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Sept. 1, 2002, Vol.
3; Issue #9; Mail Address: PMB 44, 12819 SE 38th St., Bellevue, WA
98006-1326
Voice Mail: 206-232-5892; Email: senior@scn.org; Classroom at Phantom Lake Elementary School,
Bellevue; For detailed Information, Class Schedules: www.seniornetps.org
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By Phil Scheier
ANNUAL BROWN BAG SOCIAL DRAWS NEW STUDENTS:
The Aug. 22 Brown Bag Social and Workshops at the Phantom Lake Elementary
School brought new members to SeniorNet. Because of the unexpected large
attendance, extra chairs had to be brought in. Eight new members signed up for
classes, according to Registrar Louise Flora. "Since Aug. 1,
we have welcomed 12 new members to SeniorNet. We also filled 12 spaces in
classes. Word Processing classes are full until November.
However, WORD-3 beginning Nov. 4 has openings. Starting Sept. 30, "
she reported, " Bob
Swenson will be teaching the Database Management Class. This
class will teach you how to maintain an address book, recipes, print your
Christmas card labels and many other useful functions that are very
handy for home use. Delores Davis still has a few openings in
her Writing Your History Class, which will meet Friday afternoons
beginning Oct. 11. Why not be a family hero and put together a
life story for your family? Follow the Writing History class with
the Publishing Class on Thursdays Nov. 7 - Dec. 19. In this
way," Louise suggested, "You could use the skills you learn in
this class to further enhance your life story.
"Both
of the Email classes still have openings. And, if you use AOL,
take the AOL Workshop Tuesday Dec. 10, or the Outlook Express class
Nov. 26. Cost of these Workshops is a nominal $10.00. Also, Both of
the Windows Intermediate Classes have openings. This helps you
extend your skills to take full advantage of all the possibilities in the
Windows program. The first session (95/98 IM-1) begins Nov.
7, the second session (95/98-IM-2) will convene on Dec. 5," Louise
added. Check the SeniorNet phone or website, for easy registration guidance, as
listed in the masthead above.
OVERFLOW ATTENDANCE AT BROWN BAG GALA:
Reflecting growing interest by seniors in learning how to operate computers,
more than 100 jammed the Aug. 22 SeniorNet Brown Bag luncheon at the SeniorNet
classroom host, the Phantom Lake School in Bellevue, which honored
Principal Jill McLeod. (See story below). SeniorNet Vice President Adella
Granger who headed plans for the annual summer gathering which included six
workshops, hailed the presence of 21 newcomers to SeniorNet. "They were
very impressed with our theme of 'Seniors Teaching Seniors' in learning how to
use computers," she said. "The final tally showed 11 new members
signed on, with 14 additional class assignments." One of the top moments came when the
oldest student taking classes was recognized and awarded a special prize. She
is Betty Strandberg, 91. a long-time active member who never stops
learning. Her prize was a bottle of wine. Commented Adella: "She certainly
lives up to the statement that 'age is only a number. It's the condition that
counts.' What a beautiful lady."
The
SeniorNet membership grand prize of a free computer course was won by Aide
Kouyoumjian. She selected the new Introduction to Windows XP class which
started Aug. 28, and is being taught by Mac Adams. A special prize went
to Shirley Foucht who brought three guests to the event. "The
participation of our members in bringing guests with an interest in learning
how to operate computers made this a very special day," Adella said. One
of the big attractions were the six workshops which jammed the SeniorNet
classroom, as well as the nearby school gym also used for the workshops.
Instructors were: Delores Davis, "Using the Computer to Write your
Life Story;" Ken Crandall, "Use Email to Reach Out to Everyone;"
Ken Crandall, "Protect Your Computer; Set Up an Anti-Virus
Program;" Laura Wise, "Viewing Photo Albums Easily on Your
Computer;" John Wise, "How to Choose and use Film
Scanners;" and, Ray French, "How to Back-up and Save Contents
of the Hard Drive."
SENIORNET HONORS PRINCIPAL JILL MCLEOD: One
of the highlights of the Aug. 22 Brown Bag luncheon was the presentation by SeniorNet
Pres. Helen Hesketh of an inscribed lamp to Principal Jill McLeod of the
Phantom Lake Elementary School for her support of the SeniorNet program at
her school. The school provides classroom space for the SeniorNet Computer
Learning Center, along with encouragement and support. In making the presentation, Helen said:
"The awards received by SeniorNet and Granpals can be attributed to
Jill's caring enough to take precious time out of her busy schedule to nominate
our organization and her joy has been in seeing us receive them." SeniorNet has received various
community service awards, with members also becoming Granpals to students by
working with them in the classroom on advancing their reading and other needed
class skills. This past year when it was announced the original Phantom Lake
School would be demolished and replaced on the same site by a larger school,
Ms. McLeod also announced SeniorNet would continue to be a key part of the
school's activities in the new structure. Currently, the Phantom Lake School is
housed in the former Bellewood School off Main St., Bellevue, pending
completion of the new structure.
KIDS CALLING FOR
GRANPAL VOLUNTEERS: With
Phantom Lake Elementary School classes starting this week, some of our
SeniorNet members are there as well.
These are Granpals, some of who have been helping out in the
school every week for several years. In charge of the Granpals program this
year is Nancy Harsh, who notes:
"For example, Sue Grieff has been a Granpal for four years,
and has worked with the same teacher in first or second grade. Sue felt that since learning good
reading skills was so important because it affected their progress throughout
their school life, she wanted to be a part of that process. Her career as a medical secretary and
later real estate broker had not given her the background skills for teaching reading,
but her patience and genuine understanding of the children were skills she
possessed and did use."
Citing the need for
additional Granpals, Nancy writes: "These kids do need help and
understanding, and both the teachers and the children are so very appreciative
of any assistance we can give them.
If any of you have time to give to these children, please contact me at senior@scn.org, or call the SeniorNet voice
mail at 206-232-5892, and leave your name. Include your phone number and I'd be glad to fill you in on
the program and answer any questions."
MONTHLY
NO-HOST SOCIAL COMING UP FAST: No sooner is Labor Day
over on Monday, Sept. 2, than the monthly Tuesday morning, Sept. 3rd,
SeniorNet Kaffee Klatch takes place at 11 am. at the Crossroads Mall
Food Circus. Look for the busy tables grouped together. That is probably
us. A great time to compare notes
on surviving the summer, along with planning for another exciting SeniorNet
year of teaching, learning, and mastering new computer techniques.
MONTHLY
MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The next SeniorNet membership meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, at 10:30 am, at the Crossroads
Mall Community Room, where plans for the school year will be discussed. All are
invited.
OUR THANKS TO SCHOOL STAFF: A Continental Breakfast was served Aug. 21,
to express our thanks to the teachers and staff of Phantom Lake School.
This is a yearly event sponsored by SeniorNet and coordinated and hosted
by Granpals. Principal Jill McLeod once again thanked our Granpals
as well as SeniorNet for their involvement with the school where Granpals work
with students to expand their reading abilities. Thanks go to Granpals
Coordinator Nancy Harsh, and immediate past Granpals Coordinator Pat
Herzog, for putting on such an impressive event.
OF COURSE IT'S NEVER TOO LATE: How old do you have to be before deciding you are
too old to take on new challenges? You can't count that high. From -again--About, the free
online email service for computer users and those who want to use computers,
comes the following news item lifted from the New York Times Metropolitan
Diary: "Dear Diary: A
friend's mother, 88, called a computer company to buy a new sophisticated
laptop. After she informed the
order taker of her age, she asked, a little coyly: 'Am I the oldest person to
order this?' The order taker replied, 'Not at all. A man of 91 just bought one.
Do you want his telephone number?"
GETTING TO KNOW
YOU BETTER: MEET OUR MEMBERS:
MARGE LANGLEY had her first brush with
computers when the doctor she worked for decided to computerize his operation
(oops), and Marge attended indoctrination (oops, again) classes. "I was
completely fascinated with what a computer could do," a still awestruck
Marge says. And being the
enthusiastic person she is, she went ahead and bought a used DOS computer to
really polish her skills on her own time. And this began a long-time interest
with increasingly sophisticated computers, which led her to SeniorNet, first as
a student, and later as a seasoned instructor.
Marge first learned of the
opportunities offered by the SeniorNet Computer Learning Centers via an
article in the AARP Magazine, followed by another article in a local
newspaper that SeniorNet was operating right here in the Seattle area. "I
had my first class with SeniorNet when it was located on 116th Ave.
NE, in Bellevue, in offices donated by Dr. D. McIntyre, a leading area
ophthalmologist, and an early SeniorNet supporter." But when Marge was in
her second week of her first SeniorNet class, " ...it was announced that SeniorNet would,
unfortunately, have to vacate our long-time classrooms." Seems SeniorNet's success in attracting
students had just about taken over the building's available parking spots,
blocking out patients and customers of other tenants. Plus, it was explained;
the SeniorNet offices would be needed for rental purposes. Of course all
students were offered refunds on their class fees.
After several months, she
was informed classes would restart at the Phantom Lake Elementary School,
also in Bellevue. "I happily signed up for classes, starting where I left
off, and then continued with a word processing class." With her growing interest in computers,
Marge then assisted instructor Harry Sully in a Works class, even as she
continued taking other classes. Then continuing as an assistant with Ken
Crandall, until she became an instructor on the Internet, greeting cards
and keyboarding. She has also served on a fill-in basis as Granpal coordinator
when the regular coordinator became ill; also as Internet coordinator and as a
member-at-large on the board. Her message to all is a variation of what she was
earlier taught by Immediate past Pres. Clif Wuesthoff: "Practice!
Practice! Practice! Marge's spin
is: Fun! Fun! Fun!
AVOID BEING TAKEN
BY HOAXERS:
Click on the following URL to check out email claims, rumors, or other
"unbelievable" or "too-easy-to-believe" reports and claims.
This computer tip and URL is being passed along for those who might want to
check it out, by Ray Hansen, the great tipster. Click on the URL, http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bliq-bush.htm
Ray says it has a long list of current and past hoaxes making the round
of the net, and should be bookmarked as a favorite on every computer for
fast access. For example, says Ray, "there's a web piece going
around about George W's IQ (and picked up by late night
comedians). But it is debunked on the Urban Legends website
site, above."
CAUTION NOTE: While all
computer-operating tips come from usually reliable sources, readers are
reminded you use them at YOUR OWN RISK. Again, in case you have friends who are online, and may be
interested in taking classes to expand their skills, forward this newsletter to
them by clicking Forward when this message is displayed. Then enter
their address in the To box, and click Send. We welcome your
personal news items sent to the editor at b26flyer@attbi.com.
If you wish to receive this newsletter monthly, email your full name,
phone and email address to the above email address. And if you wish to
unsubscribe, just send a message to same email address.
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Pres.> Helen Hesketh; Vice Pres.>Adella J. Granger;
Treas.>Bob Swenson; Secy>Patricia Braun; Registrar>Louise Flora; Immediate Past Pres.>Clif Wuesthoff;
Curriculum Coordinator> John Wise;
Facilities Coordinator> Ken Crandall; Member-at-Large>Delores Davis; Volunteers Coordinator> Delores Davis; Granpals
Coordinator Nancy Harsh; Catalogue Editor>Clair-Jo Hugh; Public Relations & Online Newsletter
Editor> Phil Scheier
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