We Need Your Help!
Please remember to register in advance for all meals, programs and trips. For our daily lunches, please call no later than 9:30 am to sign-up so that we can easily accommodate everyone. If you come every day and would like to be added on an ongoing basis, let us know and we can set that up, however, we ask that you call to cancel if you cannot make it. This helps our kitchen staff and we greatly appreciate your cooperation. Please remember to check into the computer system too! We need a record of all attendance to receive funding.
Special Events & Programs in Order by Date
Please pre-register for all programs. In the event that scheduling changes need to be made, we can let you know. Call 802-457-3277 ext. 2 or email cvang@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Join Free Spanish Conversation Group Wednesdays 12-1 pm
Is your Spanish rusty? Are you trying to learn Spanish? Were you once fluent in Spanish and now want to get it back? It doesn’t matter how fluent you are–we want you to join our conversation group at the Thompson, starting Wed. July 2. We’ll meet upstairs in the small conference room from noon until around 1 p.m. Bring your snack or lunch, your dictionary, your desire to enjoy the sounds and expressions of Spanish. Vamos a charlar!
Six-Week Writer’s Workshop
with Local Author Robin Fisher
Tuesday, August 5—September 9, 1:00-3:00 pm
In this six-week course you will learn the basics of compelling storytelling: knowing how to communicate and listen on the deepest levels; character development, crafting cinematic scenes with mood, detail, description and dialogue. Ultimately, you will learn to trust your “voice” which sounds confusing but is simply letting your words and thoughts spill out onto the page in the way you think and speak. Please register in advance.
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program
FDR and Social Security- FDR Presidential Library and Museum
Tuesday, August 26, 2:00 pm
FDR considered the creation of Social Security to be his greatest domestic achievement. This session traces the creation and passage of the Social Security Insurance Act, one of the most important pieces of social legislation in American history. Join us as we hear from Jeff once again about this very relevant topic to senior adults today, and what Social Security may look like in the future.
Register in advance and indicate if viewing from home or from The Thompson’s new media room.
My Healthy Vermont
Tuesday, September 9, 1:30 PM
Join us for an informative presentation with Joanne Lemay from Community Health Improvement and Rene L. Greene from Lifeline.
Discover how MyHealthyVT.org offers six FREE evidence-based workshops to help you take charge of your health. Led by knowledgeable and compassionate facilitators, these workshops include:
- Diabetes Management
- Diabetes Prevention
- Chronic Disease Self-Management
- Chronic Pain Management
- High Blood Pressure Control
- Quit Smoking Support
These programs empower participants to manage their health, improve quality of life, and potentially reduce healthcare costs. Thousands of Vermonters have seen real improvements in their health and overall well-being through these workshops.
You’ll also hear from Lifeline, a trusted medical alert service that provides 24/7 access to help at the push of a button. Whether you’re at home or on the go, a Trained Care Specialist is always available to assist—bringing peace of mind and supporting independent living.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about local resources designed to keep you healthy, safe, and supported.
Day Trip to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Yankee Candle Village
Wednesday, September 24, Register by September 10th.
Cost $75 per person includes admission to Magic Wings and round-trip motor coach bus through beautiful fall landscapes. See Trips page for more details.
SLN Virtual Program at The Thompson
Hokusai & the Art of Japan- National Museum of Asian Art
Tuesday, September 9, 2:00 pm
The Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is widely recognized for a single image—Great Wave Off the Coast of Kanagawa, an icon of global art—yet he produced thousands of works throughout his long life. Tour the former exhibition Hokusai: Mad About Painting, which featured works from the world’s largest collection of paintings, sketches, and drawings by Hokusai. The exhibition includes works large and small, from six-panel folding screens and hanging scrolls to paintings and drawings. Together, these works reveal an artistic genius who thought he might finally achieve true mastery in painting— if he lived to the age of 110.
Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277.
You’re Invited to our Grand Re-Opening
Wednesday, September 10, 4-7pm
Come explore our newly updated and expanded space designed to better serve our community’s older adults. This special event will feature live music by Plymouth Rock, guided tours of the new facility, remarks from community leaders, and refreshments and treats by the Thompson Culinary Team, Woodstock Pizza Chef “Hoppy” craft beer and food truck, and Silver Lake Syrups maple creemees.
All are welcome! Bring a friend, help us celebrate! RSVP at 802-457-3277 or email us at info@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Tech Appointments Are Back at The Thompson!
We’re excited to welcome back one-on-one tech help sessions, thanks to the generous support of Emily Gibson from the Norman Williams Public Library.
Available Time Slots:
Thursday, September 11
• 10:30 – 11:00 AM
• 11:00 – 11:30 AM
Thursday, September 25
• 2:00 – 2:30 PM
• 2:30 – 3:00 PM
Each session is 30 minutes long and space is limited — please call The Thompson to reserve your spot.
Community Connections
Sustainable Woodstock – Weatherization and Home Heating
Wednesday, September 11, 1:30 pm
Are your windows letting in more cold than comfort? Still relying on an outdated, oil-hungry heating system? Join us for our next Community Connections Talk featuring Heather Knoll from Sustainable Woodstock, and learn about practical and affordable solutions for home weatherization and energy-efficient heating.
Heather will share information on available programs and grant opportunities that can help you upgrade your home—saving energy and money in the long run. There will be plenty of time for questions and the chance to sign up for more information or assistance directly through Sustainable Woodstock.
Art with Finnie Returns!
Art with Lines: Abstract Drawing
Friday, Sept 12, 1:30 pm
Join Finnie and explore the beauty of lines and color in this relaxing art class inspired by Sol LeWitt. Create bold black lines, add colorful patterns, and blend with water to make vibrant, flowing designs. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! Register in advance with Cory at 802-457-3277.
SLN Virtual Program at The Thompson
Belmont-Paul National Monument
Tuesday, September 16, 2:00 pm
Home to the National Woman’s Party for more than 90 years, this was the e picenter of the struggle for women’s rights. From this house in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, Alice Paul and the NWP developed innovative strategies and tactics to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and equality for women. Built on Capitol Hill in 1800, the brick federal-period house that today is Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is among the oldest residential properties in Washington, D.C. The house is located on land used by the Nacotchtank, or Anacostans, for hunting and trading. The tract was included in a land grant to Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, in 1632 by King Charles I of England as part of the colony of Maryland.
Register in advance by contacting Cory at 802-457-3277.
AARP Smart Driver Class
This 4.5 hour refresher course is open to all drives 50 years and older
Friday, September 19, 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch Break 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 for AARP Members, $25 for Others
The curriculum addresses the normal physical changes brought on by the aging process, how these changes can affect driving ability and how to compensate for those changes. The course also addresses changes in vehicles, regulations and roads. Participants will also learn how to interact with other road users, including truckers, bikers, pedestrians and distracted drivers. The class will address Vermont driving regulations, many of which have changed over the years. Many insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who have completed the class. Drivers who have qualified for a discount by taking the course must take a refresher course every 3 years. There are no tests. Register in advance.
Movie Monday at The Thompson
Monday, September 22 , 1:15 pm in the new Media Room
Beat the heat with a cool movie experience! Come relax and enjoy a summer movie day at The Thompson. We’ll be showing a selection of popular recent films — you get to vote and choose what we watch on the day of the event!
Registration required — please sign up in advance! Snacks will be provided. Bring a friend and enjoy the show!
Supper Club at Woodstock Pizza Chef
Tuesday, September 23 , 5:30 pm, RSVP in advance
Summer is short and we want to take advantage of the opportunity to gather and enjoy a fun evening out together. Join Deanna and friends at 5:30 pm at the Woodstock Pizza Chef for dinner. This will be a dine and pay on your own event where orders are placed individually. Call a friend, offer a ride if you can, and enjoy a summer evening with your friends at The Thompson.
Medicare Talk with Zedaina Blanchard
Financial Professional and Insurance Representative with Bankers Life
Tuesday Sept 23,1:30 PM, Please sign up ahead of time
In this session we will be educating you on Medicare. We will go over all the different parts and how they work. We will explain the differences between supplements (Medigap plans) and Advantage (Part C) plans and how they both work.
We will also go over the changes to Medicare for 2026. We will explain how the Part D will work next year. You will also have the opportunity to schedule a one on one to go over personalized options for yourself based on your doctors and medications if you would like to but there is no obligation.
SLN Virtua Program at The Thompson
“No Mail, Low Morale”: The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – US Army Museum
Tuesday, September 23, 2:00 pm
Since the Revolutionary War generations of African Americans have served the armed forces, but it was not until World War II that Black women joined the Army as part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).
In February 1945 members of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion arrived in Birmingham, England. Nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight,” they were the first and only all-Black WAC unit sent overseas during World War II. They faced the daunting task of sorting and delivering mail to the roughly 7 million service members stationed in the European Theater. Their mission boosted morale across the entirety of deployed forces. They completed their mission in three months’ time before deploying to France to undertake the same work. The battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their dedication and service to mission in 2022.
Register with Cory in advance.
SLN Virtual Program at The Thompson
Seaport Village Virtual Walkabout: Mystic Seaport Museum
Tuesday, September 30, 2:00 pm
Join us in our favorite seaport town- Mystic! Learn about maritime trades that supported life at sea and on land in the 19th century. Museum interpreters demonstrate skills in the cooperage, shipmith, print shop, shipcarver shop, and more in the re-created seaport village. Stroll through the re-created seaport village to immerse yourself in the life of a 19th-century coastal New Englander. Interpreters bring to life the bustling maritime trades, including shipsmiths, coopers, printers, and shipcarvers, that supported life at sea and on shore at that time. Also, get a glimpse into domestic life with gardening techniques and cooking demonstrations in the Buckingham-Hall house. Trade shops, businesses, and houses from the 1800s were transported to Mystic Seaport Museum from locations around New England to re-create this historic village.
Register in advance to receive your Zoom link or view from The Thompson’s media room.
Ongoing Programs in Order by Date
Advance Directive Assistance by Appointment
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 take the time to explain this simple process. Call Shari at 802-457-3277.
Benefits Assistance
Call Shari for an appointment. 9:30am –12:30 pm by appointment
As temperatures start to drop, there are programs available to help you stretch your budget. You might be eligible for:
- Seasonal Fuel Assistance to help pay heating and energy bills
- 3SquaresVT monthly benefits to pay for groceries (if you’re eligible for one, you’re eligible for the other!)
- Free weatherization services to improve your home’s energy efficiency (you’re eligible if you get fuel assistance!)
- Crisis Fuel Assistance if you’ve hit your monthly heating budget
Individual assistance is available by appointment with Senior Solutions Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey. Call Shari for your appointment.
Caregiver Support Group
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 on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges.
Bridge
Wednesdays, 1:00 pm
Learn the game or improve your skills in a low intensity, friendly setting. Everyone welcome! Coached by Bill Boardman, bridge teacher for decades.
Foot Clinic
Call for schedule and to make your appointment. Towels are supplied
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.