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Recent Newsletters
Here are the most recent 2 years of newsletters.
Dec 2024
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KEGS History
Since KEGS beginnings in 1996 we have had a lot of wonderful involvements and experiences with our members and community. Below is some of our history and community involvement. Note: Because these are old, some of the hyperlinks to locations outside our website may no longer work.
KEGS has a unique and exceptionally gratifying arrangements with three very important community service providers.
- In 1999 KEGS recognized the opportunity to further assist our community by enhancing a computer training lab at the North Bellevue Community & Senior Center. Using totally donated equipment and volunteer time, KEGS designed, built and installed a state-of-art computer training lab valued at $95,000.00.
- Please visit our open letter of thanks to the original 1999 computer lab contributors.
- At the beginning of the Fall 2002 class sessions, the records show that 509 individual students had received training in the new facility (many of those students having attended multiple training sessions).
- KEGS continues to be responsible for administration and upgrades in the lab. Recently KEGS negotiated the donation of over $27,000.00 of current software needed to upgrade the lab to today's standards.
- Please visit our page that identifies who contributed to our 2002 Lab Upgrade.
- Take a look at the 1999 Computer Lab.
- In 2003 KEGS was given the opportunity to also support the Friends of Youth organization by taking on the administration of their computer lab located at the Kirkland Teen Union Building. Friends of Youth is a great community service. Here's a link to their web site: http://www.friendsofyouth.org/
- On October 10, 2006 - KEGS received a special recognition from the City of Bellevue for our involvement with their Parks & Recreation department. Click here to see that recognition letter.
- In 2009 KEGS expanded its community support in Kirkland to include support of a portable laptop PC training lab in the Peter Kirk Community Center.
- 2009 - The Computer Lab Makes Big Changes. In October of 2009 the North Bellevue Community & Senior Center converted its large dedicated computer lab to a more flexible portable computer lab consisting of all wireless laptop computers and equipment on a private wireless network. The NEW LAB can now be used virtually anywhere in the building and the new equipment is capable of supporting all the latest software requirements.
KEGABUCK$
What is the KEGABUCK$ program?
For those of you who are not KEGS members, a quick explanation of KEGABUCK$ is probably in order. In our user group, we have a unique way of promoting and rewarding member participation and volunteerism. Every time a member attends a meeting or volunteers to help with one of our KEGS programs, we reward that participation with "funny money" that we call KEGABUCK$. Once a year we have an Auction where ONLY KEGABUCK$ can be used to bid on items. Thus, the members with the highest level of KEGS participation have the most money to spend.
How does a KEGS member get their KEGABUCK$?
Your KEGABUCK$ entitlement is calculated from the attendance records that are administered by the SIG Leaders and special program administrators. Just before the Auction, we run programs against the SIG and special program attendance rosters. Those programs generate totals for each member, and we stuff envelopes with KEGABUCK$ that were calculated by the programs. These envelopes are given to our attending members (who must be currently paid members) on Auction night.
You are expected to bring all your personally collected KEGABUCK$ to the Auction (including any funny money used in special programs and any KEGABUCK$ from previous years) so they can be used with what is in your envelope.
We do have a policy of purging any KEGABUCK$ that have not been picked up at Auction night and are three (3) years old. I guess you could call this our "You don't use, you lose" policy.
We also have a goodwill policy that, if you forgot to pay your dues but are still attending KEGS functions, we will give you your KEGABUCK$ envelope on Auction night if you pay us for the full year's membership at that time.
Earn Extra KEGABUCK$ if you buy and wear KEGS Apparel
One of the things we like to do is “impress” newcomers to our meetings. Early in KEGS history, we decided that new visitors would be impressed if they attended meetings where existing members showed their club commitment by wearing KEGS Apparel.
To thank the dedicated members who participate in the KEGS Apparel program, we provide an additional 50 KEGABUCK$ bonus when a KEGS shirt, vest, or cap is worn at one of our meetings. Because of the impression we are trying to make, we do require that the KEGS shirt, vest, or cap be worn externally and visible during the meetings. (Shirts worn under other clothing DO NOT qualify for the bonus!)
To buy KEGS Apparel, send your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Earn Extra KEGABUCK$ if you wear your KEGS Badge
We provide an additional 50 KEGABUCK$ bonus when you wear your KEGS Badge.
If you have lost your badge, send your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Auction Items and How We Get Them
In preparation for the KEGABUCK$ Auction, the KEGS officers approach vendors and KEGS members asking for donations of new or used items that can be used for Auction items.
In the past, many vendors were willing to contribute, but today's business environment has almost totally shut down the flow of free goodies from vendors. But we still occasionally get a vendor donation.
Today, the majority of Auction items are provided by KEGS members who have upgraded to something newer or they're cleaning out their garage. Sometimes, members buy an item and never use it and decide to donate to our Auction. We review donated items and make sure that they are worthy of being passed on. Please keep this in mind and, throughout the year, set aside items that you would be willing to contribute to the Auction.
More Articles ...
KEGS Officers, Board Members & Administrators
The Komputer Enthusiasts of Greater Seattle (KEGS) ~ PO Box 171 ~ Bellevue, WA 98009-0171 ~ info@kegs.org
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