Free computer training classes will be offered to senior citizens and sessions are expected to kick off in early summer, Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith announced today. The program is a collaboration among the Township of Irvington; It’s Time for a Change Committee, an Irvington-based organization that advocates for older adults; and the Verizon Telecom Pioneers, the volunteer community service arm of the phone company composed of current and retired employees.

 

Enrollees will receive basic instruction that includes sending and receiving e-mail; familiarity with such computer hardware as the monitor and keyboard; and usage of accessories like scanners and printers.

 

“The seniors like to learn also, and we’re trying to bring them up to the 21 st century so they can communicate with their loved ones over the Internet,” according to Jeanine Shabazz, president of the Pioneers, which in addition to Essex, serves Hudson, Bergen, Morris and Passaic counties.

 

“Today’s senior citizen community is more active and engaged than ever, and we expect an enthusiastic response to this program,” the mayor said.

 

Classes will be held at the Irvington Senior Citizens’ Community Center, which will receive a donation of one computer from the Pioneers; the class schedule will be announced in the near future.

 

The Pioneers organization donates books, dictionaries and school supplies to a number of area elementary schools through such programs as Verizon Reads; produces the 911 Puppet Shows, which teach children how to place calls for emergency service; runs Project Connect, which instills technological knowledge through computer games; and donates baby baskets to local hospitals for new mothers, among other activities.

 

Headed by Irvington resident Issac Jenkins, It’s Time for a Change Committee arranges medical transportation services and has secured vouchers for prescription eyeglasses for its members.

 

For more information on the computer classes, please call (973) 399-6501.

 

 

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