New Member Incentive

As an incentive to add new members for the remainder of 2022, we are kicking off a special Membership Drive beginning September 1st. If you are 50 years or older, we would like to invite you to become a member for the remainder of 2022 and all of 2023 for only $45. Next year’s individual’s dues are $40 per year, so for just $5 more you can join for the last 4 months of 2022 and all of 2023. Look at this as a way to support this important non-profit and save yourself some money.

If you are already a Buckham West member, your annual renewal process will begin in November for the 2023 membership year

Salsa Making Contest

The best thing about summer is the abundance of fresh vegetables that are available. Well now is the time to put that fresh produce to good use and enter our salsa making contest!

There are two ways to participate. One is to enter the contest by submitting your own salsa. The other way is to come and taste the salsa entries and help us choose the winners.

There will be three groups of entries: Buckham West Members, invited local celebrities and invited local restaurants. Full contest details are on the entry form which is available for pick up at Buckham West or on the website at buckhamwest.org by Friday, August 19. There is no fee to enter and there will be prizes awarded.

The taste-testing and voting will happen on Wednesday, September 14th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Buckham West. Join the fun and submit your own entry. Outside of the celebrity entries, we ask for Buckham West members only, please.

WWII-Iconic Drawings and Women of War

On Wednesday, August 31^st beginning at 1:30 p.m., Buckham West is hosting a special program featuring an extraordinary collection of pencil drawings by premier pencil artist Al Smith. The program will feature scenes and images that portray WWII soldiers and also the women who have served in the armed forces.

Artist Al Smith will present a program based on his drawings of those who served during time of war. He found that by drawing their pictures and telling their stories, he could express his respect and appreciation for them. This is one way he honors all veterans.

The program is open to the public; pre-registration required by calling 332-7357. There is no cost for Buckham West members and $3 for non-members which is payable at the door.

Medicare 101

If you are turning 65 or going on Medicare soon, here is an opportunity for you to get the information you need. “Medicare 101” will be held at Buckham West on Tuesday, September 27th from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The workshop will cover the parts of Medicare- hospital, medical and drug options; including original/ traditional Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare advantage plans, Part D prescription drug coverage and preventive benefits.

The class instructor will be a certified State Health Insurance Program Counselor and specialist with the Senior LinkAge Line®. This is a free event which is open to the public. There is a minimum of 10 participants for this class to be held, so sign up is necessary by calling 332-7357

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Are you caring for a family member, friend or neighbor? Caregiving responsibilities are broad, but those routinely helping or caring for someone near or far-away, are considered caregivers. If you are a caregiver and in need of support, consider signing up for “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”.

Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Buckham West, along with Catholic Charities, is hosting a free, six-week wellness program, designed for those who provide care for a loved one. Workshop sessions will be held at Buckham West each Tuesday for six weeks.

In this workshop you will learn practical skills proven to reduce stress, communicate more effectively, improve self-care, make effective decisions and access community resources for caregivers. Participants also benefit from meeting other people with similar challenges and learning how to cope together. Registration is required as seating is limited.

Registration for this program can be done by calling Buckham West at 332-7357.

Gardening Experience

On Tuesday, August 30th at 10:00am Buckham West members are invited to register for a free educational program and tour of the University of Minnesota Extension’s “Teaching Garden”. A project of the U of M’s Master Gardener Program, this experience will allow participants to view plants that do well in our area, learn about seed trials that happen in the garden, and ask questions of the Master Gardeners.

Lorrie Rugg, Master Gardener Coordinator, plus additional local Master Gardeners will be our guides. Pre-registration is required for this member-only, free event and can be done by calling 332-7357. All those that are registered will be asked to meet at the garden on the Rice County Fairgrounds.

Trips Added

Buckham West is now partnering with the Owatonna Senior Center for all trips. Please sign up by calling 507-444-4321. There are flyers with all details available at Buckham West.