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| February 27, 2003 Edition | ||||
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Computer lab: Provides access, needs volunteersMADISON -- With the help of several volunteers, a new computer lab at the Catholic Multicultural Center on Madison's south side is now operational, having recently held its first introductory session. The aim of the computer lab is to give people access to computers who don't have access to the Internet for job skill enhancement, recreation, and creativity, said J. Mark Brinkmoeller, administrator for the Catholic Multicultural Center. Madison is a very computer-literate community, but not everyone has access to a computer, he said. The computer lab, funded in partnership with Bram Hill Apartments, includes seven PCs and three Macintosh computers. Volunteers neededSeveral volunteers recently met with Brinkmoeller to discuss how to use and run the lab, which will include classes as well as open lab time. The schedule of classes and hours for the lab depends on the volunteers, said Brinkmoeller. More volunteers are needed to facilitate the operation of the computer lab, he said. "New users often need basic support and instruction to get them started so that they will find the facility useful and want to come back," said volunteer Bob Ash, a graduate student and systems administrator for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "It is important to have skilled volunteers to help teach, supervise, and maintain the facility to make this resource functional." Making a difference"Access to technology for less privileged people is very important," said Ash. "The rising 'digital divide' between the haves and the have nots is becoming another strong barrier to economic mobility. "The Catholic Multicultural Center lab has the ability to have a real, positive economic impact on people by providing hirable skills such as general computer competence, software skills, as well as specific job-related training. It can be a tool to help provide valuable language skills as well. It also can provide communication and news that many of us take for granted." The lab can provide access and time for children to pursue some of the fun aspects of technology that they may not be able to have at school as well as keep them at the same pace as their peers who may have computers at home, he said. Sandra Docter, an instructor in the business technology division of the Madison Area Technical College, is another volunteer who wanted to put her faith into practice through service. "My hope is that my teaching and computer experience can be of value to the center," she said. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Brinkmoeller at 608-821-3086.
Death NoticesSinsinawa DominicansSINSINAWA -- Sr. Henriette Holt, 91, died Jan. 29 at Dominican Motherhouse at Sinsinawa. Mary Sarah Holt was born in Madison to Henry and Mary Alice (White) Holt. She entered St. Clara Novitiate at Sinsinawa in 1929 and made her final profession in 1934. She was an elementary/junior high teacher and principal for 37 years. In the Diocese of Madison, she taught at St. Rose School, Cuba City, 1945-47, and returned to Dominican Motherhouse in 1972, where she worked in special programs. Sr. Mary (Agnes) Haley, 92, died Feb. 8 at St. Dominic Villa at Sinsinawa. A native of Chicago, she entered St. Clara Novitiate at Sinsinawa in 1934 and made her final profession in 1939. She was a secondary teacher of math for 34 years. She was housekeeping manager at Edgewood College in Madison, 1969-79. Memorials may be made to Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 Cty. Rd. Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824- 9700. Cistercian NunsPRAIRIE DU SAC -- Sr. Mary Benedicta Takacs, 84, a Cistercian nun, died at Valley of Our Lady Monastery here Feb. 8. Following the founding of the monastery in 1957 by six Cistercian nuns from Switzerland, she made her vows in 1960. She was the first American to remain at the monastery. She was the "quality control inspector" for the altar bread baking operation at the monastery. Following a Mass in the monastery chapel on Feb. 11, she was buried in the cemetery on the monastery grounds. Sanctus IbeMADISON -- Sanctus C. Ibe, 71, father of Fr. Sanctus K. Ibe, parochial vicar of St. Dennis Parish, Madison, died in Nigeria Feb. 11. A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 7 in Nigeria.
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