Councilman donates computer, Hollinet provides service
By AEON HOPI SCHMOOCK
Pinnacle Staff Writer
Hollister gadabout Eric Tognazzini is wired.
No, the wheelchair-bound Tognazzini isn’t drinking too much
coffee, he just started jumping on the Internet via his new
computer.
Hollister gadabout Eric Tognazzini is wired.
No, the wheelchair-bound Tognazzini isn’t drinking too much coffee, he just started jumping on the Internet via his new computer.
“I think it opens up a whole new world for him,” said Hollister Mayor Brian Conroy, who gave Tognazzini a juiced-up Compaq computer, a Lexmark printer, color monitor and a modem. Conroy also arranged with Hollinet to provide Tognazzini with free Internet access and his own web site (www.hollinet.com/~erict).
“We thought that was a fabulous thing that Brian was doing for Eric,” said Neal Zook of Hollinet. “We’re excited to help him.”
Tognazzini, a fixture in downtown Hollister, is still getting used to double-clicking and finding the programs, but he’s quite enthusiastic about learning.
“I think he’ll really enjoy this,” said Tognazzini’s brother Kirk, “He’s already looked up something about antique furniture.”
The 55-year old Tognazzini is confined to a wheelchair because he suffers from congenital cerebral palsy, a brain disorder impairing movement and physical development. Throughout his entire life the people of Hollister have helped him fit in and even thrive. The lifelong home he shares with Kirk was recently renovated with volunteer labor, and was given a special electric wheelchair, which he uses for his recycling business. He circulates around town collecting bottles and cans from businesses and then cashes them in. Tognazzini also enjoys playing checkers
“I know it’s said that not very many people can beat the man in checkers,” said Conroy. “But what seems to keep Eric lively and happy is that he loves getting out and visiting people. Maybe once he gets the hang of being wired, he’ll find a new way to meet more people.”
