MIKE'S COMMENTARY:
 

By the time you get to read this week's epistle Sue and I will be on our way or already at son David's home in Glenn Dale, MD, a short drive from Washington DC.  It will be a Christmas visit with Dave, Stephanie and grand kids Alyssa (3 yrs) and David Michael (7/12ths).  Steph's mother will also be there.
Also traveling will be most of our Pittsburgh family consisting of Daughter Wendy and husband Keith, plus the grand kids Ryan (darn near 14 yrs)  and Lydia (4 yrs).  We will miss the grand kids Casse and Aubrey because of their school and work demands.  (We traveled to their warm home in Pittsburgh for Christmas and now they are joining us to finish the damage in Maryland.)  It will be very nice to be together.
I just love these trips to "the kids".  I got lucky, Sue, Wendy and Steph are all excellent chefs, and I just enjoy the weight.  Did you get the play on words?  In the meantime sit back and enjoy the Newsletter for this week.  I'll start you off with some Facts of Life!

FOURTEEN THINGS THAT IT TOOK OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN By Dave Barry
Each one can be labeled a "Fact of Life" and most require personal experience to learn. (MLF)
Thanks to Wayne Smith for the forward.
1.  Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2.  If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
3.  There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4.  People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5.  You should not confuse your career with your life.
6.  Nobody cares if you can't dance well.  Just get up and dance.
7.  Never lick a steak knife.
8.  The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9.  You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.  (I'm not too sure I agree with this one (MLF).)
10.  You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11.  There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday.  That time is age eleven.
12.  The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13.  A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.  (This is very important.  Pay attention.  It never fails.)
14.  Your friends love you anyway.
FINAL Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new.  Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.  A large group of professionals built the Titanic!

The old man turned to me and asked "How many friends have you?" Why 10 or 20 friends have I, And named off just a few... He rose quite slow with effort And sadly shook his head "A lucky child you are To have so many friends," he said But think of what you're saying There is so much you do not know A friend is just not someone To whom you say "Hello" A friend is a tender shoulder On which to softly cry A well to pour your troubles down And raise your spirits high A friend is a hand to pull you up From darkness and despair... When all your other "so called" friends Have helped to put you there A true friend is an ally Who can't be moved or bought A voice to keep your name alive When others have forgot But most of all a friend is a heart A strong and sturdy wall For from the hearts of friends There comes the greatest love of all!!! So think of what I've spoken For every word is true And answer once again my child How many friends have you??? And then he stood and faced me Awaiting my reply.  Softly I answered "If lucky...... one have "I"                   "You!"

All your life, friendship lasts Through the years, you'll look back. Remembering the laughs and happy times  along with the cries and sorry sighs. Many people will walk in and out of your life,  but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

 
 

KCNET CLASSES (Keep Checking for Schedule)
BEGINNERS:  This is a very basic six session course in computer techniques for the internet.  There is a per course charge of $12.00 for KCnet members and $15.00 for non KCnet members.  The class size is limited.   Pre registration is required.  Call 8793-8111 or come in to KCnet to register before the next sessions.
Skills taught in the beginner classes include mouse techniques like drag and drop, plus very beginner basics for email and browsing the Web.
It is not necessary for attendees to have their own computers but it is very difficult to retain
information without practice.  You really would not try to learn to play the piano with out actual keyboard time.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE COURSE CONTENT FOR BEGINNERS

INTERMEDIATES:  This is a six session course for those who have mastered beginner skills. There is a per course charge of $12.00 for KCnet members and $15.00 for non KCnet members.  The class size is limited.   Pre registration is required.  Call (893-8111) or come in to KCnet now to register for the next sessions.
A ton of info is packed into the six sessions.
This course is designed for those who "think they know but don't"  and especially for those who "want to know" more.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE COURSE CONTENT FOR INTERMEDIATES

ADVANCED:  (used to be called  "Senior Net Learners").  The cost for this class is $0.00 for members of KCnet and $2.00 per session for non KCnet members.  There is no set format for the sessions.  Occasionally we will take a specific subject and do a detailed study over a period of successive weeks.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  The folks that have been attending for awhile are always happy for a review and in most cases new or better ways to do things will surface.  Questions stimulate in-depth exploration with the usual result being an understanding of how and why.
We welcome new attendees from the Intermediate sessions and our forever growing KCnet membership.  This is an advanced group and we cover a lot of territory. We are kind of free flowing.  You never know what will transpire.
It is not necessary for attendees to have their own computers but it sure helps with the learning curve.
Intermediate computer knowledge and Intermediate computer skills are necessary.

OTHER CLASSES:
CLICK HERE FOR ORIENTATION - BEGINNERS - INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
CLICK HERE FOR SCANNING - MAC- GENEALOGY - WEB PAGE - EXCEL - WORD - DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - PHOTO MANIPULATION - OTHER SPECIALTIES

ADVANCED CLASS:  We we are meeting temporarily at the Jersey Shore Public Library.
Next Session is Wednesday 01/22/03 @ 9:30 AM
Show up and be surprised. Bring questions and suggestions too.
Our  next session on January 22, 2003 is scheduled for the Jersey Shore Public Library located on the corner of Allegheny and Oliver Streets in Jersey Shore. The start time is 9:30.  The library does not open until 9:00 and we will need some setup time each Wednesday so we will start at 9:30 and finish when we finish, just like at KCnet.  The library is in a converted church and is well labeled as the Jersey Shore Public Library.  We will enter through the backdoor and will meet in the basement level room.  The entrance is just inside the backdoor from the parking lot.  An elevator is also available for those that have difficulty with steps.  The library folks have requested that we park on the street instead of the parking lot so that regular library patrons will not be inconvenienced.  We may have our usual refreshments at break (hint, hint) and of course coffee during the sessions.
We had an interesting session last week.  There were many constructive comments about the new KCnet home page.
Jon Ahrens recommended that we take a look at a small utility that does a big job.  It is FreeRAM XP Pro.  According to the developers, FreeRAM XP Pro  is a freeware application to free and defragment your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory). As you use your computer, open applications, surf the Internet, and navigate Windows, your system’s memory will usually decrease because some software programs do not use memory correctly or do not return all of it after it is done using it. FreeRAM XP Pro frees up this memory, thereby increasing system response time, stability, speed, and efficiency. As a result, FreeRAM XP Pro is recommended for almost anyone, from low memory systems to high memory systems, from home office users to MP3ers to 3-D gamers.
We downloaded it and explored.  We liked what we saw and we didn't get over or understand all of the opportunities ormfeatures.  This program is good for anyone that has an operating system older than Windows XP.  Windows XP has a similar program built into the system. However there a few bells and whistles that this program offers that are not available in the resident XP program.  You can read and download the program by accessing the following site. Choose CNET for the download site. http://www.yourwaresolutions.com/
We also spent some time exploring Pennsylvania's Power Library Program.  you can read all about the program and the procedures for participation on page 3, "Interesting Sites" of this Newsletter or by accessing http://www.powerlibrary.net
We had some special treats.  Mary Dutton brought a batch of her super chocolate cupcakes smothered with that sinful ultra peanut butter icing.  And then, for dessert, we had some of Kitty Laubscher's world renown Texas sheet cake.
All prior class rules will be followed in the library location such as, suggest a subject or ask a question and we will explore.
There is no advanced registration for this group.  Attendance is free for KCnet members, however non KCnet attendees are charged $2.00 per session.
Intermediate computer knowledge and Intermediate computer skills are necessary to SURVIVE in this class.
 
 

KCNET RENOVATION PROGRESS:

There is a locked drop box for KCnet payments, on Main Street.  It saves walking around back.  The box is checked during the day.  Checks only.  No cash please.	This was part of the classroom.  The steps go to the 2nd floor.  The classroom wall has been removed.  The wall in the background is against the Rescue Workers Boutique.

NEWS & NOTES BY SUE FOUST:

Tuesday, January 7, was a big day in the life of Keystone Community Network, Inc. (KCnet).  The Board of Directors accepted an obligation for a loan from USDA Rural Development for the renovations of the KCnet building located at 18 East Main Street in Lock Haven.  Ray McGill, owner of Nittany Travel, is the President of KCnet; R. Keith Kelly is Vice-President; Judy Yoho is Secretary and Donald C. Miller of North Bend is Treasurer.  Other members of the board are Fred Bierly, Donna Gebhardt, Earl Keen, Amy Lapriola, Paddy O'Hara-Mays, William Raco, Bob Rolley, Rick Vilello, and Dave Winkleman. Ironically, the very day that construction started on the renovations, another historic building of Lock Haven, the Opera Building, was condemned.  How sad for that fact, but how exciting for the KCnet Community, to know that this old building at 18 East Main, owned most recently by Bob Parks and before that by Max Coploff, will be "rebuilt" and ideally will more closely resemble the original storefront. KCnet Directors are looking for old photos that would help in this task.  The Express ran a great one of the Opera Building, but in my quest for a pre-40's photo of 18 East Main Street, I came up with nothing that could help.  I think there may be one out there.  If you know where, would you please give me a call at KCnet, 893-8111, and let me know?  We need it to more accurately design the façade. Oh, it's too late to stop in and see our offices in the front of 18 East Main; they're gone!  Even the floor joists are gone!  There are no walls, no partitions!  Members of the Senior Net Learning Center and others worked so hard and did such a beautiful job on the first remodeling of our offices.  I loved my office and the classroom certainly worked, didn't it?  But alas, we couldn't do anything to fix the damp basement, the beams and joists that over the years had deteriorated.  So, until sometime in February, don't try to come in the front entrance to KCnet or to H&R Block.  We're using the alley entrance.  We've moved our signs to the back of the building and will welcome you just the same - only in a much smaller, temporary space. Soon, new space for H&R Block will be finished including a new front window on the Dollar General side of the building.  New space for KCnet reception area will be on the Rescue Workers' Thrift Store side.  Classrooms will occupy the current H&R Block space near the middle of the building (first floor of course).  The front entrance will be into a vestibule first, then left or right for either of the 2 establishments.  A separate door will allow entrance to Phillips Fancy Footwork, on the second floor.  A gentle remodeling is happening there, too. I'll write more next week on the progress and decisions being made in this big project.  In the meantime, go through your parents' photo albums and hopefully find a photo that will help us with the front of the building.  We have one month to find it!

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