On Wednesdays, Beginner Class 9:30 – 10:30 am & Advanced Class 10:45 – 11:45 am

Nov. 28, Dec. 4, 12, 19, Jan 9, 16, 23, 30; Cost: 8 classes for $24

Tai Chi has come into its own as more and more doctors and health organizations recognize the many benefits it provides to those who practice regularly.

Our Tai Chi classes at the Thompson exercise mind and body together. Join our lively, supportive group to learn a short, simplified form of Tai Chi that can help your concentration, balance, mood, blood pressure too. Clinical studies show it’s especially effective for FALL PREVENTION and ARTHRITIS.

Tai Chi’s slow, gentle movements have a meditative quality, so that even as we concentrate to learn, we reduce the stresses and tensions of daily life.

Come try a class at no cost. If you like it, you can then sign up for a series of classes.

Classes at the Thompson are co-led by Anne Bower and Jane Philpin. Anne has been teaching Tai Chi for 15 years and previously taught literature at the Ohio State University; For more information you can check out Anne’s website: www.annebower.com.

 

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Ongoing, on the third Wednesday of each month, 12:30 – 1:30 pm

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) and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges.

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Bone Builders

Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00 pm

The Bone Builders exercise program, developed at Tufts University, addresses bone health for people of all ages. Women especially may have thinning of bones as early as age 40, but men are welcome in this class and will benefit as well.

Bone Builders classes, with instructor Althea Derstine, are ongoing on Monday and Thursday each week. Classes are free. Minimum of six participants required. Please sign up in advance.

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MEMOIR CLUB

Ongoing, Mondays, 10:15 am – noon

In this informal group, we encourage one another as we record stories that may otherwise be lost or forgotten. Each person has an opportunity to read aloud one to two pages each week often triggering group memories and lively discussion. No pressure… reading is optional!

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Strength & Fitness

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays

9:00 to 10:00 am

This popular class is led by certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, Liz Hatfield. Liz incorporates aerobic, stretching, strength and weight bearing exercises. The benefits of these exercises include bone building, balance, and overall coordination.

Liz Estabrook-Hatfield recently became a Certified Functional Aging Specialist, successfully completing Functional Aging Institute’s (FAI) workshop, educational  program and Certification Exam. This program provides the most current training techniques adapted for and applied specifically to the needs and interests of aging adults.  Liz has been working with the senior population for 15 years.  Previous accreditations include:

• AAAI/ISMA’s Older Adult Fitness Trainer Certification
• MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging: A Matter of Balance
• AFAA’s Golden Hearts: Senior Fitness Training

Recently, Liz added National Academy of Sports Medicine’s (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) to existing credentials with AFAA and AAAI/ISMA.  NASM – CPT is one of the most respected personal training certifications in the health-and-fitness industry.

She holds credentials for Group Fitness instruction in Aquatics, Spinning, TRX, Nordic Walking and Weight Training.

Cost: $3.00/class or 12 classes for $30 on a punch card.

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Public Benefits Program Screening Now Available at The Thompson Offered by Senior Solutions

Mondays, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm by appointment

Greetings! My name is Peggy Ramel, and I am an outreach intern with Senior Solutions.  I am available on Mondays at the Thompson to meet with you to determine if you may be eligible to apply for certain public benefit programs.  In addition to program eligibility screening, I am available to help you apply for programs that will provide health care coverage, increase your access to nutritious food, and reduce your monthly electric bill. Please contact Shari to schedule an appointment with me, as I would love to meet with you!

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Open Pickle Ball

Woodstock Athletic Club

Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30 – 10:00 am

Fridays – schedule to be announced. Call the Athletic Club at 457-6656

Cost:$10 per 1.5 hr court time session. Walk-ins welcome and equipment is provided. Ride service available from The Thompson with advance notice.

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Foot Care Clinics

9:00 am – 2:30 pm, on the 2nd Friday & 3rd Wednesday of every month

12:30 – 2:45 pm every other month on the the 4th Wednesday

In addition to Mary Wood’s clinic on the second Friday and third Wednesday of each month, we are happy to offer more foot clinic availability with our wellness clinic nurse, Mary Ann Conrad. Mary Ann will be offering an additional foot clinic every other month on the 4th Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:45 pm following her wellness clinic hours.

Both clinics will now be $20 and patrons are asked to bring their own towel. As always, please inform us in advance if you cannot make your appointment.

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Wellness Clinic & Blood Pressure Screenings

Every other month on the 4th Wednesday

Nov. 28, 10:00 – 12:00 pm

Wellness clinics (blood pressure & consultation) with VNA Wellness Clinic Nurse, Mary Ann Conrad, held every other month on the 4th Wednesday from 10:00 – 12:00 pm.

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Low Vision Support Group

The Low Vision Support Group will be postponed until further notice. A message from Group Facilitator, Melinda Underwood, CVRT, Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired:

Thanks to the kindness and support of the Thompson Center, this group has been meeting monthly since January 2016! The goal of the group is for people living with low vision to gather on a monthly basis to provide mutually beneficial support, information, and encouragement. As a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Support Group Facilitator, my goal has been to bring forth ideas and occasional guest speakers for improving independent living skills. But it is the members of the group that make it a strong and powerful resource for developing resilience and a community of shared experience. Thank you to all who have attended and supported this group. It has been a pleasure to be part of it. If you are interested in participating in a future group, or have questions about resources, please contact me at 802-254-8761 or by email: munderwood@vabvi.org.

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Veggie VanGo at Mt. Ascutney Hospital

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE CLINIC

2nd Monday of the month, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, by appointment

Would your loved ones know your wishes about medical care if you were unable to speak for yourself? There is a legal document called an Advance Directive that you can complete to give guidelines about your wishes and appoint someone to represent you if you are not able. We have arranged for a trained and caring volunteer to be at the Thompson Center every 2nd Monday from 1pm – 3pm. These volunteers will take the time to explain both the document and the simple process used to make your wishes known.  The most important part of this process is talking to those you love about what matters most to you. You can call 457-3277 to schedule an appointment.

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Get Your Medical Questions Answered by a Gifford Medical Center Health Care Provider

Do you have a medical question that you would like answered by a medical professional? Tune in to the Royalton Community Radio program, “On Call”, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 -7:00 pm on FM channel 96.5. If there is a specific topic you would like to hear about, call Nikki Gewirz, P.A. at 802-763-2700 or email her at ngewirz@giffordmed.org.