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| THE COLONY NEWS | JANUARY 2023 | 15 OUTREACH TO HISTORY By Lennie Martin Communications & Technology Advisory Committee Did you see? Have you heard? For any of such to happen, it has first taken people to operate cameras, lights and sound. The Colony has numerous activities that need audiovisual support. Everything from HOA Board meetings and elections to variety shows, stage performances, movies and memorials require people to run the video cameras, operate lights and sound, edit most videos, and make sure all the equipment works. Videos are posted on Colony HOA emails/blasts, YouTube, or the HOA website. Who are these people? Members of the Communications and Technology Advisory Committee (CATCOM), a hardworking group of nine to 13 community volunteers, supported by the HOA Board and Associa staff. They assist the Board to disseminate information and provide AV support to other committees and clubs. Nearly every day, committee members are volunteering services for community activities. The committee also maintains inventory of existing AV hardware and current digital multimedia, assesses condition of equipment, makes technical suggestions for major purchases, gives recommendations for future needs, and assists staff to maintain the website and monitor social media. Before this committee existed, residents learned about happenings through the Colony Newsletter (started in December 1989) or by word of mouth. According to early resident Lou Ann Campbell, news was spread at weekly block parties and events at the Clubhouse. In June 1998, the HOA Board formed a committee to study communication systems, with Dave Lewis as Chair. This ad hoc, information-gathering committee focused on television as an effective way to communicate with residents, noting the "urgent need of members with audio-video background." Their October 1999 report recommended in-house, closed-circuit 24-hour TV (Channel 12) with Lake Elsinore MediaOne as carrier. In 2000, the Communications Committee became permanent, a Broadband agreement was signed, and residents could watch Board meetings, announcements, events, and emergency information in their homes. By March 2003, technical changes led to using Channel 32, available through AT&T Cable, satellite, TV reception, and Dish or DirectTV. It provided closed-circuit news and information videotaped in the new Clubhouse media room, and it also covered local events. Another request to community members for help said, "We will train you on camera and/ or computer." Policies required that the Committee's expensive equipment could only be used if supervised by Committee members, and events videotaped for broadcast must have a member present. With the transition from analog to digital systems, communications needs changed over the years. Channel 32 TV ended and computer-based internet systems were developed after 2004. Acquiring new technology required expertise and a substantial budget, and during 2008-2010 the Committee became more structured and had a formal charter. As older equipment became outdated, replacements were needed for wireless microphones, headsets, lighting, sound consoles, telephones, security cameras, data ports and Wi-Fi. While some equipment has been updated, other replacements are still in process. Technical staff were added as systems became more complex. Although much changed, some things remain the same: the need for volunteers to operate AV equipment for the numerous activities of The Colony and to carry out the many Committee responsibilities, including preserving The Colony's history. If interested, call or email Greg Hill, Chair Communications and Technology Advisory Committee, at 951-526-9896 or greg@ neotechstudios.com. Greg Hill and Janet Houde editing in the Media Room Ken Luekens operating sound console in auditorium

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