Prime Times Briefs

Toledo Zoo’s Senior Discovery Days offer programs, discounts
        The Toledo Zoo invites area seniors to enjoy Senior Discover Days with free admission and activities every Wednesday in September and October.
        The celebration of seniors also includes special events and animal demonstrations, including:
        • 10:15 a.m.: Polar bear enrichment, Arctic Encounter.
        • 10:30 a.m.: Rhinoceros hornbill Keeper talk, Aviary.
        • 11 a.m.:  Otter enrichment, Tembo Trail.
        • 11:30 a.m.: Elephant enrichment, Tembo Trail.
        • Noon: Meet an animal, ProMedica Museum of Natural History.
        • 12:30 p.m.: Meet an animal, ProMedica Museum of Natural History.
        • 1:30 p.m.: Meet an animal, ProMedica Museum of Natural History.
        • 2 p.m.: Primate enrichment, Primate Forest.               
        • 2:30 p.m.: Hippo feed, Tembo Trail.
        Wheelchairs & motorized scooters available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Caregivers who are directly responsible for assisting seniors during Senior Discovery Days are eligible for free Zoo admission. (This applies only to professional caregivers; regular admission rates will apply for volunteers and relatives of visiting seniors).
        In addition, Mondays-Fridays in September and October, seniors 60 and better enjoy:
        • Free parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail & Broadway parking lots.
        • Free small coffee and mini-muffin at the Timberline Bakery (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
        • A 15% discount on merchandise in zoo gift shops.
        • A 20% discount on memberships when purchased at the Membership Sales window.
        • $1 off either individual or family baskets at the Giraffe Feed Deck.
        For more information, visit toledozoo.org/events/senior-discovery-days.
 
OSHIIP to present Medicare update
        Magruder will host a Medicare Update educational program on Monday, Oct. 21 at noon. Limited seating is available and an RSVP is required to 419-732-4061 or rfall@magruderhospital.com. The hospital is located at 615 Fulton St., Port Clinton.
        The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) will present a Medicare Update for 2025. The program will go over Original Medicare (including Parts A & B, Supplemental Insurances and Part D) as well as Medicare Advantage plans.
        Trained helpers will be available to run comparisons while participants are in the program, so attendees should bring their Medicare card, list of meds (including dosage and frequency) as well as their Medicare.gov information if they have signed up on that site.
        Those who would like to fill out the comparison form ahead of time, may reach out to Rachel at the number or email above and she can send or email the form.
        Those who aren’t able to make it to the event can get help during open enrollment by contacting OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578, or OSHIIP Volunteer Rachel Fall at rfall@magruderhospital.com or 419-732-4061.
 
African Safari celebrating seniors
        African Safari Wildlife Park is inviting seniors ages 62 and up to “go a little wild” with $12 admission every Tuesday in September and October.
        This discounted rate, which is only available in person at the park and cannot be purchased online, includes admission to the Drive-Thru Safari, featuring giraffes, zebras, bison, elk, alpacas, camels and more. Access to the Walk-Thru Safari, home to kangaroos, lemurs, porcupines and macaws, is also included before it closes for the season on Sunday, Sept. 29.
        Seniors can also save 25% on the park's Giraffe Encounter, Capybara Encounter and Sloth Encounter with coupon code SENC25. These experiences can be booked online in advance at  africansafariwildlifepark.com/safari/animal-encounters.
        African Safari is located at 267 S. Lightner Rd., Port Clinton. Visit africansafariwildlifepark.com for more details.
 
E. Toledo Senior Center plans events
        The East Toledo Senior Center will hold a Goulash Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4-7 p.m. The center is located at 1001 White St. (Navarre Park Shelterhouse).
        Dinner will include homemade goulash, salad, a breadstick and beverage (dine-in only). Tickets are $10. Homemade desserts will be available for purchase. A 50/50 raffle will be conducted at 4 p.m. (need not be present to win).
        The center will also host a Chicken Paprikas Dinner Saturday, Oct. 6 between 12:30 and 4 p.m.
        The cost is $10 per ticket, which includes chicken spaetzle with gravy, a side salad with dressing, roll and butter and beverage (dine-in only). Carryouts area available. There will also be a bake sale featuring assorted dessert items.
        For tickets or more information, call 419-691-2254.
        Craft Extravaganza
        The center’s annual Craft Show Extravaganza is set for Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Interested vendors may reserve a spot by contacting Patty at 419-691-2254, ext. 205 or pattyd@etfc.org.
        The cost is $35 for 1 table space, payable by cash only – $15 for the space and a $20 deposit refundable if the vendor stays until at least 2 p.m.
 
Medicare 101 Event
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. is working with the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) to ensure local seniors have the information they need for this fall’s Medicare open enrollment.             A representative from OSHIIP will present a talk Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 South Grove St., Bowling Green.
        Attendees will learn about the recent changes to Medicare and how the Oct. 15-Dec. 7 Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period can work for them. They will also get tips on how to enroll for 2025 coverage in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medicare health plan and will be able to see if they qualify to save an average of $3,900 on their prescription drug costs.
        RSVP is not required. Contact the WCCOA Social Services Department at 419-353-5661 for more information or contact OSHIIP directly at 1-800-686-1578.
 
Alzheimer’s support group meetings set
        The Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Ohio offers monthly support groups at the Oregon Senior Center, 4350 Navarre Ave.
        Upcoming dates include Oct. 1, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 from 1-2 p.m.
        Support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, offer a safe space for individuals caring for a loved one to:
        • Develop a support system.
        • Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions.
        • Talk though issues.
        • Share feelings, needs and concerns.
        • Learn mindfulness techniques to bring balance to challenging days.
        Registration is required. Call 567-302-3608 to sign up.
        To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.