By Michele Taranto

If you are 60 years or older, you are eligible to utilize the Norwood Senior Center,  located at 275 Prospect St., Norwood. Through this town-run organization, they offer an abundance of entertainment, informational workshops, meals, exercise groups, hobby classes, social opportunities, and so much more! To sign up to utilize their many benefits, or for more information, visit http://www.norwoodma.gov/residents/senior_center, call 781-762-1201, or email [email protected].

A Message from Chief Brooks to the Norwood Senior Center

We’ve been doing a lot of work the past year on traffic enforcement. During COVID we backed off because we didn’t want officers interacting with motorists too much, for everyone’s safety. But as traffic volume decreased, speeds and crashes increased. 

So now that COVID is somewhat behind us, our officers are back at traffic enforcement at even higher levels than before. But most of our efforts are focused on violations that cause crashes – speed, red lights, stop signs, not stopping for pedestrians and texting while driving – and at places where crashes occur. We call this data-driven enforcement. And after we’ve run what in the old days we used to call a “trap” (we don’t call it that anymore), we often advertise on Facebook, Twitter etc. that we were out there and what we were doing. 

If only the person stopped knows we’re out there, there is a limited educational effect. But if we let our 10,000 followers know, it has greater impact.

You may know that Massachusetts police officers are required to train at least 40 hours every year after they graduate the police academy. But did you know that we average about twice that? We are very proud of our high training standards, and we believe they help us achieve the high rate of success that we and our community enjoy. 

This month, we’re back at the range under the guidance of our firearms training team led by Lieutenant David Benton. Not only do we line up to qualify, but we also shoot “on the move,” in and around our radio cars, working as pairs, shooting off-hand, way up close, way back, etc. As long as I’ve been a cop, I’ve always loved the range. But I also love what our officers and community get from our commitment to quality training.

Tuesday Night Dinners at the Norwood Senior Center

Tuesday night dinners have begun at the Norwood Senior Center! Call for more details.

Norwood Senior Center Summer Hours 

The Norwood Senior Center has begun their summer hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Can the Fire Department Easily Enter Your House?

What if there was an emergency and the fire department had to enter your home? In order to avoid breaking in a window or door, try purchasing a firefighter key box outside your home. Just put an extra key in the box and then call the fire department so they can make note of where the box is and the combination. You could also ask them if a traditional lockbox (like a Realtor uses) would be a good solution. 

In the unfortunate occasion an emergency occurs, Norwood FD will be able to get into your house quickly to assist. You can find a fire emergency box or lockbox at your local hardware store or on Amazon.com and search for fire department box or lock box. 

Still Beware of Scams

There has been a lot of information lately warning not only seniors, but all ages, to beware of scams, phone, online, mail, etc. But always be aware of your surroundings from people looking to steal directly, such as pickpocketing or grabbing wallets from purses from distracted shoppers.

Years ago, I was pickpocketed in Paris when I was in my early 20’s. I was on a bus with a friend and two young girls began kissing my hand and talking in French. I had my bag around my neck and through arm as we are suggested to do, however, they put a piece of paper over my bag. The point was to distract me while they did their job. When I finally realized what was happening, they had already unzipped my bag!

The point of kissing my hand and talking very fast in a language I was unfamiliar with was to distract me! I learned a very valuable lesson that day. And by the way, the same girls tried the very same thing a few hours later to me on a sidewalk. Apparently, they did this so often they didn’t even recognize me from before!