Tag Archives: open

Helpful tips for open enrollment

November 8, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Senior Livingenrollment, medicaid, meidcare, open, plansJoanne

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Open enrollment for Medicare/Medicaid is through Dec. 7. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

The world of Medicare/Medicaid can be an extremely confusing one. Each year, open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7. This provides the chance for individuals to review and make changes to their Medicare Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Changes that are permittable include monthly premiums, yearly deductibles copays, prescription copays, prescription formulary (list of covered medications), and pharmacy network.

This process can be overwhelming—how do you know which option is the best fit for you? Here are a few tips for navigating the open enrollment season:

Know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. “Medicare is a medical program for people over 65 and younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Medicaid is an assistance program for low-income patients’ medical expenses,” explains the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you are a senior, then you are likely navigating the world of Medicare. All changes to your plan must be made by December 7, and new coverage begins on January 1, 2023.
Seek help from a trusted source. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) provides unbiased help with Medicare and Medicaid at no charge. This state-wide program doesn’t sell Medicare plans—certified volunteer counselors are there to help you understand your options. It is designed specifically to help older adults, their families, and caregivers understand, access, and apply. As Bob Callery, MMAP Regional Director, explains, “When people contact us, they may not be sure of what types of questions they need to ask, MMAP counselors can help people navigate the complexities of Medicare. Our counselors are unbiased and want to help people find what will work best for their needs and is the most cost-effective.” You can set up an appointment with a MMAP specialist at 1-800-803-7174, through the Area Agency of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664, or email MMAP@aaawm.org.
Watch out for scams. During open enrollment especially, scammers take advantage of this time of year by posing as representatives that offer assistance in signing you up for healthcare. Some quick tips from the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition include:
1. Scam: An unsolicited “agent” calls and offers to help enroll you in a health plan. Legitimate agents need your permission to contact you.
1. Scam: The scammer will ask for your personal information, such as Medicare or Social Security number. You are always able to get information about Medicare plans without providing an ID number. ID numbers are only required when actually enrolling.
1. Scam: Scammers may offer “free gifts” in exchange for your personal information. Real agents will never withhold service in exchange for your personal information.

An important part of open enrollment is making the best choice for your healthcare needs. Being aware of scams, understanding your options, and getting support from the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program are all things that can help make your open enrollment season a smooth process!

Wyoming Parks and Rec Commission decides to open all parks to pets

October 25, 20213-bottom, City of Wyoming, Pets/AnimalsDogs, openJoanne

At many of its parks, the City of Wyoming has waste stations along with signage posted on dogs having to be leashed and owners required to clean-up after their pets. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Come next summer, Fido and friends will be able to visit the City of Wyoming’s Pinery Park.

In an unanimous decision, the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission voted to end the 24-year ordinance that excluded pets, such as dogs, to visit the park from May 1 to Oct. 1. The decision was made after reviewing a survey, listening to a resident comments, and following staff recommendations to discontinue the dog-free status.

The survey, which had 628 people complete it, showed a 56-44 split among residents with the majority in favor of allowing dogs at all of the city’s parks.

“This was how it was 24 years ago,” said Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt. “What is surprising is that while the results are about the same, the attendance for this meeting is not.”

In fact, 24 years ago, when the proposal of making one of the City of Wyoming parks dog-free came up, the Parks and Recreation Commission had a full room of residents who wanted to share their thoughts. At its Oct. 13 meeting, which had been moved to the Wyoming Senior Center to accommodate a large crowd, there was only one person in attendance to speak about the dog-free ordinance.

Resident Tish Stevenson said Pinery Park is one of her favorite parks to visit and she would like to be able to bring her dog there. She stated she would like to see the ban lifted and believes that a focus needs to be made on educating dog owners on making sure their dogs are leashed and they clean up after them.

City parks and recreation staff will be removing the “No dogs allowed” signage at Pinery Park. (WKTV)

This was the same comments echoed by many from the survey who felt that there was more of a need to educate dog owners about the city and state ordinances. Rynbrandt said the city ordinance follows that of the state leash law.

According to Michigan’s leash law, which was established in 1919, dogs six months and older are required to be licenses and owners are required to hold “properly in leash” any dog that is not on their property.

The City of Wyoming requires that pets be on a maximum 8-foot leash and owners are required to clean up after their pets. Rynbrandt pointed out that the city does post signs informing animal owners of the rules and provides waste stations with baggies to dispose of animal waste.

The Parks and Recreation Commission decided to follow staff’s recommendation to discontinue the dog-free status at Pinery Park. The staff made that recommendation because of the difficulty of enforcing the ordinance.

“If a person is found to be in violation of the ordinance, then it requires a parks maintenance person to address the animal owner,” Rynbrandt said. “If the person continues to not follow the rule, then it migrates to trespassing and the police are contacted.”

Police categorize all calls with the most serious issues being addressed first which means by the time a police officer gets to Pinery, the person could be gone, she said. Because of staffing issues at both the parks and in the police department, staff felt the dog-free rule at Pinery Park should be discontinued, Rynbrandt said.

Rynbrandt noted that Pinery Park Little League could still enforce its own programming rule prohibiting dogs as part of its events which take place at the park. Also, service and police dogs are allowed to go to places regardless of existing rules.

With the decision to discontinue the dog-free status at Pinery Park, Rynbrandt said staff will begin the process of removing the “No dogs allowed” signs at Pinery Park and updating the park guidelines in preparation for next summer.

City of Wyoming makes it official: the splash pads are open

June 1, 20213-bottom, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, Recreationopen, splash pads, WyomingJoanne

As of June 1, the City of Wyoming’s three splash pads, located at Lamar Park (above), Oriole Park, and Southlawn, are officially open. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A sure sign of summer is when the City of Wyoming officially opens its splash pads, which is today.

As of June 1, the city’s three splash pads are open, according to city officials and the announcement made on the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The parks will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Wyoming has three splash pads, one at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW.

This weekend the city will open its fourth splash pad with a special reopening ceremony on Saturday at Jackson Park. One of the wishes of residents when discussing the redesign of the park was to include a splash pad, city officials said. The rededication is set for 10 a.m.

Current social distancing guidelines will be followed at all city splash pads.

Museums are open with a plethora of exhibits, activities

November 23, 2020Citizen Journalism, EntertainmentCOVID, Museums, openJoanne

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

A popular pastime for many during the holidays it to tour through the holiday displays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the trees at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, but with the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recent partial shutdown has left many asking, are these places still open?

The answer is yes, according to Kate Kocienski, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

“For us, we will continue with our limited capacity,” Kocienski said, adding that the the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be close for the three weeks and the museum’s organ concerts have been switched to virtual.

The same holds true for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which will open its “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions” Tuesday, Nov. 24. According to a release from the Gardens, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some exhibition elements and activities will be altered to allow for physical distancing. Also because capacities have been limited — indoor facilities are only allowed to be at 30 percent capacity — there may be times when admission will be slightly delayed during peak times.

Remember masks are required at any indoor facility. Also before visiting call or check the organization’s website.

Here is a rundown of what is currently at the exhibition sites in Grand Rapids:

Grand Rapids Public Museum

“Wild Connections,” more than 20 Lego sculptures done by artist Sean Kenney, opened in November and runs through May 2. Dec. 8 -1 9 is “Incoming!,” interactive experiences exploring space from current NASA missions. The program is narrated by George Takei, best known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. On Dec. 18 will be a virtual organ concert by organist Lance Luce. The 7 p.m. performance will feature a selection of holiday music. Tickets for the concert are $5/ museum members and $10/general admission.

For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has three exhibits: “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” which features a collection of paintings by the local artist; “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring the craftsmanship of furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann; and opening Dec. 5, “Interwoven Legacy,” featuring the black ash basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish. Black ash basketry is a traditional Anishinaade art form of basket weaving.

For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Art Museum, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Lots of holiday favorites are opening at the Gardens this week such as the “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions this Tuesday, Nov. 24. In conjunction with the Holiday Traditions display, there will be Virtual Santa Visits from 5 – 8 p.m every Tuesday from Nov. 24 up until Christmas. and the reindeer will be visiting starting Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday leading up to Christmas. The Gardens also will be hosting a “Wee” are Thankful, a Facebook Live event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27 for littles ones to learn and celebrate the meaning of thankfulness. The Gardens also will be hosting winter walks and other activities.

For more information or tickets, visit meijergardens.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Following national policy, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum has been closed since March 14. Check its website, fordlibrarymuseum.gov for updates.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.

Downtown Holland open for business

June 5, 2020Entertainmentbusinesses, COVID-19, dining, openJoanne

By Kara de Alvare
Downtown Holland

In light of Governor Whitmer’s recent Executive Order, shops and restaurants in Downtown Holland look forward to welcoming customers in their doors beginning this week and next. Retailers have opened for customers (without requiring an appointment) beginning June 4, while most restaurants will open for dine-in service beginning Monday, June 8. A handful of restaurants have delayed their opening until later next week or the following week to put the final preparations in place to operate safely.

“Our business owners have been working extremely hard these past few weeks to ensure that the proper protocol is in place so customers can shop and dine safely within their businesses,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “They have been eagerly awaiting the Governor’s announcement allowing them to open their doors and they are so excited to begin welcoming customers once again. They also want to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who supported them while their doors were closed.”

Businesses will be implementing a number of safety protocols to protect their employees and customers from the spread of COVID-19. Among these are front door signage outlining safety precautions and occupancy restrictions, installing hand sanitizing stations, requiring employees and customers to wear masks, increasing the sanitizing of all surfaces and ensuring that customers practice safe social distancing of six feet at all times.

Per the Executive Order, retailers will be able to operate with 25% of their total occupancy, while restaurants will be limited to 50% occupancy. To help businesses navigate these new occupancy restrictions, Downtown Holland will be allowing retailers and restaurants to expand their business operations onto the sidewalk and into the parking spaces for the time being. Retailers will be allowed to display merchandise outside, while restaurants will be allowed to expand their current sidewalk café operations into the parking spaces in front of their business.

Customers that are not comfortable shopping in-store at this time are invited to visit www.shopdowntownholland.com shop online and place orders for delivery or curbside pick from their favorite retailers. Likewise, customers who prefer to dine at home can visit www.dinedowntownholland.com for a list of restaurants offering take-out services.