For a list of all exercise related classes and activities, visit our Active Aging page
It’s Fresh Produce Season!
Locally Yours Offered at The Thompson Center Weekly Through October on Thursdays Beginning at 10 am
We’re excited to promote Locally Yours, a free program that gives us access to fresh, locally grown produce. There is no income restriction and the program is available to all Thompson patrons. Our Locally Yours partner, Neil and Alice Lamson’s Fox Crossing Farm in Pomfret, will be delivering fresh produce to The Thompson weekly.
What is it?
This program helps older Vermonters get locally grown produce, benefitting both senior nutrition needs and our local farms. Locally Yours is made possible through Senior Solutions with a grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets.
How does it work?
It’s as easy as stopping at The Thompson on delivery days or letting us know to include produce with your home delivered meals if you receive them. We encourage you to take only as much as you think you can use as it helps share the crops with more people. When picking up produce, we do need you to sign in so we can report back on how many people were served this season.
Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
Monday, June 10, 9:30-12:30pm, by appointment
VPharm (prescription drug applications), 3Squares (money for food program), Fuel assistance, Green Mt Power discount. Individual assistance is available at The Thompson by appointment with Senior Solutions Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey. Call for your appointment.
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: High Blood Pressure Workshop
A FREE Virtual Class, Tuesdays, May 7 – June 25, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Participants will learn the basics in managing high blood pressure such as: Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Understanding Medications.
Please register with Sarah Doyle at (802) 289-0045 or sdoyle@northstarfqhc.org
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: Upcoming Diabetes Prevention Workshop
A FREE Virtual Class via Zoom,
Tuesdays, May 7, 2024-May 6, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm
What the Diabetes Prevention Program Offers
Education and support to help you adopt healthier eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight loss and reducing your risk of getting diabetes.
Timing
Participants meet once a week for the first 16 weeks.
Following thay they meet every other week, then monthly for a total of 25 sessions over a year.
Who it’s For
People at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
Register by emailing pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
How Medicare, Medicare Supplemental, and Medicare Advantage Plans Can Work For You
Presented by Andrew Hayward, Gateway Retirement Solutions
Thursday, May 16, 1:00 PM
If you are facing retirement and enrolling in Medicare, this presentation will cover the basics of Medicare and how Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans can work for you. All people turning 65 have 6 months to sign up for Medicare (3 months before and the three months after one turns 65) without a penalty in the future. Andy will also be discussing the Medicare prescription plans and how to choose the one that fits best for you.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Presented by The Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Tuesday, June 4, 1:00 PM
Behaviors are a form of communication. In this program, you will learn to identify, understand and respond to challenging behaviors such as agitation, confusion and more, exhibited by individuals living with dementia. Caregiver tips and strategies to respond to some of these common behaviors will be discussed. Please register in advance by calling The Thompson Center.
The High Cost of Anger:
How Judging, Grudging, and Politics Can Affect Your Health
Leader: Jeanne Childs, M.A. Board Certified Clinical Geriatric Chaplain
June 5, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Held at the Darthmouth-Hitchcock Aging Resource Center, Colburn Hill, Entrance E, 444 Mt. Support Road, Lebanon, NH
Live Streaming of the presentation will be available at The Thompson by reservation. Limited space is available so please register early
Let us pause in this election year to check out how we are relating to each other and what to do to keep ourselves and our relationships healthy. Learn the effects of rancorous exchanges on your body’s nervous system, how to cultivate more positive interactions and ways to become more present and keep emotions grounded. To Register click here.
Veterans Resources Talk
Presented by the Veterans Benefits Administration
Tuesday, June 18, 1:00 PM
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps veterans receive benefits, such as educational and financial resources. The White River Junction office of the VBA will be conducting a presentation covering an overview of the compensation claim’s process, as well as a brief discussion on additional benefits that are available to Veterans and their survivor spouses. The VBA representative will be available to answer any claim or benefit related questions that may arise. Please register in advance at The Thompson.
Age Well Series:
Estate Planning Strategies
How Estate Planning Has Evolved – Documents in an Estate Plan
Thursday, June 20, 1:00 PM
In this presentation, we will discuss general estate planning concepts and learn about the typical documents used in an estate plan. Changes in the law, the changing view of lifestyle, privacy, non-traditional families and longevity has made this legal field more interesting in recent years. This overview may assist you in considering your own estate planning needs, and may help you in determining whether you might benefit from working with an attorney and financial planning professional. We will discuss how to start the process and end with how to handle all the documents used in an estate plan.
Attorney Carl Bulgini offers skilled representation and legal counsel to individuals, families and businesses throughout the Upper Valley. Attorney Bulgini is an Honors Graduate of Quinnipiac School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University with a B.A. in Ethics, Politics and Economics and earned his MBA from the Yale School of Management. In addition to his training as a lawyer, Attorney Bulgini is also a Certified Financial Planner™. Attorney Bulgini proudly serves Pomfret as a Volunteer Firefighter and spends his free time skiing and riding in the Green Mountains with his wife, Christine.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
Contact The Thompson for details and availability
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15-week ONLINE weight-management program based upon evidence-based strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance. Each hour-long weekly lesson includes: 1) discussion about behaviors important for weight loss or weight maintenance, 2) information on how friends and family can provide support, and 3) strategies for adopting the behavior. Planning, tracking and living mindfully are the key components of the program and are incorporated into each lesson.
The program is delivered ONLINE, live in real-time using the Zoom platform. Classes are delivered by a live Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) instructor, hired and trained by North Carolina State University. Participants can choose a time of the day that works best for them – evening and lunchtime classes are available. Participants attend the sessions remotely on individual computers or mobile devices and can see and hear their instructor. The real-time environment allows for discussion with others in the class. Outside of the live sessions, participants also have access to a secure, online portal whereby they track their weekly progress and communicate with their instructor.
This is $235 value that we’re able to offer for free because of a Wellness Grant through the Vermont Association of Senior Centers and Meal Providers from a Congressional Delegated funding to bring evidence-based programs to senior centers.
Caregiver Support Group
with Carla and Co-facilitator Anne Marinello
In-person 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 pm
Virtual participation still available upon request
Support and education can make a critical difference for family members and caregivers of patients with memory loss or disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Please join our confidential monthly support group (with complimentary lunch) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges. Pre-register for lunch.
In-person Tech Support
Appointments on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 12:30-2:30 pm
In collaboration with the Norman Williams Public Library, you can now get 1:1 tech support at The Thompson. Bring in your mobile phones, laptops, iPads and any other type of tablet device you need help with. Multiple devices can be brought to one appointment. Call Shari to book your 1 hour appointment, and don’t forget your passwords!
Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
June 10 & 20, 9:00 – 2:30 pm. Towels are supplied. Cost $35
Beverly Sinclair has been a practicing registered nurse for 22 years with extensive experience as a staff nurse and in nurse management. She has been providing local foot care service for older Vermonters for the past 6 years.
Reflexology is available at The Thompson
May 21 & June 11 & 25
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to schedule your appointment on the second or fourth Tuesdays of the month. $35 for 30 minute hand or foot treatment or $65 for 60 minutes.
Please wear loose fitting clothing and arrive a few minutes early to complete a health & disclaimer form.
The Hub is here to help you during a crisis
The HUB is committed to ensuring everyone in our community is safe and cared for. If you’ve had a setback or change in circumstances that make it difficult to pay your bills and live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading or Woodstock, we’re here to help. For more details and to apply visit their website at https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form, call 802-457-7214 or email at apply@thehubneighbors.org.
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
Would your loved ones know your wishes about medical care if you were unable to speak for yourself? An Advance Directive spells out your wishes and appoints someone to represent you if you are not able. A trained and caring volunteer will be available by appointment. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277.
Homeshare
The Thompson Aging at Home program has partnered with HomeShare Vermont and can help facilitate homesharing in Central Vermont.
We’re actively looking for Homeshare host and guest applications.
To learn more about Thompson Homeshare, please visit our homeshare page or call Shari at 802-457-3277.
Faulkner Fund Offers Financial Help to Woodstock Residents
Need help with car payments, utility bills, medical bills, repair bills or other financial needs? The Faulkner Fund was established in 1959 from a bequest in the will of Marianne G. Faulkner to The American Red Cross. The purpose was to “help in the care, support and maintenance of needy and deserving persons living in Woodstock”. Grants are available to Woodstock residents via a confidential application. Contact Paula Audsley, vice chair of The Faulkner Fund via email: paudsley@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277. Brochures (listing committee members and their contact information) and applications are available at The Thompson Senior Center and The Ottauquechee Health Foundation.