February 2008

First birthday a real success

Nan Bosler, president of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association was the club's special guest speaker on the occasion of our first birthday. Fifty members and friends attended, and celebrated in style.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Clr Pierre Esber also attended, and we acknowledged the valuable practical assistance and support given by Parramatta Council.

• joining up 143 seniors in our first twelve months
• maintaining 130 financial members since July 1, 2007
• purchasing seven Core2 Duo computers and 19" flat screen monitors
• obtaining two government grants worth $6800
• producing 13 newsletters
• fully furnishing our club training room and reception area
• recruiting eight trainers
• running 31 ten week training courses
• commencing a range of shorter courses
• holding 13 information/member days

The photo shows president John Moxon blowing out the candle, with Nan Bosler assisting.

Great response to Term 1 courses

Our courses have expanded yet again, with Excel, PowerPoint and a revised Genealogy on Your Computer being offered this term. Many courses were fully subscribed.

Although we have one new trainer - Hazel Labka - two of our designated trainers were unavailable, and Berniece has retired from training due to ill-health.

Your trainers this term are Judy Joyce; Hazel Labka; Margaret Tucker; John Moxon and John McGlinn. Additionally, Jon Bayley is in training to assist with classes next term whilst two of us are overseas.

Book for a short course

The following short courses (Wednesday afternoons between 1.00pm and 3.15pm) have vacancies:

• CD burning - Wed Feb 13
• Camera to Computer & Scanning - Wed Feb 20
• Greeting cards - Wed Feb 27
• Introduction to OpenOffice.org - March 5
• Windows Vista introduction - March 12
• CD burning - March 19
• Easy photo collage - March 26

February members meeting

Creative writing will be the topic at the February meeting, to be held in the Gwen Logan Room - next door to our club-rooms - at 9.30-11.30 am, Friday 15th February.

Joan Craymer, president of the well-established Computer Pals for Seniors Epping will be the guest speaker. Joan teaches creative writing and genealogy to members of her own club.

There will be an opportunity to find out about classes for March/April and to express an interest in courses for Term 2.

Chairs with arms; track-balls and left-handed mice

Your committee recently purchased two new chairs with arms, suitable for members who have difficulty lifting themselves from their computer seat.

Also, make sure you let your trainer know if you are left-handed, or have difficulty using a mouse. All trainers can assist you setting up your system to use the mouse with your left hand. Additionally, the club has two track-ball mice, for use by those who have difficulty with fine motor control.