President's Message

Happy November Tech Club friends!

Staying informed about online scams has never been more important. Every week, new schemes appear — some so convincing that even the most cautious among us could be caught off guard. Seniors are often targeted because scammers count on our kindness, trust, and sometimes our hesitation with new technology.

That’s why learning how to recognize and avoid these scams is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and those we care about. The good news is, with a little knowledge and awareness, it’s easy to stay one step ahead.

As many of you know, I teach a series of tech courses for seniors through the City’s Kitchener Tech Connects program. One of these courses is called Safe and Savvy Online. This month, it’s being offered at the Rockway Senior Centre on Monday, November 24 at 1 p.m. This practical, confidence-building course will show you simple, effective ways to protect your personal information, spot scams before they catch you, and maintain safe online habits. Whether you’re browsing, shopping, or socializing online, you’ll come away with clear, useful tips to safeguard your digital life. You can register in person or by calling Rockway or any community centre, or through ActiveNet at:
https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activekitchener/activity/search/detail/184983?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Let’s keep learning together and continue to make technology work for us — safely and smartly!

I look forward to seeing you at this or another club event this month!

~ Susan

Tech-splorations

There are so many apps available through the iOS App Store and through the Google Play Store. If you had to choose one or two apps you "couldn't live without", what would you pick? 

We explore this topic in November's Tech-splorations column, now available on demand online along with all of the columns from previous newsletters! In addition to clicking on the above link, you can navigate to the columns directly on our website. In the top navigation menu, click on Tech-splorations. The drop-down menu lists each article in chronological order of publication, beginning with April 2025 (Federal Election). We hope you enjoy having the ability to easily find past columns when you want to read one of them again.

Apple Enthusiasts

See our latest update by clicking here!

Navigating the Validation, Registration, and Membership Maze

Our club's mission is to provide opportunities for older adults to learn, share, and thrive in their use of technology. We've heard from some of you that it can feel like you're taking a final exam in technology just to get on board with our club. Whether you're already a club member (because if you're reading this newsletter!) or you have a friend you think would benefit from joining us, there are things that need to be done on a regular basis.

We hope the following will clarify what's needed, who needs it, and why it's needed.

What's Needed

1. Having a valid Kitchener Group Card so you'll have an ActiveNet account with the city.

2. Getting permission from the City of Kitchener (by registering through ActiveNet) to attend events held by our club.

3. Telling our club that you'd like to be a member and receive our regular emails.

Having a valid Kitchener Group Card

The City of Kitchener offers a wide variety of free ongoing groups to seniors (age 55+) who live in the Region of Waterloo*. For a minimal annual fee to cover a portion of the administrative costs, a valid Kitchener Group Card gives you an ActiveNet account with the city that allows unlimited participation in any of these ongoing groups, including all Kitchener Tech Club events. Each Group Card is effective for a full year beginning September 1st and ending the following August 31st.

• A 2025-2026 group card costs $18.44 including tax.

• To purchase or renew a Group Card, please visit the front desk of your local Kitchener community centre. 

  • You can also renew an existing card online using Kitchener’s ActiveNet system, or by calling 519-741-2501.

Register on Kitchener's ActiveNet for Club Activities

Once you have a Kitchener Group Card, you must register* with the city's ActiveNet system every season for each group in which you wish to participate, including each of the four types of events offered each month by the Kitchener Tech Club:

1. Kitchener Tech Club Drop In (2nd Wed of each month)

2. Kitchener Tech Club Speakers Meeting (3rd Wed of each month)

3. Virtual Kitchener Tech Club Drop In (4th Monday of each month)

4. Kitchener Tech Club Share and Learn Gathering (4th Wed of each month)

When you register for one type of event, you’re obtaining permission to attend all occurrences of that event type during the City's four recreational seasons:

• Fall (September, October, November, and December)

• Winter (January, February, and March)

• Spring (April, May, and June)

• Summer (July and August)

Registration is easy:

1. Visit the front desk of any Kitchener Community Centre,

2. Call the City’s Program Registration Support line at 519-741-2907, or

3. Use Kitchener’s online ActiveNet system. We’ve created an Active Net Instructions guide for this.

   • The City of Kitchener has its own online information about program registration and using ActiveNet.

* Note: Some programs requiring registration are open only to Kitchener residents for 7 days before registration opens to non-Kitchener residents, due to high demand. 

Registration is needed for several reasons:

• Communication: Registration on ActiveNet allows the City of Kitchener a way to communicate with you (by telephone and email) in case an event has to be cancelled due to bad weather or other building/instructor emergency. 

• Administrative: Registration ensures there is space available for you to participate in an event, and it allows the City to measure the level of interest in city programs, ensuring that resources and support remain in place where there is demand.

• Liability: As standard legal practice, you must release the City and its representatives from all liability for claims, damages, injuries, or losses related to program participation. Don't worry - we don't play rough in any of our sessions! 😇

Tell us you want to be a member!

Our club doesn't have access to any of the city's registration information about you, due to privacy legislation (it works!). If you'd like to be added to our club's mailing list, please send an email along with your name to kitchenertechclub@gmail.com. We'll confirm receipt of the request, and we'll create a name tag for you to wear at club events (we're on a first-name only basis).

Connect With Us

There are many ways you can stay up-to-date with what’s happening. Click one of the links below to visit our…

• Kitchener Tech Club website for lots of information about the club, past events, and upcoming dates. 

• Facebook page.

• Instagram page.

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