Seniors living at Belmont Housing Resources for WNY's Townview Apartments in Lancaster are finding computers a lot more user-friendly these days thanks to a local teen with a talent for teaching technology. According to Kitty Sullivan, Resident Services Coordinator for the 50 Grambo Drive complex's age 62 and up population, "Along with a comfortable, affordable place to live, Townview provides its residents with a variety of extras, including a fully-equipped Computer Room. But when I noticed that nobody was using it, I had a pretty good idea why."

Sullivan notes that, "Even with the extent to which technology has become part of everyday life, unlike later generations - many of which have literally grown up with computers - seniors too often find themselves standing on the side of today's information superhighway, watching things like e-mail and the internet race past them." Intent on bringing Townview's residents up to speed technologically, she reached out to the Lancaster School District for help.

The request, says the District's Technology Curriculum Mentor, Heidi Chaves, provided students like the members of Lancaster High School's Student Consulting Computer Club with a tailor-made opportunity for volunteer community service. And it was one of that group's members - junior Cody Lezynski - who enthusiastically answered the call.

A statewide Technology Sales Award recipient, Lezynski is already taking classes in web design at Bryant and Stratton College. The busy 16 year-old has still found time, however, to work with eager Townview seniors in groups and individually, teaching them the skills that are essential to operate a computer and access the internet.

One of the first in line to learn her way around the web was 76 year-old Kate Benzel, a two-year Townview resident who was anxious to "get in on something my children and grandchildren all know about but I don't."

"With only a little instruction, she was surfing cyberspace like a pro," Sullivan reports, "exploring on-line resources like WebMD.com, where she was very excited to find information that specifically related to her personal health. Times like these," she adds, "are why we continually strive to go beyond simply providing our residents with quality housing to enhance the quality of their lives." To view a related news feature broadcast June 14th on WGRZ Channel 2, CLICK HERE or go to www.wgrz.com/news/daybreak/story.aspx?storyid=77867.