Tellico Village Computer Users Club

Non-Profit Community Computer Interest Group

TAP Hosts Congressman at Tellico Village

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Warren Sanders invited U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett to participate in a special celebration at Loudon High School to mark the 10,000th student awarded a computer system refurbished by Technology Access Program.

Congressman Burchett was required in Washington, D.C. on the day of the scheduled celebration, May 7th, but in lieu of attending the celebration at the high school, he paid a visit to the TAP Office.  At the same time, both Tellico Village Broadcasting and News 6 Team (ABC affiliate in Knoxville) came to film and interview with Warren Sanders, TVCUC President Ken Van Swearingen, Vice President Vic Green, and other TAP volunteers.

Mr. Burchett and the News 6 Team were provided a tour of the TAP facility and an explanation of how TAP converts donated computers and peripherals to clean systems for delivery to disadvantaged but deserving students, mostly in the local East Tennessee region.  The congressman praised the efforts and achievements of TAP volunteers and indicated the program was a model for the country.  He indicated that he would seek to find donors to help TAP build its inventory of computers to work on.

See pictures of the visit HERE.

TAP Recipient 10,000 Identified

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Warren Sanders reported at the TVCUC Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 9th, that Loudon High School has identified the 10,000 child to receive a refurbished computer from the Technology Access Program (TAP).

A celebration of this milestone event is scheduled at the high school in May.  More to follow on that event as the planning firms up.

In the meantime, the current status of computers delivered and children helped through TAP is available Here.

TAP Letter of Appreciation

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On March 20, 2019 the TAP office received a fax letter
from a 5th grade student at Smoky Mountain Elementary School,
Cocke County School District, Tennessee.

The letter thanked TAP for the computer she received
as a donation to the school.

See a copy of the letter…Here

Cutting the Cord – Part 3

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Over the last 2.5 years, we have had a series of programs about “Cutting the Cord” or replacing cable/satellite TV with Over the Air (OTA) and streaming content. These have been some of the most popular programs presented.  In March we are presenting the third installment.  To put this in perspective, the following is a direct quote from this week’s Tablo newsletter.

The latest cord cutting numbers show approximately 3.2 million consumers ditched their cable or satellite subscriptions in 2018. (To put it in context, that’s like if the entire population of Utah cut the cord last year.)

This represents an erosion of 4.2% of the total pay-TV subscriber base, up from 3.7% in 2017 and 2% the previous year.

Of course, the industry isn’t doing itself any favors. In the face of a mass exodus of customers, you’d think they’d try harder to keep the ones they still have. Instead, they’re putting the squeeze on them, hiking prices and cutting off promos.

2019 isn’t shaping up any better for cable and satellite providers. Cord Cutters News did some quick math based on a recent survey and estimates that as many as 39 million households could cancel their subscriptions this year.

So much for this cord cutting thing being a ‘fad’!

The previous two presentations focused on the technology needed to cut the cord.  These can be found on the TVCUC website.  WE ARE NOT REPEATING MUCH OF THIS CONTENT.  This presentation is going to primarily focus on results and real-life experiences of four people who either have, or are in the process, of cutting the cord. We are going to talk about the good, the bad…and the ugly of cord cutting from a personal perspective.

IF you are thinking about cutting the cord, or have done it and would like to help share your experiences, don’t miss the Wednesday March 6th meeting.

Join TVCUC Now!

To Join or Renew your membership with the Tellico Village Computer Users Club utilize the form on the TellicoLife website: JOIN TVCUC

For help signing up or logging in to TellicoLife, view the TellicoLife How-To Videos

Donate to TVCUC!

TVCUC welcomes donations of both used computer equipment and cash:

Make an Equipment Donation to TAP
Make a Cash Donation to TVCUC