To really sync Exchange (Email, Contacts and Calendar) with Mac OS computers we need them to be running Snow Leopard i.e. Mac OS 10.6.x Cost of the 10.6 upgrade is $29 if you were at 10.5. Not sure if it is more if your OS X install is too old.
Once that is installed much like iPhone/iPod Touch OS 3.x it just works like magic.
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Met with Diocese today..
Met with both Cannon Michael Barlow and Jim Forsyth today to talk about the work I've been doing. The vendors/options I've selected and how that work may dovetail well in the work of Congregational Development/Missions and/or with other churches nearby in Oakland to do the phase 1 pilot project. I need to come back with a specific workplan/propal so they can react to that as they were generally agreeable and understand the needs very well. I will work on that over the next week and try and schedule a follow-up/demo for soon after that.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Communications Configuration
As the communications systems are either very ridged or very loose at this church it makes it tough to implement tools like email distribution lists, web site and configure things like the phone system. Sometimes there are very ridged lines and committee/s oversight that only a few people know about, other times it is adhoc or the Vestry who oversee but they only meet once per month normally. In developing a communications plan and simplifying the process for certain things like approving use of Church facilities by groups inside the church -- we need an online system that can function and handle facilities scheduling.
I created an org chart to try and make sure organizations fell under the right hierarchy but really need to have it blessed and get some additional feedback so I can help make sure I configure things to help facilitate better communications.
I did create a distribution "Action List" that send to the Vestry Ex-Com, Judy and for the short term myself so that we can clear out and take to a point of resolution long standing complaints/issues/ideas people in the church have so we can track them to resolution which in many cases will be the "why" we can't or are not able to move forward but in an official response. My hope is that this will help clear the deck of baggage so that we can help people begin to move forward.
I created an org chart to try and make sure organizations fell under the right hierarchy but really need to have it blessed and get some additional feedback so I can help make sure I configure things to help facilitate better communications.
I did create a distribution "Action List" that send to the Vestry Ex-Com, Judy and for the short term myself so that we can clear out and take to a point of resolution long standing complaints/issues/ideas people in the church have so we can track them to resolution which in many cases will be the "why" we can't or are not able to move forward but in an official response. My hope is that this will help clear the deck of baggage so that we can help people begin to move forward.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I'd been thinking along these lines for a bit...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jose-antonio-vargas/jumo-chris-hughes-faceboo_b_503720.html
Need to see where this project is really at.
Need to see where this project is really at.
Another day, another system
The 8x8 phone system is now partially configured. All the extensions are up and running and Fr. Williams iPhone has the 8x8 app running on it. We need to continue to configure the ring groups, auto attendant and then record the VMs. We need to finish configuring it and record the outgoing announcements then it will be ready.
The office PC continues to be problematic that yes it is "newer" but it really is bottom of the barrel in terms of spec and especially since it is running Vista -- it seems dog slow. Turning all the bells off -- it has been running better until I tried to install Outlook 2007. It continues to "fail install" but Outlook is there and working but VERY slow to load. However being very slow to start makes it frustrating as Judy's normal method has been to open / close email vs. leave it running for the day.
To fix, I need the install disc for the version of Office currently installed so we can uninstall and I ran reinstall without Outlook 200X and then install Outlook 2007 again fresh -- hopefully that fixes the problem.
We really need at least a second PC in the office so that Judy or the volunteer or even the Rector if he does not have his Mac can connect.
I spent a few minutes tooling around with Wordpress Mu to now understand you do not make changes to the root blog - deactivate or delete. Also had issues that some setting in my Chrome browser is keeping me from being able to log in properly -- it just reloads the sign-in page. Firefox works ok but need to get to the bottom of this one.
The office PC continues to be problematic that yes it is "newer" but it really is bottom of the barrel in terms of spec and especially since it is running Vista -- it seems dog slow. Turning all the bells off -- it has been running better until I tried to install Outlook 2007. It continues to "fail install" but Outlook is there and working but VERY slow to load. However being very slow to start makes it frustrating as Judy's normal method has been to open / close email vs. leave it running for the day.
To fix, I need the install disc for the version of Office currently installed so we can uninstall and I ran reinstall without Outlook 200X and then install Outlook 2007 again fresh -- hopefully that fixes the problem.
We really need at least a second PC in the office so that Judy or the volunteer or even the Rector if he does not have his Mac can connect.
I spent a few minutes tooling around with Wordpress Mu to now understand you do not make changes to the root blog - deactivate or delete. Also had issues that some setting in my Chrome browser is keeping me from being able to log in properly -- it just reloads the sign-in page. Firefox works ok but need to get to the bottom of this one.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Things are rolling
Last Friday the install of the new Internet Connection went in. Friday afternoon and again on Saturday installed and cabled (temporarily cabled) up the new VOIP phone system and to move the router out of Fr. Williams room to put it near the copier.
Friday night and Saturday day I spent organizing and converting us over to hosted Exchange that came with the service and getting the details to Fr. Williams on configuring his iPhone and webmail.
Sunday tested out uStream on the network from Trinity including both broadcast and broadcast/record.
Yesterday I got the order in for the new phone system and configuration is scheduled for Wed @ 10AM + Got new dedicated server to run WordPress Mu selected and Alchemy has just completed the setup of the server. I also sent all the information across to a potential graphic designer to get the Easter Campaign going as well as broader discussion on St. A's for work at a later date. Also had further discussions with Fellowship One -- it would seem to be the best vendor for our needs for now to replace ACS need to walk Fr. Williams through what that means.
Today looking into Moodle and LMS again. Wordpress and Fellowship One work. Follow up with Graphic Designer and Sign/Banner issues. Look at vendor for broadcast VM.
Tomorrow. Setting up the phone system and starting the number porting process with AT&T.
Friday night and Saturday day I spent organizing and converting us over to hosted Exchange that came with the service and getting the details to Fr. Williams on configuring his iPhone and webmail.
Sunday tested out uStream on the network from Trinity including both broadcast and broadcast/record.
Yesterday I got the order in for the new phone system and configuration is scheduled for Wed @ 10AM + Got new dedicated server to run WordPress Mu selected and Alchemy has just completed the setup of the server. I also sent all the information across to a potential graphic designer to get the Easter Campaign going as well as broader discussion on St. A's for work at a later date. Also had further discussions with Fellowship One -- it would seem to be the best vendor for our needs for now to replace ACS need to walk Fr. Williams through what that means.
Today looking into Moodle and LMS again. Wordpress and Fellowship One work. Follow up with Graphic Designer and Sign/Banner issues. Look at vendor for broadcast VM.
Tomorrow. Setting up the phone system and starting the number porting process with AT&T.
Research on Moodle Alternatives
Here is a April 2009 article on alternatives to Moodle...
http://barrysampson.com/2009/04/open-source-lms-10-alternatives-to-moodle/
http://docs.moodle.org/en/Using_Moodle_book
http://barrysampson.com/2009/04/open-source-lms-10-alternatives-to-moodle/
http://docs.moodle.org/en/Using_Moodle_book
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Book Trading Network
Trying to get kids reading in the city. Honor system based lending and exchange/trade points at churches and other spots of books that have been "tagged" with a simple sticker that could be printed from any laser/inkjet. So anyone could tag their own / favorite books and leave them at an exchange site or someplace out into the community (bus / bart / etc) with a tag saying you can return this to the nearest exchange site go to the web address.
Goal would be to have kids who may not have access to kids books and new kids books get them into their hands. If they really loved a book they could keep it. If they liked it they could be encouraged to write a message to the next reader and leave it inside (possibly on a bookmark).
Goal would be to have kids who may not have access to kids books and new kids books get them into their hands. If they really loved a book they could keep it. If they liked it they could be encouraged to write a message to the next reader and leave it inside (possibly on a bookmark).
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Medical ID Tag & Monitoring Service
Looking into the options that exist and if any of the major players would be interested in my "denominational" solution -- that would help call a priest, notify family, have medical directives on file, allergies/other pertinent medical info, pet information, end of life giving, etc.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Book of Common Prayer Copyright ?
Need to research it and see which body has the copyright and process/payments if we created online tool/version and/or offline printed synopsis version for new members with Psalms and RSV Gospels + Text. (Travelers & Sick Bible)
Easter Package?
Blanket 10K piece mailing of a postcard in the selected zipcodes
First newly moved X # of a postcard in the selected zipcodes
500 post cards for members mailing handled by TA
2,500 door hangars for the immediate neighborhood
1,500 tent/business cards for the congregation (Car Windshield)
1,000 post cards for members to mail/distribute
2 Exterior banners with same look & feel (On Front of church, One side)
1 Interior banner to carry through the campaign
2 sandwich board sized prints with same look & feel
2 Sign Shakers
Artwork for print advertisements & Email Campaign / Website Posting
First newly moved X # of a postcard in the selected zipcodes
500 post cards for members mailing handled by TA
2,500 door hangars for the immediate neighborhood
1,500 tent/business cards for the congregation (Car Windshield)
1,000 post cards for members to mail/distribute
2 Exterior banners with same look & feel (On Front of church, One side)
1 Interior banner to carry through the campaign
2 sandwich board sized prints with same look & feel
2 Sign Shakers
Artwork for print advertisements & Email Campaign / Website Posting
Books for educating new members to Episcopal Church
BOOK for Welcoming Recipients / Members
What is calling you?
- Branding campaign possible idea
- http://standrewsbookstore.com/yourfaithyourlife.aspx
- http://standrewsbookstore.com/thenewepiscopalwaymasterbook.aspx
- http://standrewsbookstore.com/episcopalhandbook.aspx
- http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Common-Prayer-Vicki-Black/dp/0819221309/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268138936&sr=8-4
- http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Episcopal-Church-Introduction-History/dp/0819218200/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
What is calling you?
- Branding campaign possible idea
Monday, March 8, 2010
ChipIn
http://www.chipin.com/
Simple form to allow tracking of donations for a set time against a goal.
Similar type function should be done by whatever provider we have.
Simple form to allow tracking of donations for a set time against a goal.
Similar type function should be done by whatever provider we have.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Episocpal ID / Emergency Call Card
Another area that I think could be done much better as we have an aging denomination is handling contact in case of emergency info, hospitalization, call for a priest at a hospital, etc.
An ID card linked to a database and phone number should be able to link that person to a congregation, emergency contact and an on call priest in case of hospitalization. Similarly if there is a medical directive and organ donor that too could be on the card / in the database.
Could also track those taking care of someone at home - older parent, children, etc. to see that their needs were met. Including things like family pet, etc.
An ID card linked to a database and phone number should be able to link that person to a congregation, emergency contact and an on call priest in case of hospitalization. Similarly if there is a medical directive and organ donor that too could be on the card / in the database.
Could also track those taking care of someone at home - older parent, children, etc. to see that their needs were met. Including things like family pet, etc.
One of the big areas for missions and churches to know is...
Elderly Transport & Disability Accessibilty signage for each church. Is the number o fhandicap parking spots sufficient? What are the community/public transit options that work for seniors? Carpooling and ride sharing.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Oakland Business Development Corp
OBDC is an option for financing under certain programs they have -- we might qualify for financing especially for service oriented efforts like a daycare, after school, summer camps, food program/cafe, etc.
http://www.obdc.com
http://www.obdc.com
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