Seniors looking to hone their computer skills or learn how to navigate the Internet now have more resources available, thanks to a donation from Wave Federal Credit Union that Mayor Scott Avedisian and Wave officials announced this morning.

The credit union has donated nine computers and peripherals – keyboards, mouse pads, new flat screen monitors and the like – to the Pilgrim Senior Center. The equipment will allow the center to expand its current computer and technology classes and, hopefully, entice more seniors to learn how to use the Internet and other computer programs, Avedisian said.

At a ceremony this morning, Avedisian and Wave president and CEO Paul Archambault announced the donation and, with Wave COO David Dupéré and Senior Services Director Meg Underwood Brugeman, unveiled the computer lab’s new name – The Pilgrim Internet Lodge – and logo, which features a Pilgrim-style hat, and the tagline “Welcome to the New World.” Signs bearing the logo, which was designed collaboratively by Wave and senior center staff – will be placed in the computer lab and other locations throughout the center.

“At Wave we believe deeply in giving back to the communities we serve,” Archambault said. “Our employees volunteer in numerous ways and we’re active sponsors of sports leagues, educational groups and others. We’re delighted to be able help the very important work of the Pilgrim Senior Center in these difficult economic times with the gift of these computers.”

“On behalf of all of our citizens who will enjoy this technology, I thank Wave for their very generous donation,” Avedisian said. “We know that a lot of our seniors already enjoy using the Internet to keep in touch with loved ones, and others are learning how to use computers because they see how much their friends enjoy using the technology. The equipment from Wave is a great addition to our existing programming.”

“The tagline for our Pilgrim Internet Lodge, "Welcome to the New World," is really apropos,” Brugeman said. “The Internet truly opens a new world of resources for education, entertainment and--maybe especially important for seniors--communication. We are delighted to be able to provide this opportunity for our members, and are very grateful to WAVE Credit Union for their generosity.”

Contact: Sue Baker/Warwick, 738-2000
Ross Hudson/WAVE, 230-4909