Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Lincoln Brown teaches several senior citizens the basics during the first of several classes planned at the Kimball Friendship Center.
"We (seniors) want to be up to date with technology," said Katie Ryan of the Kimball Friendship Center.
Computer classes started last Thursday at the Kimball Friendship Center, with local retired veteran Lincoln Brown heading up the volunteer classes. According to Ryan the classes will be every Thursday from 12-1 p.m. for at least six weeks.
"This is a great way to expand everyone's afternoon, many of the seniors just come and eat lunch then leave, this gives them something new for an hour after lunch," added Ryan. "We are very grateful for Lincoln volunteering his time to teach us new things," she added.
"This class will help us learn the basics of a computer, as well as some of the terminology, like the word "burn", to us that means cremation," Ryan joked.
Nine senior citizens attended the first class, which was more than Ryan thought would be interested. That first day they covered just the basics, turning on the computer, login, even playing a couple of card games. No internet was available this time, but the class will soon get into that.
"We will have a whole section on Facebook," added Ryan. "We want to learn how to stay connected, and be able to communicate with our kids and grandkids. Many of us have children who live out of town now, and this would be a great way to keep in contact with them."
In addition to this new class there is so much more to do at the Kimball Friendship Center, including puzzles, quilting, or a game of pool or snooker and even working out. According to Ryan over the past five or six years the Friendship Center has gone through two treadmills.
"We sure get a lot of use of the treadmills," she said. "We are looking for another used treadmill in good condition, as well as a elliptical bike, if anyone has one to donate."
Along with some more exercise equipment they would also be overjoyed with an elevated Air Hockey table as well as an elevated shuffle board table to keep everyone entertained.
The Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday for everyone aged 55 and older. Ryan encourages all area senior citizens to join them and enjoy lunch and the many activities offered.
