Brandon Twp. – Brandon Seniors continue to ‘hang-10? while surfing the Web.
Beginning earlier this year area citizens and businesses have been donating computers to the Brandon Senior Activity Center for use Brandon seniors. Recently, with the help from Groveland Township and a Community Development Block Grant the Center now has seven new computers complete with internet access.
Jeannie McCreery, Brandon Township clerk and Center director has been pleased with the progress, and says computers are currently available if seniors are interested..
‘I can’t tell you how rewarding it has been to see how fast the seniors have taken to the computers at the Center,? said McCreery. ‘However, many seniors are still reluctant to try these computers. We’re not just going to throw all this technology at them at once, it’s just one step at a time.?
McCreery, added that many Seniors are now creating greeting cards and using e-mail on a regular basis at the Center.
‘Seniors can use computers for games, including solitaire or hearts or typing letters. If they become more comfortable and want to explore further, we have some volunteers to assist them, but we really need more to help.?
McCreery and others at the Center say that volunteers are needed for a few hours per week to help Seniors ‘bridge the generation computer gap,? and learn basic e-mail functions, or Web-surfing technology.
Martha Tooley, Senior Center Activities Programmer said several computers are set up at the center for seniors to learn how to use, as well as an internet source for e-mail.
Tooley is also hoping to find volunteers that will hold classes for seniors who have not yet ventured into the world of the Web or computer games.
‘We do have a lot of seniors who use our computers and check the Internet mail,? said Tooley
‘A lot are afraid to use them because of the mouse, but that’s why we put games on them, so they can get used to the mouse.?
Providing classes to the seniors without volunteer teachers could slow the learning curve. Tooley indicated, however, that she is more than willing to teach computer skills to those who are interested.
Fred Howard, a Brandon Senior Activity Center volunteer has been accepting donated computers at his home, before refurbishing the systems for delivery. The task also includes reprogramming and adding software when needed.
A avid ‘Web-surfer,? Howard utilizes years of computer experience, including main frame experience from teaching at a local college, owning a business for 13 years, and working at the Michigan Computer Institute.