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 or email sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: Chronic Pain Management
A Virtual Class for Chronic Pain Management
Thursdays, Apr. 11, 2024 to May. 23, 2024 2:00 – 4:30PM
Join other senior center participants from around the state for this online workshop for guidance and support to build strength, increase energy and mobility, and manage ongoing or long-term pain and related issues like trouble sleeping or depression. Participate in the comfort of your own home or leave the technology to us and participate from the Thompson Senior Center.
Call or email the Thompson to register or sign up for any of the MyHealthyVT classes on their website: myhealthyvt.org
If signing up online, please note that you heard about this workshop from a senior center.
Art With Finnie from ArtisTree
Colorful Op Art
Thursday, April 18, 1:30 pm
Let’s develop some basic art skills and have some fun in the process! In this quick class you will work with line and pattern to make a quick design and then fill it in with color. Choose a theme from the color wheel or just play with what is dancing in your mind after a long winter of neutral tones. Please register in advance.
Community Connections with Melanie Sheehan
Director of Community Health at Mt. Ascutney Hospital
Monday April 22, 1:00 pm
Good medical care happens in a doctor’s office, but good health happens in a community. This is the notion behind Vermont’s “blueprint” for health, a plan to reform healthcare and help prevent high costs of healthcare. Mt. Ascutney Hospital’s primary care clinics in Windsor and Woodstock participate in the Blueprint programs by hosting a Community Health Team (CHT) of social workers, chronic care nurses, and community health workers. This team supplements the services available in our clinics and help to link patients with the social and economic services that make healthy living possible for all Vermonters. Melanie Sheehan, Director of Community Health at Mt. Ascutney, will present the details at this month’s Community Connections talk.
SLN Virtual Program
Whales in North Carolina: Diversity, Distribution, Conservation
Tuesday, April 23, 2:00 pm (at home viewing only)
Carteret County, NC was home to a dolphin and whale hunting industry, used primarily for oil. Historical records aren’t clear how large the industry was. The industry was founded because there are plenty of cetacean species off the coast. As of 2021, the whale center has documented 34 species of cetaceans (all whales, including dolphins and porpoises) along with The center hosts displays of beaked whale skeletons (Plus another being prepped for display) a 37-foot humpback whale skeleton, plus whale teeth, baleen, and whale oil. “Because of our location near ocean currents, the continental shelf, and many other reasons, North Carolina is a hotspot for cetacean diversity on a global scale and we wanted to explain that,” said Keith Rittmaster, Natural Sciences Curator at the North Carolina Maritime Museum and one of the leaders in the effort to create Bonehenge Whale Center. “And quite frankly, these creatures are amazing and I get excited when people learn about them and say WOW!”
Please register with The Thompson in advance to receive your Zoom link. 802-457-3277
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Banquet
Tuesday, April 23 at 5:30 pm (CLOSED for day meals and activities)
All Thompson volunteers are invited to join us for dinner on April 23 at 5:30 pm for a special time to celebrate the incredible gift that these volunteers give to our community. Live music will be provided by country music singer Jerry Blakeney. Please RSVP by April 16th at 802-457-3277. (volunteers only)
Coin Appraisals with Ron Ringenberg
By Appointment on April 24, 25, May 1, 2 and May 8, 1-3 PM
If you attended Ron’s coin appraisal program at The Thompson Center, now is the time to schedule your 1 hour appraisal appointment. Those who attended Ron’s program will be given first priority and other time slots will be made available if needed.
Movie Day at The Thompson
Thursday, April 25, 1:00 pm
Come enjoy a movie at The Thompson. We will offer a selection of popular recent films for you to choose from on the day of the movie. Register in advance.
Pushing Back at Parkinson’s Patient Symposium
FREE patient symposium focusing on hope and health in Parkinson’s Disease
Friday, April 26, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Hilton Garden Inn, 35 N. Labombard Road, Lebanon, NH 03766
Dartmouth Hitchcock’s annual Parkinson’s Symposium is entitled “Pushing Back at Parkinson’s Disease – Moving Beyond your Diagnosis.” Learn how your fellow Parkinson’s community members fight back and feel better with their PD every day.
Keynote speaker Dr. Sara Whittingham will walk you through her own diagnosis and journey with Parkinson’s. She has been highlighted on outlets such as USA Today and the “TODAY” show, inspiring others to live their best life with PD.
Other speakers include: Davis Phinney Foundation ambassador Steve Quam, Parkinson’s Foundation Research Advocate John Tomeny and Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s Disease President Tamara Barry. We will also have a dance performance with some of our Parkinson’s Dance class members!
The conference concludes with an expert panel of neurologists, psychiatrists and others answering your questions on how to optimize local resources in Parkinson’s. Make sure to also visit the Exhibit Hall to learn more about other available Parkinson’s therapies.
Lunch is provided and this event is free. However, registration is required – sign up today, space is limited!
Register online here. For more information, email movement@hitchcock.org.
Older Americans Month Luncheon
Tuesday, May 7, 12:00 pm
All patrons are invited to the Center for a time of celebration, recognition, and door prizes during lunch. Please sign up in advance by calling 802-457-3277. Suggested donation is $7.
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: High Blood Pressure Workshop
A FREE Virtual Class via Zoom, Tuesdays, May 7 – June 25, 5:00 – 6:30
Participants will learn the basics in managing high blood pressure such as: Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Understanding Medications. Please register with Sarah Doyle at (802) 289-0045 or sdoyle@northstarfqhc.org.
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: Upcoming Diabetes Prevention Workshop
A FREE Virtual Class via Zoom, Tuesdays, May 7, 2024-May 6, 2025, 5:30-6:30
What the Diabetes Prevention Program Offers:
Education and support to help you adopt healthier eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight loss and reducing your risk of getting diabetes
Timing:
Participants meet once a week for the first 16 weeks.
Following thay they meet every other week, then monthly for a total of 25 sessions over a year.
Who it’s For:
People at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
Please register with Pam Butler at pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
SLN Virtual Program
Star Lore of the Ojibwe from the Treworgy Planetarium Mystic Seaport
Tuesday, May 7, 2:00 pm
(Includes a NIGHT SKY UPDATE with Brian! ( an SLN favorite! ) This show will explore the star lore of the Ojibwe, a First Nations tribe living in the Great Lakes Region of southern Canada and the Midwestern United States. We will discover the elements that make up the traditional ecological knowledge of the Ojibwe, to see how they incorporate their cultural values into creating an understanding of the world around them.
Register in advance by calling The Thompson and indicate if you prefer viewing from home or from The Thompson.
Art With Finnie from ArtisTree
Let’s Get Playful
Thursday, May 9, 1:30 pm
Practice printing with everyday kitchen objects to create a fun and playful floral “wreath” to hang. Go small to use as a greeting card image or go bigger and hang on your wall for a lovely spring decoration! We will be using acrylic paints to print, so wear clothes that can get messy. Please register in advance.
Movie Day at The Thompson
Friday, May 10, 1:00 pm
Come enjoy a movie at The Thompson. We will offer a selection of popular recent films for you to choose from on the day of the movie. Register in advance.
SLN Virtual Program
Great Basin National Park Foundation
Tuesday, May 14, 2:00 pm
The Great Basin National Park Foundation passionately works to enhance, preserve, and interpret the starry night skies, wide-open scenery, cultural heritage, and diverse native ecosystems of Great Basin National Park. Our presenters will share an overview of the diverse aspects of this stunning park, as well as a glimpse into the Dark Skies!
Register in advance by calling The Thompson and indicate if viewing from home or from The Thompson.
How Medicare, Medicare Supplemental, and Medicare Advantage Plans Can Work For You
Presented by Andrew Hayward, Gateway Retirement Solutions
Thursday, May 16, 1:00 PM
If you are facing retirement and enrolling in Medicare, this presentation will cover the basics of Medicare and how Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans can work for you. All people turning 65 have 6 months to sign up for Medicare (3 months before and the three months after one turns 65) without a penalty in the future. Andy will also be discussing the Medicare prescription plans and how to choose the one that fits best for you.
Community Connections
Monday, May 20, 1:00 PM
Mountain Views Superintendent Sherry Sousa and Board Chair Keri Bristow will join us for an update about the school bond vote, and offer this opportunity to hear your thoughts and questions. They will also discuss what was learned from the survey that was sent out to our communities. Please join us and become informed!
Fraud Update – What you Need to Know and How to be Prepared
Presented by Pete Begin, Mascoma Bank VP Senior Security & Fraud Prevention Officer
Tuesday, May 21, 1:00 pm
It can’t be said enough: Fraud affects us all and we are all vulnerable. Join us for this presentation by a local bank professional and learn what to watch for and how to best protect yourself.
SLN Virtual Program
FDR the Hobbyist! FDR Presidential Library and Museum
“I owe my life to my hobbies—especially stamp collecting”—Franklin D. Roosevelt
Tuesday, May 21, 2:00 pm
FDR was a man with many interests and the means to pursue them. He loved to hunt, fish, plant trees, sail and he collected stamps, books, and birds! We will be looking at reproductions of some of his ship models, naval prints, book collection, and photos of the original “ Oddities” exhibit, as well as a map of FDR’s tree farm.
Register in advance by contacting The Thompson and indicate if viewing from home or from The Thompson.
SLN Virtual Program
Plaza of Presidents at the National Museum of the Pacific War
Tuesday, May 28, 2:00 pm
The massive scale of World War II is illustrated at the Plaza of Presidents, a stunning tribute to the 10 American presidents who served in various ways during WW II. We will be joining our friend Bryan,( yet another favorite! ) at The Plaza of the Presidents outside the museum, which features ten monuments honoring these presidents: President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S Truman ( Commanders-in-Chief) Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, James E. Carter, Jr., Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush who served in uniform. Join us as we learn about their different connections to WWII.
Register in advance by contacting The Thompson and indicate if viewing from home or from The Thompson.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Presented by The Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Tuesday, June 4, 1:00 PM
Behaviors are a form of communication. In this program, you will learn to identify, understand and respond to challenging behaviors such as agitation, confusion and more, exhibited by individuals living with dementia. Caregiver tips and strategies to respond to some of these common behaviors will be discussed. Please register in advance by calling The Thompson Center.
Ongoing Programs in Order by Date
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
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 is available by appointment. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277.
Bingo
Monday at 10am & Friday at 10:30am
Join us at the Center or dial 855-223-9106 to connect and play by phone. Bingo players are also welcome to return to The Thompson to play on weekday mornings. Please call Shari for room availability.
Senior Solutions Offers Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
Every other Monday, 9:30am -12:30pm
Individual assistance is available at The Thompson by appointment every other Monday by appointment with Senior Solution Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey.
Programs include:
- VPharm (prescription drug applications)
- 3Squares (money for food program)
- Fuel Assistance
- Green Mt Power discount
Caregiver Support Group with Complimentary Lunch
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 (with complimentary lunch) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges. Pre-register for lunch.
Game Day
Tuesdays at 10:00 am
Join us for a morning of games including Backgammon, Scrabble, Rummikub and Double King Pede. Feel free to bring in a game from home. Please sign-up in advance.
Reflexology at The Thompson
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
April 9 & 24, May 7 & 21 by appointment
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to confirm 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.
Beginner Bridge
Wednesday, 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.
Handwork Circle
Wednesday, 10:30 am
The Handwork Circle group invites anyone to join them on Wednesdays at 10:30 in the living room. You do not need to be a knitter, all projects welcome. Enjoy some coffee and companionship. Contact Jane Soule at 457-2442 with any questions.
Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
April 18 & 30, May 16. 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.
In-person Tech Support at The Thompson
Appointments on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
In collaboration with the Norman Williams Public Library, you can now get 1:1 tech support at The Thompson. Bring in your mobile phones, laptops, iPads and any other type of tablet device you need help with. Multiple devices can be brought to one appointment. Call Shari to book your 1 hour appointment, and don’t forget your passwords!