Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
Presented in collaboration with the Dartmouth Health Aging Resource Center and held at The Thompson Center
Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 30 through August 20, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm (16 Sessions)
SAIL is an evidence-based falls prevention exercise program that helps reduce the risk of a fall. This program involves one hour of aerobic, balance, strength, and flexibility exercises (available in standing and sitting form) set to fun music. Two textbooks will be provided for reference. For more information and to register, please contact the Falls Prevention Team at the Dartmouth Health Aging Resource Center at 603-653-3415 or email falls.prevention@hitchcock.org.
Chair Yoga
Led by Linda Harvey, PT/Yoga Certified
Tuesdays at 10:30 am
Linda Harvey PT and Certified Yoga Instructor joins us to improve flexibility, strength and balance in a class where the chair will offer support in both sitting and standing. Focusing on posture and breathing techniques have been found to increase relaxation and decrease pain and stress. Modifications will be offered and all are welcome. If you have any questions, feel free to call Linda at 802-355-0376. Please register in advance. Cost $8 per class.
Men’s Yoga
Led by Linda Harvey, PT/ Yoga certified
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Designed for the aging athlete 60+ who is open and looking to improve functional mobility, strength and balance. Individual guidance, the use of props and focusing on posture, breathing, overall strength are key elements to this class. All levels are invited to join the class. Cost $8 per class.
Ping Pong Schedule Update
Thompson Center
Mondays, 9:30-11:30 AM mixed group
Thursdays, 8:30-10 AM mixed group
Beginning in August:
NEW! Fridays 9:30-11:30 AM, women only
NEW! Fridays 1-3:00 PM, men only
Masonic Hall*
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 am
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 am
*The Masons are generously allowing their space for ping pong two mornings/week. This is an adult only activity. Parking is on the street or at the East End Park. There is one handicapped space behind the Hall. No parking is allowed in the parking lot since it is for the use of the Ottauquechee Health Center.
Try Gentle Yoga
Led by Yoga Instructor, Kathryn Mills
Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00 pm, Cost: 6 class punch card for $90, or $20 per class
Gentle Yoga is geared specifically for those new to yoga or those who are interested in a gentle practice. This class incorporates simple flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as slower paced seated, standing, and reclining poses focusing on developing/increasing alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. Modifications are offered and props are optional. No experience or flexibility required. Bring a mat if you have one, and a blanket if you like.
Pre-registration is required by calling The Thompson.
Tai Chi at The Thompson
Led by Anne Bower
Wednesdays, 9:30am Beginner, 10:40 am Advanced
Join Instructor Anne Bower on Wednesdays at 9:30 am for a rejuvenating, relaxing beginner tai chi class, with a gentle form based on Sun style tai chi. Both seated and standing forms will be practiced. Great benefits for core strength, balance, coordination, focus, joint mobility.
For those with more experience, Anne will have a Sun 73 Forms class on Wednesdays at 10:40 am. In this class we take on a longer tai chi form with some fun challenges–punches and kicks and movements in many directions. Each person can make adjustments so that the movements become more comfortable.
Anne can be contacted directly at anniebower71@gmail.com.
Strength, Stretch and Stability Class
Led by Liz Hatfield
Tuesdays – Zoom Class Only 10:30 – 11:30 am
Thursdays – In person and on Zoom 10:30 – 11:30 am
This class includes exercises that will help you in your everyday life so that you can continue to do the things you enjoy and stay independent as you age. This popular class involves a combination of strength, cardio, balance, flexibility and brain training exercises.
Cost: $5 per in-person class payable to The Thompson Center. Virtual attendees are asked to donate to Liz directly.
For those who wish to continue classes via Zoom, Thursdays will be a hybrid class and you can continue to exercise from home. A zoom link will be provided upon request and newcomers are welcome.
Bone Builders (Currently at full capacity)
Led by Certified Instructor, Althea Derstine
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-4 pm
The Bone Builders exercise program is based on research conducted and published by Tufts University which shows that strength training just twice a week dramatically reduces the risk of fractures and can even reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis. The Bone Builders program is beneficial exercise for everybody. It includes stretching, balance work, and weight lifting. New students are always welcome and are asked to call The Thompson to register and obtain a medical clearance document to be signed by your medical provider.
Download and print Bone Builders Consent form here
Download and print Bone Builders Clearance form here