New Director Hired

Starting on April 4th you will see a new face in the building.  Carla Pearson has been hired to replace me as the director and begins her work that day. Carla has most recently worked for Three Rivers Community Action, which is known for its Meals on Wheels program, which she was in charge of in Rice County. Carla has extensive experience in working with older adults and you will find her to be full of fun and a commitment to the well-being of seniors. The organization is in good hands and I wish her much success and a fulfilling career, just as I have had.

I have been blessed to have had a twenty-year career in a job that I loved. The memories and the friendships will last forever.

With sincere appreciation, Mona Kaiser

 

Meet and Greet the Sheriff

Join us for a Meet and Greet with Rice County Sheriff, Jesse Thomas.  On Monday, April 17th from 9 to 10 a.m. Sheriff Thomas will be visiting in the coffee shop, then from 10 to 11 a.m. he will be in the conference room to share information related to public safety and law enforcement in Rice County. We can expect to have an update on the new Public Safety Center project.  This program is open to the public; no pre-registration is 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.

In addition to shopping, we are now looking for additional donations to our store. At this time, we are especially looking for donations of women’s purses and jewelry. Please remember that all profits from the sales at Fashions on Central, are used to support that programs and services at Buckham West.

 

Spring Session of Great Courses

If you are interested in attending the spring sessions in our Great Courses series there is still time! Buckham West has started another series titled “Unsung Heroes of World War II: Europe” and new participants are welcome to attend. In this series, we will look beyond the epic battles and military strategy to meet some of the ordinary people who made an extraordinary impact on World War II.

This program will be a video viewing and discussion format held for 6 sessions and is presented by experts in the field and facilitated locally by Bob Irby. The class is free to members with a minimal cost to non-members. Please note the change to a morning time, instead of the usual afternoon time slot.  Call 332-7357 to register.

 

It’s Minnesota Food Share Month!

Buckham West is hosting a food and funds collection drive throughout the month of March.

 

Where will my donations go?

We will give your donations to the Community Action Center in Faribault and to St Vincent de Paul in Faribault.

 

What should I donate?

  • Your monetary donations are definitely important. Food shelves know how to stretch your donated dollars and during March, MN Food Share helps local food shelves to stretch their dollars even further.  Checks can be made to St Vincent de Paul or to Community Action Center with Faribault in the memo line.
  • Should you choose to donate non-perishable items, please pick up a “shopping list” of suggested items and bring the items back to Buckham West.

 

Membership Renewals

If you have just received a reminder postcard in the mail it is because we are now asking for all past members to please renew their membership for 2023. Not only would you be supporting a worthy non-profit organization, but we also ask that you 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, Great Courses, 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.

 

Nice to Know         

  • If you have questions regarding insurance or other benefits that you might qualify for, Senior Linkage Line staff member, Cea Grass be here on the second Wednesday of each month.
  • Aging Eyes Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Buckham West from 10-11:00am.
  • 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.
  • If you are a Rice County resident who is living independently and are looking for help with yard work 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