Thanks CliffordK for taking time to reply with a good suggestion, if done carefully. The seat's off. The post is aluminum and has a die cast aluminum seat rail clamp, so if I try this, it'll be a super careful & hope for the best kind of job.
I'd imagine at one time this was a perfectly good bike for a casual rider. Too bad it wasn't taken care of at least so it could be donated. Such is life, I suppose.

Thanks Again & Please Enjoy This Day!
Paul