New Classmate Directory

On June 23, 2006, I sent a draft of a new classmate directory to everyone in our email list. Thanks for the favorable comments received on the directory and the updates of address information. On July 1, 2006, I will be sending the same folks a copy of the updated directory. Current plans are to continuously update the directory as changes are sent to me and distribute updated directories quarterly.

Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required to open and use the directory. Click HERE if you need to go to Adobe's download page to get or update your software. By the way, the latest Adobe software will greatly enhance your ability to use the directory. For example, you can do electronic searches of the directory. Also, email addresses are hypertext linked so that clicking on a classmate's email address automates the process to send that person an email. The newest software will even read the directory for you. That’s usually good for a laugh as you listen to the computer voice try to pronouce some of the words.

The updated directory has a total of 55 pages. That's large enough that you should consider using the directory on your computer rather than printing it. The Adobe software provides lots of options to make it practical to forgo printing the file. One of the most convenient options is what Adobe calls the "Full Screen" mode. To use this mode open the directory and then press and hold the CTRL key and press the L key. Press the same keys to close the Full Screen mode. While in the Full Screen mode you can use the Page Up and Page Down keys to go to the sections of the directory that you want to visit. As you use the Page Up and Page Down keys notice how the alphabetic section indicators at the top and in the margins of the directory change to show where you are in the directory. This is a big help letting you know when you get to the section you want.

If you want do an electronic search of the directory, press and hold the CTRL key and press the F key. Then type the word you want to search for in the search box. This can be a person's given name, or a surname, a city, a state, or even a zip code. Spelling is important in electronic searches so if you aren't sure how to spell a name you can search using only the part of the name that you are sure how to spell. That may take longer, but it works.

You can also zoom any part of the directory to a larger size by pressing and holding the CTRL key and pressing the + key until you get the size you want. Use the same process and the - key to reduce the size of the document.

There are lots of other capabilities that could be discussed, but what I have mentioned will get you started. However, if you have any questions about using the Directory please let me know. I’ll do what I can to help.