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The Thompson Center

Your Resource to Age Well

99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT 05091 * (802) 457-3277

Senior Centers: Delivering Vital Connections!

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This year’s theme for national senior center month was chosen by the National Council on Aging to highlight how senior centers deliver vital connections to support older adults aging well.  This is more evident now than ever before!  Critical home delivered meals, grocery delivery, friendly check-in calls, virtual & onsite programs, and even phone Bingo have helped to keep our community members safer and happier at home during this challenging time.  Preventing social isolation is vital and a core senior center mission. While the delivery methods have changed during the pandemic, centers have succeeded in continuing to provide knowledge, programming, and resources.

The Thompson plays a vital role in our community!  Our staff, volunteers, and participants promote a positive image of aging. Together we are a vibrant, supportive senior center that thrives inside and outside of our walls and reaches far into the towns and countryside of our beautiful area.  If you’re not a regular participant or volunteer, we invite you to get engaged by trying out a class, volunteering, or checking in with staff about other opportunities to enrich your life.  

Fun Facts that show just how vital The Thompson has been these last months at keeping community members safe: 

  • Meals on Wheels served since March 16th:  5,542  (same time frame last year 3,546)
  • We’ve had 69 new recipients for home delivered Meals on Wheels!
  • Curbside take-out meals with our dining room closed:  2,710 meals to more than 300 unique individuals.
  • Hundreds of check-in calls, grocery & prescription deliveries, & virtual programs to help beat the Covid blues!

National Senior Center Month Celebration & Senior Center Volunteer Appreciation

Friday, September 25, 12:00 pm

Join us for our annual chicken BBQ and senior center month celebration – TAKE-OUT STYLE – on Friday September 25th!

Although we are operating under much different circumstances than this time last year, it will not deter us from celebrating National Senior Center month AND, our beloved Thompson Center volunteers!

These have been trying times, and we acknowledge each and every volunteer whether you were sidelined by pandemic restrictions, or jumping in to help as a new volunteer. You play a critical role in making The Thompson one of the very best senior centers around!  We have so much to celebrate!  

On Friday, September 25th our favorite guest BBQ Chef, Nate Willard, and family will be grilling the chicken and Chef Ryan will serve potato salad, coleslaw, corn bread and lemon fool on the hill with blueberries. You must RSVP, but take-out lunches will be free for all of our volunteers and raffle prizes will be drawn from all who are registered for lunch!  $5 minimum suggested donation for non-volunteers.

Thank you to all of you for your continued contribution to the success of our Center – your Center!

Please pre-register by calling The Thompson Center. We look forward to celebrating with you!

“The Thompson at Home”

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Your Virtual Senior Center

Senior Learning Network Virtual Programming Continues!

September & October Programs

Please note that these are all group viewings so leave the technology issues to us and watch with friends in the comfort of The Thompson. Call to reserve your seat. 

FDR Presidential Library and Museum/ Jeff Urbin

Books, Boots and Bridles: The Story of the Horse Back Librarians

Tuesday, Sept 21, 2:00 pm

Join one of our favorites, Jeff Urbin- as he shares the story of the Pack Horse Library initiative, a little known program of the Roosevelt Administration’s WPA. Its mission, carried out almost entirely by women, was to deliver and distribute reading materials to the far off corners of Appalachia during the darkest hours of the Great Depression.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

What’s all the hoot about owls? ( Yellowstone Park)

Tuesday, September 28, 2:00 pm

Many humans have a fascination with owls. Found across the globe, in almost every type of habitat, owls have managed to survive as a group for more than 80 million years. What has allowed owls to thrive and become a vital part in the balance of nature? Using visual aids and a real, live owl, this program will explore the adaptations such as hearing and silent flight that make owls some of the top predators in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the world.

Scotts Bluff National Monument – “Nebraska, honestly, it’s not for everyone.”

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2:00 pm

However, there’s a real gem of a natural area and historic site along the North Platte River in western Nebraska that draws visitors from all over the country and the world. Learn what there is to see and do at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Ponder the travels of the pioneers who saw the bluffs here as a landmark on their travels to Oregon, California and the Salt Lake Valley of Utah. Discover some unique geology. Enjoy the scenery of the North Platte River Valley from the summit of the bluff. Honestly, we think there’s something for everyone at Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Return to Hearst Castle: “From Campsite to Castle” Julia Morgan, Architect

Tuesday, October 12, 2:00 pm

Julia Morgan designed nearly 700 buildings, more than any other architect of the 20th century. Her best known project, Hearst Castle, is world-renowned for its dramatic beauty. The project became one of the longest and most fascinating collaborations between architect and client, William Randolph Hearst. Join us in a unique presentation with a guide from Hearst Castle who highlights the achievements of the architect and the fascinating, 28 year- long building process of the estate. Showcasing a miniature model of the castle and several historic images, we will see the transformation from a small bungalow on Hearst’s family’s campsite overlooking San Simeon Bay to the amazing “castle” it is today.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library -“The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Carter “

Tuesday, October 19, 2:00 pm

Throughout his life, President Carter has found himself in extraordinary circumstances faced with extraordinary opportunities, many of which were brought about by the American Presidency. This presentation will examine civic engagement and discuss the primary sources of the Carter Library and National Archives to address the question, “What is the secret to an extraordinary life?”

National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C – “A Visit to America’s Front Yard”

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2:00 pm

Visit with a Park Ranger from National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C, for a virtual tour of the park sometimes referred to as America’s Front Yard.  We will explore the history and symbolism of memorials, such as Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr and more!

Medicare Classes for Those New to Medicare

Virtual Presentations Offered by Senior Solutions

October 14, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Senior Solutions staff provides unbiased information about the Medicare system. These virtual presentations are presented using zoom.

The classes are for Vermonters who reside in Windsor and Windham counties and are new to Medicare. Family members who help these beneficiaries may also find it useful. Medicare has strict enrollment periods, and these Medicare classes help prepare participants to make timely decisions about drug plans and supplemental plans as well as many other issues. Topics covered also include error, abuse and fraud, as well as financial assistance programs.

Pre-registration is required by calling the Senior Helpline at 802-885-2669. Individual Medicare counseling is also available at The Thompson, call for the schedule and to sign-up in advance.

Bingo at Home with The Thompson

Friday mornings, 10:00 am

Now that we have in person BINGO again you are still welcome to use your phone to call in and join. Fun prizes for winners! For a BINGO card and the call-in number, call 457-3277.

THE POWER OF A POWER OF ATTORNEY

A virtual Presentation

November 9, 1:00 pm

A legal Power of Attorney document can be a powerful tool to safeguard your financial wellbeing, but it can also lead to serious consequences if not done correctly. Attorney Leah Burdick will explain the ins and outs of what a Power of Attorney document is, how it is created, and what it means to be a named agent in a Power of Attorney under Vermont law. Leah Burdick, Esq. is an Elder Law attorney within the Elder Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. Her practice areas include advanced planning for aging, Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, housing, and individual rights.  Please register through the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.

Virtual programing offered by New Hampshire’s AVA Gallery

Fridays, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm – PAUSED

Get a glimpse into the creative minds of individual artists as they take you through the art making process – from beginning with a blank canvas or raw materials, through all the decisions they make about themes, materials, media, colors, techniques, and other aspects of their art making. Free one-hour Zoom programs each week with different artists giving demonstrations and presentations on their work, every Friday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

To learn about each week’s program and to register visit their website here

 

Strength, Stretch & Stability via Zoom

Led by Liz Hatfield, Certified Fitness Trainer

Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join this class. Move your body and feel physically, mentally and emotionally better. 

For information on how to access the Zoom classes, contact Liz directly at 802-522-9273 or email at ebhatfield@aol.com

Staff Spotlight: Administrative Staff

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Paula Audsley, Business Manager: Paula has been at The Thompson the longest of any Thompson staff member – 17 years!  She has touched virtually every part of our program, knows our building inside and out, and tracks our finances through Quickbooks with the most detailed eye. She has managed reporting, recruited   volunteers, driven the bus on trips, delivered Meals on Wheels, decorated our building, run the Holiday Bazaar, and so much more.   

Favorite thing about working at the Thompson:  Sharing with our Seniors their life stories, friendship, laughter and tears. When my son was in grade school in Barnard I would occasionally pick him up so he could join me delivering Meals on Wheels; it gave him an early appreciation of our senior citizens and one of the most important missions of the Thompson – delivering hot meals and checking up on our patrons.

Favorite Thompson memories:  Driving our van full of seniors to local shows, performances and outings and longer trips to such far flung places as Alaska, New York City and Washington DC during which I could get to know some of our patrons so much better. Another favorite memory was when a   rather shy, very quiet lady got up at lunch and started yodeling; it was just such a surprise and amazing how well she could yodel!

Hobbies and bucket list:  Most anything outdoors: fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, gardening, long walks with my trusty yellow lab, Pippa and quilting and knitting for indoor activities. I recently crossed off my bucket list zip lining (exhilarating)! A trip to Hawaii might be next and exhibiting quilts nationally.

Jen Bloch, Marketing Coordinator: Jen has been The Thompson’s marketing coordinator for 6 years.  In this role she has created hundreds of beautiful program flyers, newsletters, posters, website content, and ads that shared critical information about The Thompson with our participants and supporters. Jen also worked with us for a year as our volunteer coordinator a few years prior, and we were so glad to have her come back to us in the marketing role.  Jen and her husband, Dave, live in Woodstock with their three sons Evan (20) Christian (18) and Austin (15) and their sweet lab named Ollie.

Hobbies:  I love to read, garden, bake, hike, and get to the beach whenever possible. 

Bucket list items:  A family trip to Scotland, Ireland and Germany (my ancestral background). 

Favorite memories at The Thompson:  My favorite time at the Thompson is during the holidays where it’s so festive and cozy. I especially look forward to our holiday meals and spending time with fellow staff during our holiday party. 

Favorite meal at the Thompson:  Hands down the Mac and Cheese

Favorite thing about working at the Thompson:  One of the most rewarding things about my specific role is that I have the opportunity to communicate such important information to those who need it most. I can visually enjoy the sense of accomplishment whether it be the printed newsletter or an eNews or an invitation or flyer/poster. I like coordinating all of the information into one place and putting my own little creative spin on it. I’ve learned a great deal and continue to learn which keeps my job super interesting! 

Shari Borzekowski, Administrative and Resource Assistant:  Shari has been at The Thompson for 5 years and helped to develop her role as our first resource assistant.  She writes our thank you notes, processes donations, manages our calendars and building rentals, and assists other staff with administrative tasks.  Her role has grown as our communities needs have grown and now includes our Aging at Home program — managing donated medical equipment and providing referrals to our vetted service providers – one number to call for any Aging at Home need.

“ I live in Killington with my husband and two teenage kids (one’s usually in college) and our 3 year old dog.  We’re a musical family, we all sing and each play a different instrument, sometimes together!  I also enjoy hiking and yoga.  I love the Thompson patrons and volunteers–I’m inspired by their energy and their positive outlook, even Dwight’s gallows humor, which took a while to get used to.  I love sitting in the foyer and being in the thick of things.  I miss everyone and look forward to your coming back to the Thompson!”

Deanna Jones, Executive Director: It’s hard to believe I’ve been at The Thompson for 10 years!  These have been some of the most rewarding years of my life.   I’ve had 2 of our 4 children since joining the Thompson, and I’ve loved that they’ve all had a big extended family with so many people caring for them.  Now ranging in age from 4 – 16, they don’t join me at the Center as often, but they have a lasting love and respect for our older generation.  One of my most special memories is when our older children advocated at their ArtisTree camp for the proceeds of their craft fair to go to Meals on Wheels. Without me knowing, they convinced the class how important the meals are.  I’ve also loved giving many other children the opportunity to experience the special care and attention at The Thompson during our Generation to Generation programs.  I also love the holiday gatherings that feel like family get togethers (even when I worry about the Yankee Swap gift stealing of the Vera Bradley purses).  Some of my biggest challenges are keeping up with communication and advocating for recognition and funding of the important work of senior centers.  Senior Centers are the hidden gems that keep a big part of the community safe and well-fed during normal times and times of crisis.  I was at the Thompson during hurricane Irene and now during Covid, and I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling than working with this team of staff and volunteers who always go above and beyond.  

Staff Spotlight: Pam & Siobhan, thank you for all that you do!

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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!” . 

Staff Spotlight: In the Kitchen

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Chef Ryan has been with us at The Thompson since 2007.  He’s a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier. He and his family live in Windsor with their two huskies.

Favorite holiday meal to cook at The Thompson: Bastille Day. He likes    trying the different menu items that the French table requests. 

Favorite food:  He doesn’t have one and says he likes everything that’s why he’s a chef, but he does admit that his famous chocolate chip cookies are his   favorite cookie.

Favorite sports teams: Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, and Bruins, of course!  He enjoys teasing Ted Staples & Alberto about the Yankees and has been known to give them tissues to dry their tears from time to time.

Favorite memory at The Thompson:  He likes playing horseshoes with Norm and “the guys” and has fond memories of the table setting volunteers over the years (now Helen and Mary, but he mentioned missing Gladys Deatte, Bernice Atwood, Phyllis Hickory, and Catherine Adams who all volunteered, “more or less peacefully” but they always had fun)

On Ryan’s bucket list:  Skydiving!  Riding more roller coasters, and swimming in a cage with sharks! Oh my!

Alberto came to the Thompson last year and has been a terrific addition to our kitchen team.  He also cleans the building before his kitchen shift. He moved to the United States from Puerto Rico when he was 18 years old. He and his two sons live in North Pomfret.

Favorite meal at The Thompson:  Meatloaf

Favorite Sports Team: The Yankees

Favorite things to do besides working: Playing pool, hiking, and having a    bonfire

On Alberto’s bucket list: Going to Hawaii and having his own cleaning business

Favorite thing about working at The Thompson:  The people. He “loves everybody” and just wants everyone to come back.

Thank you, Chef Ryan and Alberto for all that you do!