Community Updates:
Local Grocery Shopping Options During COVID-19 Community Response
Barnard General Store is offering Curbside Pick-Up & Delivery. Free Delivery service is only for Barnard Residents who are elderly, or who have compromised immune systems or are quarantined. There will be a limit of one delivery per week, per household. Curbside pick-up of groceries is also available for Barnard residents. Call the Barnard General Store for details at 234-9688 or email barnardstore@gmail.com. Barnard Helping Hands and Barnard BEES have volunteers in place for deliveries.
Woodstock Farmers Market: Offering Curbside Pick-Up. 457-3658 or woodstockfarmersmkt.com.
As restrictions in Vermont continue to ease, The Thompson will be limiting our volunteer responsibilities regarding grocery shopping. We ask that you limit your requests to local shopping for necessities only. If you can ask a local family member who can safely provide this shopping for you, please do so. Macs Market in Woodstock is now providing a specific time for older shoppers to shop on Tuesdays, 8-9 am. Please be in touch with Pam to discuss your specific situation and needs as we enter this next phase.
Each town has resources and plans in place to assist people. In the event of needing more support please call your town’s emergency phone number listed below.
Woodstock Emergency Management hotline at 802-457-7516.
townofwoodstock.org/COVID-19/
Emergency Manager – David Green
Bridgewater Emergency Management Team:
Selectboard Chair – Lynne Bertram: 802-342-0784
Town Health Officer – Ellen Quinn: 802-281-0615
Emergency Management Coordinator – Josh Maxham:
802-299-8428
Barnard Emergency Management Team:
Contingencies and updates will be concentrated on the Barnard town website: www.barndardvt.us
Selecboard Chair – Rock Webster: 802-234-9391
Town Health Officer – Tom Morse: 802-356-3576
Emergency Management Coordinator – Mike Manning: 802-234-5263
Pomfret Emergency Management Team:
Emergency Management Director – Kevin Rice: 802-356-7643
Town Health Officer – Hugh Hermann MD: 802-457-1200 office,
802-457-1300 home
The Vermont Foodbank is taking all measures possible to ensure we can be there to help people access food during this challenging time. If you or someone you know is in need of help getting food, they can help. The following list will help you access food and programs that best fit your needs:
3SquaresVT – Has your household lost pay? 3SquaresVT is here for you and your family. You could be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT benefit or increase the benefit you already receive. We can help you apply. Visit our 3SquaresVT page, email 3svt@vtfoodbank.org, call 1-855-855-6181 or text VFBSNAP to 85511
CSFP – The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal nutrition program which offers free monthly nutrition information and nutritious foods to income-eligible older adults.
VeggieVanGo – The next VeggieVanGo at Woodstock Union Highschool parking lot will be on June 4th, 9:15am – 10:15am. Please stay in your cars and follow directions from parking lot volunteers.
Find a food shelf – The Vermont Foodbank partners with 215 food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, homeless shelters and out of school programs across the state. Find a site close to you through our food shelf listings.
Woodstock Community Food Shelf hours are Monday 4-6 pm, Wednesday 1-3 pm, and Saturday 10-12 pm. 802-457-1185. All are welcome.
For more information visit vermontfoodbank.org or call 1-800-585-2265 , Email: info@vtfoodbank.org
Grocery Store Special Hours
Mac’s Market Special hours for high risk and individuals 60+ 8-9am, Tuesdays
Walmart Special hours for high risk and individuals 60+ 6-7am , Tues order groceries online https://grocery.walmart.com for delivery to your car
Back Yard Composting
Act 146 Outreach Coordinator, Ham Gillett discusses the final phase of Vermont Act 148, Universal Recycling Law, which mandates that as of July 1, 2020 food scraps can no longer be disposed of in the trash. To learn about back yard composting, watch a recorded version of his April 29th Zoom presentation here.
Join us for a Fun Class!
Lets Paint Tulips together with ArtisTree!
Finnie Trimpi will guide you through a simple tulip still life. Set up your supplies and paint along or just join us for company and conversation.
*If you need help gathering supplies please connect with the Thompson center and we can work on finding materials for those who may not have supplies at home.
Materials:
- heavy paper – watercolor paper is ideal
- watercolor paints (can be pan tray, tube or liquid watercolor – whatever you have on hand. You can even use water-based markers and plain water to turn your coloring into a watercolor look). If you prefer acrylic, tempera or oils feel free to join us with that too!
- brush(es)
- water, water cup and paper towels
*Optional:
- painters tape – you can use this to hold your paper in place and create a clean border – completely not necessary if you don’t have access to it
- If you want to work from a still life, feel free to buy a lovely bunch of tulips to look at while you are painting 😉
Please email: outreach@artistreevt.org if you want to get an invitation to join! The number is 802-291-0514.
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
The Thompson Center’s group of trained and caring volunteers will be resuming Advance Directive assistance remotely. Please contact The Thompson Center if you would like a remote appointment with a volunteer and you will be contacted directly by Meg, Judy, or Anne. They will determine the best type of appointment be it via phone, Zoom, Facetime, or conference call, that works best for you. After your initial call to The Thompson, a staff member will send an Advance Directive form and a booklet from the Vermont Ethics Network to help you prepare for your appointment.
Tax Assistance Update
The AARP Tax-Aide program is still suspended but will be moving forward with service options that allow for self-preparation or volunteer-assisted self-preparation. A team comprised of volunteers and staff, continues to test elements of the models to make sure they are viable for volunteers and taxpayers; they are also in regular consultation with the IRS. Further details will be provided soon. Tax-Aide Leader, Althea, is optimistic that if we can resume tax assistance in June, there should be enough time for those with existing appointments to meet the July 15th filing deadline. Thompson staff will call anyone who has an appointment when there are details that can be confirmed. Thank you for your patience as we all work through this together.
AARP Smart Driver Safety Course Class on June 19 Cancelled
All AARP Smart Driver Safety Courses have been cancelled until July 1, therefore canceling the Thompson Class on June 19th. It is likely that The Thompson Center will be scheduling a class this Fall, 2020 pending guidance from CDC and the Vermont governor. In the meantime, for those people who are in need of the class for their insurance discount can take the online course. While the online course fulfills the minimum requirements for insurance companies, it does not discuss Vermont laws and Vermont roads. It is not interactive.
Promo code for 25% discount: DRIVINGSKILLS
Good through: Aug 31, 2020
Website: www.aarpdriversafety.org
Prescriptions from Woodstock Pharmacy
- Call (802) 457-1306
- Someone will be available to answer your calls Monday through Saturday from 9 AM-5 PM, but you won’t be able to enter the store to check on a prescription.
- Please call in your prescription refill, or have your doctor send or call in a new prescription, and pay by phone. A pickup time will be pro vided. Call or knock on the door upon arrival.
- Please minimize cash and check payments. Leave your credit card on file for faster service.
- The Thompson Center has volunteers in place to deliver your paid pharmaceuticals and supply needs to your home. If you can use this service call 457-3277 to make arrangements.
Update from Carla Kamel and the Community Health Team
Community Care Coordinator, Carla Kamel, is available for support in navigating resources and services and discussing community-based services. Carla wants our readers to know that she is available at the Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) for a health and social wellness phone visit at 457-5414 or at carla.kamel@mahhc.org.
Anne and Carla continue to reach out to Caregiver Support group members. OHC is grateful to all patrons who donated cloth masks (PPE). They remain in need of PPE-masks which can be dropped off at the main entrance to OHC. Thank you for helping us keep our patients healthy and safe in our community!
The Elder Justice Project
If you have a friend, neighbor or loved one who may need assistance we are here to help! The Elder Justice Project provides confidential support, information and assistance with any of the difficult situations described below. We take a client-centered approach, which means you drive the bus along the way. The Elder Justice Project advocates for what you want.
Abuse in later life (ALL) refers to willful abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an older adult that occurs within an ongoing relationship where there is an expectation of trust. Power and control dynamics are often present in these deeply personal cases and thus present unique challenges that require a specialized response.
These cases are often complicated. Older victims may be healthy and active, or they may have physical or cognitive limitations. These victims may be in contact with the justice system, social services, health care, faith communities, and the aging services network. The abuser may be a spouse, intimate partner, family member, or caregiver. All situations are different and unique to your life.
If you would like assistance, please feel free to contact Keely Marie at The Elder Justice Project, 802-698-8310, kmarie@seniorsolutionsvt.org. Helpline at Senior Solutions Toll Free 866-673-8376 or locally 802-885-2669.
Free Coloring Pages by World Folk Artist, Willow Bascomb
Artist Willow Bascom’s world folk art coloring pages are now available for the asking. Her unique art designs are based on her exposures to a variety of world cultures and can provide hours of enjoyment.
Email Willow at WillowBascom@gmail.com with COLORING in the subject line and she will email back with free coloring pages
Vermont Legal Aid/Legal Services Vermont Presents:
A Free Legal Advice Clinic for Eligible Area Seniors (AGE 60+)
Friday, June 26, 9:00—4:00 pm, by PHONE appointment only.
Call The Thompson to schedule your phone appointment.
Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont will each have a licensed Vermont attorney available to provide free legal assistance to eligible area seniors, aged 60 and up, who are experiencing a civil legal problem (not criminal). Civil law topics include:
- Advanced planning documents (Wills, Powers of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directives);
- Housing (Landlord-tenant issues, Evictions, Subsidies);
- Health care benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, 3SquaresVT food benefits);
- Debt collection (Foreclosure, Small claims proceedings, Bankruptcy);
- Guardianship; and
- Relief from Abuse/Exploitation/Neglect.
PLEASE NOTE: Attorneys cannot help you with criminal cases or problems. Your appointment must involve your own problem, and not a question about a family member or friend’s problem. All consultations are confidential.
Sponsored by your local Area Agencies on Aging
Update from Ottauquechee Health Foundation (OHF)
OHF will continue to offer financial assistance for health and wellness needs through grants to those living in any of their nine service towns which include Woodstock, Barnard, Bridgewater, and Pomfret. If you or someone you know is experiencing financial stress in light of COVID-19 or other health reasons, please contact OHF. They will continue to serve the community by being available via email at info@ohfvt.org or by calling 457-4188, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm. Applications for financial assistance can be found on their website at www.ohfvt.org or by calling The Thompson Center.
Telehealth Virtual Visit Appointments
Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, and Chesire Medical Center are offering appointments with providers from the comfort and safety of your home.
This means that you are able to use technology such as a telephone, tablet, computer or smart phone to receive medical care from your provider and care team without needing to go to your doctor’s office.
For more information visit: go.d-h.org/virtual visits.
Telehealth Technology Help Line: Toll-Free Phone: (888) 353-3462
Information provided by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health
How to Gain Access to Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
Telehealth Services
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, (MAHHC) is asking patients of the Hospital and of Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) in Woodstock, Vermont who have not already done so, to sign up for the myMAHHC Patient Portal, in order to gain access to telehealth services.
These new services through the myMAHHC Patient Portal will offer a safe, convenient way for patients to receive ongoing medical consultations from a medical professional while they stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Hospital staff are currently contacting patients to sign them up, but they encourage people to initiate enrollment at their convenience.
To enroll in myMAHHC, people are asked to have their email address ready, and go to mtascutneyhospital.org/mymahhc-patient-portal to sign up. Or they can call (802) 674-7300, and choose option #3 for the Primary Care Clinic and speak with a representative. Patients using the services of the Ottauquechee Health Center in Woodstock may call (802) 457-3030 to enroll.
Update from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Aging Resource Center
The Aging Resource Center is trying to deliver more programs virtually. Please visit their website at www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/aging_resource_center/community_classes_and_events.html)
On that website people can access to the quick start guide for Zoom users. They will also try to provide technical support for those who experience issues accessing their virtual programs.
Caregiver Support Group Update:
The Thompson Support Group Facilitators Carla Kamel and Anne Herz can be reached by calling 802-457-5414. Carla and Anne are also making regular check-in calls and if you wish to be included, please let them know.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Available via Zoom at DHMC Aging
Resource Center, Wednesdays, 12:30-2 pm
This is an open support group for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. This group will meet virtually every Wednesday from 12:30 –2:00 pm until they can resume in person meetings.
Upper Valley Rehabilitation is offering Tele-health
Tele-health or Tele-rehabilitation offers one on one physical or occupational therapy through an internet enabled device with a camera. These virtual visits with a licensed therapist are live video sessions so patients do not have to visit a clinic for treatment.
Call or email directly at 802-457-4213 or info@uvrehab.com to schedule a virtual visit.
Scams Spread as Fraudsters Follow the Headlines
Get Help to Report Scams and Fraud
To report a scam or to get help if you or a loved one has fallen victim, contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. If you get a suspicious call, text or email (for example, requesting your bank account number, instructing you to buy a gift card or promising an expensive prize), or if you, a relative or a friend has given money or financial information to someone you now suspect was a scammer CALL 877-908-3360 or visit www.aarp.org/fraud for more information
Make Wearing a Mask a Habit
Governor Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD reiterated the importance of wearing face coverings as Vermont gradually reopens. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, Dr. Levine said, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our masks with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets. Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people.
Sewing Masks for Donations
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health is in need of fabric masks in response to the Center for Disease Control’s guidance that fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted.
General guidance for those who wish to participate and help by sewing masks for donation:
Important infection prevention:
Before starting this project, please ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you been in contact with anyone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
- Do you have fever, cough or shortness of breath?
- If you are able to answer “NO” to both questions, then proceed with making masks.
If you answer “YES” to either or both questions, please do not make masks.
Instructions for making masks:
100% unused cotton fabric (front) – no metallic fabrics
100% cotton or cotton flannel (back)
1/4″ or 3/8” flat elastic
If you would like a kit of fabric to get you started, please call ahead for availability to our Lebanon donation center hotline at 603-650-4217. This number is open Monday -Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
An instruction video is available from Deaconess Health System. Written instructions are also available.
Dropping off masks:
Masks can be dropped off in re-sealable plastic bag to one of our donation centered located at:
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Service Center
Green Warehouse
50 LaBombard Road North, Lebanon, NH
NWPL Update as of May 18, 2020
The Norman Williams Public Library has begun a “Stage 1” plan consisting of “curbside” pickup. Please visit their website for information on how to check out books and materials “curbside.” Click on this link for their full newsletter and further information about their Stage 1 “curbside” pickup, including how, when, and where.
NEED A LIBRARY CARD? GET ONE FREE
If you don’t already have a library card and want one, please email our circulation desk and we’ll get one to you. Cards are free for six months to help people take advantage of e-books, audiobooks, online class and resources during the coronavirus pandemic.
email: circulation@normanwilliams.org
Looking for a Good Book?
Nan Bourne is a fan of Rosamunde Pilcher and provides the following review:
The 4 large final novels of Rosamunde Pilcher, an English writer, recently deceased, whose books I find invariably offer both stimulation and comfort; her first best-seller, The Shell-Seekers, published in the early ’80’s, paved the way for 3 more blockbusters, equally “pagy” (400 pages plus); September, Coming Home, and her final one, published not too long before her death, Winter Solstice. I invariably reread them with enormous pleasure during any challenging time; Hurricane Irene being one, our current pandemic being the most recent. Her settings are alluring; Highland Scotland where she lived after her marriage, & Cornwall where she grew up, inspire her to wonderful descriptions of atmosphere, and her characters are invariably appealing; Pilcher manages to invite us into deep interest in their situations, problems and solutions, leaving us (me, at least) relaxed, contented, also wanting MORE!
Her stories all take place within her own lifetime (1920s — 2000) and many of her plots are inspired by her own life, or by people familiar to her. Like most of the characters in Downton Abbey, another favorite of mine, hers are goodhearted, interesting, thoughtful, and complex. She is an extraordinary story-teller who skillfully conveys a deep range of relationships and emotions, and manages to keep one avidly ready for the next twist in the road. Problems get resolved, but like those in the afore-mentioned Downton Abbey, in an organic, convincing way that seems to leave everyone in some manner altered. I’ve just finished (once more!) her last one and am trying to decide which of the others I most want to reread!
There are those who would dismiss Pilcher as a “romance writer” with a “Pollyanna” approach to life. I would suggest that it may be “women writers,” often scorned for their happy endings, who may offer genuine inspiration & comfort during a difficult, even frightening time. In my view, “happy endings” simply mean resolved problems; and right now we’re in dire need of same; and don’t anyone tell me there’s no such thing as a solved problem!! Grrrr!
Have a book review to share? Send it to jbloch@thompsonseniorcenter.org for our June Newsletter.
2020 Census – Shape your Future
Please Respond Online, by Phone, or by Paper Copy
It starts with each of us doing our part. And how we do this is by completing the 2020 Census questionnaire. You can complete it online or by phone. It is easy, safe and takes around 10 minutes to complete.
Completing the questionnaire allows you to influence the amount of money that comes to Vermont for many of our essential programs…programs that benefit our health and safety, that pay for our roads, for local government, for schools, for hospitals, and for so much more…
All households should receive an invitation with a 12-digit Census ID to go online and complete the questionnaire. But you can complete the questionnaire at any time without the census ID by going to the official Census website, my2020Census.gov. When you get there you will see a link: “If you don’t have a Census ID, click here”. It will ask you for your physical address and from there you can complete the questionnaire.
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can complete the questionnaire by phone! You can call: 844-330-2020 to get help in English. There are 12 other language options for completing the questionnaire as well.
If you have questions, or need help, please call Melissa Roy at 802-210-5383
All regular & previously scheduled programming at The Thompson has been suspended until further notice.
Community Health Clinic
Call Directly for Assistance at 802-674-7213 or email: Samantha.ball@mahhc.org
Jewelry Repair at The Thompson
Thompson Cafe Soup Days
Every other Friday, 12:00 – 1:00 pmNEW TIME! Painting with the Thompson Center at ArtisTree
Medicare For New Enrollees –What You Need to Know
Topics included in this presentation:
- Medicare Parts A, B & D and why we need them
- Penalties for not enrolling
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicare Supplemental Plans
- How to enroll and when
Please pre-register by calling 457-3277 or at info@thompsonseniorcenter.org
Caregiver Bootcamp at The ThompsonPresented by Jessica Talb, Regional Vice President of TLC HomeCare and Community EducatorWednesdays, April 29, May 6 and 13, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Advance Directives
Coffee is on at The Thompson
Join us in the Morning!
Are you trying to find a Bridge Group?
Mah Jongg at The Thompson