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Health & Fitness

November's Elder Tech Fair at Alex's Place Was a Hit!

Elders and teens together in one room? You would think the age disparity may make it a quiet place as folks try to find a way to connect. Well that myth was dispelled today at the monthly "Elder Tech Fair" at Alex's Place at the YMCA.

Almost a dozen teens became mentors to many elders who made appointments to try their luck at having their tech gear demystified. Elders called a special phone number to make appointments for time with one or two teens, and assistance by facilitators Ray Whitaker and Tony Lombardi. "This generation displays compassion and caring on a much larger scale than many think." says Alex's Place Director, Tony Lombardi. "We have held these fairs for almost a year and each time we have so many teens who want to join in that it is a given that the fair must happen."

Originally the fair was created to reach out to elders of course. But is was also a way to involve teens who participated in the popular Comcast sponsored program, Digital Connectors, which has been held for two years and is now in its third. These teens commit to a nine month long program which meets two evenings a week. They study a diverse array of topics relative to digital literacy and its many facets. On the island, Digital Connectors program strives to breathe life into the digital world, asking teens to learn communication skills, debate, proper introduction techniques, listening, and other less quantifiable values such as empathy and compassion. Service is a requirement for these teens, 56 hours of it and the teens are thrilled to do it. Elder Tech Fair has become so popular that even Digital Connectors Alumni join in and help out, for the sake of service and making a difference.

Alex's Place exists through the generosity and foresight of the Gagnon family and the Alexandra MM Gagnon Foundation, as well as other foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals.  The Foundation is also a sponsor of Elder Tech Fair and most of our events and activities.

Elder Tech, as well as all of the technology in Alex's Place is sponsored by Comcast.

The next fair will take place in December. 
For more information find Alex's Place on Facebook or visit our website at:
http://www.alexsplace.net


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