Think you're too old to learn how to use a computer?

Think again.

A new class being offered by Camellia Communications, &#8220Computer Training for Retirees,” will offer all the basics for local seniors who want to join the &#8220Information Superhighway,” says Marsha Rice, sales and marketing manager.

The class is free of charge and will run from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 27 at the Camellia Communications offices (the former Watson's Home Furnishing building) on the Greenville By-Pass.

&#8220This is truly an introductory class. We will teach everything from how to turn the computer on, to how to shut it down and how to use a mouse,” Rice said.

Other topics to be covered in the two-hour class include: learning to play games such as Solitaire and Spades on the computer; how to create a Microsoft Word document; what the Internet is and what it can do for you; learning computer lingo; how to compose and send an e-mail; receiving and replying to e-mails; how to send an attachment to an e-mail, and browsing the Internet.

&#8220There are many seniors who have heard so many negative things about the Internet and they think it's all bad,” Rice said.

&#8220We want to show them their gift of extra time can be used to discover so much that is good and helpful out there via the computer.”

An 82-year-old Camellia Communications customer who resides at Homewood, a local assisted living facility, is using her computer to keep in touch with family members, who live in other states, Rice said.

&#8220She sends and receives e-mail letters and gets photos of her grandchildren. E-mail is a great way to stay in touch. That's another great benefit of using computers.”

Rice said the ultimate goal of the class is to teach area retirees to not be intimidated by computers.

&#8220That same Homewood resident also loves to visit WebMD and get all the latest medical updates. There is a treasure trove to be discovered, if you just know how to access it. You can research genealogy, history, participate in blogs - there's so much available, ” Rice said.

Space is limited, so interested seniors should contact Camellia Communications at 371-3000 to reserve their seat.

&#8220We always enjoy giving back to the community, and this is a way we can do it on a one-on-one basis. We are excited about that,” Rice said.