PLATTSBURGH — Blustery March is good for boiling sap, getting a jump on spring cleaning, and learning something new.
Seniors 50 and older can explore tech and get more fit during Senior Planet Center North Country’s upcoming spring quarter.
“We will be hosting our registration weeks on the following dates, from March 25 to March 29, and the following week, April 1 and April 5, with classes kicking off on April 8,” Mario Rubano, regional program manager, North Senior Planet and Older Adults Technology Services from AARP, said.
“We will be offering a variety of five and 10-week courses as well as our drop-in lectures and workshops. Some of 10-week courses includes Computers Basics, which is foundational skills class for people who are just getting started with learning computers, and Money Matters, which provides a comprehensive overview of how to develop smart financial habits online and how to shop safely on the internet.”
10 WEEK COURSES
• “Getting Started” Series – NoCo
Join us for this special series as we journey through all of Senior Planet’s “Getting Started with…” workshops, offering hands-on practice with popular technology topics.
• Beyond the Basics (App-Based) – NoCo
Do more with your tablet or iPad. Expand your email skills and learn to use free Google apps and other useful online tools
• Computer Basics for Older Adults – NoCo
Unlock the power of your PC and explore the world of the internet in this course! Learn how to use email, search online, access entertainment and other useful resources!
• iPad Basics – NoCo
Learn to use an iPad to navigate the internet with ease, use email to stay connected, take photos, download apps and more!
FIVE WEEK COURSES
Entertainment Program Series – NoCo
Come learn about streaming services and other digital tools to keep you entertained for hours.
“Some of our five-week courses include our very popular Smartphone Photography and Free Your Photos courses,” Rubano said.
“That introduces students to how their smartphone camera works, how to take great photos and videos, and how to share those with family and friends.”
DROP-IN
New drop-in lecture programs include “Gardening at a Glance.”
“Which introduces you to a wide variety of apps and technologies that can help you build and maintain your veggie and flower gardens,” he said.
“We know that gardening is a popular activity up here in the Plattsburgh area, so we’re hoping some of the Green Thumbs can come join us and learn about these useful tools.”
Another new program is “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
“It can answer a lot of the questions that people have about this fascinating but very complicated emerging technology,” he said.
“You will learn about recent developments in artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, the limitations of AI, and where it is going in the future.”
MORE THAN TECH
Senior Planet programming is not solely limited to technology education.
“For example, every Monday from 3 o’clock to 4:30 we host a line dancing program facilitated by Debra Gouge,” Rubano said.
“We also host exercise programs every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. We also host monthly social parties, Coffee and Chat every Friday morning at 10:30. These programs just like all of our tech training classes remain entirely free to individuals age 50 and over. People who looking to stay active and connected to a positive, welcoming community should make their way down to the Senior Planet Center so they can meet with our lovely staff: Jamie Sutton, Jess Fortin, and Nathan Swan. There’s plenty of exciting stuff going on.”
Senior Planet North Country is located at Champlain Centre, 60 Smithfield Blvd., Plattsburgh.
For more information on upcoming classes or if you have any questions on programs:
• 518-566-4422
• https://seniorplanet.org/locations/north-country/