For those who are planning to return to your northern home for the summer, we have made it easier for you to stay in contact with CCCGC.

Firstly, all issues of the Charlotte Bytes will be available on the website in the member area immediately after publication. So, if you are not a signed up member of the website, please send an email to the webmaster so that you can get a user name and password. As always, your copies may be sent to you at your northern address, but at extra charge if outside the United States.

Secondly, we have Internet phone service provided by Vonage. Vonage has recently introduced a program where they offer access points to call a Vonage number, called V-access. You can find the nearest V-access number by going to http://tinyurl.com/2vd39q .

Then look for the box labeled “Find an Access Number” Simply select the Country, then each option as it is presented. Example if you live in Toronto, Canada, select Canada, then Ontario, then Area Code 905 or 647. Sorry 416, the original Area Code for Toronto is some how not listed. If we assume that you live in Area Code 905, several V-access numbers are presented.

Then to call CCCGC, you first dial one of the access numbers, example (905) 228-2029, then at the prom[t, dial the CCCGC number (941) 240-2661. You will reach the Cultural Center switchboard where you ask to be connected to extension 244.

Simple as that, and you are connected without incurring long distance or international charges. Assuming, of course, that the access number that you selected is a free call from your northern home. The example I gave was for Canada, but the service is also available for anyone in the US, Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, and the UK.

You might also consider paying dues in advance if your membership expires while you are away. We hate to lose members for even a few months, but if you must leave, please be sure to join us again when you return.

The Forum is up and running and is awaiting input from members. The Registration and Login method has changed to greatly simplify getting directly to the forum.

Registration and first Login procedure

1) Email the webmaster with your full name and valid email address
2) You will be emailed a user name consisting of your first and last names along with a temporary password.
3) Go to the website at http://cccgc.net as usual, and;
4) Enter the user name and temporary password where requested under Forum Login; Click Login;
5) You will know that you are properly logged in when you see your name appear on the homepage where you logged in.
6) Since you logged in using a temporary password, click "Profile" in the top navigation bar
7) At the bottom of the profile sheet is a space where you can change your password, After entering your password twice in the space provided, click the update profile button;
8)Then go back to the main page by clicking "view site" at the top of the Profile page.
9)From the main page, you click on "Forum" in the navigation bar
10) You can now post or comment on the forum

Once you have obtained a permanent password, you login as follows:

1) Go to the website at http://cccgc.net as usual
2) enter your first and last name and your permanent password, Click Login
3) you will be logged as evidenced by your name appearing in the login area
4) Then you may go to the forum page by clicking "Forum" in the top navigation bar
5) Post or comment as desired.

CCCGC is reintroducing the monthly computer program whereby members can obtain a chance to obtain a computer by making a donation to be entered into a drawing. Each ticket is $5 and may be obtained at the Office or at the General meeting.

Deadline for purchase and the drawing will be made at the conclusion of the presentation and the drawing of the door prizes.

The computer that is available on October 03, is as follows:

Gateway System
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2
1.80 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
512 Megabytes Memory
80 Gigabyte Hard Drive
Standard Floppy Disk
Intel Graphics Card
LCD Monitor
SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio
GTW v.92 VoiceModem
AVG antivirus (free version)
Microsoft Windows Defender

By previous standards, this is a real powerhouse. Or as Yvette says in her announcement it is a "Super Duper Computer". The computer is on display in the window of the office during regular office hours.

Don't let this one get away when you could own it for a $5 donation. Tickets may be picked up at the office or ordered by sending a check to CCCGC, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Good Luck. See you at the meeting

It's Official The lease has been signed, Port Charlotte Methodist Church has been notified, and now we are ready to announce to the world. We previously made the announcment at the September General meeting.

Beginning October 03, 2003 our monthly General meetings will be held at the Port Charlotte Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, Florida.

For those that don't already know, this is presently the location of the CCCGC Administrative offices. The meetings will take place in the adjacent Centennial Hall, with the Beginners Forum in the nearby Palm Room. The main entrance of the Cultural Center will be closed. All members should enter the East entrance on Gertrude Street. See Photograph for detail of building entrance (entrance shown on right side of panorama) and get directions from the Maps/Meetings tab on the Navigation bar.