Technology Notes

January 7, 2022

Betty noted at the 1996 BOG, “We are continually updating our communication methods with computers, faxes, and several of the clubs use email.”

“On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first audible phone message when he called ‘Watson, come here, I want you.” On April 25, 1997, the first email message went out to the test group of email representatives of the Garden Club of Virginia. As Mr. Bell’s invention was at first a novelty, I feel sure the email, which is strictly for our member clubs, and the webpage on the internet, which is information for the public, is the way to the future….”

She later added, “We must be constantly looking at ways to update our communication methods and to reduce costs of mailings, postage and just general conservation of paper.”

Also, in 1997, Mary Lou Seilheimer contracted with Warrenton Workshop for $20/hour to create and maintain the Garden Club of Virginia roster on an IBM-compatible disk for mailings in support of the Campaign for the Kent-Valentine House. “This may become the basis for a computerized listing of the GCV membership…the beginning for what we hope will be a greater use of available technology by the Garden Club of Virginia.” A motion was made and passed, giving permission to the Editor of the Register to throw away the shoe box of membership names.

Email Coordinator Zan Short of the Charlottesville Garden Club reported, “After eight weeks of testing, the GCV email program officially began on June 2, 1997, and a message from President Betty Schutte was sent to 51 garden club members which included 13 member club presidents. So far we have sent 9 messages.” Dates of future messages were given.

She presented instructions at the 1997 fall BOG detailing what was required to have an email address. She mentioned software popular at the time — Eudora and Netscape. “You can even retrieve your messages while traveling.” She gave sample email addresses and reviewed email etiquette. “After reading a message, you can print it or you can add comments and forward it electronically… remember it can be forwarded anywhere in the WORLD.” Zan referred to gcv@comet.net.

In closing Zan offered, “And finally, I would like to offer special thanks to our computers. I agree with what many of you have told me: Computers can be wonderful, but they can also create havoc. I apologize to my computer for sometimes being impatient with it and even saying unkind words to it.”

Betty concluded in 1998,  “We must constantly be updating our ways of communications. But I want to assure you that we must also safeguard the privacy of our members. Our interclub email system is totally separate from those in the HGW offices and nothing is on our webpage that is not public information. For instance, no mention of Horticulture Field Day is on the webpage as that is strictly for members.”

She continued, “But these are supplemental forms of communication. The most important form of communication still is the opportunity you have at meetings, such as this, to share information with other clubs and understand more about the strength of our organization and its members.”