apanter@kawartha.net
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Return to Bobcaygeon Internet Users' Group
Author: Anne Panter
Graphics: Adam Panter
Reach us at apanter@kawartha.net
First-time attendees at the November meeting of the Kawartha Internet Users Group seemed a bit puzzled at the rather jubilant atmosphere. Let me explain. October was a most satisfying month for our members, as two (count 'em) long-standing projects came to fruition.
First, the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce has voted to have a web-site, at www.bobcaygeon.com. In doing so, they are taking two great strides towards making Bobcaygeon accessable to the world. First, people will be able to reach the Chamber of Commerce page by typing just one word - Bobcaygeon - into their browsers. (Current versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer automatically add the "www...com" head and tail - try it!). Secondly, the Chamber page will now have an email address, so as people find Bobcaygeon businesses they can easily contact the Chamber office.
The other major success was the project to provide internet access and training to members of the Seniors' Centre. A computer, which had been donated to the Users' Group, was refurbished (from our coffee-fund!) and installed in the Centre. It is now available for use by the seniors, lessons are underway, and many seniors are now busy exploring the world on-line - and sending long-awaited emails to their grand-kids.
Neither of these events happened overnight. Both are the result of the effort, planning and perseverence of a few individuals, and I'd like to take advantage of this space to recognize their work.
It is thanks to Garth Scarborough and Tony Campbell that the www.bobcaygeon.com address is available at all. Web "domain names" are registered on a first-come first-served basis. To ensure that this address would be available for the Chamber of Commerce, Garth and Tony took it upon themselves to register and purchase the site, and set it up ready to use. The other moving force in this initiative was Jarvis Wedley, who recruited new Chamber members with the promise of internet listings. (The listings are there, as promised!)
Likewise, the project at the Seniors' Centre involved behind-the-scenes efforts of many volunteers. Thanks to all of them: to Tony Campbell, who had the computer repaired and installed, and set up the first lessons. To Jim Weir, who arranged with Nexcicom for a really low-cost account (90 hours a month for free). To Nexicom, for that public-minded gesture. To Mike & Ellen Ricks, who are co-ordinating the lesson schedules. And to our volunteer teachers - for which the list is still open. If you are comfortable on the internet, and have an hour to spare on Mondays, we can use your help. My email address is below!
So, if some of our members seemed pleased, it was the satisfaction of a job well done. But don't let them rest on their laurels. A major function of the User Group is to help people to get started on the internet. We try to ensure that no-one leaves the meeting with questions unanswered, or at least without a phone number (or email) to contact for help. Our December meeting-cum-Christmas-party will be held at 7:00 pm December 10th at the Lions' Hall, Main St., Bobcaygeon. Please join us!