Update on Thompson Services:
With the new state guidelines, all group activities are on hold. Curbside meals and home-delivered meals will continue. One-to-one services like foot clinic and Medicare counseling are able to continue with the established precautions. Please call with any questions.
The Thompson and Tri-Valley Transit are partnering in new ways to bring more transportation options to our region.
The Thompson Senior Center and Tri-Valley Transit, formerly Stagecoach, are excited to announce an expansion to their long-time partnership providing transportation services to people in need in the Woodstock area (Woodstock, Bridgewater, Barnard, & Pomfret). For many years, the two organizations have worked together to provide people access to services in the community. Now, these services will continue, but with Tri-Valley Transit (TVT) playing a more visible role in providing rides, additional benefits for volunteer drivers, and increased access for riders.
TVT will now provide up to four (4) door-to-door rides each month for people 60 years of age or older and those with ADA recognized disabilities through the recently revamped Ticket-to-Ride program. Riders can schedule trips for any purpose, but rides are most frequently requested for access to shopping and medical appointments. People needing rides to appointments for cancer treatment or kidney dialysis are given the highest priority and offered 100% of the rides needed to these appointments.
The Thompson will continue to manage a local transportation program to help older participants access programming at the Thompson Center and offer local trips to stores and services in the downtown Woodstock area.
The “Woodstock Shopper” bus route continues but the twice monthly trips now go to Rutland for shopping instead of West Lebanon due to Covid restrictions. This route connects Randolph, Barnard, Bridgewater, Pomfret, and Woodstock to any retail store in Rutland on the first and third Wednesday each month (advance reservations on this route must be made by the previous Friday).
To schedule rides for medical appointments or shopping, or to volunteer with TVT as a volunteer driver, please call 802-728-3773.
For a ride to/from The Thompson, or for local errands in Woodstock, please call 802-457-3277.
Important Information for Tax Preparation for 2020 taxes
For the safety of tax preparers and community members, tax preparation will be handled remotely this year. Following all established protocol for personal safety and protection of tax information, the process is as follows:
Step 1. Stop by the Thompson to pick up a Tax preparation envelope with the instructions for this year. Tax envelopes will be available for pick-up between January 25th – February 5th. The easiest time to pick-up is during our lunch meal curbside pick up between 12 – 12:15 pm, M-F. You will leave your name and number with Thompson staff and then gather all information necessary as listed on the instructions.
Step 2. A tax preparer will contact you to schedule an appointment after February 15th to come to The Thompson to review your documents. Tax preparation will be completed remotely.
Step 3. Once your tax return is complete, a third stop at The Thompson will be scheduled for you to get the printed copy of your return and sign form 8879.
Technology Help is Here!
It’s All About Being Connected
Senior Solutions is assisting older Vermonters with obtaining internet access, devices and offering technical support through instruction and training. Devices can help with social isolation, group activities and telehealth appointments with your primary care physician, to name a few. Video calls with friends and family has been successful with many of their clients. They can help you set up your computer, create an email address, and train you on some of the programs. For example, Comcast offers a low cost option called Internet Essentials, for internet access. They can assist in the application process. You do not have to be a Comcast customer.
Senior Solutions hopes to reach as many people as possible to offer this great opportunity. Please call their HelpLine at 802-885-2669 to get more information. This program is funded with Coronavirus Relief funds and we hope you’ll inquire and get connected while there is help available.
And for our Veterans….
If you need a computer, smartphone, or iPad, the VA Hospital in White River Junction can provide you with a device to give you access to tele-health appointments. You can get a hand-held device even if you already have a computer. Please call The Thompson Center if you would like to take an advantage of this opportunity to get connected.
BINGO at HOME with The Thompson
Friday mornings,10:00 am
Use your phone to call in and join. Fun prizes for winners!
For a BINGO card and the new call-in number, call 457-3277.
Coffee Talk Continues – Let’s Chat!
Mondays at 9:00 am
Special Guest, Gary Smith, joins Coffee Talk on January 25th!
We invite you to join us on Monday mornings for Coffee Talk by simply dialing in to our toll free phone number (like with Bingo). We’ll catch up with each other, maybe share old stories or talk about current events, and have occasional special guests to share their expertise on a topic of interest.
It’s as simple as using your telephone. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, find a cozy chair & dial 1-802-448-5745 to get connected!
Jefferson’s Monticello
Tuesday, January 19, 2:00 pm
We’re taking a virtual field trip to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello!
Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd president of the United States of America. His home in Charlottesville, Virginia, is an architectural icon, with its neoclassical design drafted by Jefferson himself.
During this tour, our Monticello educator will use images and Google Street View as well as Q & A time to engage your participants and get a glimpse of life on the “little mountain.”
The Art and Architecture of Hearst Castle
Thursday, January 21, 2:00 pm
Located in central California, along the Pacific Coast stands Hearst Castle. This architectural wonder was the home of the famous American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. At one time, christened La Cuesta Encantada or The Enchanted Hill by its famous resident, today it is both a California Historical Landmark and a National Historical Landmark. Hearst, a prolific collector of art and antiques, designed the construction of Hearst Castle to provide space necessary to display his vast collection of artifacts.
Come explore the variety of historical architectural structures, all based on what Hearst himself had seen during his travels around Europe.
National Portrait Gallery
“Every Eye is Upon Me”: First Ladies of the United States
Tuesday, January 26, 2:00 pm
From the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, we will take you on a virtual tour of the National Portrait Gallery’s First Ladies exhibition entitled “Every Eye is Upon Me: First Ladies of the United States,” covering First Lady Martha Washington through First Lady Melania Trump. Learn about First Ladies who came to the White House through marriage or as family friends or relatives who filled this important role. Through portraiture, you’ll will learn about their personalities, experiences, and accomplishments.
Caregiver Support Group Virtual Tea
Thursday, January 28, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Complimentary curb-side bagged lunch will be provided by The Thompson with registration.
Though the pandemic has prevented this group of devoted caregivers from gathering, you and the challenges you face are not forgotten. As we look forward to encouraging news in the new year, let us connect with each other – on zoom for now – and enjoy a virtual tea. Carla and Anne will be hosting and facilitating and participants are encouraged to socialize and share as you have in the past.
So that everyone has a chance to share within the allotted time, registrations will be limited so please call The Thompson to register for your zoom link early. If you need assistance with zoom, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you!
Live from the Truman Presidential Library
Tuesday, February 2, 2:00 pm
Take a sneak peek into the new exhibits as the museum comes close to opening in the Spring of 2021!
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of his presidency, the Truman Library and Truman Library Institute have developed a momentous plan to use Truman’s life and legacy to inform, inspire, educate, and engage a 21st-century audience at an increasingly critical time in our nation’s history.
Register by calling The Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Art With Finnie
Wednesday, February 3, 1:30 pm
Join Finnie to paint a landscape inspired by Canadian artist Ted Harrison. We will spend some time observing the brilliant colors and bold shapes that make up Harrison’s arctic inspired landscapes, then work to recreate our own landscapes inspired by his style.
Materials:
- large paper (heavy watercolor is best) or stretched canvas or panel, paints – which ever paint you prefer to work with. If you have acrylics available I encourage you to use them
- Sharpies – if you have multiple colors of Sharpies or even acrylic markers that’s good – oil pastels can work too
- Pencil, painters tape, paper towels, palettes, brushes etc.
- Extra preparation – check out Ted Harrison’s work online! I am including an image here too – if you have the ability you may want to print out a few of his pieces to have on hand for group observation/discussion.
Please email Finnie to register and request the zoom link: outreach@artistreevt.org
Elephant Sanctuary, Tennessee
Tuesday, February 9, 2:00 pm
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee exists to provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being, and to raise public awareness of the complex needs of elephants in captivity, and the crisis facing elephants in the wild. Located on 2,700 acres in Hohenwald, TN, The Elephant Sanctuary is the largest natural habitat refuge in the country dedicated solely to the care of African and Asian elephants retired from zoos and circuses across North America. As a true sanctuary, the elephant habitats are closed to the public and all the elephants are retired from their lives of performance and exhibition. Through their distance learning program, Using photos, lives-streaming video and storytelling, a member of The Sanctuary’s education team will offer a virtual glimpse into the daily life of elephants at The Sanctuary and answer all of your elephant related questions.
Register through the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Durham Museum: Historic Train Travel
Thursday, February 11, 2:00 pm
Join us for a virtual tour of the museum’s authentic train cars! We will start with a look at our 1890’s steam engine and 1950’s caboose, followed by a walk through our passenger trains. Luxurious rail travel awaits!
About the Durham Museum: Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at The Durham Museum. Making its home in one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives and the Field Museum.
Register through the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Individual Benefit Assistance—
Medicare, Medicaid, Food & Fuel Assistance
One on One Meetings are available at the Thompson Center
February 12 & 25, 9:30—1:00 pm
The Windsor Community Health Clinic (WCHC) is available for 1:1 appointments at The Thompson Center. A staff member can answer your individual questions about Medicaid, Medicare parts A, B, and D, food and fuel assistance, and dental and medication help. Although now they are offering in person appointments, WCHC staff continue to offer assistance over the phone or via Zoom.
All CDC and state guidelines for infection control and distancing will be strictly adhered to including the wearing of face coverings.
To schedule a one on one, in person appointment, please call the Thompson at 802-457-3277. In the meantime please reach out the WCHC directly if you have any questions about Medicaid, Medicare, food or fuel assistance, dental or medication help at 802-674-7213.
Foot Clinic Returns to The Thompson Center
with Beverly Sinclair, RN
Cost: $30 payable by cash or check. Towels are supplied.
Call for your appointment and please plan on earlier arrival for COVID-19 screening
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.
Hildene – The Lincoln Family Home
Pullman Porters: Unsung Heroes, Former Slaves,
Labor Organizers, Middle Class Citizens; Civil Rights Activists
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2:00 pm
Located in Manchester, Vermont, Hildene was built by Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Lincoln, in 1905. Today’s guests experience the 412 acre estate’s Welcome Center and The Museum Store; home and gardens; Lincoln exhibit; 1903 Pullman car, Sunbeam, “Many Voices” exhibit, a site on the Vermont African American Heritage Trail; goat dairy and cheese-making facility; sustainable agriculture project in The Dene; 600’ wetland floating boardwalk; and 12 miles of 4 season trails.
Participants will discover what it was like to travel and work on a Pullman car, and engage in discussion about the porters’ enduring fight for social change and justice in America. We will examine the critical role that Pullman porters played in giving rise to America’s black middle class, the formation of the black labor movement, and the momentum for the civil rights movement. This slice of history spans 100 years beginning with the Emancipation Proclamation.
Register through the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Tuesday, February 23, 2:00 pm
BIG fun with miniatures! Explore the incredible artistry of fine-scale miniatures with Laura Taylor and Kelly Burns from The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City, Missouri. Enjoy a video tour of some of the highlights of the museum’s fine-scale miniatures collection, followed by time for Q&A.
Register through the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
General Grant National Memorial
Thursday, February 25, 2:00 pm
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict in American history as Commanding General of the Union Army and then, as President of the United States, strove to heal a nation after a civil war and make rights for all citizens a reality.
Register through the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.