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Last month we celebrated our 25th Anniversary and announced our first BPMUG Computer and Information Systems Scholarship. Also we heard fascinating stories by our founding members who joined our Program Chair, Cindy Smith in a “fireside chat”. The evening ended with a cake and punch social.
A Scholarship for $500 was presented to Capital Community College, which is located in the former G. Fox building in Hartford. The College has over 400 students in the Computer and Information Systems major. Professor Miah La Pierre who teaches computer technology and John McNamara, Director of Institutional Advancement were present to receive the check and brief us on activities and programs at the college, courses offered, and costs. Tuition, general fees and the application fees are completely waived for those persons 62 years of age or older, provided there is space available in the course. Parking at the garage across the street is also free for students. Degrees and certificates are offered for five programs: networking, web publishing, programming, hardware support and software support. Courses offered in these programs include computer applications such as spreadsheets, database, graphics, desktop publishing, multimedia, the internet, Microsoft Office applications, computer science, web design, etc. Courses are also offered in photography including digital photography. Members were encouraged to participate and take advantage of the College’s opportunities.
To create a virtual tour Steve uses some of the hardware and software technology he helped Intel’s customers create. Design One has produced 3-D virtual tours for such prestigious clients as R.D. Scinto of Shelton, CT and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Steve showed some of the techniques involved in using 3-D software to produce photo realistic 3-D animations.
Do you pay your rent? Do you know who said “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for the time you spend on earth?” Perhaps that is a creed we should all live by. We are fortunate to have our health and live in the most prosperous nation ever in the history of the world.
According to the 2003 census more than 70 million American households have more than one computer. Consider that only 4% of the population in South America and 1% in Africa have computers. We are indeed blessed with wealth and technology - actually, to excess.
It is estimated that within the next three years, because of upgrades to Windows Vista, over 250 million computers will be discarded. If 5% of the families in Rockland County alone live at or below the poverty level that is over 7,000 families at 2.5 people per family. There will be more than enough inventory to take care of our community.
The numbers speak for themselves. This is why we started PC ReNew almost six years ago and to date, through collaborative hard work and dedication, we have given over 2,000 computers away. I thank everyone involved for making this the “Home of THE BIG HEARTS.”
We are currently receiving almost 200 laptops and are now working on the national stage with Soldiers Angels to help improve the lives of our soldiers injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. Last May, I went to Washington to spend three days discussing the wounded and what can be done for them. I toured Walter Reed Hospital and met with key personnel. I also visited the local Fisher House to discuss their electronic needs.
PC ReNew is entering a new era as we begin to help on a national level. Our program is a model for other PC Users groups around the country, especially those near the 160 Veterans Hospitals and six acute care facilities. We are, and will continue to be, making a difference We have learned how to run a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers that give back to our community every day.
By the way, Mohammed Ali said “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for the time you spend on Earth.” Not bad for a fighter!