George Coniglio Bringing Seniors onto the Net

George Coniglio is the Director of Senior Citizen Services for the town of Greenburgh, New York (approximately 30 miles north of New York City). He arranges for his seniors to take computer classes at a local high school, while an expanded building is being built. Thanks to George, the seniors in Greenburgh have discovered WebTV! The Wall Street Journal featured George and the center in an article dated 4/8/97 commenting on the large number of senior WebTV users. George says that computers are expensive and can be hard for the seniors to learn and operate, but that WebTV has made "Surfing the Net" so much simpler and less expensive. He is hoping to add more WebTV's to his Senior Center soon. George has a terrific site ("Senior Citizen Topics and Resources") with extensive links to resources that can help senior citizens stay in control of their lives. There are links pertaining to health, recreation, financial, AARP, other agencies, and even some homepages that different senior citizens have created! And if you thought that "senior citizen" didn't start until the age of 65, think again--the "50+" category is also in this list. George has tried to be as thorough as possible in listing many helpful links, and I'm sure he's still searching for more. George has also started the "90+ Club" at the center, for seniors who are age 90 or over. Rachel Schoenbach is the President of the Club. Within his site, you'll also find the 90+ Club Web Page. George, himself, is not a senior citizen. He just turned 40! He is single and lives in Yonkers with his two cats (Cowboy and Oreo). He is into physical fitness, enjoys watching Star Trek, and enjoys writing (at work, he is called "Memo Man"). He says he has discovered the Web to be a "social experience" (haven't we all!), as he has met some interesting people while checking out the personal ads in American Singles. He also likes to follow boxing on the Web. George has just been named "Employee of the Month" by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner (also pictured, in tie) for spearheading expanded services and programs for seniors. In addition to computer and internet workshops, other recent programs have included a Yiddish Speaking Club, Red Carpet Treatment (a "down home" approach for welcoming new members), and dance classes for seniors. In September, the plans also include beginning a monthly Multicultural Sharing Day, weight training for seniors, and home visits from the Town's Social Worker. George is helping to make Greenburgh great place to live and retire, and his seniors LOVE WebTV! Thanks to George, his seniors have a richer life, and can stay in touch with their friends, their grandkids, and the world with WebTV. Great work, George! We at NET4TV salute you! Check out Senior Citizen Topics and Resources! Send e-mail to George at: george2000@webtv.net Comments? Suggestions? Know someone we ought to "spotlight?" Send us Your 2 Cents!