New Director

Greetings! My name is Carla Pearson and I began my journey as the new Director of Buckham West on Tuesday, April 4th. Since then, I have met many members & volunteers and continue to learn the workings of the center. I hope to be a great addition to the Buckham West team and look forward to expanding programs & services to enhance socialization for those over 50. There will be an open house meet and greet in May. Stay tuned.

Healthcare Fraud

Staff of the Senior Linkage Line and the Faribault Police Department recently provided a class here on preventing health care fraud. Here are the 10 top ways to prevent fraud:

  • Don’t share your Medicare or Social Security numbers
  • Track your medical appointments and compare them with your Medicare statements
  • Shred all receipts and personal documents
  • Hang up on robotic calls and calls asking for personal information
  • Check your credit reports annually
  • Don’t give out personal information or send money, if the request is unexpected
  • Don’t accept money or gifts in exchange for free medical care
  • Read everything you sign and ask for a copy
  • Never sign a blank document
  • If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is

If you have a concern or want to learn more, call the Senior Linkage Line, 800-333-2433.

You can also meet with Cea Grass, a Senior Linkage Line specialist at Buckham West, call for an appointment.

 

New programs

It’s not too early to add some flowers to your yard or garden and these are the kind that will last from one season to the next. Come to Buckham West on Wednesday, May 3rd at 1:00 p.m. for a Make and Take Garden Art project with Paula Wadekamper.

This project involves creating a simple art piece from recycled plates and other found items and turning it into a flower stake for display in your yard. The program is open to the public; cost is $8.00 which includes supplies for making and mounting your creation.  Garden stakes will be also be available for purchase.

Please call to pre-register as the class size is limited.

 

On May 3rd , we will enjoy a coffee shop concert with acoustic guitar and vocals provided by local musician, Jim Lenway. Jim traces his roots to Faribault. He was formerly a lead singer with The Celebrate Band of First English Lutheran Church.  In more recent years, he’s provided musical entertainment at area senior care facilities, wineries, and other venues. A song writer, guitarist and fine vocalist, Jim’s concert will cover folk tunes, pop and inspirational music.

This free concert will begin at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public, no pre-registration needed.

 

Fashions on Central

Have you been there lately? Fashions on Central, our second-hand clothing store in downtown Faribault, is preparing for spring and open for shopping! We are busy replacing the winterwear with the spring and summer fashions. There is so much to offer, please come in while the selections are good. The store is open Tuesdays- Fridays from 11:00am-5:00pm.  Please remember that all profits from the sales at Fashions on Central, are used to support that programs and services at Buckham West.

In addition to shopping, we are also looking for additional volunteers to greet shoppers and manage sales for a few hours a week. Please inquire about this rewarding volunteer opportunity by contacting Carla Pearson at Buckham West.

 

News on Support Group

An Aging Eyes Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 10:00 a.m. This support group aims to help people feel less alone as they navigate changes due to vision loss. People attending the group can expect to participate in helpful conversations with others coping with a similar situation, discover resources available locally, and expand their circle of friends while learning and sharing strategies for daily living.

This free program is open to the public and facilitated by Betsy Shallbetter, a volunteer with the Aging Eyes Initiative and a retired MN State Academy for the Blind teacher. We ask people to pre-register for this free program; call Buckham West 332-7357.

 

Plastic Recycling

The Faribault Lions Club will be at Buckham West to accept your donation of household plastic bags. Bring your plastic to Buckham West between 9:30-11:00am Wednesday, April 19th.  This Plastic Recycling Project is a fund-raiser for community projects.

The plastics must be clean, dry and free from food and another residue. Please do not bring bags in on other days, as we will not be storing them here.

 

Nice to Know 

  • Buckham West Book Club meets on April 27th at 9:30 a.m. Call Buckham West and ask for Brenda for book information.
  • On the 4th Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., you are invited to gather with other caregivers for a time of learning, sharing, and friendly discussion.