Northside Senior Center gets computers, Internet

Emma Jean Begay studies a computer screen Tuesday morning at the North Side Senior Center in Gallup while being among the first to try out the new computers. The seniors used money from fund raisers to purchase five of the computers from Wal-Mart, which then donated two additional PCs to the center. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]

By Kevin Killough
Staff writer

GALLUP — Seniors in Gallup now have access to free Internet at the Northside Neighborhood Senior Center, which officially opened a computer lab today. The lab features seven computers, a printer, and full Internet access. The center will also offer free classes for those that need to learn to use the computers. The lab is open to all seniors at no charge.

The idea for the lab started a year ago with the center’s site manager, Margaret Diaz. Since October, she and other volunteers have been working to make it a reality.

“A lot of people said [the lab] was wishful thinking on my part, but that just got me motivated,” Diaz said.

Dr. Geraldine Cloud, who uses the center regularly, said she is happy to have the lab, because her computer is becoming obsolete.

“I already use e-mail, but my computer is very old,” she said.

While Diaz initiated the effort, she said many in the community ultimately made the lab a reality. Funding came from the Elk’s Lodge and the advisory board.

Together, the center had $2,500, which paid for five computers. The local Wal-Mart, where the computers were purchased, pitched in an additional two computers for free.

City Hall employees built the computer desks, and the city’s IT department hooked up the computer network.

Diaz said the lab will help seniors keep in touch with their loved ones with email. More importantly, the Internet allows them to easily get information on medical care and social security. But the lab also provides entertainment.

“There’s even more to do here now,” vice president of the advisory board Charlie Landavazo said.

The classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Local residents Larry and Marylyn Williams have volunteered to teach the classes.

Before spending the money on a lab, the center put it to a vote. Registered participants at the center voted 80 percent in favor of the lab. Previously, the center on the northside had no computer access to offer.

Where to go: The center is located at 607 Fourth St.