Event Promotes Computer Use

February 9, 2006
By Author, Courant Staff Writer

Before she retired, LisaMarie Clay knew little about computers, and she was baffled by the concept of the World Wide Web. But after a few basic classes, the busy grandmother of three has discovered how helpful the Internet can be.

Clay, 50, of West Hartford, said she now relies on her computer in many aspects of her daily life: communicating by e-mail, doing research for her part-time studies at Hartford Seminary and organizing activities such as a women's retreat for her church.

"I was amazed to learn all the things you can do with a computer," she said.

Clay received her computer training during Greater Hartford Black Family Technology Awareness Week, which aims to help families of color by providing free educational activities and access to information technology.

The fifth annual week of events will be held in Hartford starting on Monday. The schedule coincides with technology awareness weeks in other U.S. cities during Black History Month. Participants will have opportunities to sign up for free e-mail accounts or to win a new computer.

This year, basic classes in the Internet and e-mail, Windows and Excel will be offered at Capital Community College, 960 Main St., Hartford; and at the Urban League of Greater Hartford, 140 Woodland St., Hartford, next Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Kenneth W. Mouning Sr., leader of the Greater Hartford technology week, said a new seminar on how to set up a home-based Internet business will be held Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Liberty Christian Center Fellowship Hall, 23 Vine St., Hartford.

"This seminar will work well for stay-at-home moms, senior citizens or people who are in-between careers," Mouning said. "The opportunities for business on the Internet are endless."

Back for its second year will be a seminar for individuals, small businesses or nonprofits on how to design an effective website. It will be held Feb. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Urban League of Greater Hartford.

The Black Data Processing Associates will present the forum "So, Now That You Have Internet Access, What's Next?" Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Aetna, 151 Farmington Ave., Hartford.

Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez will discuss his new Wi-Fi initiative, the goal of which is to provide free, high-speed Internet access for city residents, at the Greater Hartford Technology Expo, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Liberty Christian Center Fellowship Hall.

All events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required for the computer classes and the seminars by calling 860-216-4300. Online registration is available at www.ltoc.org.

The technology week is hosted by the nonprofit Liberty Technology Outreach Center, which aims to increase awareness about technology throughout Greater Hartford. Financial supporters include St. Paul Travelers, CIGNA Foundation, Prudential Financial, Wal-Mart, Aetna and the Career Communications Group.