The pictures on this page were taken by my lovely wife, Dana, and myself.
I added a 2nd page of pictures that originally appeared in the August 2003 issue of the Tampa Bay Computer Society's monthly online magazine: the Bits & Bytes. It is reprinted here with permission from the Editor, Author, and Photographer: Barbara Kalmin.
Note: Clicking on these thumbnails will display a large picture.
Merely hovering over the thumbnails will display a caption.
We received several emails from our clinic attendees. I wanted to share them with you here. I have edited a few messages in order to provide greater clarity, but I try never to tamper with the emotion or intent of the original message.
I think whenever a person does a kindness for someone else with no expectations it's a wonderful thing. It is really great that your group does this for just the kindness of their heart. I do believe God smiles down at people like you. Once again thank you. - Roberta
Thanks and a special thanks to you & Ron for helping me with my computer on Saturday. - Van
Dear Dave,
The Random Acts of Kindness experience was unique to me, not only was I there as a new member of the TBCS, but also as a computer user looking for solutions to my computer problems.
I would like to thank everyone at the computer clinic for helping me with my computer. And, by getting into the spirit of things, I was able to help some of the people there even if it was in a small way.
I think the RAK event is very worthwhile and should be repeated as often as it is practical, and I'd like to volunteer for the next one where hopefully I can add something to the already impressive group of RAK troubleshooters.
Thanks Again, Bob
Dear Doc
Yes, RAK session was a wonderful experience. In the cold world we are living in, "acts of kindness" remind us that there are people who live "beyond themselves" and thus making men more human by their example. Hopefully, they'll stimulate others to imitate. Thanks once more - Leo
Hi Doc,
I learned a lot at the clinic and am planning to join your club but as for the computer, after 3 hours Saturday, machine is still not closing down without difficulty. Also, still having the box pop up periodically saying am doing an illegal operation. Hit the Ctrl-Alt-Del and comes up explorer not responding. 2nd time it happened it comes up winkory not responding.
When these things happen, I cannot shut down computer. Also, don't have to be on line for this to happen. Thanks, hope to figure it out. If you can help please let me know. - Dana
Note: We had run out of time at the clinic, but we contacted him again, and removed a virus from his machine in order to complete fixing it. - Doc
Dear Doc,
I certainly appreciate the efforts put forth by the "crew" trying to get the computer(s) back in order. It was late in their time so things got a bit hectic. The primary computer was put back to the place they could at least get it up and running again and look for "other" problems.
The other computer is another story. We think we have found the common denominator to both sets of computer problems and it comes in the form of a 13 year old daughter. LOL
Once they get the household computer up and going she will be restricted to her own computer only. That will help half the problem at least.
RAK is such a great idea, and I am sure everyone is as grateful for your collective efforts as I am. - Jim & Mark
Dave
Really enjoyed the clinic at the Palm Harbor Library, and have sent in my $30.00 for a membership in the club.
Had some errors pop up after the clinic, and went to the resource center for some extra help on Monday. The unlimited amount of patience displayed by the repair person as he helped everyone with their problems was most impressive and rarely seen these days without a large fee attached.
I'm looking forward to attending some meetings at the center.
Many thanks. - Walt
Dear Dave,
About the RAK clinic, it could not have been better from my perspective:
1. The program was well conceived, planned, publicized, and conducted.
2. It was staffed with exceptionally able, courteous, and well qualified people.
3. The scheduling plan appeared to be very effective, and from the high number
of persons served in the time available, proved to be. (Being among the first to
be served, I didn't observe the operations after the first
hour.)
4. I am extremely pleased with the results achieved on my computer. Ron very
effectively removed a slave hard drive to make room for a new CD-RW drive,
changed the settings on the existing master hard drive and installed the new CD-RW
Drive. He then installed the necessary software
(NERO) to use it and demonstrated its use for me. This work required replacing a
2-connector cable with a 3-connector one, and Ron even supplied the new
cable.
Additionally, Ron sped up my computer by turning off some programs running needlessly in the background and installed EndItAll to make my future program installations cleaner.
Now, is it any wonder that I am SO HIGH on TBCS and the RAK program you administer, Dave?
Thank you all and best regards always,
Foster
Dave and all your helpful TBCS Personnel:
Both Kathy and myself were very pleased with your assistance in our computer problems. Our PC is now working and perfectly. The RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS has not gone unnoticed and we look forward to performing the same acts as they avail themselves. Both Kathy and I would like to join the TBCS and we already have an application. I will mail it post haste. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all of you at the TBCS for affording us the opportunity to meet with you and your counterparts and for your RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS. Hope to see you in the near future. Jim & Kathy
Hello Dave,
I really enjoyed the computer clinic because for the first time I felt that my computer would be fixed without any hidden agendas. Also, I got a chance to mingle and meet new people. I surprise with the refreshments and the kindness shown to each person and the willingness for the members of the computer clinic to work together to meet the community needs. I really enjoyed that day and it was more than I expected. Also, I hope to become a member soon. Please let me know when the next computer clinic I would loved to prepare a baked dish.
Jena
