Check Out Greeting Card Class set for November

SENIORS CONTINUE SIGNING UP FOR FALL  CLASSES;

FOUR OPENINGS LEFT FOR ONLINE TRAVEL PLANNING

 

Seniors who missed the summer registration for upcoming computer classes, are continuing to sign up for the many courses being offered, according to Registrar Louise Flora. She told the monthly Sept. 21^st  membership meeting at Crossroads Bellevue Mall, that registrations are still arriving for various classes, but with some names going on the waiting list in several classes now operating at capacity.  The next full registration will be in Dec.

 

And for those planning or thinking about a trip during the coming months, Flora urged them to register for SeniorNet's  popular Travel Planning Class. " There are still four openings in this class," Flora said.  "You will learn how to use the Internet for planning travel by air, auto, rail, bus or RV.  Do you know how to find hotels, tourist attractions, B & B's while you are enroute or after you arrive at your destination?  All of this and much more will be covered in this two-session class Wednesday Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, from 1:15 - 3:15. There is a nominal fee of $20 for this course.

 

Coming in November, Flora also announced, is a class to help you save money. "Have you noticed the high price of greeting cards in the stores lately?  A great way to save on cards, have fun and send an original creation is to take SeniorNet's Greeting Cards class.  Here you will learn how to send a variety of cards, create colorful mailing labels, write your annual holiday letter, etc.  Using inexpensive American Greeting Cards Software, there is much "Hands On" opportunity to learn.

 

This two-session class is available Wednesday Nov. 3, and Nov. 10 from 10:00 - 12:00. There is a nominal $20 fee. Call the voice mail 206-232-5892 for further information on these classes," she said.

 

 

Volunteers treasure those warm, welcoming smiles...

ENRICH YOUR LIFE AS A SENIORNET GRANPAL;

HELP OUR PHANTOM LAKE KIDS STUDY, LEARN

 

(Granpal Coordinator Nancy Harsh can be reached at 425-747-5157, or via email at: nbharsh@msn.com)

 

With some of the veteran volunteer SeniorNet Granpals unable for health or family reasons to again join Phantom Lake Elementary School students this month in teaching reading, math etc in their classrooms, an appeal has gone out for other seniors to join in the once-a-week, one-on-one learning sessions. Nancy Harsh, coordinator of SeniorNet's widely-acclaimed Granpals program, noted that with schools now opening for another term, the Granpals program has "taken a drop this year." 

 

Even as the returning Granpals are enthusiastically gearing up for the coming year working with the young students, and the warm welcoming smiles from the youngsters, there is an urgent need for other seniors to fill the gaps. "I am appealing to our SeniorNet members to think seriously of taking the plunge and saying, 'This is the year I will volunteer as a Granpal to these great kids,'" Harsh said.

 

She stressed there are many different options available for volunteers. "New Granpals often opt for the little ones in Kindergarten, or first-grade. The children are so eager for you to sit at their table and help with their projects. Others like to work with the older students, helping with their reading or math problems." Harsh said Granpals can choose any grade level they wish. Most volunteers come for a good hour either before or after the recess periods. That first time slot, from 8:45 am to 10 am, she said, "would also allow you the free time to take any SeniorNet class that is being offered."

 

             

 

Try it! Just click on:  http://www.seniornetps.org/

SENIORNET'S FAMED WEB SITE THE PLACE TO VISIT

FOR FACTS ON CLASSES, PROGRAMS, SCHEDULES

 

For aware seniors wanting to expand their horizons and interests, and reach out worldwide to family and friends through the wonders of the computer and the Internet taught at the all-volunteer SeniorNet Computer Learning Center of Puget Sound's classroom with its 18 new Dell Pentium computers, the group's famed web site-shown above-- is one of the big online helpers. Courses range from those without any knowledge of computers, to others learning new skills on various other programs.

 

The site features a vast array of information on the many classes being offered, schedules, course catalog, instructors, opportunities for volunteers, copies of this Monthly Online Newsletter, a convenient online registration service, plus directions to the classroom at the new Phantom Lake Elementary School, Bellevue, which also includes a map.

 

Through the years since the very helpful, easy-to-use SeniorNet web site was launched by Jay Schlechter, Hal Mozer and Ken Crandall, it has become a constant reference source for newcomers, others interested in taking that first computer step, and students to the more advanced.

 

We asked Hal Mozer to describe how the site was launched, how it operates, its continuing updating and other improvements: 

 

OUR WEB SITE: ALL NEEDED INFORMATION AT Y OUR FINGERTIPS

By HAL MOZER

 

We have had a web site for several years at http://www.seniornetps.org/. The initial work on the site was done by Jay Schlechter, Hal Mozer and Ken Crandall. Jay did most of the site maintenance, an almost continuous effort. In recent years Chuck Goldstein and Bill McPherson have assisted in maintaining the site.

 

Last year many thought that the site needed an overhaul. I decided to try my hand at designing a remodeled site. Using a relatively inexpensive web site design program I found on the Internet, CoolPage, http://www.coolpage.com/.  I completely redesigned the site to the one you see today. Parts of the initial site have been retained, and there are links to them on the new site. I did all the design work and I maintain the site on my home computer; Goldstein does most of the maintenance on the "Full Classes" page.

 

I maintain backup copies of all the site files on my laptop and on a USB (Universal Serial Bus) portable drive. From home I upload revisions to the site using an FTP  (File Transfer Protocol) upload program. I have several FTP programs, but the one I use most is a part of Explorer Plus, a program that replaces the Windows Explorer. Of course, it takes a password to get access to the files on the web site and to upload and/or delete files. Only Jay, Chuck, Ken and I have this password. Exactly what does USB and FTP mean? 

 

FTP:  (File Transfer Protocol) -- A very common method of moving files between two Internet sites.

USB:  (Universal Serial Bus). A hardware connection standard for quick and easy device connection to a computer that supports up to 127 devices per USB interface.

 

 

HAVE YOU ALSO WONDERED WHAT'S INSIDE COMPUTERS?

JOE PONTECORVO BARES ALL AT KIRKLAND DEMO OCT. 12

 

Our own long-time curator of the computer, Joe Pontecorvo, will peel back the metal covering of these wonder machines and describe how the various gadgets cleverly hidden inside the box, operate and how to make changes as needed, at a free Kirkland Senior Center demonstration Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 10-Noon. To assure yourself a seat, please call the center at 425-828-1223. The center is at 352 Kirkland Ave., right at the rear of the Kirkland Performance Center.

 

Learning details on computer components, operating chip speed, memory bank requirements, hard drive size, operating programs etc is also helpful when shopping for a computer, particularly in reading computer ads, Pontecorvo said. Especially, no more confusion about common computer terms.

 

This session is a lecture and demonstration, and does not involve hands-on use of a computer, he added. Plus, those attending are asked to bring any computer questions, including any problems with computer operations.

 

MARGE LANGLEY MEMORIAL SERVICES

SATURDAY, OCT. 16^TH, AT 1 PM IN KIRKLAND

 

Memorial services for a long-time, beloved SeniorNet volunteer, Marge Langley, will be held Saturday, Oct. 16^th, at 1 pm, at the Green Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 400 State St., Kirkland. Many SeniorNet members and friends are expected to attend the services.

 

She passed away Sept. 15 following a lengthy illness. But a month earlier, a determined Marge was able to attend our annual SeniorNet Brown Bag gala at the Phantom Lake Elementary School, Bellevue, which hosts our computer learning classroom for seniors. She was warmly welcomed by her many fellow volunteers. A highlight of the gala saw Marge honored for her dedicated work for the children at the school, through her Marge Langley Phantom Lake School Lunch Fund.

 

Pres. Adella Granger in sadly notifying members of Marge's passing, said the school lunch fund she launched for needy children there, is a living memorial to this longtime volunteer. Recalling Marge's attendance at the Brown Bag gala this past August, Pres. Granger said: "I am so very glad that she got to see the wonderful tribute to her dedicated work for the children of Phantom Lake Elementary School." A special memorial service for Marge was conducted at the Tuesday, Sept. 21 monthly SeniorNet membership meeting at the Crossroads Bellevue Mall, by Immediate Past Pres. Helen Hesketh.

 

FOR WIN XP USERS: WORDS OF CAUTION LOADING IN SP2

 

Users of the Windows XP operating system with its acknowledged security flaws, listened intently as a panel of experts at the SeniorNet Sept. 21 Membership Meeting recommended cautions and procedures loading in the newly-released Microsoft Security Patch 2 (SP2) designed to correct the security problem.

 

These included first running proven anti-virus, spyware programs and installing a proven firewall program, such as the free Zone Alarm, among other recommendations.  And then turning off these programs just prior to installing the SP2, to avoid conflicts.

 

Curriculum Coordinator John Wise described the need for safety procedures before installing SP2, and introduced the speakers, Ross Roberts and Bob Balsley, both SeniorNet instructors. They explored the various procedures and safety needs before loading in the patch.  Among the recommendations: turn off the firewall and anti- virus programs before installing SP2. Also recommended was the free SpyBot for scanning for spyware.

 

 Microsoft, in a message on its mailed SP2 CD package, itself urges that BEFORE installing SP2, go to its site at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx for latest recommendations, according to member Dennis Jacobson.

 

Earlier, Hal Mozer, who was absent, had sent another member who had just purchased a new computer with WinXP, a reminder of the importance to regularly update virus protection and maintain a good firewall. He doubted the new patch could add much to that protection.  If regular updating of Win XP security had not been followed, then it would be necessary to load in SP2 to establish minimum-security needs.  An article in the Wall Street Journal by tech columnist Walter S. Mossberg, in reply to a reader who wanted to know if he should delete his Norton anti virus program if he loaded in SP2, cautioned:

 

"No, no, no.  There is no ant virus software, nor any ant virus updates included in Windows XP Service Pack 2.  It does contain new security safeguards that might make it harder for viruses to invade your PC, but it lacks the capacity to detect viruses or to remove them.  I strongly advise all readers who use Windows computers to buy and install ant virus software like Norton's, and to keep that software updated....."  Most tellingly, the columnist stressed:  "Similarly, let me repeat that the service pack update also lacks any specific feature to detect or remove the other great scourge for PC owners-spyware." He recommended computer owners buy, install and regularly update anti-spyware software, like Spy Sweeper from Webroot.

 

In the meantime, several members at the meeting said they had installed SP2 without any problems. However some others said they had to remove the program when the computer stopped operating properly. 

 

AND DID  YOU KNOW---?

 

THAT our unique and interesting SeniorNet membership represents so very many different and challenging occupations. Take the case now of Curriculum Coordinator John Wise. He had that top job for the past five or so years. And before that, he was the assistant curriculum, coordinator to the then Chief Curriculum Coordinator Hal Mozer. John and wife Laura represent yet another active husband-wife team volunteering in SeniorNet activities. Laura specializes in photography/computer operations, and has assisted at many SeniorNet photo lab sessions focusing on computer photo editing and how to best use the new digital cameras.

 

John Wise first learned about the SeniorNet Computer Learning Center in 1995 while taking some classes at BCC in its TELOS classes for seniors. There, he met Cliff Wuesthoff, our former president, who suggested he join SRN to share his knowledge of computers with students. And since then, he has been a very active volunteer,

 

Prior to retiring, Wise was a director of special projects for NASDAQ's stock market online trading system. ("And please don't ask me for any stock tips. I was on the technical operations activity.") Earlier, in May 1971, he worked in Washington, D.C., for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a systems analyst in its Operations Division.

 

Wise has a degree in economics and a Masters in Economics, which paved the way for his interest in financial operations.  He vividly recalls his first day on the job with the Federal Reserve System. It was May 1^st, and was also May Day, with the threat of a huge anti-war protest, with armed soldiers standing every 20 yards on Constitution Ave., site of the Reserve Building. "What an interesting way to begin work in a new city for a great financial body," Wise recalled with a chuckle.

 

Wise continues in a teaching role as an assistant in the file management class and other duties. Another major activity for this busy curriculum coordinator, a full-time job in itself, is working on his own genealogy using computerized research tools over the Internet.

 

THAT our SeniorNet Computer Learning Center here is a rarity among the many similar volunteer groups nationwide? Two of our very active members are graduates of the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, and always ready to take on new challenges. Our first West Pointer is Ray Hansen, an early curriculum coordinator when our classroom was located on 116^th Ave. in Bellevue, and he is still active.

 

Our second West Pointer is Harry Shedd, who had an unusual reason for buying his first computer and taking lessons. After graduating from West Point in 1958, and later completing his military service, he went into the insurance business. When he sold his business in 2000, he explains why he decided he must start to learn computers and why he bought his own computer: "My wife, Claradell, had used computers for years. I found I could not communicate with her...due to geek language she was spouting, which meant nothing to me. I took classes so that I might be able to understand this new language." And Shedd has learned it well, teaching and assisting other teachers for the past three years on a variety of courses, including Word, Excel, database, web design and Publisher classes.

 

His early classes were taken elsewhere before he learned of the all-volunteer SeniorNet while reading a computer magazine. "I emailed my desire to volunteer, and heard back from Delores Davis (now our Vice President).  I attended monthly meetings and joined the national and Puget Sound organizations," he said. Shedd was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, where he received his Congressional appointment to West Point. His other great hobby had been golf, until "...a few years back when I started flower gardening. No more golf now. It took me years to realize that golf parallels life itself...You take it one stroke at a time. No one else can take the shots for you, you have good days and bad days...."

 

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, please 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 brief personal news items sent to the editor at b26flyer@comcast.net. If you wish to receive this free monthly newsletter, update your email address or unsubscribe, rush your full name, phone and email address to pugetsnet6@qwest.net.

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President: Adella Granger; Vice President: Delores Davis; Treasurer: Joe Hesketh; Secretary: Martha Simon;  Registrar: Louise Flora; Immediate Past President: Helen Hesketh; Curriculum Coordinator: John Wise;  Facilities Coordinator: Ken Crandall;  Member-at-Large: Gordon Young ; Granpals Coordinator: Nancy Harsh; Catalogue Editors: Clair & Jo Hugh; Circulation: Bob Balsley; Online Newsletter Editor: Phil Scheier
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