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. More details on the course will be forthcoming, with registration to open soon!

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. 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.

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.

Give to the Max Day

Are you familiar with Give to the Max Day? Created in 2009, Give to the Max Day has become an annual tradition. 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 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!

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. These donations will then be priced, displayed and sold at the Shoppe.

In order to have artisan and boutique quality items, we will not accept previously opened or used items. Please drop off your donated items to Buckham West no later than Friday, November 18th.

Membership Time

Thanks to everyone who continues to support Buckham West with their paid membership each year. By now each current member has received their 2023 membership renewal form in the mail. Please drop off your payment sometime before yearend.

Our membership dues for 2023 are set for $40 per person, which is the same fee as 2022.  We also have scholarships available for those that request it. Please know that by becoming a member you are supporting an excellent, non-profit organization that provides necessary and relevant information, services, and programs to Faribault’s older adults.

Keep it Local!

Fashions on Central now has all of its winter wear out on the sales floor.  If you need a sweater, scarf or winter coat we can help!  Anything that you might want for winter can be purchased at Fashions on Central.  We want to invite everyone to stop in and see what is new.  You will always find high quality, gently-used clothing for women at great prices.

We also ask you to please consider giving to Fashions on Central when donating your clothing and accessories. Donations are needed and accepted during regular store hours, Monday-Saturday 10:00-5:00. Remember that all of the money raised from the sales supports the operations of Buckham West.

Reminders:

• Aging Eyes Support Group for individuals who are searching for assistance in dealing with their vision concerns will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Buckham West from 10-11:00am.
• If you are a Rice County resident who is living independently and are looking for help with fall clean up and snow removal, you are encouraged to call Neighbors Helping Neighbors. You may call Buckham West at 507-332-7357 and ask for Anne Pleskonko. These services are based on your ability to pay.
• 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.
• On Friday, Nov. 11^th – Veteran’s Day- Buckham West will be open its usual hours of 9am-4pm. However, there will be no noon meal that day, including Meals on Wheels, curbside and congregate dining.