Letters to State Tech: Serving Rural Areas and Senior Citizens

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the State Tech™ Spring 2005 cover story, “Bridging the Rural Tech Divide .” The article accurately depicts the vastly rural environment of North Dakota and the key roles Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Glenn Miller, the director of the Government Rural Outreach initiative at the University of North Dakota, have played in moving important government services out to these rural areas, while aiding the state’s county veterans service officers in the performance of their duties.

In addition, I would like to say what a pleasure it was to work with the writer, Melissa Solomon, and the photographer, Michael Haug. It was a very positive experience for me. My best wishes for State Tech’ s continued success.

Tom Saddler
Grand Forks County Veterans Service Officer
Grand Forks, N.D.

Bridging the Generational Divide

I was delighted to read the excellent article by Nick Wreden regarding the use of computer technology by seniors (“Technology and the Generational Divide ,” Summer 2005). We are past the time when older people are afraid of this wonderful technology. However, sometimes, they still need encouragement to learn and use it.

Grandchildren are great motivators. These college-bound youngsters not only teach the “grands” about computers, they also promote the use of e-mail as a way for multiple generations to keep in touch.

This resource also has rewards for people who have mobility or physical limitations. For example, our city, Madison, Wis., is making more and more services accessible via the Internet. That means people no longer have to make trips to an office or struggle with the telephone to make their needs and concerns known.

Christine K. Beatty
Director, Madison Senior Center
Madison, Wis.