HUG

SHRUG

SVCG

I do not think the size of a group is important. The groups have become social organizations and that is good. We have meetings for groups of friends with common interests. Not bad! People are getting together in person, and sharing information. SHRUG has their annual cook-out in September, SVCG has an annual Christmas party thus stating their interest in each other.

TUG has each member responsible for a monthly meeting. Members share their personal interests in software and computing. SHRUG has annual presenters, often their own members. One may not be dazzled by a certain presentation, but we all learn something from these programs. May even make a light bulb come on in a way not imagined. No one is ever too old to learn.

In past years the software companies did programs for new and updated software for our computer groups. Now the software comes out so often that no one is up to date. We are all busy downloading fixes, patches, and service packs.

No doubt that the Internet has contributed to the smaller membership of user groups. All you need to know is what question to ask the search engines. For that you might need a user group.

Enterprising SVCG

As alluded to above, most groups, including us (SVCG), are constantly searching for successful ways to involve our communities in our monthly get together. Recently with the help of one of our club members, I approached The Chesapeake, a retirement community in Newport News, and offered to lead a group of their residents in forming a “User Group”. Our first meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15th. The goal of this first meeting is to determine what level of interest there might be among the residents, to ascertain if they just want someone to call about problems, or to generate a more formal series of learning sessions. The Chesapeake has a plan to set aside some space and install 5 computers with on-line access for their residents to use on a 24/7 basis. The money is budgeted and when the expansion construction is completed, the lab will materialize.

In another outreach, our club has extended a standing invitation to my church’s (Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church) membership to attend any of monthly meetings which are held at that church. I’ve also been working with the staff to open the church’s computer lab to the membership on a scheduled basis. Future plans include extending this invitation to the local area surrounding the church. You never know which baited hook you toss into the water will be successful. Bill Petitt, SVCG

Opportunities Abound! So get out to a meeting, see some friends, contribute to the club, and even on to the community!

TATER PEOPLE
Some people never seem motivated to participate,
but are just content to watch while others do the work.
They are called “Speck Taters”.

There are those who say they will help, but somehow
just never get around to actually doing the promised
help.
They are called “Hezzie Taters”.

Then there are those who love others and do what
they say they will. They are always prepared to stop
whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They
bring real sunshine into the lives of others.

They are called “Sweet Taters”.
They are also called VOLUNTEERS.

What kind of Tater are you???