Walnut Creek, California
COMPUTER CLUB of ROSSMOOR
1997
In 1997, the membership increased to 660 manors. Len Krauss became President, with Al Halpern at his side as Vice-President and Chairman of the Board. Together with the Board and the many volunteers they made a huge impact on the success of the Rossmoor Computer Club.
John Bybee introduced Quicken 7.0 for the MacIntosh to the MAC class. This version was more powerful and easier to use than the earlier versions. Al Halpern's housecalls were increased due to the installation of the Silicon Internet Connections for members. E-mail and Internet service was $15.95 per month for members.
Al Halpern was a guest speaker at the Rossmoor Kiwanis Club, the High 12 Club, the Engineers Club and the Alameda Rotary Club. He was interviewed on Channel 41's "Residents Helping Residents" program. At this time, he was also an active member of the Golden Rain Board.
Pat Van Horn, the Director of the Acalanes Adult Education Center, helped the Club at every step. She was instrumental in remodeling the classroom space, to sharing the cost of new computers, and tables and chairs we both use. The Computer Club volunteers handled most of the administrative work and operational details.
Events
In August the annual barbecue was catered by Fritz and held at Sportsmen's Park.
In September a bus tour was arranged to Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
In December the grand Holiday Dinner and Show delighted the members and guests.
Membership cards were issued allowing members a 5% discount from R-Computers, Egghead Software, CompUSA and ComputerWare.
Volunteers
Len Krauss' dedication to the Computer Club was endless. It would be impossible to begin to calculate the hours of his time that he has dedicated to the Club.
Hamilton Chisholm gave much of his time helping students in the classrooms and picking up donated computers and seeing that they were recycled properly.
John Bybee devoted every Wednesday afternoon providing a workshop for the MAC users. He also made housecalls and spent many hours on the phone helping MAC members.
Marie Klos, Marie DelSol, Jim Bradley, Judy Dolan, Troy Kitchens, Dick Seymour, Bob Caracristi, Marion McDougal, Flo Myer and Al Weiner, were some of the volunteers who were instrumental in the growth and success of the Computer Club.
Presentations
In March of 1997, Lesa Ferguson from Five Line Communications, gave a wonderful presentation about the Internet.
In April, Worklink ADA Solutions, gave a presentation on adaptive computer equipment for the disabled and visually impaired.
In May, FBI Agent, William P. Kinane gave an outstanding presentation of his experiences while working with counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, and the organized crime squad.
Gene Myers arranged for a full bus load of members to tour the Pacific Bell facility in San Ramon. Everyone enjoyed the demonstration illustrating the basic resources of the Internet and Live video conferencing.
Expanding our World
In September, the classrooms at the Acalanes Adult Education Center were modified to divide the Club's one large classroom into two classrooms; one for lectures and one for "hands-on," and a separate room for an office.
The "Information Center" opened at Gateway. A computer was purchased by the Computer Club for residents to send and receive e-mail messages, and to sample the Internet and learn more about computers. A copy machine was also purchased and copies were made for five cents a copy.
Regular computer classes began in September. Three MAC and three PC classes were taught by Jerry Carleton and Jennifer O'Hara, who were credentialed teachers.
