Computer Lab News

Whether your interests lie in swapping e-mails, surfing the web, writing the great American novel, downloading and editing digital photos or just playing games, you can come to the computer lab and have access to good computer equipment. With the lab open every day, classes twice a month by Katy Mayo or the bi-monthly computer club led by Ron McGrath, you can learn how to use the computers, get help on solving computer issues you may have at home, or learn new ways to use computers to satisfy your interests. Learn how to do what your grandkids already take for granted.

Several volunteers serve as "monitors" in the lab with coverage every morning of the week and they are available to work with you. They are: Mondays, Jim McCarthy; Tuesdays, Len Gaetano and Tom Sheehan; Wednesdays, Ken Bell; Thursdays, Dave Burns; and Fridays, Jack Madden and John Kelso. Paul Younker also pitches in from time to time.

All these folks are ready to offer assistance to you should you need it. Come on in, we would love to help you. And, we are always ready to welcome anyone else who would like to join our team.

Help For Those With Sight Problems:
On two of our Lab computers, we've temporarily installed an IBM Web Adaptation software program that helps seniors with vision problems to more easily use the Internet; however, it does not help those who are blind. In order to serve our blind seniors, we're hoping to be able to obtain a program called Jaws, which helps those without the ability to see to use computers, online or off.

If you'd like a demonstration of how the IBM program works, come into the Lab; we'd be happy to demonstrate it for you.

Through Ron McGrath's efforts, we expect that very shortly we will receive a grant from IBM that will allow us to permanently install the Web Adaptation program. DVD and VHS Copies: If anyone would like to order a DVD or VHS copy of any of the wonderful concerts -- or programs -- that have been produced and/or performed at the Center, just call the Lab … or stop in, to place your order.

To help pay for costs incurred in duplication, a donation - to COA - of five-dollars per copy would be appreciated.
Thousands of seniors have used our Lab on a regular basis since the Center opened, and for that we are all grateful. Don Shields