Photo By Patricia BrhelProgram coordinator Bailey Phipps at work at the eCenter.

There’s a new store in town. An outgrowth of Finger Lakes Reuse, the eCenter not only keeps material out of the landfill, it’s selling technology that anyone can afford.

On April 15, at the grand opening, the store was crowded with people: the curious, volunteers and those interested in finding used, but tested and renovated equipment for their homes and offices. The eCenter has a lot to offer, including desktop and laptop computers, scanners, printers, computer cases, speakers, cords and just about anything else in the computer world that you can imagine. There is lots of storage shelving, a neat work area, test benches and an area set aside for education, with classes expected in the future.

Carol Cohen, mother of eCenter executive director Diane Cohen, traveled from Albany for the grand opening. “I’m proud of my daughter,” she says with a smile. “Diane has taken our lessons in recycling and used them in two businesses. This is the second grand opening I’ve have the privilege to attend.”

Diane concurs, saying, “My parents always talked about recycling, both to save money and to save the planet. We probably threw out less trash than anyone else in the neighborhood, but mom always made it seem like fun.”

The eCenter grew out of Cohen’s original operation, which is a nonprofit operation dedicated to recycling building materials, appliances, furniture and household supplies. It soon became clear that there were a lot of computers and office equipment coming in that needed a home of their own and people who knew how to evaluate, renovate and get these items back into the community, she says. “We thought that once we announced that we’d take computers that there would be great interest, and today’s opening is the proof,” she adds.

Bailey Phipps, program coordinator for eCenter, was hired just a few weeks ago. On opening day he was busy checking in the computers and equipment being donated and taking money for the items sold. “I’ve had a few different jobs, including as a preschool teacher, but making computers accessible for those who can’t just run out and buy new is a great idea and I’m happy to help,” he says. “I’m hoping that we’ll be able to change the lives of at-risk kids, including teaching them video and audio editing, programming and other skills. We’ve been working with the Computer All Stars and their director at the Ithaca Youth Bureau and hope to expand on that program.”

Volunteer Forest Kennedy has been putting in about 16 hours a week, doing everything from painting the store to assembling computers. A student at the Leman Alternative School, he became interested in computers when he joined the Computer All Stars.

Seated at a machine that he’s programming to communicate with other machines, he’s busily clicking and scrolling, multitasking while we talk. “I think that open source, or what’s known as alternative software is important. I’d rather the developers make their money through advertising, to keep the programs available to those who need them, Kennedy says. “We had two computers at home when I was growing up,” he relates. “Here I get to learn about all kinds of machines and equipment. I like the idea of making computers available for everyone and enjoy showing kids how to use them.”

Another volunteer, Frank James, was recently laid off from radio station WVBR. He’s using this time between jobs productively, keeping his computer skills sharp while making sure that machines are available and affordable for those who can’t just plunk down hundreds of dollars for a new one.

The eCenter’s mission is to enhance community, the economy and environment through the reuse of computer technology and all computers and equipment sold goes to support this. The center offers financial assistance to customers who participate in a federal or state aid program such as food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, HEAP, the reduced school lunch program or have similar financial challenges.

All eCenter equipment sold comes with a 30-day warranty, minus the usual exemptions for physical damage and tampering. They accept computers, monitors, printers, scanners, speakers and other related equipment as well as DVD players, CD players, game consoles, PDAs, electronic games, office electronics, medical electronics, bank and much scientific equipment.

They don’t take lab glass, cracked or broken monitors or TVs, or TVs over 27 inches (unless they are LCD/DED).

Staff members removed the data from all donated computers using a secure three-pass rewrite, so people can donate without worrying about their privacy. If you have special security issues they can, for an additional charge, wipe the data to Department of Defense standards or even destroy the hard drive. Most computers donated will not need this extra security, but it is available.

For more information or to volunteer, visit the eCenter in the Triphammer Mall, 2255 N. Triphammer Road, call 257-9699, email ecenter@fingerlakesreuse.org or visit www.fingerlakesreuse.org.

TAGGED WITH: computers, recycling, reuse, technology