Ashley Puglise, a Girl Scout Cadette, spends a significant amount of time helping her grandparents navigate technology, especially when they run into problems. So when she began thinking about earning her Silver Award, helping other seniors with technology just seemed natural. “Helping Seniors with Technology” will launch on Thursdays, from 4-5 p.m., and Saturdays, from 11-noon, throughout March and into April at the Granby Public Library.
Ashley is excited to offer one-on-one help to seniors who bring in their own Apple device or use the iPad provided. She will help people learn the device layout, creating contacts and emails, using the camera and Facetime, taking notes and setting alarms, among other functions. As part of her project, Ashley fundraised money by making hand-made dog toys and selling cookies to purchase an iPad for the program and plans to donate it to the library.
She also has written instructions for seniors to take home to help them troubleshoot, in addition to how-to books she created for the library and Senior Center. “I really want to help people, especially senior citizens, feel more comfortable with today’s devices so they can stay in touch with their friends and family,” says Ashley.
Ashley is working towards her Girl Scout Silver Award which is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette (6-8th grade) can achieve. The award involves identifying a community issue that you care about, putting a plan into action and making it sustainable.
Please call the Granby Public Library at 860-844-5275 to sign up for a one-hour session.