On a sunny November 18th, Joshua Place was a hoppin’ as Dudley seniors enjoyed their Dunkin Donuts' sweets and coffee courtesy of Dudley Police Chief Steven J. Wojnar, as well as checked their driving abilities with the help of the Nichols College Criminal Justice Management (CJM) Club.
On a recommendation of Chief Wojnar, Club President David Carrigan and a crew of 13 students set up three computer laptops on tables in the community center with AAA’s “Roadwise Review” software. As a student worked the software using a mouse, a senior was able to check his or her visual, mental and physical responses and monitor “driving health” in privacy.
“The software requires a computer with a CD-rom, a stable chair, a partner and 10 feet of space,” said Chief Wojnar. “I felt that it was a perfect community service project for the technology-savvy Nichols students. Webster Chief Timothy J. Bent was there to assess opportunities to bring the event to Webster's seniors.
“Joshua residents loved interacting with the students,” said Director of Dudley Housing's Joshua Place Lucille Allard, “and they made everyone smile. This was a fabulous opportunity for our seniors.”
Nichols Professor of Criminal Justice Kim Charbonneau stated that the software provided seniors with an accurate self evaluation. “I was pleased with the turnout,” said Charbonneau. “I want thank David Carrigan and the other CJM club officers: Bruce Carter, Giovanni Harrell, and Jonathan Micalizzi for organizing the event, as well as club members who were on hand for the Dudley seniors: Dan McPhillips, Will Wolfburg, Crystal Dennison, Chris Fraczek, Melanie Lowry, Marion Knight, Michelle Guerin, Corrine Barry, Ken Diagnault, and Patrick Audette.”