THE FORMATION YEARS...
n the beginning the club
had evolved from a few interested people in 1987 under the first president--Terry
Marsh. Prior to 1990 the membership was only around 20-40 dedicated founding members.
Other
presidents were Terry Brown, Irv sherlock, Henry Siesel, Jim O'Grady, Don Raun
and the present president--Dick Travis.
Some
of the dedicated members over the years were Rex Christenson, Patti Kopcho, Nan
Gholson, Bob Weber, Jim Mahlmeister, Mary Kautz, Joe Weiner, Ralph Dials and Sid
Price.
THE
EARLY 90's...
Irv
Sherlock and Henry Siesel led the club in the late 90's. This period saw the computer
club really come together with many people including Terry Brown, Rex Christenson,
Patti Kopcho, Ralph Dials and many others contributing to the continued growth
of the activities of the club.
The
advent of the Internet and Email spurred many people to become interested in Computers
during this 5 year period. Membership increased significantly to around 250 members.
Beginning in 2000 with Jim O'Grady as President, the club was attracting over 300 members
and in 2001 we acquired our Computer Projector and desktops and laptops for our
training, educational and entertainment needs...
Don Raun was the President from 2001 through 2006 as the club continued to grow to
over 400 members. Patti Kopcho is our oldest member, serving as Treasurer and
Newsletter editor for over 10 years. Dorothy Miller has served on the Board and
has been instrumental in training for our club.
The level of training has increased significantly over the years as has the sophistication
of computers and the revolution in digital cameras and digital video as well.
THE LATE 00'S ...
Dick Travis was President from 2007 thru 2011 as the club continued to grow to 450 members. Dick was the club's webmaster from 1998 thru 2011 and was
also involved in training on the Internet.
Jim Mahlmeister and Mary Kautz led the Apple computer afficionados as an integral
part of our club.
Plans were put in place to move into a new expanded computer room. These plans were realized in early 2010. With the assistance of the Homeowners Association, the club began life in it's new home with 7 new HP computers, 7 new Macintosh/Windows computers, and 2 42" overhead monitors for teaching demonstrations.
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Dick Travis, Patti Kopcho, Clarice Magnusen, Hal McCawley
Don Raun, Mary Kautz, Bob Weber, Jim Kaminsky
THE TEEN YEARS...
Jim Kaminsky became President and WebMaster of the Computer Club in 2012. Inheriting the well-oiled infrastructure and operations put in place by Dick Travis and his predecessors, the challenge ahead is to make the club even more responsive to the needs of its members and all Ocean Hills Country Club residents. Automating the Teacher and Helper sign-up process, providing professional instructors, and utilizing YouTube for instruction are areas under review for implementation.
THE FUTURE...
Although it is difficult to prognosticate about the future--history shows us that our dreams of the future may not only come true--but its the dreams that challenge us to forge ahead with future plans and hopes.