Meeting of the Executive
April 12, 2007

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Secretary’s Report
Elizabeth reported there were no letters received.
It was moved by Ray and seconded by Mike that the March minutes be approved as presented.

Treasurers Report
Current Balance of $1,509.57

Membership Report
George reported that we have 27 members. There were 16 members and no visitors at the April meeting.

Publicity
Alva said she would call the “Examiner” as they have not been publishing our meetings. The rest of the papers have been advertising our meetings. The Library Events Bulletin has been including our meetings.

Newsletter
There was a newsletter in April. We need more computer information.

Webmaster
Paul reported he has found a way to put stats on the site more quickly. The number of hits do not mean very much. It is the number of visits that are important. The “Comedy Routine” was downloaded eight times and the recipes continue to fascinate people.

Anniversary Committee
No Report

Vintage Sig
No Report

PC Sig
Mike reported on the April meeting. There were no recommendations to amend the constitution. The meeting was mainly a Q and A session. Much time was spent on how to set up a wireless internet connection. Although the directions seem straightforward it is not as easy as it appears.

For the May meeting Ray has agreed to give a presentation on making a book from a Family History Program. There is nothing further to do for the Constitution. A nomination committee will be formed. There will also be information on how to make a bootable CD for the computer.

Elections will take place in June. Alva has agreed to show how she prints on cloth at that meeting.

Digital Sig
The DI SIG met on Tuesday April 10th in the Georgian Room of the Library. There were 11 members present. Paul gave a presentation explaining photo blogs. Mike showed us what “noise” means in a photograph. Several members brought printed material of their work. There were also presentations of their digital images.

Next month Kathleen has agreed to demonstrate “Stationery”, a part of Outlook Express. The group is considering a photo outing in May. Elizabeth suggested May 26. The group will be approached and asked to choose a destination.

Video Sig
The Video SIG met on Thursday, March 22nd, 2007. It was a very rewarding evening thanks to Elizabeth and new Adobe Premier Elements 3.0 Paul thoroughly enjoyed directing Elizabeth to explore the various possibilities and jointly discover how simple yet effective it was. Elizabeth was delighted, of course.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 19th at 7.30 in Dave’s office.

Business arising from the Minutes
Celebrate Barrie: Ray had an email from Erin and has our participation agreement. He will fill it in and hand in the information. Our requirements are the same as last year: A 10X10 Tent, Electricity, 6 chairs, and 3 tables. We are to be there to set up between 9.00 and 9.30 am on June 2nd. We must be set up by 9.30 am. We agree to stay at the site until it is all cleaned up. We promise not to provide food or sales items. We may provide information handouts.

Computer Show: There was further discussion on the show. There was a suggestion we might have a theme for the show.

New Business
Paul brought a proposal for a speaker system, which he and Dave researched. The cost would be $699.00 + tax. There was a long discussion concerning the need for this equipment. The problem appears to be that if we stay in a small room, we won’t need it. Paul moved the following proposal: “The executive approves the purchase of the recommended sound system. The actual purchase depends on the Club finding a suitable meeting room. Until the room situation is resolved, $800.00 will be kept in reserve. The executive will decide, at a later date, when to move forward with the purchase. A new executive would be free to revisit this decision to reserve the funds and/or the purchase, if they wish.” In order to move things along, the precise wording of the motion will appear in the minutes and the acceptance of the minutes will constitute and agreement with the wording. The members in attendance, however, unanimously agreed with the principle of the motion. The need for a sound system is great but the need for proper accommodation is greater. There would be no point in making major purchases until we find a more suitable location for the meetings.

Everyone is asked to search for a better meeting room. We also discussed what people are looking for in a computer club. Times have changed since the club was formed and it appears we need to consider our purpose. It was agreed we need more presenters and that we should be prepared to pay some of them. We might want to sponsor a course. Paul would be willing to work on this. The presenter or instructor would be paid and there would be a charge to take it. It seems that the focus of the club has moved from how to use a computer (hardware and writing software) to how to do things with it (software) and other related gadgets. A larger room might allow the meeting to split up into smaller interest groups for part of the evening.

Adjournment
At 8.45 pm Ray moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Don. Passed.