Senior citizens across the Mahoning Valley are learning about computers, laptops and newer smartphone technology thanks to SCOPE Senior Services.

SCOPE’s office manager Kevin Weber was providing older adults with one-on-one technology training, but he is retiring this month. Kevin did an excellent job serving our older adults, and SCOPE appreciates his efforts as well as wishing him the best as he moves to the great Northwest to retire with his family.

Both Kevin and I were worried about the technology training void with his retirement for the thousands of senior citizens we have served. That was until we met with Barb Carlson, the owner of the local Cell Phone Repair, who is willing to step up and continue to help our senior citizens with support.

SCOPE is proud to announce our partnership with technology expert company Cell Phone Repair, which has three local retail stores. Barb’s staff will be available at their stores for walk-ins or appointments and will also be taking appointments at our senior centers for one-on-one assistance. Contact any SCOPE center for details on setting up appointments.

You can bring your phone, computer, tablet or laptop and smart watches into the Niles or Hermitage CPR stores for diagnostic, maintenance and repair. CPR can also set up your phones and equipment and train you in how to use them with their certified technicians.

Call 330-349-4979 or stop by Cell Phone Repair at 6261 Youngstown Warren Road, which is located at the corner of routes 422 and 46 in the plaza with Little Ceasar’s, Red Wing Shoe and Wingstop.

This is a free consultation service provided by CPR to any senior citizen over 60 who wants to participate. They will also be offering discounted fees for more in-depth training, and for any equipment repairs SCOPE seniors will receive a 10% discount.

SCOPE would like to thank Barb Carlson and her fine staff for their willingness to give back and serve the senior citizens of our community by offering these free or discounted services and training. She and her staff are taking over a nationally-recognized technology program as one of the top two senior center organizations in the country by the National Council on Aging.

MIKE’S PARTING WORDS

This will likely be my last Prime Time column, as I am leaving SCOPE to join Trumbull County Family Court as a judicial administrative/communication coordinator and bailiff for Judge David Engler.

The technology program mentioned in this column is one of the projects I am most proud of during my 11 years with SCOPE. Other accomplishments that come to mind include our Traveling Pantry free grocery delivery program, especially with serving some 1,000 households per month during the pandemic.

I also think about our telephone and home visits project, Save Our Seniors (SOS). We marched in community parades with our SCOPE “We Are Off Our Rockers” dance team. I am proud of assisting in the formation of the “Senior Showcase” performing nonprofit, which has performed successful talent shows at the Robins Theatre over the last three years. Finally, SCOPE has grown to now serve some 3,600 older adults every year at our eight senior citizen centers with another center in Brookfield due to be open this fall.

Thank you to all who assisted SCOPE during my tenure.