Technology for the Ages Part 3 of 3

Technology for the Ages

Karilea Rilling Jungel

We know our children and their children are surrounded by technology, day in, day out. But so are we. We don’t always realize it when we handle our cell or smart phones, iPods or iPad, Kindle, Nook, the monitors that hook us up wirelessly to heart monitors that are read by physician miles away. We don’t recognize that we are engaged in technology and turn on the television – even if we have several remotes for the various instruments all attached to the TV. We almost take it for granted. But this very communications system streams out far and ahead of us, touching all aspects of life, from the moment you wake until you again close your eyes. And even then, your house is surrounded with waves of wireless magic.

Click Here to Read Part 1
 
Click Hear to Read Part 2

From Seniors – to Babes

Leslie Eikleberry, Executive Director for Saline County Commission on Aging and volunteer Maurice Kerr have the Salina community in their heart when it comes to technology…and so many other things. But it is helping seniors that is their gift to the community.

Leslie Eikleberry, Executive Director

SCC on Aging

Photo by KRJ

Leslie shares that “We have a computer lab on the third floor and our super-volunteer, Maurice Kerr, if he sees a need to offer a class, he will. But normally things are one-on-one. People want to learn Facebook so they can get grand-kid photos. If they don’t know how to set up an email account, he will help them with that. If someone wants to learn how to set up the Word program, he’ll help with that as well. More and more people are learning how to use a computer – so there’s no great need for a huge class, so this is more for the bells and whistles that they want to learn and utilize. We help them open the doors.”

When asked what is done here that is not done at the library, Leslie replies “this is a place for fun things and painting classes, sewing classes, writing classes on Thursdays, exercise classes on the third floor. Cards games and Bingo on the first floor, pool tables on the second floor, all these things to do. So while they are here, they can also go up and utilize the computer lab. There are also a couple of computers down on the first floor. It’s just to help people be connected. Our seniors talk to others, someone says ‘you should see this on E-bay’ and we help them with that.”

But Maurice is the ‘guru’ – “he is so valuable to us.” Leslie explains, “another thing that ties in that in the fall, when it’s time for people to sign up for their Medicare drug plans, when they can make changes with their plans for the next year, SHICK counselors – Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas help seniors through that.”  This program is overseen by Deb Wood from the Saline County Extension office. “The seniors pick out what they want, but the counselors walk them through the steps to compare plans and see what is best for them. This is all done in the computer lab. They are dealing with the government, which can be daunting, so the SHICK counselors come in a couple of times a week for four to six weeks; we serve more than 600 people every year.” Technology is more a resource management supplement to the Center’s programs. “We help them fill out forms on line with the government.” “We show them how to apply for the LEAP program, also finding the proper forms for them.”

Photo by KRJ

Maurice Kerr explains that his background was as “a professional electrical engineer. I received computer technology as background training. My jobs all started transitioning to technology, so I had the responsibility of teaching everyone how to use it efficiently back in the late 1980’s.” Later his employment with Philips ended, and Maurice decided to start his own computer consultant business. “When I’m not here, I work on that business. I make house visits.” 

Maurice Kerr, 10 year Volunteer at

Salina Senior Center

Photo by KRJ

It was in the mid 1990’s when Maurice began volunteering two, sometimes three hours a day to the Salina Senior Center. In the beginning he gave lectures and taught classes after Dr. Flanders originated the lab and had obtained equipment from donations. “We have a maximum of about 16 people a day coming in for assistance; we are set up for 10 people at once. I touch on Kindles, printers, sometimes a few things on Smart Phones. I work with Apple, Microsoft and Androids.” Maurice also learns new advancements at home in his spare time. “I learn as much as the others do.”

Vivienn

Daughter of Kerra and Timur

Granddaughter of Deb and Eric Kohn

Born July 26, 2013

Photo by Deb Kohn

But it was a little story from my friend, Deb Kohn, which really brought the new world home to me. Deb’s granddaughter, Vivienn, who was born in July 2013 to parents Kerra and Timur, demonstrated to her grandmother that by herself, she has the ability to abscond with grandmother’s smart phone, scroll through until she finds her own children’s game icon, then “taps” on it as she settles in, playing her game on her own. No muss, no fuss. And no one taught her; she learned it all by observation.

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Rainbow International Restoration Business After Hours

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Kansas - Make the Pledge to Hire a Veteran

Make the Pledge to Hire a Veteran

Our veterans have sacrificed much in the service of our country. Now, it’s our turn to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces as they return home and leave active duty.

The State of Kansas has launched the KanVet initiative that will help link veterans to businesses that have jobs and want to hire these heroes.

Take the pledge and publicly show your commitment to the individuals who have defended our nation. By signing up for the pledge and giving us your information, we want to highlight Kansas businesses and organizations that are willing to consider filling job openings with veterans. The website address is www.KanVet.KS.gov, then click on “Hire a Veteran Pledge”.

Upcoming Military/Veteran Events:
McConnell AFB – For future events  – POC – Dong Kim - dong.kim.7@us.af.mil, Phone: (316) 759-3280
Ft Leavenworth Job & Education Fair – April 7, 2015 – ACAP.Leavenworth@Serco-na.com, Phone: (913) 684-2227
Ft Riley, KS – Hiring Our Heroes – April 22, 2015 – Phone (571) 372-2164 –  http://godefense.cpms.osd.mil/hiringheroes/riley/index.aspx

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City Commission Candidate Forum

 

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a City Commission Candidate Forum on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Candidates will be introducing themselves and answering questions. We will be taking questions from the audience at the event. If you can’t attend, or you have questions you would like to submit before the event please send them to junctioncitychamber@junctioncitychamber.org by 5:00 p.m. Thursday March 12. Thank you. Questions will be screened for relevancy to all candidates and duplication.

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Mid America Farm Expo Celebrating 50 years

Mid America Farm Expo Celebrating 50 years

Approximately 240 companies from around the United States will be exhibiting their products at Salina’s Bicentennial Center and Saline County Livestock & Expo Center March 24-26 at the Mid America Farm Expo.  Approximately 350 exhibits will be on display showing the latest in farm technology, machinery, equipment and supplies.

The Expo began 50 years ago as a project of the Agriculture Committee of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.  It was named the Salina Materials Handling Show and had 44 exhibits on display on the Saline County Fairgrounds, now called the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center.  With the construction of the Bicentennial Center directly across from the Expo Center, the Farm Expo expanded and is now one of the largest spring farm shows in the Midwest. It attracts approximately 10,000 persons over the three days. 

 

The Expo is headquartered in the Bicentennial Center, with additional displays in Agricultural Hall, and Exhibition Barn at the Saline County Livestock & Expo Center.  In addition, outside exhibits are located in front of Ag Hall and on the Bicentennial Center west parking lot. 

Special features of the Expo, in addition to the variety of farm equipment displays, will include seminars on Managing Fertility, Cattle Handling, Unmanned Aircraft, and a special presentation by Darrell Holaday with Advanced Marketing Concepts.   There will also be an opportunity for individuals to have their well water tested for nitrate and chloride all three days during the expo.

“This show has grown over the years to become one of the premiere early spring farm shows in the Midwest,” stated Carl Garten, Chairman of the Chamber’s Ag Division.“  This is going to be one of the largest shows we have had in several years.  Companies from across the United States come to exhibit their farm machinery, equipment and supplies. Millions of dollars of equipment are on display. In addition to the displays, I think we have one of the best line-up of programs we have had for many years.”.

There’s no charge for admission or parking.  Hours are 9am-5pm March 24, 9am-5pm March 25, and 9am-4pm March 26. It is sponsored by the Agriculture Division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Kansas Poetry Out Loud Winner is ....

Poetry Out Loud

And The Winner Is…

By Karilea Rilling Jungel

On March 1, 2015 in the Sunflower Theater at the Salina Community Theater there was a gathering of some 75 students, parents, observers; judges, tallying clerks, directors and assistants. All were in attendance for the first State Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition to be held in Salina, Kansas. Although this was the 10^th anniversary of the POL National Scholarship event, the previous state regional competitions had been held in the eastern part of the state. From the seven regions, this year’s line-up and poems chosen to be read included:

Hannah Parks, reciting “Sonnet 18…”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 1 - Hannah Parks, Baldwin HS

“What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, and Where, and Why” by Edna St. Vincent Millay

“Sonnet 18--Shall I Compare  . . .” by William Shakespeare
“Duende” by Tracy K. Smith

Hannah Janzen, reciting “I Wandered…”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 2 - Hannah Janzen, Salina Central HS

“I Wandered Lonely as A Cloud” by William Wordsworth

“Baudelaire” by Delmore Schwartz

“Their Bodies” by David Wagoner

Ashley Miller, reciting “Let the Light Enter”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 3 - Ashley Miller, Quinter High School

“Let the Light Enter” by Frances Ellen Watkins

“The Ocean” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth

Addisohn Jones, reciting “The Table’s Turned”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 4 - Addisohn Jones, Ft. Scott HS

“A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme” by Ben Jonson

“The Table’s Turned” by William Wordsworth

“I’m Learning to Abandon the World” by Linda Pastan

Scarlet Green, reciting “A Certain Kind…”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 5 - Scarlet Green, Northeast Magnet High School

“Before the Birth of One of Her Children” by Anne Bradstreet

“A Celebration of Charis: I. His Excuse for Loving” by Ben Jonson

“A Certain Kind of Eden” by Kay Ryan

Jessica Fabin, reciting “Ode to the….”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 6 - Jessica Fabin, Garden City High School

“The Arrow and the Song” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Ode to the Midwest” by Kevin Young

“On the Existence of the Soul” by Pattiann Rogers

Leanne Chun, reciting “The Good Morrow”

Photo by Aaron Anders

REGION 7 - Leanne Chun, Olathe South HS

“The Good Morrow” by John Donne

“For the Young Who Want to” by Marge Piercy

“And Soul” by Eavan Boland

Google the above poems to understand the poems’ various complexities the students had to study, comprehend and convey.

Peter Jasso, giving introductions

Photo by Aaron Anders

For the festivities, those present included Peter Jasso, Director of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission; Justine Haka, Program Associate for the Poetry Foundation; Senator Tom Arpke, Brad Anderson of the Salina Arts and Humanities and members of Friends of the Library, and Deb Kohn, Kansas State Poetry Out Loud Coordinator. Emceeing the event was cashhollistah.

The four judges for the State Competition who were in attendance were: Wyatt Townley, current Kansas Poet Laureate; Andy Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Johnson County Community College; Suzanne E. Myers-Ortel, Kansas State Dept. of Education Literary Consultant; and Ruth Moritz, KSU-Salina, Salina Public Library Spring Poetry Series Director.

L-R Ruth Moritz, Tina Akers, Suzanne Myers,

Andy Anderson, Wyatt Townley & Justine Haka

The Judges were required to evaluate on physical presence; voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness as to the voice of the poem; level of difficulty, evidence of understanding and overall performance. In all of these categories, there are six levels ranging from Very weak to Outstanding. The Accuracy Judge is critical: Tina Akers was assigned to keep the poet’s language intact and mark where there were missteps. There is also an assigned prompter; this year, Katrina Paradis fulfilled that role.

Ignoring their personal jitters and nerves, all of the students gave admirable recitations. While the ballots were tallied and finalized, Cash Hollistah gave his presentation of “Fresh Air”, a very upbeat, positive hip-hop piece of his written work.

cash hollistah, reciting

“Fresh Air” with the requisite “fist pump”

Photo by Aaron Anders

Scarlet Green (center) 2^nd Place

Photo by Aaron Anders

Kansas State Second Place runner up is Scarlet Green, Northeast Magnet High School, who commented “The winner was amazing! I’m a sophomore this year, so I’m definitely looking forward to trying this again. Being in (The Salina Community Theater’s) black box theater was a very intimate and awesome experience!”

Leanne Chun, 1^st Place

Photo by Aaron Anders

Kansas state champion is Leanne Chun. Her school, Olathe South, will receive $500 to purchase poetry resources for their school library. Leanne received $200 and will also receive an all-expense paid trip for herself and a chaperone to Washington, D.C. to attend the Nationals Finals and compete for the grand title of National Champion on April 27-29, 2015.

Leanne summed up her experience well: “It was all so fantastic; it’s hard for me to decide the best part of it, but I think it is that we were all rooting for one another; everyone is being very amiable and (those who are not seniors) are looking forward to next year.”

Back row:

Ruth Moritz, Tina Akers, Suzanne Myers, Andy Anderson

Wyatt Townley, Justine Haka and Emcee cash Hollistah

Front row:

Leanne Chun, Hannah Parks, Hannah Janzen, Addisohn Jones,

Ashley Miller, Scarlet Green and Jessica Fabin

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Technology for the Ages Part 2 of 3

Technology for the Ages

Karilea Rilling Jungel

Click Here to read Part 1

We know our children and their children are surrounded by technology, day in, day out. But so are we. We don’t always realize it when we handle our cell or smart phones, iPods or iPad, Kindle, Nook, the monitors that hook us up wirelessly to heart monitors that are read by physician miles away. We don’t recognize that we are engaged in technology and turn on the television – even if we have several remotes for the various instruments all attached to the TV. We almost take it for granted. But this very communications system streams out far and ahead of us, touching all aspects of life, from the moment you wake until you again close your eyes. And even then, your house is surrounded with waves of wireless magic.

Helen Gregg – Salina Public Library

Helen Gregg, Technology Center Trainer

Photo by KRJ

It all began with a “serendipitous moment” says Helen Gregg, Salina Public Library Technology Center Trainer. A former public school history teacher, Helen knows how to put things in perspective for her students in order that they could understand and know what to take away with them, not just memorize things to give back to her. She utilized her open ended manner of teaching – what history could give – and mean – to her students – and has now transferred that kind of thinking to her new position at the Library.

“There’s been a change in paradigms. Newer programs conceive and conceptualize differently than before. I have programs for my tablet, but I still maintain a hard drive. Some programs are compatible with apps while others aren’t.” When Helen went back to get her Master’s degree, she decided to specialize in technology. “I’m looking forward to Windows 10 as it will ultimately be more compatible. But more people are going to tablets – and I find it difficult to give up my hard drive. I use both.” Helen agrees “More and more people are going paperless.”

Helen Gregg in the Computer Lab

Photo by KRJ

At the Library and because of the internet, “It is possible for everybody to learn anything. But skills are often lacking. Students today learn ‘Google it’ and it becomes second nature. We have a full time trainer for the older generation, and we help people develop the skills to be able to use the tools that we provide. We now have a virtual library. I help people connect their devices, Kindles, Nooks, through one-on-one instruction until that person is able to do it themselves.” All of the training is free to the public. “I end up making recipe cards, step-by-step instructions so that three days later, one won’t forget the steps.”

Helen is especially excited about the classes she’s started for the “geeky” kids. “Sports are everywhere, science and environmental classes can be found out at Rolling Hills. We needed something for the geeks.” So she established tech clubs for 3rd-5th grades on Saturdays “although the youngest student – she’s a bit ahead of herself – is seven.” On Thursdays they have classes for grades 6-12. “We splash at ideas to get the kids’ excitement up and hooked – then they work on their own. “Friends of the Library gave us grant money for robotic kits so the kids can assemble robots. We have curriculum so they will be able to run tests and challenge one another.” Another fine addition to the library is the 3-D printer. “It’s an inexpensive one, but it gets the kids in learning how it works, then they figure out how to utilize it.” The Library with Helen at the helm engages the students’ website design. “We are giving them the skills and training in order to expand their virtual horizons.

The circle then returns upon itself. Helen’s one-on-one work often happens out at Eaglecrest. “My oldest student was a gentleman – 100 years old. He got a new computer, got stuck in the Windows 8 program, and wanted to figure it out. Most of my students are in their late 80’s and early 90’s. These folk are accepting the challenges of figuring out newer technology. The patrons at the library who are in their mid 60’s to late 70’s … They are just soaking it up.”

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