UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Download and Print the November 2019 Program Calendar here (pdf)
Dementia Care Training
Presented by TLC homecare at The Thompson Center
A series of 3 workshops developed by Teepa L. Snow, Dementia Care and Training Specialist, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Utilizing Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Training
Wednesdays, October 23 & 30 and November 6, 2:00-4:00 pm
October 23rd, Workshop A – Normal Aging/Not Normal Aging helps learners understand and recognize the differences in normal and not normal aging.
October 30th, Workshop B – Positive Physical Approach (PPA) and Hand-under-Hand (HuH) focuses on PAC’s care partnering techniques that enable care partners to shift from simply dealing with the behaviors to creating a positive and caring environment.
November 6th, Workshop C – Teepa’s GEMS®; Using Skills that Make a Difference offers an overview of Teepa Snow’s brain change model.
These free workshops are intended for professional caregivers, family caregivers, and for individuals interested in a better understanding of dementia. These workshops can help care partners recognize the difference between normal and non-normal aging, give you skills to handle difficult situations as they arise, and give you knowledge and experience to make sure your cherished loved ones are safe and supported.
More information about each workshop can be found on our website at www.thompsonseniorcenter.org. Please pre-register by calling The Thompson Center.
Annual Meeting 2019
Join us on Wednesday, October 23rd at 10:30 am for our Annual Meeting. Please RSVP by Friday, October 18th 457-3277 or sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org
Location: The Thompson Center, 99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT
Join us following the meeting for lunch at noon. Menu: Tuscan Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes, Brown Rice, Tossed Salad, Roll, and Lemon Meringue Pie
Fall Prevention Clinic at The Thompson Provided by Upper Valley 
Rehab Physical Therapists
Wednesday, October 30 & November 20, 8:30 – 10:30 am, by appointment
Falls are not a normal part of aging and can result in more serious injuries over time, but the risks can be reduced by working on all the possible causes.
Upper Valley Rehab will be offering a Fall Prevention Clinic at the Thompson Center and will provide free comprehensive fall risk Screenings for people who have fallen or who have a fear of falling. At the Clinic/Assessment, a licensed physical therapist will ask participants to complete a fall assessment screen which will include a history of previous falls and what might be causing them. Additionally, a therapist will screen participant’s gait, balance, range of motion, strength and sensation and ask questions regarding home environment, fear of falling concerns, and pertinent medical history that can contribute to falls. This total assessment will include your screen results, which can be sent to your primary care physician, and recommendations for treatment if needed. Each comprehensive assessment is about fifteen minutes and will require an appointment.
Halloween Tradition!
We will celebrate in our usual fashion with a ghoulish lunch and goodies on the 31st at noon. Dress up if you want to join the fun!
Foot or Hand Reflexology
Offered by Deborah Neuhof, Certified Reflexologist
Friday, November 1 & 15, 9:00 – 10:30 pm
Experience Reflexology techniques to de-stress and promote a balanced, wholistic well-being.
30 min/$30, Loose clothing recommended. Call in advance for your 30 minute appointment.
Extremis: Between Science and Faith Lies the Ultimate Choice
Film Screening and Discussion
Monday, November 4, 1:00 pm
Join us during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month for a special screening of the Academy Award nominated, short documentary film Extremis. The film follows doctors, families, and patients as they make end-of-life decisions.
A discussion about Advance Care Planning, led by VNH Hospice Medical Director Cristine Maloney will follow the film and The Thompson Center Advance Directive Clinic volunteers will be available to answer questions.
A Taste of Italy!
Tuesday, November 5
5:30 pm Hors d’oeuvres and Wine Bar, 6:30 pm Dinner
Authentic Italian Culinary Menu Created and Prepared by Special Guest Chef, Chiara Tosi-Nelson, and Chef Ryan Martin
Music by Fred Haas and Friends
TICKETS $50, reserve your spot here
Medicare Open Enrollment Medicare Part “D” Assistance
With Samantha Ball, Coordinator Windsor Community Health Clinic at MAH
November 6, 13, 19, 26 and December 4, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Call The Thompson for 1:1 Assistance
- Medicare card – the red white and blue card
- Current 2015 Medicare Part D card & Green Mountain Care/VPharm card if you have one
- All health insurance cards
- If currently working from your current employer or spouse’s employer if you are covered under your spouse’s Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP)
- If retired your former employer’s retirement plan card
- If currently on Medicare bring your Medigap supplemental plan or Medicare Advantage health insurance cards
- A list of all medications/drugs – this information needs to be taken from pill bottles for accuracy
- Name of the drug
- Dosage (EX: 10 mg, 20 mcg, whether it’s a cream or ointment)
- Useage: How many pills of this drug taken each day – EX: 3 pills each day is 90 pills useage each month.
- Any letters received from Medicare, state of Vermont: VPharm, Green Mountain Care/Medicaid and Social Security: Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Poppy Project With ArtisTree at The Thompson
Wednesday, November 6, 1:30 pm
We are trying something new for this year’s Poppy Project on November 6th. Finnie will guide us in creating small paper poppies to place on a large wreath that we will make as a group. This wreath will then be displayed as part of our Veterans Day Ceremony at The Thompson flag pole on November 8th. Please sign-up in advance at 457-3277.
Veterans Luncheon & Ceremony
Friday, November 8, 11:45 am
Veterans are invited for a free lunch at The Thompson where the American Legion will lead a short ceremony around the flag. A group picture will be taken. Reservations required.
Yoga Pain Clinic with Karobi Sachs CSYT, RYT 500, E-RYT 500
Offered by Central Street Yoga & Meditation at The Thompson Center
Tuesday, November 12, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Please register at https://svaroopa.org/ypc-taftsville-191112 or by calling The Thompson Center
Do you live in pain? Looking for an alternative way to manage your pain? Learn how to live a pain-free life! Svaroopa® yoga can reduce and eliminate pain – come and see how. Find out how yoga can help you with your aches and pains. Learn what is going on from yoga’s perspective and experience a few body-friendly yoga poses selected specifically for those in attendance. At the end of the program, you will know if classes or private therapy sessions will be likely to help you.
Keys to the Valley Housing Study
Presentation by Sarah Wraight, Regional Planner, TRORC
Tuesday, November 12, 1:00 pm
Our region is participating in a housing study called Keys to the Valley. The Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, and Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission are partnering to better understand the housing challenges facing our communities and to develop strategies for tackling those challenges. Please join us to learn more about the project and share your experiences with housing issues in the region.
Following this talk, Deanna Jones will present on the Homeshare Project. The Thompson Center is training to be a Homeshare satellite office. Homesharing can be a rewarding way to find housing and connect people who are living alone and willing to share a home as long as they meet the basic requirements. Come to this talk to learn more on the benefits of homesharing.
Grocery Tour with Sheryl C. Hoehner, MS, RDN, LDN
Wednesday, November 13, 1:00 pm
Do you or a family member have type II diabetes or pre-diabetes? Do you want to learn more about healthy eating, shopping, and cooking? Have you ever wished you could visit the grocery store with a registered dietitian? This is your chance. We will tour Mac’s grocery store in Woodstock with Sheryl C. Hoehner MS, RDN, LDN. Sheryl will take us through the store making stops to discuss carbohydrate counting, the benefits of including fiber, healthy fats and the best options for meat and seafood just to name a few.
We’ll then head back to The Thompson Center to taste a few items we picked up along the way.
Please register in advance as there will be limited enrollment.
Sheryl is a registered dietician with many years of experience. She started her career working at the USDA as part of a team doing nutrition research. She has also worked as a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital as well as serving for almost 23 years in the United States Army. She has also worked as a grocery store dietitian for over 20 years. She has taught hundreds of nutrition and cooking classes for folks of all ages. Her passion is helping people to Eat Well: making choices that are easy, tasty, healthy, and affordable.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 14, ONE Seating at Noon
Reservations Required
Menu: Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potato, Gravy, Squash, Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Peas & Carrots, Pumpkin Pie.
Please sign-up early. Suggested donation of $5 for those 60 and over. $7 charge for those under 60 years of age. 457-3277
Thompson Cafe Soup Days
November 15 & 22nd, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
We’re trying something new! On Friday, November 15th and November 22nd, our regular noon meal will have a slightly different format. Chef Ryan will be offering a special soup and salad buffet. Diners can join us at noon as they usually do, but anyone is welcome to come and go between 12 – 1pm to dine in or pick up for take-out. Chef Ryan will offer two types of soup, rolls or crackers, and a hearty salad. Try something new with us at the Thompson Cafe Fridays!
Madagascar: The Eighth Continent
A Slide Show Presentation
Tuesday, November 19, 1:00 pm
Madagascar’s flora and fauna are so different from anywhere else on Earth that it is often referred to as the eighth continent. Dean and Susan Greenberg traveled there in November, 2018 and were captivated by what they saw: over 150 species of birds, 25 species of lemur (found nowhere else on earth), 50 species of butterflies, and many other interesting species of plants and animals. Their presentation will include their experiences while exploring the world’s 4th largest island. Join us as they share their magnificent images from their journey to this intriguing part of the world.
Coffee is on at The Thompson
Join us in the Morning!
At The Thompson, we enjoy the pleasures of good conversations and fellowship at our community noon meal – why not join us for coffee?
We invite our visitors to come in for complimentary coffee and muffins beginning at 8:30 am any weekday morning. Bring a friend, neighbor, business associate, or perhaps you will meet someone you know. Enjoy the comfort of our living room or dining room and enjoy a visit over a good mug of coffee.
Tech Tutoring at The Thompson Provided by NWPL
Tuesday, November 19, 12:45 – 2:45 pm
We are happy to continue offering individual tech tutoring thanks to Norman Williams Public Library and Meg Brazill. Meg offers 1:1 assistance for any one of your devices: cell phone, lap top, iPad or tablet – free of charge. 45 minute appointments are available and you can book more appointments as you need them. Please call to schedule yours at The Thompson 457-3277.
Advance Directives
2nd Monday of each month
1:00 – 3:00 pm by appointment, please schedule in advance
Would your loved ones know your about medical care if you were unable to speak for yourself? There is a legal document called an Advance Directive that you can complete to give guidelines about your wishes and appoint someone to represent you if you are not able. We have arranged for a trained and caring volunteer to be at the Thompson Center every 2nd Monday from 1pm – 3pm. These volunteers will take the time to explain both the document and the simple process used to make your wishes known. The most important part of this process is talking to those you love about what matters most to you. You can call 457-3277 to schedule an appointment.
Mah Jongg at The Thompson
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
We have been thrilled by the enthusiastic response to Mah jongg and our group is growing! If you are interested in joining, please contact Gail Stickney by emailing glavinstickney@yahoo.com or call 457-2581.
Holiday Bazaar Workshop
Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Jane Soule will be holding a special craft workshop for items to be made and sold in the Holiday Bazaar. All are welcome to participate. Bring ideas!
Thompson Holiday Bazaar & Cookie Walk
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Please join us for this annual holiday event where you’ll find a great selection of unique holiday gifts, handmade pottery, ornaments, jewelry, knitted and felted items, wreaths, homemade
goodies, jams, jellies, pickles, and more! Santa will visit and we’ll have our famous Cookie Walk.
Raffle Items:
- Twin Size Quilt made by Paula Audsley
- Gift Basket from Sugarbush Farms
- Artwork by Marilyn Syme
- 1/2 Gallon of Maple Syrup by John Leavitt
Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $20. All proceeds benefit The Thompson Center.
Hearing Healthcare and Hearing Aid Updates
Presented by Johnson Audiology
Monday, December 9, 1:00 pm
Hearing loss affects over 36 million Americans and is the third most common health problem in the United States. Audiologist, Dr. Julie Johnson, will discuss the changing landscape of hearing healthcare and how to be a savvy hearing aid consumer and what to look for from a hearing aid provider.
Dr. Johnson, graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC and completed her externship at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She moved to the Upper Valley in 2003 to join Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center as a clinical Audiologist and later as a clinical coordinator. In 2014, Dr. Johnson established Johnson Audiology, a private practice providing hearing health care to continuing care facilities, including Kendal at Hanover. Dr. Johnson has a working proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology.
Dr. Rieke graduated with a Doctor of Audiology degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. She completed her externship at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in 2009. She continues to see patients at DHMC and also works as a research Audiologist for a lab at Dartmouth College. Dr. Rieke is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. In addition, she conducts research related to cochlear changes from noise and ototoxicity. Dr. Rieke is also involved in research related to developing low-cost audiometric technology to improve global hearing healthcare in impoverished rural communities. For more information about their services, visit www.johnsonaudiology.org.
The Panhandlers Steel Drum Band
Tuesday, December 17, 1:00 pm
The Thompson is pleased to present the 10 member Panhandlers band, Vermont’s largest steel drum band. Under the leadership of talented band director Jennifer Cohen, the repertoire of the Panhandlers primarily consists of toe tapping, rhythmic music of the islands that brings to mind soft breezes, rustling palms, and sandy beaches. For this performance, imagine holiday lights on those rustling palms when these talented and energetic musicians perform some of your favorite holiday tunes to invoke the spirit of the season.
Memory Tree for the Holidays
Each year a tree is set up in the foyer of The Thompson Center and is dedicated as a memory tree. For $2 people can have an ornament placed on the tree with the name on it of someone they are remembering during the holidays.