Grants to fund computers for seniors

March 05, 1998|By DON AINES

Grants to fund computers for seniors

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Proving that one is never too old to learn, the demand for computer training has led to the approval of grants for computers at the Waynesboro, Pa., and Greencastle, Pa., senior centers.

Franklin County Area Agency on Aging Director Kim Murdaugh told the Franklin County Commissioners Tuesday that Pennsylvania Department of Aging grants totaling $15,500 were approved for two computers at each senior center, along with connection to the Internet.

Murdaugh said 180 senior citizens are on the computer training waiting list. Since last fall, the agency has held three training courses at the county vocational-technical school and Chambersburg High School.

Agency staffers taught the courses to about a dozen students at a time, but Murdaugh said "we're probably going to look at hiring a trainer."

"Like all of us, they know computers are here and they're part of our lives," Murdaugh said of the senior citizens.

"They have children and grandchildren they want to e-mail. They also want to access information on the Internet," she said.

Other senior citizens may want to use the computers to type correspondence, she added.

Murdaugh said a proposal for two more computers at the senior center in Chambersburg was not approved.

Senior citizens interested in computer training can call the agency at 1-717-263-2153.

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