Senior citizens and computers can be a very compatible mix. For some, it may be a continuation of a skill learned at work, whereas for others, it can be a brand new experience.

The Bremerton Senior Center in East Bremerton offers various computer classes. Four lessons cost $62, and these are conducted weekly in 90-minute sessions. Classes are limited to six students on three computers. The main classes are Introduction to Computers, Windows Basics and Word Processing. Special workshops in scanning and digital cameras are also available.

Most seniors learning computer skills desire to correspond by e-mail with their families. They may also want to learn to share photos back and forth, as well.

Many other senior citizens are highly computer savvy.

Ed Evans is the current president of Kitsap Computing Seniors (KCS), a non-profit group that began in 1992 when 27 folks responded to a letter-to-the-editor seeking just such a group. Ramp Harvey of Silverdale, the founder, is still an active member.

KCS is now 300 strong. Annual dues are $20. General meetings, including speakers in the computer business and delicious refreshments, are on the third Monday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon, in the Silverdale Community Center. Guests are welcome; membership is encouraged.

The group has a web presence at www.telebyte.com/kcs and a monthly newsletter humorously called The Ffogy News, sharing both computer information and club news.

KCS has been aided by many businesses throughout its history. Pope Resources donated start-up money. Microsoft donates software. Office Depot and Costco, as well as others, give items that the group auctions off. Marshall’s Communication Systems of Silverdale and Precision Electronics of Port Orchard donate newsletter help. “We really appreciate their help,” says Evans of all these, and any others he may not have mentioned!

Funds raised by the group help the seniors publish their newsletter, upgrade their equipment, and conduct classes.

“We’re all in a process of learning,” Evans says of the membership. “Some are just getting started, some have had formal training.”

Computers are a wonderful tool, and some of the uses the seniors put them to include genealogy, creative writing and stock investing. In fact, these are among the KCS special interest groups, each meeting monthly to discuss their own area of interest. Others are Hardware and Windows XP.

The group also has access to free open labs in some of the local schools.

Further, KCS has various programs to loan computers to folks who would like to try them out for up to a year. A particular program of interest to Evans is New Horizons, which is aimed at shut-ins and others who are physically challenged. Anyone interested may contact Evans at 360-779-5041.

Seniors in KCS are committed to continuous learning, and they are more than willing to help others learn more about computers.