Staff Writer

Although they are of a generational group that has seen more technological advancements in a lifetime than ever before, today's senior citizens often feel left behind, says Peachtree City's Jim Graser.

Graser and a handful of folks with similar concerns have set out to overcome at least one obstacle in the lives of seniors the inability to use computers. It's Graser's dream that one day soon, the "educational laboratory room" downstairs at the Peachtree City Library will be filled with senior citizens surfing the Net on up-to-date computers.

"You can't put senior citizens in a regular computer class and expect them to keep up," Graser says. "Sometimes, you just have to start with the absolute basics, like turning the computer on, learning the 'buzzwords,' overcoming the fear of computers."

So Graser's idea is to use the library's empty computer lab to start senior classes, with help from the community. The project is under the auspices of The Library Corporation, a nonprofit group formed to allow the community to contribute to worthwhile programs of the library. Graser will be the first instructor, but he's looking for others willing to donate their time.

He already has done extensive research on computer courses for seniors, searching the Internet and getting materials from surrounding counties. Graser says Cobb County's numerous senior centers all have computer classes, with waiting lists to get in. Bob Lunaburg of Cobb County wrote a set of basic computer course material and has donated it for use by Peachtree City, Graser notes.

The library room, explains technology manager Jill Kuhns, was originally designed to be used for computer classes. All the connections are there, from plenty of power outlets to phone lines (with the appropriate holes in the tables), but the library has lacked both personnel and financing to purchase computers, according to Richard Mathews, technology coordinator.

"Most seniors were probably near the end of their working careers before computers became popular," Graser explains. "Now they're learning a little bit from their grandchildren, maybe, but there is such a desire and willingness to learn how and to use computers. We expect classes to fill up immediately."

But before the classes can start, the group has to find computers or donated funds to buy them. The Library Corporation needs about $20,000 to purchase computers, or machines which can run Windows 95 (with a Pentium 75 minimum) can be donated. The group would favor 17-inch monitors, but 15-inch monitors would be acceptable. Donors would be honored with plaques in the library recognizing gold, silver and bronze amounts, but "small contributors" are more than welcome, Graser says.

The library will construct a giant jigsaw puzzle, and those who give $10 or more can have their names written on the puzzle pieces. Once complete, the puzzle will be framed and hung in the computer lab, Kuhns says.

Graser, a retired oil company executive, says his computer experience is entirely "self-taught," and he is looking forward to being able to help his peers into today's technological world.

"This is just so exciting," Kuhns comments. "The senior classes are only the beginning of what we plan to offer at the library. This year we will have 14 work stations open to the public with high-speed Internet connection, and other computer classes for more advanced learning. That way the senior citizens can move up!"

For more information about the classes, donations or volunteering, call Jill Kuhns at the library, 770-631-2520, or Jim Graser, 770-486-9656.

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