Seminars are presented in Bartlett Event Center, four to five times yearly. Sessions will be on a variety of subjects relating to safety, phone and internet scams, Medicare options, alternative health choices and senior driver awareness.

The Ukiah Senior Center received a Grant from AT&T for $20,000 and hits the ground running in 2025 with updating the Center’s technology. The intention of this grant is to support seniors with using their devices, whether they be handheld, laptops or desktop computers. Dedicated instructors will be assisting seniors, creating a supportive instructional environment two days each week. Classes will be available to help seniors perform essential tasks, connect with loved ones and become comfortable enough to use electronics at home.

Our goal is to continue working with seniors on the setup of their newly purchased smart phones or computers by guiding them through installing software, setting up their e-mails, installing printers, and connecting to a network. Once the basics are learned, seniors are excited to move-on to surfing the Internet, researching genealogy, connecting with friends and family on Facebook and e-mail, downloading and printing pictures. Some seniors will utilize online features of banking and setting up their own budgets in Excel.

Our computer class uses a large screen “Smart TV” which is used to assist the instructors in presentations and show seniors how to set-up and use this technology to link their devices at home. Instructors also educate seniors on how to view their handheld devices photos on their personal television.

Ukiah Senior Center has dedicated, knowledgeable instructors who are patient and are there to answer specific questions from each student in the class. It is a relaxed atmosphere in which everyone can learn from each other.

Interpersonal skills are important for seniors to keep active and keep up with the world. Computers are a major form of communicating/interacting in this Information Age. Children, grandchildren and the rest of the world are communicating through computers and if you are working exclusively with paper and pen, you may be out of the loop. This can create a gap between the generations. It is a continuation of life-long learning.

Ukiah Senior Center will be working with SmarTech Computer Solutions, a quality local business to insure the needs of the Center are met.

This service is provided by volunteers who undergo a training tax course each year to stay current on changes in tax regulations. During Feb through April 15, the Center has designated space, setup as a mini work camp with tables, laptops, and printers to handle the influx of seniors needing this valuable service. It is a first come-first-served arrangement, in which people can sign in to be assisted when it is their time for service. We have wireless capability which allows the tax preparers to transmit the returns electronically. This professional group of volunteers completes well over 200 returns annually.

The tax preparers enjoy offering this service because they know how much it is appreciated by seniors on a limited budget. Seniors are protective of their financial matters and want to feel they can trust the person doing this service. The Center is proud to have dedicated volunteer professionals who provide this important role in helping seniors.