Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
Buckham West, a community hub for seniors in Faribault, has announced an expanded schedule of events and resources aimed at supporting the health, safety, and social well-being of the local older adult population. As reported by the Faribault Daily News, the center is integrating a mix of recreational activities with critical life-skills training throughout the coming months.
Among the new health-focused offerings is a CPR and lifesaving refresher course, scheduled for October 6 and October 8. While these sessions are designed to teach basic techniques—including choking response, CPR, and AED usage—the center explicitly clarified that these are educational workshops rather than formal certification classes. Registration is mandatory for the limited-capacity sessions, which carry a $5 fee.
Medicare and Advocacy Support
Recognizing the complexities of navigating healthcare coverage, Buckham West is partnering with Minnesota Aging Pathways to provide guidance on Medicare. A general “Medicare 101” session is scheduled for September 9, followed by a hands-on “Medicare Navigation Class” on October 20. The latter is intended to help seniors use their own electronic devices to compare plans and manage costs through the official Medicare.gov portal.
The center also continues its collaboration with Three Rivers Community Action to provide ongoing advocacy for seniors. Sarah Kuball, an older adult advocate, maintains a presence at the center every Monday to offer confidential consultations. Additionally, the center coordinates with Three Rivers Volunteer Transportation to assist seniors who may require logistical help to attend these events.
Social and Recreational Programming
Beyond health and advocacy, the center maintains a robust schedule of social activities. Weekly game groups—including Mahjongg, Cribbage, and Hand & Foot—remain a staple of the center’s membership offerings. For those interested in the arts, the center is hosting guided painting sessions with instructor Kate Langlais, sponsored by Wieber Physical Therapy. These classes are free for the 50-plus community and emphasize a relaxed, inclusive environment for all skill levels.