The Tellico Village Computer Users Club, founded in 2001 by Robert Wilson, is the second-largest club in Tellico Village.
At the close of 2016, TVCUC had more than 1,200 members in 844 households. Due to growing membership, the club had to change its venue from the Yacht Club to the Christian Life Center of the Community Church at Tellico Village.
The club is relevant to both PC and Mac users, and general meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month February-May and August-December with featured speakers presenting topics like internet security, Windows 10 updates, smartphone and tablet use, proton therapy and more. An annual picnic and social is held in June.
Computer support
Another outstanding benefit is the free first level support available to members of TVCUC for Windows, Apple OS and smartphones and tablets running I0S and Android.
The support team responded to more than 700 member calls in 2016. The top issues were:
Ransomware, fake viruses and what to do. Never give anyone you don’t know control of your computer or bank account.
Real virus infections and not using security programs recommended by TVCUC for Windows 10 like Defender, MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware and CCleaner.
Lost or forgotten passwords. They can’t fix it if you don’t know your passwords.
Making Windows 10 user friendly.
Slow computers and boot-up problems.
Router and connectivity issues.
To get first level support, visit www.tvcuc.org.
Mac Users Group
The Mac Users Group is a special interest group that is part of TVCUC under the leadership of Karen Brown that meets at 3 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month January-April, September and October at Chota Recreation Center.
The group discusses and demonstrates programs related to the Apple environment, primarily Mac computers. Because Apple has expanded its product base from computers to iPods, iPhones and iPads, the group also attempts to bring members up to speed on the increasing number of applications on these devices.
Also available are a network of Mac users to help people new to the product line. The group depends on members who have become proficient in various areas to share expertise, both to the membership in meetings and individuals on a one-to-one basis. Monthly email messages contain tips and tricks for enhancing member experiences with Apple products.
Tours
The TVCUC is also known for the many free tours offered exclusively to its members. The tours are made to computer application-related industries and organizations, including the Tennessee Valley Authority River Forecast Center, Provision Proton Center, ProNova Factory, many of the Oak Ridge National Laboratories and its most popular tour, MasterCraft Boats.
Tour Coordinator Bob Kutschera said tours of the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga may resume later this year. More than 250 members attended the tours in 2016. Reservations are required and can be made through the organization’s website at www.tvcuc.org.
Computer education
Face-to-face classes with members of the first level support group are held at 3:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in room D at Chota Recreation Center.
You may take your personal computer or use one provided. Take questions and get answers to specific issues in a fun and relaxed setting. Other educational classes are offered during the year and announced in TVCUC monthly newsletters.
Community outreach
Article II of the TVCUC bylaws states that one of the purposes of this unique club is, “To provide an opportunity to participate in charitable, educational and community outreach.”
The Technology Access Program is a community outreach program started by volunteers under the direction of Warren Sanders, who refurbished donated computers to be sold at the spring and fall Tellico Village community garage sales.
The original volunteers had the vision to make home computers accessible to families in Loudon and Monroe counties. They presented a plan to the four agencies involved in the garage sales: Habitat for Humanity, Tellico Village Community Church Crafters, Tellico Village Property Owners Association Beautification Committee and Good Neighbors Shoppe.
Usable computers would be given to families referred by a school or charitable organization. The first 12 systems were given away June 2, 2007. A system consisted of a desktop PC computer, disc reader/writer, high-speed and dial-up internet access capability, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer with ink and a ream of paper.
TAP has given away nearly 5,000 systems, providing home computer access for more than 7,000 children.
The computers TAP provides to referred children are given to TAP by friends and neighbors in Tellico Village, area businesses that are upgrading their systems, industries that observe a regular replacement schedule and aggregators that service the computer-leasing business.
All donated computer systems and peripherals are inspected and cleaned on arrival. The operating system, all programs and any remaining personal information are removed. A new operating system and basic applications are installed so that a “clean” system can be delivered to a deserving student. TVCUC maintains a 501©(3) designation. Financial contributions are welcome.
TAP provides computer systems to qualifying students in Loudon, Monroe, Blount, Roane, Anderson, Knox, McMinn and Campbell county schools and to qualifying students in Lenoir City, Sweetwater, Oak Ridge and Knoxville city schools. There are numerous organizations and agencies that refer requests from qualifying families.
The TAP office is located at 244 Lakeside Plaza in the lower level of building No. 2. To join, stop by the TAP office for a tour and observe the refurbishing process. Volunteers for TAP are always welcome and no prior experience is required.
Become a member
Membership in the Tellico Village Computer Users Club is $15 per household per year. Applications are available electronically at www.tvcuc.org, or can be picked up at TVCUC general meetings at the Community Church, at New Villagers meetings at 5 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Yacht Club or at the TAP office.
Membership does not require prior computer knowledge. The club provides the opportunity to enhance your exposure to and experience in the electronic world in which we live. Membership offers education, free computer help, exclusive tours, volunteerism and more.
