2 The RAPS Sheet October 2020 CO-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE RAPS embraces online meeting technology NEWS FLASH: You can teach retirees, even those uncomfortable with newfangled technology, how to use computers to participate in virtual meetings. I spent my working career writing computer software. I began programming computers while studying engineering in college. I was never a “hardware person.” I have never been an early adopter of new gadgets. I kept using my flip phone for years, only getting a smart phone late in the cell phone game. My wife and I purchased a new television in April. Neither of us has yet programed our Xfinity remote to actually talk to our computer for some pretty basic functions (volume control, power on/off, mute, etc.). I still rely on my children (who are in their 40s) for technical support when it comes to smart phones and social networking applications. I have been seen as computer literate but still empathize with my age cohort. Many of us perceive technology as tricky and hard to manage. I understand that some portion of our RAPS membership is not comfortable with personal computers, email, online banking, social networking, and other tools in common use in the 21st century. As my co-president, Pat Squire, discussed in the September RAPS Sheet, we are facing challenges because of attempts to keep ourselves and others free from COVID19. The majority of RAPS members are not willing to meet in person until it is much safer. We know even moderately sized meetings are not allowed at PSU and will not be allowed for quite a while. The RAPS Board came to the conclusion: we must have virtual events for RAPS for some number of months into the future. We held some training for RAPS members regarding the use of Zoom. We had some eager members attend, in order to get a feel for how virtual meetings work. Retired folks can learn new technology! Can they enjoy the experience of a virtual monthly meeting? RAPS held its September meeting with President Steve Percy on Friday, September 11. We were pleased that our RAPS members stepped up to the new world of meeting at a distance using technology. By design we had the virtual meeting open 30 minutes before the actual beginning time of the formal presentation. Thirty individuals joined the meeting; most came on the Zoom call with plenty of time to make certain their computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone could connect successfully to the online member meeting. We joined “using audio” and shared our video as well. Zoom turned out to be quite effective supporting social interaction. We had a good group visit before the presentation. We had an informative presentation. The president fielded questions from the audience. Participants enjoyed themselves and are now looking forward to more virtual interaction with fellow RAPS members over the next few months of forced social distancing. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. The fires and smoky air all up and down the Pacific Coast have been historically bad. As I write this the air quality, at least in the Portland area, is much improved. Thank you, wind and rain. I know some of you have had to leave your homes due to Level 3 or Level 2 evacuation orders. Hopefully this newsletter finds you safely back in your home. —Steve Brennan
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