Village News Tech Help features a new series of training videos that help residents set up an Apple ID, use the Cox Cable DVR in their home, use the new Apple iPads distributed by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper, and use the Apple FaceTime app to communicate.
BTV Pen Pal Program Adapts during Pandemic
Tech Help segments air Monday through Saturday at 9:15 a.m. on Channel 1961.
Even though area classrooms are closed for the semester, the BTV Pen Pal Program is continuing with residents and students exchanging letters remotely thanks to the help of one BTV volunteer.
“The videos typically run between five and ten minutes so folks don’t get overwhelmed with information on a particular topic,” Director of Technology Gary Hodges said. Hodges credits Resident Tech Assistant Tristan Beebe for producing the Tech Help series. A new video will show residents without an Apple device or access to FaceTime how to use Skype to communicate with the outside world. Beebe’s position was added earlier this year. Together, he and Hodges handle video production for BTV and respond to tech support calls from residents campus-wide.
Volunteer says Program Vital to Participants
Resident Linda Hayes, a retired teacher who oversees the program, is working to keep it active now that classrooms at Butterfield Elementary School are closed with pupils sent home to learn during the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, 27 students in teacher Jennifer Condron’s class and 25 residents are pen pals for the 2020 spring semester. The BTV Pen Pal Program has been bridging connections between residents and secondgraders since 2013. Typically, the Village hosts the BTV Pen Pal Luncheon at the end of each school year where pals can meet, enjoy lunch and share stories. The program, Hayes said, is vital on many levels, especially now. “This can be a scary time and encouraging letters and fun activities will make a difference to the children,” Hayes said. “Having a pen pal can be vital in keeping the good spirits of the children, their families and our residents.” Historically, Hayes delivers letters from residents to students in the classroom and vice versa. In the classroom, Condron and Hayes dedicate time for students to read and discuss their letters. But since the pandemic, students across the country are largely taking their lessons at home and communicating with teachers over the Internet. To keep the program moving, Hayes and Condron are working together remotely. Students can either email their letters to Condron, photograph or scan them. She forwards them to Hayes, who emails them to the residents. If a resident prefers, Hayes places a copy of their letter in their mailbox at the Village, or delivers it to their front door. It takes a little extra work but is totally worth it to keep the letters coming, Hayes said. For more info, email Hayes at lhayes40@gmail.com, or leave a note in the pen pal box near the elevators in the Commons Center. BUTTERFIELD LIFE
MAY + JUNE 2020 7
