Sen. Witkos & Rep. LeGeyt Host Senior Technology Workshop

Avon, CT – Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) and Representative Tim LeGeyt (R-Avon, Canton) welcomed local residents to a senior technology workshop at the Avon Senior Center on Thursday, January 31. The event, presented by AT&T, provided basic training for senior citizens on common electronic devices.

“Technology is evolving every day and it is important for people of all ages to learn how to operate everything from email to cell phones,” said Senator Witkos. “For senior citizens especially, technology can enhance their lives by connecting them to family and friends. Often, seniors avoid new technology because it can be overwhelming and even intimidating. Educational events like this are great because they make technology accessible.”

The workshop was facilitated by AT&T’s Chuck Coursey, along with support staff from the local Avon AT&T store located at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley.

“I’d like to express my thanks to the seniors who took time out of their day to attend this great event,” said Representative LeGeyt.  “At a time when advances in the way we communicate with our loved ones and friends continue to evolve, it’s important that we take advantage of opportunities to stay current in our knowledge and use of technology.  I’d also like to thank AT&T for a fine job on presenting the information, and helping to educate our seniors.”

AT&T staff members began the workshop by explaining the value of smartphones and one app in particular: Facetime. Staff spoke about how the video phone call application for iPhones can be used to speak to and see your loved ones.

Senator Witkos and Representative LeGeyt even got a chance to demonstrate the Facetime app using an iPad and a cell phone and standing across the room from each other.

The workshop included a tutorial on how to download and use apps and how to manage privacy settings on a phone. AT&T staff members also reviewed a breakdown of cell phone plans and data usage fees, an explanation of why calls are dropped and what dead zones are, a lesson on wi-fi and networks, and a review of the differences between device producers (Apple, Motorola, Samsung, etc.) and carriers/networks (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.).

“The seniors were very responsive to the workshop,” said Senator Witkos. “Everyone was engaged and excited to learn.”

Before leaving, the AT&T team said they would look forward to visiting again and hope to host future technology workshops with the Avon Senior Center. For more information about future programming, the senior center can be reached at (860) 675-4355.