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.
Veterans Disability Assistance at The Thompson
Call for your 1:1 Appointment
Do you need assistance navigating the Veterans Administration (VA) for a disability? Even though the PACT Act assistance has expired, a local veteran and Thompson volunteer can help you with the application process as benefits are still available. For example; If you served in the National Guard you are eligible and if your service did not include a military conflict you are still eligible. Veterans who served on ships containing asbestos, experienced loud noise from artillery or aircraft, or those who were firemen on aircraft carriers are encouraged to let us help you with benefits assistance. Conditions such as heart disease related to hypertension or stent placement or those who were exposed to toxins and have cancer or asthma could qualify for benefits. Some veterans are receiving significant compensation each month for hearing loss. Could this be you? There is so much for you to learn if you are a veteran and we want to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
To schedule your appointment, contact Pam Butler at pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277.
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!
HomeShare Vermont Open House
Wednesday, July 30, 1:30-3pm
Ever wonder if homesharing would be right for you? Or do you have a friend who has room in their home and could use some extra income and/or help around the house? We’ll be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, July 30 from 1:30-3 p.m. where you can learn all about homesharing. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with people who are currently homesharing and ask the HomeShare staff questions about the screening and matching process. We’ll have delicious cookies, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, refreshments and a few prizes for our Trivia wizards in the crowd. The HomeShare Vermont Open House at the Thompson is sponsored by AARP Vermont.Hoarding Talk with Robert E. Brady, Ph.D.
Hoarding Talk with Robert E. Brady, Ph.D.
Thursday July 31, 1:30 pm
During the talk you will be able to:
Understand the causes of hoarding disorder
Differentiate hoarding from collection hobbies and other non-harmful behaviors
Recognize when professional help is needed for hoarding
Describe some of the treatment approaches for hoarding disorder
Robert Brady, PhD is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Geisel School of Medicine and staff psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He serves as the Director of the Anxiety Disorders Service at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the Training Director of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychology Training Programs. Dr. Brady’s clinical services target anxiety and related disorders using evidence-based treatments derived from cognitive-behavioral theory and practice. His research focuses on the development, testing, and implementation of brief psychosocial interventions for anxiety disorders delivered outside of the traditional mental health setting by healthcare providers without formal mental health training.
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 the Bomb”- FDR Presidential Library and Museum
Tuesday, August 5, 2:00 pm
In the 1940s scientists in several countries were exploring the possibility of unleashing the potential power of the atom for the purposes of creating a ‘super weapon.” Who convinced FDR that the US needed to be working on creating an atomic weapon? What might have happened if Germany had created the Bomb before we did? Truman deemed the dropping of the Bomb on the Japanese Homeland as necessary to ending the war – would FDR have come to the same conclusion? Join us as we discuss this and other relevant topics with one of our favorite presenters, Jeff Urbin from FDR Library/ Museum.
Register in advance and indicate if viewing from home or from The Thompson’s new media room.
Revo Casino Trip
Friday, August 8, 10:30 – 2pm
Join us for a day trip to Revo Casino in West Lebanon, NH on Friday, August 8. We will plan to meet at the casino at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be on your own. Sign up by August 7th. More details on our Trips page.
Summer Movie Monday at The Thompson
Monday, August 11, 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!
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program
“ Iran Through the Ages” Inner Asian and Uralic Center
Tuesday, August 12, 2:00 pm
The Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center (IAUNRC) at Indiana University’s Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies is a U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center dedicated to raising awareness about its target area: namely the Turkic, Iranian, Mongolian, Uralic, and Tibetan cultural spheres. Some countries included are Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
This presentation covers Iran from Antiquity to the 21st century, with a focus on providing historical context for events. We will cover the history of various states and empires that arose in Iran, cultural and literary developments in the country and its contributions to world culture and civilization.
Register in advance and indicate if viewing from home or from The Thompson’s new media room.
Community Connections
with Windsor County Sheriff, Ryan Palmer
Wednesday, August 13, 1:30 pm
Sheriff Ryan Palmer would like to share WCSD’s recent achievements including an update on all the changes that have been made at the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Palmer will provide a glimpse of what the future plans are for the department and improvements in rural law enforcement.
Durable Medical Equipment Fraud
Tuesday, August 19, 1:30 pm
Have you ever received a phone call from a number you do not recognize offering you “free” medical supplies or equipment? This is one of the most frequent scams targeting Medicare. Durable Medical Equipment (or DME) fraud is unfortunately running rampant. Join Justin Grimbol from the federally funded nonprofit Senior Medical Patrol program as they lead a discussion on how to prevent and detect DME fraud, and how to report it when it happens. Your reports just may help to uncover a multi-million-dollar healthcare fraud scheme. Please register in advance.
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program:
The Visual Arts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Tuesday, August 19, 2:00 pm
Let’s Visit the Hall of Fame! This program examines the architectural features of the museum in addition to sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, videography and commercial/graphic art. Join us for an up close and personal look at the way these works of art help visitors understand and appreciate various aspects of historical and social contexts related to museum displays.
Please register in advance. Let us know if you will view from home or from The Thompson.
Summer Supper Club at Angkor Wot
Tuesday, August 19, 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 Angkor Wot 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 Thompson friends.
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.
Day Trip to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Yankee Candle Village
Wednesday, September 24
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.
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 byappointment
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.
Reflexology
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
Please call Shari to schedule a morning appointment. $35 for 30 minute hand or foot treatment or $65 for 60 minutes.
Please wear loose fitting clothing and arrive a few minutes early to complete a health & disclaimer form.
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.