FL-MANASOTAPAFUG-L Archives

Archiver > FL-MANASOTAPAFUG > 2004-05 > 1084628451


From: <>
Subject: Computer projector PURCHASE STATUS
Date: Sat, 15 May 2004 09:40:51 -0400


GOOD MORNING MEMBERS!
We're well immersed in the task of selecting a computer projector for the Manasota PAF Users Group and the MGS Manasota Genealogical Society. Here's the status so far:

MONIES RAISED:
According to a report by MGS Acting Secretary Barbara Schulz, the following members have donated to the purchase: Bob Jones, Pat Richley, Audrey Peacock, Ed Gaulin, Phyllis Doucette, Pat Church, Barbara Wohlheuter, Anne Young, Jack and Harriet Morris, Rusty and Casey Russell, Jim McHugh, Walt Stock, and Nancy Ely.

$450 Collected
300 PAFUG treasury balance pledged
100 Pledged but not collected
$850 Total

NOTE: The MGS treasury will pay the sales tax. Also, most contributors are members of both societies.

CHOICE OF EQUIPMENT:
Pat and Ed have discussed some models, and have discovered that a mid-range price for brightness and resolution will be $1,600 not the $1,000 initial fundraising goal.

Per a previous email communication, Ed wrote "I'm concerned that while an 800 by 600 [pixel] resolution might meet our current needs it may not over the next few years as the hardware and software become more sophisticated. By the way I have heard from Mike McNaughton and he stands by his initial comments on resolution. [His major concern seemed to be resolution - he cautioned buying anything less than 1024 X 768 pixels]. [He] also tells me that a number of projectors come with padded nylon cases AND he has never broken or replaced a lamp in the 3 yrs they have had theirs."

SUGGESTION:
#1 - From Ed: Let's look for another $600. How about a joint (PAF & MGS) silent auction in November to fill the gap? Let's ask our members to get into their closets and bookcases for material they no longer use. Announce at the June PAF meeting and the October meetings, plus e-mail over the summer to both groups. Probably the best way to do this is to have a committee of 2-3 members to oversee it.

#2 - From me:Sell Hot Dogs & Sodas outside a local Wal-Mart on a given Saturday. The fact that both orrganizations are non-profit, and that we're providing a community service will qualify us for consideration by the store. I'd be willing to chair this, and have most necessary equipment. This would provide an opportunity to share 1/3 cut flyers about our societies, and have interesting posters in addition to our price list posters. We will probably earn about $600 net profit in about 5 hours work. I'd only need 6 people to take turns on shifts. We need 3 on duty at all times.

#3 - Ask other members of the two societies to consider a contribution. While some have donated as much as $50, any size contribution is welcomed.

SUMMARY:
The use of a computer projector for PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations of software is the becoming the norm for most genealogy societies, and has long been "required" equipment for computer groups. Our local library system has not been able to provide reliable equipment for over 3 years. Even when equipment was reserved, one ancient machine was removed from the building by staff at the other library, and not returned to meet the needs of our group's regularly-scheduled meeting. The nearest free rental facility with equipment is the Selby Public Library in the next county.

Taking a proactive stance in providing our own equipment will greatly improve effective learning in our two organizations.
This is my report.

Pat Richley,
Immediate Past President
Manasota Genealogical Society
6023 26th Street West PMB 269
Bradenton, FL 34207
http://www.rootsweb.com/~flmgs

Instructor,
Manasota PAF Users Group
c/o 6023 26th Street West PMB 352
Bradenton, FL 34207
www.DearMYRTLE.com/PAF

This thread: