Give to the Max Day

Are you familiar with Give to the Max Day? Every year thousands of organizations and individuals generate donations and excitement for Minnesota causes that are working to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans.

Once again Buckham West will be participating in Give to the Max Day, scheduled for tomorrow, November 17^th.  If you would like to donate to us, search for Buckham West on the GiveMN.org website.  It is easy to make a secure gift online in the amount you desire.  Thanks in advance for your generous donation!

Plastic Recycling Today

Once again, the Faribault Lions Club will be at Buckham West to accept your donation of household plastic bags. Today, November 16th between 9:30-11:00am, volunteers from their group will be on hand to accept a variety of household plastics.  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

Great Courses and a Bonus!

Beginning on Thursday, January 5th at 1:30 p.m., Buckham West will launch another Great Courses series titled “America in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era”. Great Courses is a series of college-level courses covering a wide range of topics.   This program is presented by experts in the field and will be facilitated locally by Bob Irby. This program will be a video viewing and discussion format held for 6 sessions. Registration is now being accepted.

The Gilded Age (1865–1900), as the name suggests, was in many ways a golden time. This period saw advances in industrial output and technological innovation, transforming the United States from a predominantly agricultural nation to the world’s most formidable industrial power. Accompanying this transformation was the emergence of industrial titans, such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J. P. Morgan. They also celebrated a series of astonishing achievements, from the completion of the transcontinental railroad (1869) to the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty (1886).

In many ways, the Gilded Age marked the emergence of modern America. But this transformation was neither smooth nor peaceful. Indeed, the name Gilded Age carried a second meaning that is cold, hard, black steel. In keeping with this useful metaphor, our course will examine what many Americans in the Gilded Age saw when they peered beneath the shine of progress.

Along with the winter series of Great Courses, we are also excited to be able to offer a bonus class on Thursday, December 8^th at 1:30pm.  In our Great Courses Bonus Class, you will join others to summarize the 2022 classes.  There will also be a time to re-visit the recent program presented by Dr. Brian Libby. No sign up or cost is necessary for this Bonus Class.

Help for Seniors

The Senior Linkage Line is a free, statewide service designed to help older adults and caregivers find answers and connect to the service and support they need.  One way to reach them for this advice is by calling them at 1-800-333-4233. But, we are happy to announce that beginning in January, 2023 the Senior Linkage Line (SLL) will have office hours in our building once a month.

Some of the things that the SLL can offer during these office hours include:

• Support for those with questions on long term care services, housing options, caregiver support and Medicare
• Assistance with completing applications and forms for health, medical and other benefits
• Provide referrals for additional services.

As a way to introduce Faribault’s older adults to the SLL staff member, Cea Grass, we have invited her to be here on Friday, Nov. 18 from 9:30-11:30 and again on Wed., Dec. 14 also from 9:30-11:30am. Then beginning on Wed., Jan 11th she will be here on the second Wednesday of each month.

Holiday Bake Sale

No time to do any holiday baking this year? Buckham West’s annual Holiday Bake Sale is scheduled for Monday, November 28th with doors open to the public for shopping between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

As we have done in the past, Buckham West members are requested to donate either baked goods or cash to support this event. Please have your baked goods delivered to the Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. on November 28th and those planning to donate cash can drop off money at their convenience.  We appreciate your support for this important annual fundraising event.

Santa Comes to the Buckham Center

The holiday season officially arrives at the Buckham Center with the annual Hometown Holiday celebration scheduled from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1st. You will see the arrival of Santa, have a cookie and popcorn, enjoy special holiday music and participate in many family activities. This is a free event which is open to the entire community.  Mark your calendar, more details to come!

Year End Gifts

If you are someone who is considering options for your IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution, please consider a gift to Buckham West!   A Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allows individuals age 70 1/2 or older to donate up to $100,000 per year directly from a qualifying IRA to charities such as Buckham West and pay no income tax on the distribution. Please consult your tax or financial professional about your personal situation.

Pop-Up Shoppe Donations

The “Pop-Up Christmas Shoppe” returns for a third time prior to the 2022 holiday season, with all proceeds used to support the programs and services of Buckham West. This event is set to kick off on Saturday, Nov. 26^th.

In order to stock the shop, we are now actively soliciting donations from our members and other supportive community members. Please drop off your donated items to Buckham West no later than Friday, November 18th.

Reminders:

• Buckham West membership renewals are now due for 2023. Cost is $40/person.
• Another AARP Defensive Driving Class has been added for December. It is a four-hour refresher scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12:30-4:30pm.