Page 5 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

Volume 101, Issue 1 5

FROM THE WEBMASTER

This year started off with a proverbial “bang.” First of all, I was told that there would be NO
“zoom” (peer-to-peer) sessions at ANC, so I made plans accordingly. After ANC, I found
out that Brother PNP Ed Nolte had arranged a solo virtual session to brief a Trustee proposal
on raising per capita and MIP fees, because he was unable to attend ANC in person (which,
by the way, is WHY I believe virtual participation at these events is ESSENTIAL to the
health and well-being as well as growth of NSI). I was given no notice of this
extemporaneous action so that I could arrange a proper session to allow members around the country who
were unable to attend to listen and perhaps ask questions and make comments.

As well, the influx of CARS (Chapter Annual Reports) from around the country was sluggish (at best) leading
to delays in updating the MMS and revising the Staff Directory. At the same time, I was engaged in changing
the source format of the Staff Directory from WORD (which isn’t all that friendly when you are trying to
place graphics/photos within the body of text) to PUBLISHER which will make the serial updates in the
future more timely. The conversion is a bit tedious and I am currently about 65% finished which is why the
currently available Staff Directory is “abbreviated” and does not include the contact information for chapter
officers (that is in progress as this report is prepared). Let’s remember, I’m ONE PERSON supporting a lot of
people and activities that are considered “essential” – and there can only be ONE “priority one” task at a time.

We have successfully negotiated an arrangement for support of the MMS with Allurdata in Denver as a result
of the unexpected passing of Mr. Gary Wardell, the original creator and supporter of the MMS. A significant
number of issues have been identified and resolved with the support of Allurdata and we look forward to a
longer term maintenance arrangement with them as well as any future new capability development that may
be needed as a result of tasking from the leadership of NSI.

The bulk of my personal attention is devoted to supporting members and officers having difficulties logging in
to either the website or MMS – as well as uploading updated files and information that is provided to me.

For the balance of the year, I look forward to completing the format conversion of the Staff Directory,
updating the website as needed, and creating a mechanism for access to the PPM (Policy and Procedures
Manual) as it is being reviewed and approved (via the cloud-based file cabinet structure we have established.

As a matter of information, attendance at MWM and ANC by the IT chair is officially “encouraged” but not
mandatory. Thus, you do not typically see me at either of these events (unless virtually) as I follow the
Masonic mantra of “family first” which almost inevitably conflicts with these events. I am available virtually
almost any time during the year, people have but to ask and I will work with them if they need face-to-face
contact. I am vicariously aware of a number of folks commenting on my absence, and I offer them the
opportunity to assist me in my duties as webmaster and chair of IT by giving them the necessary credentials
for THEM to come in and help me meet their “critical” deadlines. Amazingly enough, I don’t get many
takers.

– Bill Hickey, National Webmaster (webmaster@usncva.org)