currently have 142 paid members.
He also complimented Pat and Claudette on all they do to keep our
club going. Don asked members
to forward to him receipts for which they are owed money.
In addition, he asked that members who take money from the box in
the Computer Room to pay for any items they have purchased leave a receipt
in order that he can keep track of expenses.
Other Business: Claudette
thanked C R monitors for their services.
Evidently there still residents who are using the printers who run
a number of copies, pay for a couple and leave others behind in the
printers without paying for them.
She asked monitors, when they hear a printer running, to see
who’s using the printer and what they are printing.
Claudette will be sending an e mail about classes within the next
two weeks. She checked to be
certain that members have registered their e mail addresses with her at Beagenie4u@aol.com.
Claudette also advised members to be certain they sign e mail
messages and enter something in the “subject” line.
Next week, Dec. 18, will be our monthly pot luck.
Set up will be from 12:00 to 12:30; pot luck will be from 12:30 to
1:00 p.m. and our regular meeting will follow.
Pat Davis will give a presentation on what to look for when buying
a camera or a new computer. Today’s
drawing for monitors was won by Pauline LePage. Pauline won dinners for 2 at Village Inn.
Two members had signed up to provide coffee and cookies for
today’s meeting but failed to attend. Pat
Davis reported that Charlie Cart is back.
It’s in the corner in the CR, running well, and has a CD burner
available.
Program:
Pat
introduced and highly recommended Peter Nolan from Softque.
Pat advised that Softque does not take advantage of seniors and
they are reasonable.
Peter provided members with a Softque handout and reported that
Softque builds custom computers; has used reconditioned computers for sale
at $200 & up; and they have a good stock of used parts.
In discussing wireless access, he advised that one of the
Schlotzky’s Delis has free wireless access.
Also, Starbucks has it and McDonalds will soon have it.
Pat Davis mentioned that we have it but it hasn’t been plugged in
yet.
Peter’s presentation included information on security, anti-virus
programs, and spy ware. One of the programs suggested was Myetrust.coom@microsoft
which provides one year free. With
reference to Norton Anti Virus, Pat Davis reported that Softque has the
cheapest in the valley at $19.00. Mr.
Nolan also discussed spy ware and recommended SPYBOT. SPYBOT scans your computer and removes what you don’t
want. Go to PCWorld.com anBeagenie4u@aol.com.
He also noted that Incredimail causes problems and is not worth it.
He also suggested that members should be thinking about switching to XP,
running all updates and keeping it updated.
He also answered several questions from the audience.
Claudette thanked Mr. Nolan for his informative program.
Pat advised that to get a print out about your computer go to
BELARCADVISER.com. Meeting
closed at 2:25 p.m Respectfully submitted June Pointer, Secretary Back
to top of page
Following our monthly potluck, which was hosted by Wanda Anderson,
Jo Montgomery and Lorna Coderre, President Claudette Davis, called the
meeting to order. Wanda
Anderson reported the Club has 138 paid members.
The Davis’s are currently working on the new data base which will
eventually make keeping track of membership a much simpler procedure.
Pat Davis provided a very informative program about digital
cameras. Pat suggested that
finding a camera that feels right in your hands – one that you can feel
comfortable with is the most important thing to look for in purchasing a
new camera. You don’t need
all the accessories currently on the market.
Several things he pointed out were:
(1) Digital cameras don’t have to be real expensive.
You can find a good one for between $200 and $300.
(2) A viewfinder which is comfortable to use is a real plus.
(3) Ask the sales person to show you the battery.
A lithium battery can take 300 pictures on one charge.
Batteries are expensive. Over
$80 at Best Buy -- $19.95 on E Bay for 2 batteries and a charger.
With a good battery you should be able to get 50 to 100 pictures on
one charge. (4) Consider
purchasing a tripod -- $26 at Walmart – be sure the camera will
accommodate a tripod. (5)
Question what kind of film can be put in the camera.
(6) 3.2 megapixels equals a good size camera.
Pat suggested you should try all the different cameras they have
and find out what’s comfortable for you.
Find out if you can get a card for the camera at any store.
Some cameras have cards that are unique to that particular camera. Ask the salesperson how you need to pull the card
out and how you change the batteries.
While new computers and printers have card readers, there is a card
reader available that you can plug into your computer – Best Buy, $80 to
$100; E Bay, $6.00.
While displaying photos on the screen, Pat explained that DPI
equals “Dots Per Inch” and 72 DPI = 1”.
He also pointed out that you need a good photo program in order to
reduce pictures. In answer to
a question regarding photo edit software, Pat and Claudette recommended
Photo Studio 2, which is very simple to operate.
Wanda Anderson mentioned that Create A Card program can also be
used.
Next meeting: Thursday,
January 8, 2004.
The meeting opened at 1:07 p.m.
President Claudette Hunter-Davis welcomed the group and informed us
that there are 55 computer clubs in the Valley and we are the largest.
Claudette and Pat’s goal is to have “all members learn to take
care of their computers and use them happily”.
The secretary’s report was read and treasurer Don Carl announced
that we now have 187 members.
Answering a call for volunteers to handle the January 22 potluck
were Hope Bates, Betty O’Neill and Dorothy Korus.
Betty Hazlett is in charge of the March potluck.
Pauline LePage circulated a sign-up list for monitor volunteers.
Regarding the computer room, Dennis Hazlett cautioned monitors to
turn off their cell phones or leave them at home.
He also suggested that monitors keep an eye on people printing
materials and not paying for them. Printing
costs $.25 per sheet and $1.00 per sheet in color.
In answer to a question about “What can be done about SPAM?”,
Claudette advised: (1)
Don’t forward e mail; (2) Don’t sign up for things on line
(some companies sell your e mail address); (3) Delete your cookies weekly;
(4) Defrag weekly; (5)
Spyware – they watch what web sites you use and provide that information
to advertisers.
Claudette introduced Allen Boehm from
Mesa Public Library who provided an excellent program about using online
services through the library at mesalibrary.org (City of Mesa Library on
the Web). Allen distributed
Evaluation Forms, the monthly City of Mesa Library News and Events, and
bookmarks containing the library web site.
He discussed various computer classes available at the library and
encouraged members to come in and register.
A list of computer classes is available on line at mesalibrary.org.
Allen did an excellent job walking us through “How to use the
library from our computers”.
The four search links posted on the web site are Search for Books;
Search the Web, Search for Articles, and Search This Site.
The two search links he covered were SEARCH THE WEB which
covers ways to obtain information from the library site (mesalibrary.org)
and SEARCH FOR ARTICLES which covers thousands of magazines,
newspapers, journals, government publications, etc.
These are free to use web sites picked by Mesa librarians.
Members
need a library card and pin number to gain access into these web sites and
can obtain an “E” card by registering on line.
You may not check out items at the library but may use the “E”
card to get articles and information from the database.
Allen demonstrated using SEARCH THE WEB by showing us how to check
physicians; where they received training, whether any lawsuits have been
filed against them, etc. He
also showed us how to check restaurants and how they measure up with
health department regulations.
Regarding SEARCH FOR ARTICLES, he explained that companies like
EBSCO buy articles from magazines, newspapers, etc. and then sell them to
libraries. To help you search
for articles he advised clicking on “Choose a Data Base” which gives
you a description of what’s on the database.
Allen then walked us through SEARCH FOR ARTICLES, Health and
Wellness, Articles on Health. He also suggested that a good resource is All In
All, Master-file Prem-er Ebsco, which provides general information,
articles about thousands of things. Example:
dishwasher. Once
located, articles may be printed or emailed.
PDF appears on some articles.
PDF is an Acrobat Reader. If
you go to Adobe.com it will let you install/read PDF.
Claudette thanked Allen for an
exciting presentation and advised members that Allen will return to one of
our March meetings with another presentation.
Jane Dare won the monitor drawing.
Claudette and Pat have a class on Friday, Jan. 9, which will cover
mesalibrary.org. Max Fitz invited members to a Micro Soft presentation on
Office 2003 at the Wells, 5735 E. McDowell on Wednesday, January 14.
He provided directions to their club house and advised there would
be a number of prizes.
Respectfully submitted,
June Pointer, Secretary Back
to top of page Sun
Life Computer Club
Following our annual Birthday Party Potluck which was hosted by
Hope Bates, Dorothy Korus and Betty O’Neill,
President Claudette Hunter-Davis opened the meeting.
Since it is currently possible
get a virus just by going on-line, Claudette emphasized the following:
(1) You must have a
virus protection program; (2) You
must keep that program up to date; (3)
Come to classes and learn about virus protection; (4) Go to
www.oneononesolutions.com for
information. She also
mentioned that the Serving On Line Seniors website will soon be ready.
Don Carl reported we have 185 paid members.
He also expressed his concern that the money currently collected in
the Computer Room for items printed does
not equal the amount of paper being used.
Monitors were asked to try to keep track and collect for paper
being used.
Claudette announced that we have joined Mineshare and she is
checking to determine if they will give us Microsoft Office 2003 with a
license in order that it can be installed on all computers.
Pat Davis and Dennis Hazlett reported on a meeting they held with
Blaine Fields regarding the Computer Room.
Management would like the room open 8:00 – 5:00 daily.
Hours of operation are to be posted on the door and there will be a
plastic sign available for posting on the door indicating:
“We’ll be back at _____”. Problems
with some people who have displayed belligerent attitudes were discussed
and Blaine agreed to publish a statement in the February newsletter.
Also, if monitors encounter problems they are to report the space
number of said troublemaker(s) to Blaine and he will direct a letter to
that person.
The promised laser printer was
discussed and our representatives were advised that purchase of same will
be a priority item. CalAm
will maintain the printer and provide toner and the Club will be
responsible for paper. Members
were advised that computers in the back room are to be used for e mail
only. No printing can be done
there. This is especially
important when classes are being held in the C.R.
Pat
Davis reported that the C.R. is well monitored throughout the week.
The C.R. may have to close on Sunday afternoons as there are no
monitors for that time. Pat also mentioned that monitors need to know that in order
to print anything three of the computers must be “on”. Also, if monitors notice something that should not be
printed, the quickest way to stop printing is to remove the paper from the
paper tray. It’s important
that people know that some of the printers are not connected. Myrna
McGregor won the monitor drawing. Claudette
introduced Pat who provided an informative program on Viruses, Worms, and
Hoaxes. Pat
reported that 80% of the S.O.S. calls he and Claudette receive are virus
related. He cautioned that if
you don’t have a virus protection program you will get a virus.
It’s important that you have a good anti-virus protection
program. Worms
are pieces of software which
are attached to an e mail. They
come into your system via e mail and go out through your address book.
They often come with a name that may sound familiar to the user.
Pat advised, if you
suspect the e mail contains a virus, e mail it to Claudette and she will
open it. Other
advice: (1) Don’t
forward, forward, forward. (2)
Do copy and paste. (3) If the e mail has no subject delete it.
(4) If you are current on your anti virus program go ahead and open
the item. Let the sender know
they may have a virus. (5) If
you have Norton Anti-virus and there’s a red X in the lower right
hand corner you probably have a virus.(6) Definitions are 3 or 4 series of
letters that check for viruses. It’s
important to keep definitions up to date.
Go to priorities and make sure you are current.
If you are not current, within 7 days go on line and update. Pat mentioned that there have been some problems with Norton
2004. Currently, Softque had
Norton 2003 for $19.00. If
you are happy with your anti-virus program and it’s working good you can
renew the program on line.
You should update your anti-virus program every Friday and run a
full check. Hoaxes:
Pat reviewed several hoaxes and cautioned that we should be
skeptical about some of the “get rich quick”, etc. items that come
across the screen. If you
question the item you can highlight it and go to Google to check it out.
If it is a hoax, you should let the person know who forwarded it to
you. Spyware:
Looks to see what you are doing on the internet and lets
advertisers know in order that they can contact you with their
advertisements. Addaware:
Will be discussed at tonight’s Monitor meeting and will be
installed on computers. Other
items: Fun – go to Hoax.com
and read the various hoaxes listed there. Never unsubscribe to
anything you didn’t subscribe to in the first place.
They will send
your e mail address to others (Spyware).
For instructions on maintaining your
computer go to the oneononesolutions.com website where you will find
instructions on deleting cookies, defragging, etc.
Members
thanked Pat for a very informative program.
Respectfully submitted,June Pointer, Secretary Sun
Life Computer Club
The meeting was opened at 1:04 p.m. by
President Claudette Hunter-Davis. Minutes
were read and Treasurer Don Carl announced that we have 209 members.
Claudette thanked Computer Room monitors for their service.
Members who have not been receiving e mail notices about Club
meetings were asked to sign a form being certain their names and e mail
addresses were readable. They
also were advised they could contact Claudette with this information at beagenie4U@aol.com
Claudette is also interested in hearing from members who have XP – what
they like or dislike about it. Small
signs which state, “Please contact monitor before printing,” will be
posted on CR computers. There
was no old business. New
Business:
Member
suggested that those who are using computers in the CR clean them
first. Claudette thanked him
for the good suggestions and advised members to go to
OneonOneSolutions.com for clean up instructions.
March
6 Charity Day Parade: Claudette
indicated that we are the largest computer club in the Valley and
therefore should be represented in the upcoming event.
A sign up sheet was circulated to find members to form a parade
committee. Monitor
drawing was won by Norma Schrandt.
Pat Davis provided a fantastic program about cleaning your
computer. Pat disassembled a
computer and showed us step by step how to take it apart and clean it.
Before proceeding he advised us to keep our computers away from
heat and sunlight and to be certain that air can reach the back of the
computer. He also cautioned
us not to use a vacuum. A
list of items needed for the job includes: screw driver, can of compressed
air, paper towels, glass cleaner, multipurpose cleaner, rubbing alcohol,
cotton swabs, brushes in assorted sizes, tooth brush, anti-static wrist
band. Briefly, some of the
items Pat outlined were: Check
all cables for cracks/breaks & check for end of cables for prongs that
may need straightening, Clean
cables with cleaner on paper towel, MONITORSDon’t
use air on the back of the monitor. Use
a brush on sides and back Spray
a rag with cleaner and wipe down monitor, Use
toothbrush on cracks & creases, Spray
top corner of screen and wipe around. Use
Q Tip and alcohol on buttons Check
connectors. LAP TOP
Don’t
use anything with alcohol on flat screen.
Use a brush and warm water.
KEYBOARD
Brush the keyboard. Hold
it upside down and spray with canned air.
Use all purpose cleaner on a cloth on the outside.
Use alcohol and Q Tip on the keys and dab with soft cloth.
MOUSE
Clean with a damp cloth.
Remove the ball and wash with dish soap and warm water.
Use Q tip and alcohol on rollers.
PRINTER Don’t use canned air. Use brush. Polish the bar with a rag.
PRINTER (cont.)
Use long surgical Q tips to clean any ink build-up.
SCANNERS
Clean surface with window cleaner.
Use brush on control panel.
COMPUTER TOWER
Open side and use a anti-static wrist band to avoid static
electricity.
Start at top with brush to loosen dirt.
Loosen dirt around fan.
Turn on and check the fan. If
noisy it may need to be replaced.
Blow with compressed air from he back.
Start at the top and blow out the front.
Gummy residue from stickers can be removed with W9-40 on a cloth.
Dampen cloth with all purpose cleaner and wipe out the inside.
Blow off the fan.
Wipe the outside with a cloth dampened with multipurpose cleaner. OTHER ADVICE FROM PATDon’t
leave the computer on 24/7. Restart
it every 24 hours. Keep
air moving around your laptop. Can
use a kitchen cooling rack under it. OTHER BUSINESSJune
Pointer and Jo Montgomery will serve as co-chairpersons for the Club entry
in the Charity Day Parade. February
26 meeting will be a pot luck. Hostesses
will be Betty Hazlett, Dorothy Bork, Rita Weldon, and Claudette. Speaker
will be Steve Barthel on genealogy Meeting
adjourned at 2:40 p.m
Respectfully submitted
June Pointer, Secretary Back
to top of page
Following
the monthly potluck, President Claudette Hunter-Davis opened the meeting
by thanking members for providing the delicious food and thanking the
committee for the colorful Mardi Gras decorations.
She also suggested that members forward their recipes to her which
will eventually be posted on the Club website.
Claudette and June Pointer reported on a meeting of the Charity Day
parade committee. Plans call
for a golf cart to be decorated with banners and a repeat of last year’s
“Three Blind Mice”. Members
were encouraged to attend a meeting on Thursday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. in
the Social Hall to help create banners, etc.
They were also encouraged to walk in the parade wearing black pants
and red shirts. Claudette
will forward an email to members regarding the meeting and the parade.
Since some members are not receiving her emails, Carl Shulak
suggested that members be certain that beagenie4U@aol.com
is in their address book. If
her address is in your address book you are more likely to receive her
emails.
Minutes of the meeting of February 12 were read and it was reported
that the Club now has 216 paid members.
Claudette announced that the Computer Room Form will be revised to
collect $5.00 from anyone using the room.
Residents do not have to join the Club to use computers.
However, if they want to attend meetings or classes they must pay
$5.00 or $7.50 a couple.
At this time there has been no word from CalAm regarding the
requested new laser printer.
Wanda Anderson mentioned the current monitor shortage problem.
Discussion followed and several suggestions were mentioned.
Claudette circulated a sign up sheet for members interested in a
class in genealogy and introduced Steve Barthel who provided an
interesting program about genealogy.
Respectfully submitted,
Vice President Dennis Hazlett opened the meeting at 1:12 p.m. asking for members to handle the March 25th potluck. Norma Schrandt, Marilyn Jensen, Myrna McGregor, and June Pointer volunteered. Dennis reported that the Computer Club entry in the recent Charity Parade went very well and thanked those who decorated the golf cart and others who marched in the parade. Thanks to the day’s events, a sizeable amount was donated to Sunshine Acres. Minutes of the February 26 meeting were read. There was no Treasurer’s Report. Discussion regarding the amount to be collected from residents who use the Computer Room and it was decided that the officers should meet to set up new guidelines for the 2004-2005 season. Pauline LePage won the monthly drawing for monitors, a pair of tickets to Rocking “R” Ranch. Dennis introduced Allen Boehm from Mesa Public Library provided an interesting program on Computer Q & A. Allen fielded a number of club members’ questions. Some of the items discussed were: · WalMart.com is available from WalMart. Your first month is free and afterwards it’s $9.95 per month. · If you think an e mail message could have a virus right click to scan for virus. · Update your virus protection as often as possible. Daily, if possible. Weekly for sure. · The registry is where all computer settings are located. To reach the registry go to Start / Run, type in regedit and click O.K. · WinZip is the ability to take a lot of files and zip (or compress) into one smaller file. WINZIP, WINRAR, and WINACE are all free zip files. WINACE is Allen’s favorite. Allen answered a number of questions about WINZIP. · Although files may have been deleted they are still on the hard drive. · FREEWARE if all free; SHAREWARE can be used to get evaluation program but you are somewhat limited. FULLWARE gives you a 30 day trial after which hou pay for 60 – 90 days. · PDF = Portable Document File · Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to read a PDF file if you have the fully paid version. · To help prevent SPAM never give your e mail address out for business purposes. · Never give your Social Security information out on e mail. · The latest version of Adobe.com is 6.0. You can open and use the freebie version. You can use the paid version to create documents. It runs about $124. ·
Go to FROOGLE.com for on line
mailing catalogues. Dennis
thanked Allen for his helpful Q & A session
Respectfully submitted June Pointer, Secretary MINUTES President
Claudette Hunter Davis opened the meeting and thanked the potluck
participants and hostesses.
Minutes of the meeting of March 11 were read.
Referring to the guest speaker for that meeting, Claudette stated
that she tries to get speakers for our meetings who can provide us with up
to date and interesting information.
She also mentioned that she and Treasurer Don Carl feel that the
current $5.00 annual dues are not enough to meet club expenses and it will
be necessary to raise the dues. Officers
will meet in order to set up rules for the 2004-2005 season. Treasurer
Don Carl reported that although we have 227 members only about 30-35
members are active. Expenses
for this season have totaled $734.83 to date; most of which was spent for
ink. Claudette
indicated that we need more volunteers to teach classes and that there is
a need for an education committee and a speakers committee. The
following money making suggestions were made:
(1) Have a “donation
box” in the Computer Room; (2) Prepare a Sun Life Computer Club Potluck
Recipe Book. Members could e
mail their recipes to Claudette. Other
members could compile the book. It
was reported that the office will not open the Computer Room for resident
use unless there is a monitor on duty.
Claudette will soon meet with Manager Blaine Fields regarding the
Computer Room. Beautiful
roses were presented to Pauline LePage and Rita Weldon for their “above
and beyond” help in the Computer Room. Wanda
Anderson advised members that a Family Lawyer program has been installed
on three computers in the C.R. and encouraged members to use it.
The program can be used to set up wills, trusts, and other business
forms. Pat
Davis presented an interesting program on Internet Safety.
He described the Netsky and Beagle viruses and warned members:
(1) Do not open any attachments until the government has caught up
with those who have put these viruses out on the internet.
(2) Update your anti
virus program daily. (3)
Don’t click on any advertising. Shopping
on the internet is safer now than it was some time ago but Pat advised us
to: (1) Get a credit with a
$500 limit and use that for your on-line purchases; (2)
Use common sense when shopping on line; and (3) Check out the site
before you buy. Other advice which Pat shared: Write
your password down somewhere. Back
up your files so you are protected if you get a virus. |