President’s Message
June 2008 (v2.4)
Rob Limbaugh - President
The first half of the year is already
over. Hopefully, the whirlwind from work will settle down so
there can be time to get some R&R!
Heck, summer is already here and it seems like I missed spring!
The objective now is to get as much pool time in as possible!
REMINDER: General Meetings resume on ‘First Tuesday’ starting
July 1, 2008!
Point, Shoot, Edit!
July’s double-header is going to be FANTASTIC! We have
two—count them, TWO!—local guru’s coming in
to show us how to get the best pictures we can with the camera
and software tools available today. This will be a great meeting
to invite the rest of the shutterbugs you know. Where else can
you find out what camera tech would be right for you and how
to edit the digital pictures like a pro? Be sure to check out
the meeting preview for more information. Take note that the
presentation begins at 7:15 instead of 8 p.m.
Quick “THANKS!”
In spite of all our busy schedules, there have been some great
strides made by the various DACS volunteers towards goals oriented
around youth involved. A big “Thank You” goes out
to DACS Members Fran Ryan and John Gallichotte for their recent
contributions toward youth-related programs! Fran is spearheading
an effort to create a DACS Intern program coordinated with
Danbury and local students. John has offered his years of robotics
experience to offer a summer RobotBASIC course.
Our Acting VP of Programs, Flo Ferrara,
has done a stellar job of lining up some great speakers! Believe
it or not, she’s
already got us booked up through March 2009! Unfortunately, her
availability to help out is rapidly coming to a close. Come September
she will be focusing on other interests and will no longer be
able to fill the VP of Programs position. During this short tenure,
she’s created some resources that have proven to be greatly
effective that can be passed on. She has graciously offered to
help pass along the knowledge and tips to someone interested
in taking over the position. Please get in touch with Flo directly
(vpprograms@dacs.org) or someone on the Board (dacsboard@dacs.org)
to find out more.
Gaming Group Wanted
DACS needs a “gamer” willing to form a SIG. For anyone
interested who may be reading this, the specific requests have
been for a group that would meet to discuss gaming gear and strategies,
cover various platforms (Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, PC, etc.), examine
game technology advances, how to set up LAN parties and game
system networking, building gaming rigs (especially on a budget),
and safe gaming habits. Gaming is one activity that doesn’t
appear to have a skill or age limit, so I think there’s
great potential in such a group. If this is your thing, please
get in touch with us! People are eager to attend!
Windows SIG Status
There have been some offers of assisting with topics and there
is a steady following of attendees. But, as of this writing,
nobody has shown interest in taking over leadership of this
SIG. Keep an eye on the calendar regarding this SIG as it is
now subject to my availability while a dedicated leader can
be found.
Everyone Matters
It’s been said before, but it bears repeating: Be involved
by attending meetings. One of the successful things Flo has done
is simply invited prospective speakers to our General Meetings.
This is important for many reasons. First, it shows our strength
in numbers. Second, they get to meet those attendees and guests.
Lastly, it allows the prospective speaker to check out the facility
so any concerns can be addressed ahead of time.
Since it’s very difficult to guess what everyone wants
or expects out of this organization, our diligent webmasters
have launched a feedback page. Just click the “Feedback” link
at http://www.dacs.org so you may toss your two-bits—positive
or negative-into the fray. Emails can also be directed to feedback@dacs.org.
To get things rolling, here are a few topics it would be good
to hear about:
How do you feel about having the ability
to attend General Meetings and/or SIG Meetings using web conferencing?
Be sure to explain what value this would or wouldn’t
have for you.
Did having the meetings on the ‘First Monday’ have
an impact on your ability to attend? If you could pick any day
of the week for the General Meetings, which day would you choose
and why?
Do you have any thoughts or concerns regarding our meetings,
SIGS, and workshops being held at the Danbury Hospital and our
Resource Center?
Praise and/or complaints--Is there something we’ve done
good or bad and need to know about?
The Column
Never Ends…
Just kidding! I hope this makes up for the abbreviated column
last month. With any luck this second half of 2008 will be
paced more evenly. Remember, starting Tuesday, July 1, 2008,
we resume the ‘First Tuesday’ General Meeting schedule
and it continues through December. See you at the next meeting!
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