When you think about saving energy, you probably imagine turning lights off, putting on a sweater instead of turning the heat up, or washing your clothes with cold water. While these are all excellent tips, did you know that simply swapping out devices in your house can make a huge dent in your energy bill? For example, LED bulbs are 70-90% more efficient that fluorescent ones. If you are interested in making some changes to the lightbulbs in your home, you can pick up these bulbs for FREE on Monday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 23 from 9:30-10:30am right here at Buckham West.

These LED bulbs are provided by Xcel Energy and range in size from 4W to 65W. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about Home Energy Squad, which will help reduce your energy use without diminishing your comfort by providing better insulation, lighting, faucet aerators, and thermostats. There will also be someone on hand that will answer your questions and pass along other energy saving tips. This free event is open to the public and there is no membership or registration required.

 

Intro to Mahjong

Mahjongg – is a game of strategy that originated in China.  It uses small rectangular tiles stamped with symbols and characters. The object of the game is to be the first to assemble combinations of these tiles into specific patterns that make up a hand.  These combinations are assembled by picking and discarding tiles. Once you learn the fundamentals of the game and begin to play, you will understand why so many people love it!

If you are interested in learning how to play, Buckham West will be offering a series of four learning sessions on Thursdays: April 21st and 28th, May 5th and 12th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Class instructors will be Jacki Johnson, JoEllen Schulz, & Sandy Nelson.

It is strongly recommended that participants plan to attend all 4 sessions in order to fully understand the game.  This is a free class; Buckham West membership required. Limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required by calling 332-7357.

If serious about MahJongg, it is suggested to purchase the book: A Beginner’s Guide to American MahJongg: How to Play the Game and Win in paperback by Elaine Sandberg.   It is a great reference book, available on Amazon.

 

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? Does this person know your wishes and have you put your thoughts in writing? 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, April 5, 2022 from 10 – 11 am

  • Session 2: Completing Your Health Care Directive

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 10 – 11 am

 

Call 507-977-2330 or email honoringchoices@allina.com to register. Registration will not be handled through Buckham West.

 

Membership Required for Several Programs

If you have just received a reminder letter in the mail it is because we are now asking for all past members to please renew their membership for 2022. Please remember that there are several Buckham West programs that are for members only including the Writing Group, Mahjong, 500, Cribbage, Bridge Marathon, Meditation, Out to Lunch Bunch, plus others. So, if you want to continue your participation in these popular groups, please remember to renew your membership.  Membership forms are available at the front desk or on our website.  The price is $40 per person.

 

$6 Bag Sale

Who doesn’t love a bargain! If you do, now is a great time to stop in at Fashions on Central during their $6 Bag Sale. Our store, located at 325 Central Ave, sells high quality, gently-used clothing for men and women at bargain prices. The store is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 11am-5pm.

 

Trips

Buckham West is now partnering with the Owatonna senior center for all day trips. Interested Faribault attendees will sign up by calling 507-444-4321 and pay Owatonna directly. When calling to sign up, mention the discount coupon code buckham5 and receive $5 off the price. Pick up in Faribault will be in the public parking lot on the east side of the Buckham Library.

  • “Stag and Doe”- Day Trippers Theater 

March 24th, 2022

Buckham West: Pick up 10:30am, Return 4:15pm

Price: $75.00 with coupon code, includes transportation and lunch.

  • MN Twins Baseball game

August 3, 2022

Buckham West: Pick up 10:05am, Return 5:30pm

Price: $65.00 with coupon code. Registration deadline is July 8th.

 

Reminders

  • Volunteers needed as drivers for Meals on Wheels! Call Three Rivers at 800-277-8418 or threeriverscap.org for more information and to download an application.
  • If you are a Rice County resident who is living independently and are looking for help with driving to appointments 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.
  • 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.