Congratulations to the new officers of Buckham West’s Board of Directors. These individuals were elected at the January 10th meeting and include: Isabell O’Connor, chair, Julie Carver, vice-chair, Terri Bromenshenkel, treasurer and Sheri Eichhorn, secretary. In addition to these four individuals the remaining directors include: John Battles, John Bellingham, Kenn Dubbels, George Galvin, Winnie Hughes, Dave Jacobsen, Kathryn Speulda and Wally Wetzel. We thank them for their willingness to serve and look forward to a great year.

 

Great Courses Series to Launch

Beginning on Thursday January 13th at 1:30 p.m. Buckham West will launch its first Great Courses presentation on “The Black Death: The World’s Most Devastating Plague”. Great Courses is a series of college-level audio and video courses covering a wide range of topics.  This program is presented by Dorsey Armstrong, PhD, an Associate Professor of English and Medieval Literature at Purdue University and will be facilitated locally by Bob Irby.

“The Black Death” series tells the story of the cataclysmic events that took place across Europe in the 1340’s. This event affected every aspect of human life from the economic and social, to the political, religious and cultural.  While the story of the black death is one of tremendous loss it is also a story of transformative effects on European civilization and ultimately Western civilization as it led to the Reformation, the upending of the class system, and better social opportunities for the working and merchant classes.

This program will be a video viewing and discussion format held in 6 weekly sessions. Pre-register; free for Buckham West members, $3.00 for non-members.

 

Advance Care Planning

If you had a health crisis and were unable to communicate with your loved ones and medical care providers, who would make decisions for you? Advance care planning is a process of thinking about what’s important to you, talking with those who matter to you, and writing down your wishes for health care and treatment in a Health Care Directive.

Don’t know where to start? Attend this free Honoring Choices Advance Care Planning education series to learn more. This 2-session course will walk with you through the process of advance care planning and facilitate the completion of your health care directive. Plan to attend both sessions as you will be asked to complete activities between the sessions.

 

  • Session 1: Introduction to Advance Care Planning and Your Health Care Agent

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 10 – 11 am

We will address the 6 W’s of advance care planning (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How)

  • Session 2: Completing Your Health Care Directive

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 10 – 11 am

Continuing the discussion with the Honoring Choices Health Care Directive, we will answer your questions and provide guidance as you complete a directive that reflects your wishes for health care decision making and treatment.

 

About the Instructor: Pat Heydon is the coordinator for Honoring Choices Advance Care Planning for Faribault & Owatonna. Her experience as a social worker in hospital settings working with patients and families in crisis showed her the importance of advance care planning and drives her passion to helping others understand and complete this very important document. Call 507-977-2330 or email honoringchoices@allina.com to register. Registration will not be handled through Buckham West.

 

Out with the old     

Too much stuff in your closets?  Please consider donating your gently used clothing items to Fashions on Central located at 325 Central Ave in downtown Faribault. Our store is now open Tuesday through Saturday each week from 11am-5pm. Remember that 100% of the proceeds from sales at Fashion on Central are used to support the Senior Center.

 

Senior Learning Network

Through a webcam and internet connection, Buckham West continues its series of virtual classes through the Senior Learning Network (SLN). Pre-registration is required by calling us at 332-7357 and the programs are open to the community.  Cost to attend is $3/Buckham West members or $6/non-members which is payable at the door. The following is the schedule for the next sessions:

  • , Jan. 18th Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Did you know the Ford Presidential Library and Museum is the only split Presidential museum? The Library is located in Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan’s campus.  The Museum is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Join Kristin Phillips, Public Affairs Specialist, as she gives you a glimpse inside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.  Find out why there are two separate facilities, and more fun facts about the 38th President.

  • Tuesday, Jan. 25th: Mitchell Caverns

Mitchell Caverns are the only limestone caves in the California State Park system. For many years the caves were thought to be “dead”, that is, the formations were no longer growing. However, recent studies have found something different. Our park ranger, Andrew has asked us to return to see a special presentation of the caverns in Providence Mountains with their new and improved internet connections.

 

Reminders

  • Don’t forget that we now offer cribbage at Buckham West. Come to play whether you are a regular player, if it’s been a while and you want to brush up or if you just want to learn about the game. The group meets on Thursdays beginning at 1:00pm.
  • If you are a Rice County resident who is living independently and are looking for help with snow removal or other home chores, you are encouraged to call Neighbors Helping Neighbors. They can be reached by calling Buckham West at 332-7357 and asking for their local staff member, Anne Pleskonko. These services will be at a reduced cost and in some cases may even be free.
  • Just a reminder to our current senior center members that we would like to encourage you to get your membership renewal form in. This year’s membership dues are $40 per person. Plus, if you are not a member yet, now is a great time to join!
  • All senior dining meals, whether they are in the dining room or curbside pickup, require a 24-hour advance registration and can be done by calling 332-7357.