Smart Technology Club
This is the successor to the Computer Club. Still hosted by Al Moldon and Brian Freedman, it will continue to focus on latest Smart Technologies including computers. It meets at the Rec Centre on third Tuesday of every month from 7:30 – 9:00 pm.
Smart Technology Club meeting – May 16, 2023
Our next meeting is going to be held in the Centre Room at the Rec Centre from 7:30PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday May 16. We will be focusing on a variety of Television topics.
I’ll bet you remember the days when watching TV involved only one rather simple decision: which channel to watch! But fast forward to today and the concept of watching TV takes on a whole new meaning! With the explosion of streaming services and utility apps coupled with the array of inexpensive devices available for accessing them, your TV today has become the central entertainment hub for your home and more versatile than ever. Brian will help us take a closer look at today’s most popular streaming devices like the Roku, the Firestick, the Apple TV and Android box to see what they are, how they work and what additional features and functionality you can add using them for your TV watching pleasure whether you have a “smart” TV or otherwise.
Rogers have recently been encouraging customers to switch from Bell satellite and Rogers older cable TV services to their Ignite bundle by offering significant discounts of up to $1,320 over 2 years. The result is that we now have some new Ignite customers in BGCC joining our large group of existing Ignite users. Since the theme of this evening is Television, Al will have a review of some of the new Ignite features and include some tips on how to make the most of the Ignite service.
We both just LOVE questions so be sure to bring yours! Attendance at the meeting is free for all BGCC residents and their friends. No membership is required: just show up and enjoy! Early arrival is recommended if you want to sit near the front of the room as we are expecting a large turnout (over 60 at the last meeting).
PS: Please forward this announcement to your neighbours who may not be on our distribution list. This information is also on the www.hotg.ca community website.
Al (PC & Ignite Doctor)
Brian (Ballantrae Geek)
Smart Technology Club meeting – April 18th, 2023
The next Smart Technology Club meeting will be held on Tuesday April 18 at our Rec Centre from 7:30PM until 9:00PM in the Centre Room. Planned topics include:
- By now you have probably heard the name “ChatGPT” on the TV news. A research laboratory called OpenAI introduced ChatGPT to the public in November 2022 and literally “caught the world by storm”! The technology has been described by experts as possibly having more influence on society than the Internet itself. This session will introduce you to the amazing world of Chat Bots and we will be using it live during the meeting. You will also be able to take it home and use it yourself (and it is totally free of charge).
- You may have thought that it would be nice if you could “keep an eye on” the outside of your home while you are away from it while visiting friends or on vacation. Well now there is an inexpensive way to do just that! This session will review several approaches and include some “Show and Tell” gear.
- The Rec Centre has a brand new Wi-Fi capability that was just installed. You can use it during our meeting to connect your device to the Internet. We’ll provide a brief description of how it works.
Our first meeting last month had over 50 attendees. This month we are expecting an even larger group as many residents have just returned from their “Southern” vacations. Please arrive early if you prefer to sit near the front. Feel free to bring your phone, tablet or laptop to connect to the new Wi-Fi network.
As Brian is on vacation, Al will be presenting.
Please join us next Tuesday.
Al (PC Doctor)
Smart Technology Club meeting – Mar 21, 2023
Our first Smart Technology Club meeting will be held next Tuesday March 21 from 7:30PM until 9:00PM in the large Centre Room of our Recreation Centre. The objective of our new group is to provide the residents of BGCC with an opportunity to discover and learn more about a vast array of Smart devices we use today or may consider using in the future. Next Tuesday’s agenda is planned to include the following topics:
- From time to time we all encounter the need to scan a physical item such as a document, receipt or photo in order to save or send it as an electronic file. Unfortunately, we do this so seldom that we never really get any good at it nor even remember how to do it! Now you can finally forget that complicated process involving your computer and printer. Brian is going to walk us through an application that makes this process so much simpler – and with professional results – by just using your iPad, iPhone or Android device.
- Many of us take regular blood pressure readings to track our health in this area. Since you need to record the results for comparison, you have to make sure you have a pad and pencil available to write down the information for possible reference in the future with your doctor. You may also wonder about the condition of the battery in your unit as it does take a fair amount of power to pump up the sleeve. Then you are probably thinking of taking multiple readings to feel more at ease about the accuracy of the device and your use of it. Or, you may be planning to go to Shoppers Drug Mart in Stouffville if your unit is acting up. You may also be thinking “There must be a better way”! Well, there is a better way and Al will show you it in action at the session.
- Air Fryers were a hot Christmas gift for many folks this year, but in Al’s family, the focus was on a much smaller but very hi-tech device. In fact, reviews on this one often refer to it as the Ultimate in its category. Well, what is it? You will have to attend the Smart Technology Club meeting to find out!
- Finally, time permitting, Brian would like to show you a real turn off— literally!
Please arrive early for best seating near the front. We have requested the chairs be well spaced for social distancing.
Brian and are looking forward to seeing all our Computer Club members and meeting new folks as well. Remember, our group is free for all BGCC residents and their friends to attend and no membership is required. You might consider inviting a new resident on your street to attend with you or forward this email to them as they may not know about our club yet.
See you on the 21st!
Al (PC Doctor)
Brian (Ballantrae Geek)
Smart Technology Club meeting on Feb 21 cancelled
I regret to announce that the new Smart Technology Club (formally Computer Club) meeting that was to be held on next Tuesday Feb 21 at the Rec Centre has been postponed due to an instructor’s health situation. The club will re-convene at our regular time on Tuesday Mar 21 from 7:30PM until 9:00PM.
Please update your calendar. Brian and I look forward to seeing you in March.
Al (PC Doctor)
Brian (Ballantrae Geek)
Computer Club returns to the Rec Centre on Feb 21
Yes, after several years on Covid-19 standby, the BGCC Computer Club is re-starting meetings at the Rec Centre this month at our usual time (3rd Tuesday of the month from 7:30PM until 9:00PM With the re-start, Brian and I have decided to re-name the club in keeping with the vast array of topics we cover. The new name will be “The Smart Technology Club”. We will be using the large “Centre Room” and feel free to wear a mask if desired.
Please mark your calendars now for the grand re-opening! We will publish the agenda for the meeting in a subsequent email shortly. Please forward this email to your neighbours and ask them to reply to me if they didn’t receive this email so I can add them to our club distribution list.
Brian and I are looking forward to seeing you on the 21st!
Al (PC Doctor)
Brian (Ballantrae Geek)