Pam Butler: During this period of extended shutdown, if you’ve had any need for groceries, medications, or even a friendly call, you’ve probably talked to Pam. Pam is our program director and has been at The Thompson for 12 years. During normal times, she plans interesting programs, works out endless details on fabulous trips, and communicates and plans with many instructors to bring us the best classes and opportunities for learning and life enrichment. We’re so thankful for Pam and all that she does and now during these days of COVID, we appreciate her skills on a new level. Pam has been overseeing many daily check-in calls, organizing the grocery shopping, and in general finding a way to meet any need that comes up. Pam and her husband, Stan, live in Barnard with their beloved yellow lab, Josie.
Favorite thing about working at Thompson: The daily interaction with people who have become like extended family. What moves me most is the lifetime friendships — people who grew up together and raised their families together and continue to nurture these friendships through congregate meals, reunion meetings and traditional gatherings.
Favorite Thompson memories: The variety of dinner programs like our Spring Fling, Italian Dinner night, Marko the Magician and always the volunteer recognition celebration, and pranking with staff members!
“Two programs stand out in my mind as most memorable, and there have been many: An evening with Meteorologist Mark Breen from VPR because I am a weather fanatic, and Robert Hagar’s presentation on the top 10 news stories over his illustrious 40 year career with NBC. Fascinating!”
Hobbies & bucket list: Anything with snow – snowshoeing, snowmobiling. Hiking and paddle boarding in summer. My bucket list is easy; owning a motorhome and touring the country with my husband Stan and our lab Josie. And, my bucket list will always include a bucket of labs.
Siobhan Wright: If you’ve received Meals on Wheels, ordered a take-out meal, or volunteered these past few months, you’ve definitely talked to Siobhan. Siobhan is our Meals on Wheels and Transportation Coordinator. She has worked every day throughout the shutdown to pack the meal bags, organize routes, schedule volunteers, and distribute meals. Siobhan (or Show-be as Alberto calls her) has been at the Thompson for 11 years. In normal times, she also schedules rides and manages the front desk in our entryway. For almost 10 years, Siobhan worked in the kitchen with Chef Ryan and most people remember her pies, desserts, and especially our beautiful tea party treats!
Things you might not know: Siobhan and her husband, Ross, fell in love with Barnard and moved to Vermont 19 years ago from New Jersey with their 3 kids. Siobhan worked for 7 years at the Barnard General store before Pam encouraged her to come to the Thompson. She worked in the kitchen with Linda at the time .
Hobbies and favorite things to do: Time spent with grandchildren, Noah and Hunter. Siobhan says “grandsons are pure joy!” Time at the lake and on the beach at the ocean.
Favorite thing about working at The Thompson: “A year and half ago Deanna gave me the opportunity to move away from the kitchen (and washing dishes) to the front desk to coordinate Meals on Wheels and rides. Now I get to see more people face to face, and I can’t wait to see everyone again!” .
“Being new to the area, I find The Thompson’s daily meal to be a wonderful place to make new friends and get a balanced meal with no shopping, cooking, or cleanup involved (which is a real draw for people who don’t like to cook for one)! I participate regularly in the language tables at lunchtime, as well as Italian lessons, Bone Builder exercise classes, special programs and Meals on Wheels delivery. I look forward to Aging Well with The Thompson for decades to come!” – Laurie Marshall
