CLSNA' LamontCentral Forum

I started in the computing industry in 1968, when Uncle Sam determined I did not want to be a photographer, a medic or a PR person for the USAF. After 8 weeks in wonderful Wichita Falls, TX, I was sent to NM. Of course the training I received was in COBOL (anyone still remember COBOL?) but I was assigned as a programmer in a FORTRAN shop (same question.)  But my time in NM was wonderful - Alamogordo to the south with lots of history and the White Sands, followed by Albuquerque (my sister hated me - as soon as she learned how to spell Alamo... I moved to Alb!!) and the Kirkland Weapons Lab (plus the Sandia area.)  Finally, a reup and a 3 year tour in Germany ended my service to Uncle.

I worked in various industries in computer support - the state of Missouri, Regions Bancshares in Alabama, Alabama Development Office and Burlington Industries in Radford VA. But I finally settled in with Grace here in VA and found Workforce Development Training. I carried my books in the back of my Jeep as I went into industries to provide computer training (Office applications.) I did get to teach credit classes at the local Community Colleges for almost 10 years until the Accrediting folks said "No Masters, No Teach" (only 15-20 years experience in the subject.)  I also taught Public Speaking since I won the National Amer. Institute of Banking's Public Speaking contest and have now 33 years of experience in Toastmasters.  Finally the college built a nice 33K sq ft Center for WF and I had an office and 3 computer labs to use (plus the Technology Theatre.)

Tried to retire 2 years ago but the economy did me in plus the college could not find anyone will to work for so cheap, especially during the day when industries want the training to be held (rather than have employees work all day then have to sit thru 3 hours of me and my bad jokes.)

Found CLSNA about 4 years ago ... My uncle was a cert. genealogist and had a Lamont tie, which I received at his death. We went to Boone, NC for a visit and found the Grandfather Mountain Games. No Lamonts there - I looked into Clark sept (my Grandmother's family) and my wife became a Morrison so I had to find you.  Taking over the publishing of The Wee Harp has offered much in the way of learning. As I've said, I know how to publish a newsletter, not how to write it. Thanks to all of you who are now actively participating in it's development.  Thanks to the forum, I've been getting more and more material for our newsletter - and with electronic delivery, we can even go bigger and better.

That's my story ---- and I'm stickin' to it.