Tag Archives: reopen

After four months, Wyoming Senior Center reopens

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The Wyoming Senior Center walking club heads out the doors of the center to its destination, which was Palmer Park. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When Wyoming resident Barb Hoover learned that the Wyoming Senior Center would reopen on March 8, she was one of the first people to walk through the doors.

“It was fabulous,” Hoover said with a smile on her face as she waited for the walking club program to start. it was her second visit to the facility within three days. “It is a different thing to be able to walk in and participate with others”

“It is nice to see people and socialize and be able to talk to people your own age,” said Wyoming resident Lee Wilholit. “It is great to be able to get out and see how others are doing.”

Wyoming resident and volunteer lead for the walking club Joel Anderson talks to Wyoming resident Barb Hoover before the club heads out. (WKTV)

For Wyoming resident Tina Packer, she couldn’t wait to take advantage of some of the services the center offers to seniors.

“It is especially nice when you can come and get help with something like your taxes,” Packer said. “My husband can’t get around as much so it is great that I am able to come in here and someone is able to help us because I don’t know a thing about taxes.”

It’s been four months since the facility closed for the second statewide shutdown, which took place in November.

“Everyday the phones would ring,” said Wyoming Senior Center Director Chad Boprie. “Even more so when some else would announce they would be offering bingo.”

Bingo still will not be taking place but other popular programs such as bean bag baseball, needles and yarn, ping pong, painting club, technology club, rubber stamping, bike club, and the walking club are happening as well as the game room is open. Pre-registration is required for all programs with capacity capped at 25. The game room has two pool tables open by appointment.

“I am really glad to be back into the swing of things,” said Wyoming resident Joel Anderson, who is a volunteer lead for the center’s walking club and bike club as well as president of the Fellowship Club. 

“This is the time of year when all of my activities start to ramp up so it’s nice to be able to have the center open,” Anderson said.

Attendance has been small, but Boprie said that is OK. The decision was made to have a soft opening before ramping up the activities.

Last summer, when the center was able to reopen after the first statewide shutdown, its patios and parking lots were utilized for program activities to help maintain the required social distancing. Boprie said staff plans to do the same this spring and summer.

“Basically, every spot that wasn’t doing much became a place of activity,” Boprie said. “If it had a concrete space, we began to utilize it.”

The Wyoming Senior Center walking club gather in the center’s main room before heading out on their walk. (WKTV)

There are a few things not open such as the coffee shop, which Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin said they hope to open soon once they have more guidance from the state. Until then, food and beverages will not be sold.

 

But that is OK, said Wyoming resident Norine Shae because her reason for coming back centers on “being active and having some fun.”

Wyoming resident Theresa Morse smiles and then adds “You take it all for grant until it is gone.”

The Wyoming Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. For more information, call 616-530-3190 or visit the center’s website.

KDL set to reopen branches this week

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Kent District Library announces that it will reopen its branches for in-person services starting Jan. 19. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

After being closed to the public for almost two months, the Kent District Library announced plans today to reopen all of its branches for in-person services starting Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Patrons will be able to enter their local KDL branch to browse the collection and enjoy other library resources inside, in addition to having the option of curbside service. Due to construction, the KDL Cascade branch will reopen on Feb. 1.

“We are so excited to welcome our patrons back to the library once again,” said Regional Manager Anjie Gleisner. “We look forward to seeing and serving people while making our buildings a safe place to visit.”

For health and safety reasons, KDL will have a couple of guidelines in place:

·         Properly worn masks are required.

·         Private study rooms are not available for use and play spaces will be closed.

·         Patrons are asked to limit their visits to two hours. Computer use will be limited to two hours a day.

·         KDL encourages high-risk patrons to visit the branches during the first hour of the day, as they are usually less busy.

·         The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Orders require KDL to limit building capacity to 30 percent.

Curbside pickup service has become extremely popular, enabling patrons to checkout materials online and have them quickly brought to their car during regular hours. Patrons who are more comfortable using the library from home can enjoy a wide range of materials and services online, including livestreamed programs, by visiting www.kdl.org/virtual. Locations, hours and all services are detailed at kdl.org.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center to reopen on Sept. 17

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Jon Shaner
The Salvation Army

After six months of complete closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army Kroc Center will reopen to members on Thursday, Sept. 17, in accordance with the pre-Labor Day executive order by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“We’ve spent the last few months making sure the Kroc Center is as safe as possible for our members,” said Senior Kroc Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “The Kroc is an important place for the physical and mental health of our members, and we are glad to be able to welcome them back.”

The Kroc Center will continue to follow all state and local guidelines and has developed its own “Road to Reopening” plan that will phase in services and programs over the coming weeks and months. Details on the plan are available at GrKrocCenter.org.

In the first “Orange” phase, only the fitness center will be available to Kroc Center members. No day passes will be sold. Services like the aquatics center, gymnasium, group exercise classes, and child watch will return during the “Yellow” phase. Day passes, programs, and all other services will wait until the “Green” phase. The progression of phases will be based on customer feedback, staffing, and, most importantly, the state of the coronavirus in the Grand Rapids area.

“Even as we reopen, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, and we can’t ignore its impact on the people we serve,” said Captain Brutto. “Every step we take is rooted in the health and safety of our members and guests.”

During its closure, the Kroc Center has continued to provide services to members and guests by offering free sack lunches and grocery boxes, check-in calls for seniors, and virtual fitness classes and other activities. Kroc Church has also continued meeting, both via online channels and outdoor worship services.