When Donald and June Sauer talked with their daughter, Tricia, on Friday afternoon, it was a bit different than the normal conversation.

They talked about many of the things one would expect. How things are going with work. The weather.

They even commented on how good one another looked.

What made this conversation unusual was that the three of them weren't in the same room. In fact, they weren't even in the same state - the Sauers were at the Athenaeum in Skaneateles, and Tricia was in Vermont.

“She went to the University of Vermont and ended up staying there,” June said of her daughter while waiting to log on to the Internet.

They were using a relatively new computer program and a digital Web cam to have a video chat. The widely-available technology, which allows people to see each other while they talk from anywhere in the world, is being utilized by retirement centers like the Athenaeum to allow residents to keep in touch with non-local family members in a more personal way than phone conversations.

The Athenaeum began using the Internet program known as Skype with its residents a few weeks ago. Since the program has been installed, a handful of residents have talked with family members via video, Executive Director Cheryl Silvestrini said.

The Sauers, who Silvestrini said are already familiar with how to use e-mail and the Internet, took to the program quickly.

“I love the way residents like them just light up when they see someone face to face,” she said.

Currently, residents can talk with their loved-ones - who must also have the free program and a Web cam installed on a computer - from the office at the Athenaeum. Staff members are available to help residents set things up.

The program works a lot like a video phone. People can talk to one another using microphones and speakers while seeing video over the camera. But because it is an Internet program, both parties must be logged on to chat.

Silvestrini said she has noticed that residents are often more willing to talk for an extended period of time using the Internet than over the phone. Not only can people often hear better, but the video aspect of it lessens the feeling of isolation that can come with living in another area than loved ones, she said.

“I really think it adds a lot to their lives,” Silvestrini said.

Like all technology, the program isn't perfect. The Sauers had to wait for a while before connecting with their daughter due to issues logging in on her side.

Once all of them were logged in, it took another few minutes for both cameras to work.

“I think we ought to look into the carrier pigeon system. I think it will be simpler,” Don Sauer joked.

But even with the occasional glitch, Silvestrini said this is another amenity The Athenaeum and similar facilities can offer to improve quality of life for residents.

“I think we're going to see more of this,” Silvestrini said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or

christopher.caskey@lee.net