Free Tech Classes At Smith Village Led By Beverly Native

CHICAGO, IL — Free tech classes for those looking for help getting the most out of their phones and other devices will be held on Tuesdays throughout June at Smith Village. Claire Richards, a Beverly native and marketing business founder, will teach four classes at the assisted living facility in Morgan Park through a grant from AT&T.

"Tech Tuesday" classes will cover a number of topics related to smartphones, social media, photo sharing and app usage. They will be held at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. on Tuesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26.

“The classes are designed to educate seniors on tacking everyday tech issues from texting to saving photos to posting on Facebook,” said Richards. “Our goal is to help people get the most out of using their devices.”

Richards is a Saint Xavier University alum who owns Amplify7, a marketing boutique that optimizes online presence for businesses by developing websites, graphics, logos, marketing campaigns and social media accounts to build brand awareness and boost sales. She will cover the following topics on Tech Tuesdays:

• On June 5, a "Learn Your Phone" class will cover all the basics of using your device, from setting volume and font sizes to how to manage storage and download apps.
• On June 12 it will be "All About Photos," when students will learn how to take, edit, share, save to other devices and post photos.
• The June 19 class will focus on "Texting, Email and Storage," when texting, group texting, how to add contacts, how to use video chat apps like Skype and Facetime and other topics will be taught.
• "Use Your Apps" is the theme of the June 26 class, with many of the most popular apps like Twitter and Facebook used as examples of apps that provide helpful information, entertainment and social connection.

Tech Tuesday students are asked to bring the devices they want to learn more about using to classes and be prepared to use those devices. Classes are free but space is limited. Sign up for Tech Tuesdays here.

Smith Village residents can sign up at the front desk and others interested can also call the Beverly Area Planning Association at 773-233-3100 to reserve a spot.

Students who attend all four classes will be placed into a raffle to win an iPad, an added incentive sponsored by Smith Village.

The classes themselves are supported by a grant from AT&T, whose Illinois President says is focused on "helping seniors to better connect to their world."

“Seniors are using new technologies more than ever before, empowering them to be more active, independent and engaged,” said Paul La Schiazza, AT&T Illinois President. “We’re thrilled to support these Tech Tuesdays to help our seniors learn more and improve their lives.”

Photo: Claire Richards, owner of Amplify7, will teach four tech classes at Smith Village in June / Photo provided