SOSMagJulySeptember2020

If you have heard about free phones to help those who are hearing impaired, it is not a scam. I know it sounds too good to be true. Oddly enough, this one really is true. The phones are landline telephones and it has a screen. While listening, a screen shows the words being spoken by the person on the other end of the phone. The person who does not hear well can easily understand the conversation. The telephone is free and the minutes are also free, while using the screen which prints the captions. This free offer is only for individuals who have a hearing loss severe enough to make it difficult to have a telephone conversation. It is not for those who have some hearing loss, yet can still communicate, effectively, over the telephone. In fact, federal law prohibits anyone, but registered users with hearing loss, from using this device with the captions on. Serving Our Seniors is holding a forum to explain who is eligible and what this free phone does do and what it does not do. This is not a sales pitch seminar. No audience information will be shared with the presenter. Seating is limited to 8 people to ensure seating is 6 feet apart. Advanced registration is required. See calendar of events, page 4, for details. Free Phones for the HEARING IMPAIRED By Sue Daugherty May We Count on Your Vote? The coronavirus pandemic is unlike anything that we have experienced, and it is changing how we decide what matters most in our lives. Today, Ohio’s population is 24.3%, age 60+. Erie County’s 60+ population is 30% and is projected to be 32.5% by 2025. Not until 2040, will the older population begin to recede – slightly (31.1%). Serving Our Seniors’ services will become even more important to age independently. Serving Our Seniors is primarily funded by the Senior Services Tax Levy and voted on every five years. In November 2020, the Erie County Senior Services Tax Levy will be on the ballot. I am asking for your support in voting for the levy. Without levy dollars, Serving Our Seniors will not be able to continue to serve our 22,000+ residents, aged 60 or older. The support of Erie County voters, especially our seniors, is crucial for this levy to pass. With the uncertainty over how we will vote this fall or if polling places will be open, the best way to ensure your vote will be counted is to request an Application for an Absentee Ballot from the Board of Elections. You can request an application be mailed to you by calling 419-627-7601 or by filling it out online at www.boe.ohio.gov . • When you receive your application, fill it out completely. • Make sure that you request a ballot for the general election held on November 3, 2020. • Make sure you put the correct year for your date of birth. • Use your home address for the line that asks where you are registered to vote. When the Board of Elections receives your Application for an Absentee Ballot, an Absentee Ballot will be sent out, no later than 30 days before the election. Fill out the ballot and mail it back promptly to the Board of Elections, 2900 Columbus Avenue, Room 101, Sandusky, OH 44870. The Post Office estimates that it takes up to 5 days to be delivered to the Board of Elections, so be sure to mail your ballot at least one week before November 3. Please support all of the people that Serving Our Seniors helps every day to age well in Erie County. Thank you very much for your support. Sparky Weilnau, Chair Friends of Serving Our Seniors Paid for by Friends of Serving Our Seniors Friends of 15