Senior Steps

By Michele Taranto

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

The Norwood Senior Center recently hosted an informative presentation Jonathan O’Dell, from the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) to the Elder Service Provider meeting. There are many aids available through this state organization to assist those with hearing limitations.

1) MCDHH has visor cards to keep in your car in the event you get stopped by a police officer. You can point to the card to explain you are hard of hearing and the officer can point to the reason you were stopped. Reach out to Norwood Senior Center Outreach Coordinator Kathleen Rooney for more information or to obtain a card.

2) There are apps you can put on your phone that will type out what someone is saying to you so you are able to fully participate in conversations.

3) There are bed shakers that will warn you if the smoke detector goes off while you are sleeping.

Stay connected with the Norwood Senior Center for a possible group talk, and for more information today, visit the MCDHH website at www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing or call:

MAIN 617-740-1600

Available Monday through Friday 9am-5pm

TTY 617-740-1700

VP 617-326-7546

Front Desk

FAX 617-740-1810

TOLL FREE VOICE 800-882-1155

TOLL FREE TTY 800-530-7570

600 Washington St.

Boston, MA 02110

The Real ID

The Effective Date to obtain a Real ID has been changed to May 7, 2025. The Norwood Senior Center recently hosted Michele Ellicks from the Mass RMV to talk about the Real ID for the Mass Driver’s License or Mass ID. She explained the difference between the Real and Standard ID and the process to obtain or renew each one. Missed the presentation? Contact Outreach Coordinator Kathleen Rooney for a handout.

Friends against Fraud

It’s unfortunate, but there are scammers out there and new scams are being presented every day. Dedham Savings Bank (DSB) recently came to the Senior Center on just this topic.

The goal? To separate you from your money. They described that fraudsters are gaining access to computers and moving money from a checking to a savings account. They will contact you to explain the mistake, prey on your compassion not tell anyone as they will get into trouble, and ask you to buy gift cards equaling the ‘mistake.’

This is just one of many scams to steal your money! For a copy of the presentation, contact Outreach Coordinator Kathleey Rooney.

Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Did you know, if you are a grandparent raising grandchildren (or a relative other than a parent), there are resources available to assist. Contact the Norwood Senior

Center for more information.

COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotments Ended

The SNAP emergency allotments for COVID 19 ended March 2. Starting March 3, participants will revert back to receiving the approved benefit before Covid. If expenses have increased since the pandemic, an increase in SNAP benefits may be available. Contact Kathleen Rooney for more information.

Upcoming Senior Events!

Friends Monthly Ballroom Dance

Norwood Senior Center, 275 Prospect St.

7 p.m.

The Friends of the Norwood Council on Aging is sponsoring their monthly ballroom dance.

Music will be provided by Dave Valerio. Cost is $12 per person. Coffee, tea & desserts are served and there are also door prizes. Newcomers are welcome! To check the status of events offered by the Friends and for more information, visit their Facebook page at: Friends Of The Norwood Council On Aging.

Norwood Senior Center

Senior Steps

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