Friday, September 4, 2015 Lakeshore News A3
www.lakeshorenews.bc.ca
Okanagan Regional Library to offer personalized tech training
In July, a customer visited the Okanagan Regional Library’s (ORL) branch in Armstrong to use a computer terminal to conduct research on her family’s history in preparation for a reunion. The library was very busy that day and staff weren’t able to provide the one-onone support she needed to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of Google. “Fortunately, a preteen sitting at the adjacent computer station noticed her frustration and offered to assist. They spent twenty minutes together going over how to enter search terms, click on links, and go back to previous pages”,
shared Armstrong’s Community Librarian Julie White. “In the end, the lady found the information she was looking for and left happy.” The incident reinforced what White had been observing at the library in recent years – how important digital literacy has become for managing our daily lives, and how learning to use technology can be intimidating for new users. To address this, the ORL will be conducting free personalized technology training at its libraries throughout this fall. Anyone can sign up to join a
45-minute session to spend with a library staff member trained in the use of various devices and computer programs; classes are capped at three participants so each learner will have the opportunity for one-on-one assistance. “We often get asked to help with things like uploading or downloading pictures, post a classified ad, or reserve airline tickets or hotels,” explained White. “But these kinds of tasks can be very confusing without knowledge of how to use a computer or Wifi device, or understanding the terminology.” She adds, “Technology can definitely
‘Cyber Seniors’ program comes to South Shuswap
Pictured are, in counterclockwise order from front right: Jennifer Findlay (LASS), George Landry (Chair, CISRC), Tom Wainwright, Sue McCrae (President, SSHSS), Shirley Stuart (Volunteer Tutor), and Simon Brown (Deputy Chair, CISRC.) Photo contributed.
Seniors in the South Shuswap area will be able to access free one-on-one computer support starting this fall. The Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society (LASS), in partnership with the South Shuswap Health Services Society (SSHSS) and its affiliated committee, Copper Island Seniors Resource Centre (CISRC), will be offering free computer tutoring sessions and monthly technology workshops for seniors. LASS is currently looking for volunteer tutors who are able to commit one hour per week to help local seniors with basic computer skills such as how to use a mouse, how to set up an email account, how to search for information on the Internet, or how to use an iPad or tablet. Volunteer tutors are needed for the new program in Blind Bay as well as for the existing program in Salmon Arm. The computer program adds an important component to the slate of services provided by the Copper Island Seniors Resource Centre such as foot care, massage, frozen meals, seniors luncheons, hearing tests, income tax preparation, seniors shopping and transportation and support groups. If you are interested becoming involved with the Blind Bay or Salmon Arm Cyber Seniors program as a volunteer tutor, please contact Jennifer Findlay, Literacy Outreach Coordinator, at 250-833-2095 or admin@shuswapliteracy.ca.
Poker run to help Rock Creek families
For the past eight years the Riverfront Pub & Grill have been hosting a poker run and donating the proceeds to local charities. Last year they raised $1300 for the Grindrod Elementary School. This year’s run will be held on Sunday, September 20th and the organizers would like to support the community of Rock Creek that has been devastated by wildfire. The original Riverfront Pub suffered a total loss to fire in 2008, and the owners are familiar with the struggle of getting back on one’s feet after such a loss.
Funds will be raised through the Poker Run with the charging of an entry fee. There will also be a silent auction, and they are seeking additional items to help raise even more funds. Any funds or items from you or your company would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to donate an item please let the folks at the pub know prior to Sept. 17th. Please contact Julie at 250 803-8851 or email streetgliden@gmail.com. The Riverfront Pub can be reached at 250 838-7261 or riverfrontpub@hotmail.com. www.riverfrontpub.ca
Notch Hill hosts first-ever trade and business show
By Jill Goward In less than five weeks the Notch Hill Town Hall will be buzzing with local businesses showcasing their products and services at the first-ever Trade and Business Show. What a unique opportunity to see what is available in our community! This is not a craft show, nor is it a Farmers’ Market. We already have those in Sorrento/Notch Hill. This is an exhibition for those businesses that may be operated from the owner’s home or on the road. So, come on down to the Hall at 1639 Notch Hill Road on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for an amazing show of local entrepreneurs and ideas.
We are happy to showcase the following types of services and products: alternative health care; online delivery; chemical-free cleaners; home & fashion accessories; automotive care & maintenance; specialty foods; extraordinary beverages; seniors’ care; financial planning; beauty care; business development; and more. These presenters will be happy to talk to you about themselves. The ladies of the hall will be selling tea, coffee, muffins, cookies, soup and buns, so please come and enjoy a few moments of insight and pride. For more information, call Lynn at 250-2535404 or Jill at 250-675-2734.
1-800-668-6868
enhance one’s life with learning some basic proficiency. My favourite example is being able to Skype the grandkids.” ORL staff have booked personalized tech training sessions at library branches from Golden down to Osoyoos beginning September 1 until October 30. Call or visit your local library branch to find out about training sessions in your area and to register. Additionally, reference staff at the downtown Kelowna library, Vernon library and Salmon Arm library are available to help with device and technology questions during all open hours.
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250-675-5006 Blind Bay Nico's Location closes for the season Sept. 10
We’re Giving Seniors a Hand! Are you a Senior? Do you need help to stay at home longer? Shuswap Better At Home will be in your community. Call Wysteria Sholtz, Program Coordinator at 250-253.2749 to book an appointment or drop in during the times below.
Updated Shuswap Better At Home Schedule Monday afternoons: Sicamous - Eagle Valley Community Support Society
ther but all o e ic t o n Tuesday mornings: Sorrentofu - Sorrento r ther Health Centre, register. un•til9:15am o t d e ll d a May 12,u26 • June 9, 23 -11:45am n c e , le S sp availab ser vices South Shuswap - Copper Island Seniors Resource Tuesday afternoons: May 4, 11, 18, 25 • June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 1-4pm
Centre, May 12, 26 • June 9, 23 • By appointment
Thursday afternoons: Salmon Arm - Seniors Drop In Centre on Hudson May 14, 28 • June 11, 25 • 11am-2pm