Seniors Get Surf Savvy

Residents at New Horizons at Marlborough are exploring the Internet thanks to Hudson-based Intel Massachusetts, Inc. The new computer learning center has sparked interest among a majority of senior residents at New Horizons.

In 2005, Process Engineer Martial Frechette began building relationships with residents at New Horizons, which was home to his uncle. Mr. Frechette’s community service includes teaching computer skills to seniors, and because his work was such a success, his colleague Penny Iannelli helped create a program one year later for New Horizons.

In 2007, more and more seniors began signing up for computer classes, which led New Horizons to build a dedicated space for a new computer learning center. As the collaboration continued to grow, Intel provided New Horizons with a $10,000 grant for the purchase of new computer equipment. This center was named the Albert Frechette Intel Computer Learning Center, in memory of Martial Frechette’s uncle. The learning center includes multiple desktop computers, large screen overhead television monitors, a printer, and wireless capabilities for eight students to work at the same time.

Unfortunately, Albert Frechette passed away in 2007, but his sisters, Irene King and Connie York, currently reside at New Horizons. Seniors who participate in the computer classes are often surfing the Internet, installing software, and sending emails.

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