Thompson Winter Gala Raffle
Senior Centers: Delivering Vital Connections!
This year’s theme for national senior center month was chosen by the National Council on Aging to highlight how senior centers deliver vital connections to support older adults aging well. This is more evident now than ever before! Critical home delivered meals, grocery delivery, friendly check-in calls, virtual & onsite programs, and even phone Bingo have helped to keep our community members safer and happier at home during this challenging time. Preventing social isolation is vital and a core senior center mission. While the delivery methods have changed during the pandemic, centers have succeeded in continuing to provide knowledge, programming, and resources.
The Thompson plays a vital role in our community! Our staff, volunteers, and participants promote a positive image of aging. Together we are a vibrant, supportive senior center that thrives inside and outside of our walls and reaches far into the towns and countryside of our beautiful area. If you’re not a regular participant or volunteer, we invite you to get engaged by trying out a class, volunteering, or checking in with staff about other opportunities to enrich your life.
Fun Facts that show just how vital The Thompson has been these last months at keeping community members safe:
- Meals on Wheels served since March 16th: 5,542 (same time frame last year 3,546)
- We’ve had 69 new recipients for home delivered Meals on Wheels!
- Curbside take-out meals with our dining room closed: 2,710 meals to more than 300 unique individuals.
- Hundreds of check-in calls, grocery & prescription deliveries, & virtual programs to help beat the Covid blues!
National Senior Center Month Celebration & Senior Center Volunteer Appreciation
Friday, September 25, 12:00 pm
Join us for our annual chicken BBQ and senior center month celebration – TAKE-OUT STYLE – on Friday September 25th!
Although we are operating under much different circumstances than this time last year, it will not deter us from celebrating National Senior Center month AND, our beloved Thompson Center volunteers!
These have been trying times, and we acknowledge each and every volunteer whether you were sidelined by pandemic restrictions, or jumping in to help as a new volunteer. You play a critical role in making The Thompson one of the very best senior centers around! We have so much to celebrate!
On Friday, September 25th our favorite guest BBQ Chef, Nate Willard, and family will be grilling the chicken and Chef Ryan will serve potato salad, coleslaw, corn bread and lemon fool on the hill with blueberries. You must RSVP, but take-out lunches will be free for all of our volunteers and raffle prizes will be drawn from all who are registered for lunch! $5 minimum suggested donation for non-volunteers.
Thank you to all of you for your continued contribution to the success of our Center – your Center!
Please pre-register by calling The Thompson Center. We look forward to celebrating with you!
“Your Virtual Senior Center!”
Senior Learning Network Programming on Pause
For those of you who have enjoyed the past many months of diverse virtual programming offered by the Senior Learning Network, we regret to inform you that they have decided to temporarily pause programming beginning in April. Please be assured that we will continue to search for creative virtual programs while our Center’s access remains limited. We strive to find the best options to reach the greatest amount of viewers as we look forward to re-opening slowly as directed by state guidelines. As always, your comments and suggestions regarding programming are encouraged and always appreciated.
Coffee Talk – Let’s Connect and Chat!
Mondays at 9:00 am
Our Coffee Talk on Monday mornings is becoming quite popular as more people call in. We have discussed all types of topics, like back yard bird feeding, skiing on barrels stays, and even 3 holers! Our special guests have included VINS research coordinator, Jim Ambruster, Woodstock Pharmacy owner Gary Smith, and the Woodstock History Center. Dial in on Monday mornings and connect with us – you never know who will be on the other end of the line!
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!
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 new the call-in number, call 457-3277.
Rehabbing Bats in the Time of COVID-19
Offered through VINS, FREE and Open to the Public*
April 15, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Take a tour through the Vermont Bat Center rehab facilities and get a first-hand look at what it takes to rescue and rehabilitate these tiny animals. Learn what protocols are in place to protect vulnerable bat populations.
*A $10 donation is suggested.
Art in Bloom with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Saturday, May 1, 11:00 am
We’ll be saluting the spring virtually this year with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts as they showcase fine art and floral design for the 45th year of Art in Bloom. The theme this year is Women and Art. Our one-hour private tour will feature art objects along with a floral interpretation and will be hosted by an art guide and a floral design guide. The tour will include a live Q & A session at the end. One significant benefit of the virtual approach is that participants will be able to see both the flowers and the art closer than ever before. Register through The Thompson to receive your Zoom link. 802.457.3277 or sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org
Special Thanks to Art in Bloom Sponsors:
Hope Home Care and the Woodstock Garden Club
Art With Finnie
It’s Cinco de Mayo! Let’s paint in the style of Amate Bark Paintings from Mexico!
Wednesday, May 5, 1;30-3:00 pm
Amate bark painting is a Mexican folk art developed in the state of Puebla, but today it is mainly practiced in the state of Guerrero. The process involves both the creating of the bark paper and the painting of it, which is often done to depict brightly colored scenes of daily life, history, or nature.
You will need a clean brown paper bag, pencil, sharpie, and some brightly colored paints.
To register for April’s session please email Finnie Trimpi: outreach@artistreevt.org
Virtual programing offered by New Hampshire’s AVA Gallery
Posted every Friday in our weekly eNews
Get a glimpse into the creative minds of individual artists as they take you through the art making process – from beginning with a blank canvas or raw materials, through all the decisions they make about themes, materials, media, colors, techniques, and other aspects of their art making. Free one-hour Zoom programs each week with different artists giving demonstrations and presentations on their work, every Friday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
To register, email Shari at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 457-3277
Creating Natural Balance in our Neighborhood
A Virtual Photo Essay Presented by Extension Master Gardener,
Bob Little Tree
Tuesday, May 11, 10:30 am
This two-part photo essay will begin with slides on invasive plants and animals. Part two will illustrate good plants; the many beneficial, naturalized, or indigenous plants and their common names, what environments they prefer, uses, their growing seasons and why gardeners should strive to preserve habitat for these beneficial plants. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion concluding this 1 hour presentation. Please contact The Thompson Center to pre-register for your zoom link at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Spring Tea
Wednesday, May 12, 2:00 pm
All ages are invited to our first ever intergenerational tea party! This virtual Spring Tea will be a lovely opportunity to connect with our youngest friends and share a cup of tea and some treats.
Please RSVP by Friday, May 7th, and plan to pick up your “Tea Party Kit” at The Thompson on either May 4th or 5th. Your tea party kit will include tea bags, sweet and savory tea treats, a pretty teacup, and a fun project for our tea party. If you’re too far away to pick up a kit, you can still join us with your own tea.
Learn More About The Woodstock Town Hall
Rejuvenation Project
A Virtual Presentation – Monday, May 17 at 10:00 am
Perhaps you’ve heard that the Woodstock Selectboard has authorized the project to rejuvenate the Town Hall and Theater. If you’d like to learn more details, please join a Zoom presentation with Wendy Spector, chair of the Campaign to Save The Town Hall and member of the Town Hall Rejuvenation Project Leadership Team.
Wendy will take you through some of the fascinating history of the building, the genesis of the rejuvenation effort, current stage of the project, and the Leadership Team’s vision for the building. The kick-off of the public phase of the project will follow soon, but this will give you an opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts in a more direct way. Please register in advance by contacting The Thompson Center at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org and a zoom link will be provided.
Strength, Stretch & Stability via Zoom
Led by Liz Hatfield, Certified Fitness Trainer
Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Motion is Lotion! Now is the time to focus on ourselves. We must stay positive and strong. In the short term, exercise can help the immune system find and deal with pathogens, and in the long term, regular exercise slows down changes that happen to the immune system with aging, therefore reducing the risk of infection.
Join this class, move your body and feel physically, mentally and emotionally better.
Suggested Equipment:
- Dumbbells, Soup Cans (14oz is approx. 1lb), Bag of Beans or Rice (1lb) or Filled Water Bottles
- Dish Towel or Pillowcase
- Two Paper plates, Rags or Furniture Gliders/Coaster (NOT RUBBER)
- 12Plastic cups (e.g. “Solo” cups) – 6 Red & 6 Blue – Linda Grant has left 10 sets at The Thompson in a bag if you would like to pick them up.
For information on how to access the Zoom classes, contact Liz directly at 802-522-9273 or email at ebhatfield@aol.com
Register for a Virtual Tai Chi Class
Instructor, Anne Bower, is offering 5 classes a week and we encourage you to try a new class or continue Tai Chi. It’s slow, gentle but powerful movements will give you energy and multiple health benefits. For more information on any of these classes, please email Anne at anniebower@yahoo.com. Zoom links will be provided at registration with The Thompson.
Monday: 10-11 Tai Chi with a Chair
Monday: 11:10-12:10 Introduction to Sun 73 forms (prior knowledge of Fall Prevention Tai Chi is required)
Wednesday: 10-11 Fall Prevention Tai Chi
Wednesday: 11:10-12:10 Sun 73 continuing practice and learning
Friday: 10-11 Yang 24 continuing practice and learning
Bone Builders Class
Zoom meetings continue weekly and are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays for current students. Participants are also encouraged to continue their practice at home. Exercise routines provided by Althea are available via email or by calling The Thompson.
Chair Yoga by Zoom
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
This class is available on Zoom and suggested $3.00 minimum per class.
We invite you to join this yoga class focusing on gentle stretching, strengthening and balance using a chair for support. Breathing and relaxation are part of the practice we all need in these times of change and challenges. Instructor, Linda Harvey, is a registered physical therapist and certified yoga teacher who has worked in multiple settings with an interest in falls prevention and overall wellness.
Linda is presently working at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Otauquechee Health Center in outpatient rehab and aquatic therapy. Her practice includes a therapeutic approach and inclusivity for all people who are curious about the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga.
$3.00/class. Questions for her can be directed to llharvey56@gmail.com. Payments should be made out to Linda Harvey and mailed to The Thompson Center. Punch cards are available for $15/5 classes or $30/10, and the cards will also be honored when we return to in-person classes at The Thompson Center.
(Archive) Generation to Generation week at The Thompson 2019
August 5 – 8, 2019, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
Summer matters! Many children jump for joy for summer break, but not all. For some, summer is a time when learning stops, meals are scarce, and caring adults during the day are less accessible. Older people have abundant skills and life experience to share. Younger people thrive with the support of caring adults in their lives!
The Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, VT, has dedicated a special week when young people in our community come together with seniors for learning, fun, and to make meaningful connections. This year, the week of August 5th will be “Generation to Generation” week at The Thompson with programs offered by ArtisTree, The Woodstock History Center, and teacher, Barbara Leonard.
The proven benefits of intergenerational activities are numerous and meaningful to both generations.
Join us for a week of kid and adult-friendly lunch menus, arts & crafts, music, games, ice cream, dancing, and more!
Daily Schedule:
Other details:
Cost: FREE. Donations for meals are welcome, but not required for children or adult volunteers.
Programs are ideal for children ages 8-12. Children who are 8 years old or older are invited to attend without a parent or caregiver. Children under age 8 are welcome with a parent or caregiver. Participation will be on a first come, first serve basis and all families will be required to complete a permission slip.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Children’s permission slip and sign up at 457-3277 or in person at the Thompson, 99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT (Located just off of Route 4 near the high school), or online here. Permission slip and sign-up must be completed in advance of arriving at Gen2Gen camp. Space is limited to 20 children and completed forms are required to hold your space. Participants may attend all programs or just a few.
If transportation is an issue, please let us know so that we can try to accommodate.
Please contact Deanna Jones, Executive Director at The Thompson, with any questions. info@thompsonseniorcenter.org or 457-3277
More about Generation to Generation and The Thompson Senior Center:
The Gen2Gen Summer Challenge is part of Encore.org’s Generation to Generation campaign, a national effort to inspire adults over 50 to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth. Encore.org
The Thompson addresses the social, intellectual and physical well being of seniors and offers information and support for Vermont communities on issues and opportunities involved in aging. Located at 99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, the Thompson engages and supports seniors of all ages and backgrounds living in Barnard, Bridgewater, Pomfret, Quechee, Hartland, Reading, Woodstock, and the surrounding areas. More information is available by calling (802) 457-3277, online at www.ThompsonSeniorCenter.org, and on Facebook at The Thompson Senior Center.
(Archives) Annual Meeting 2018: Inspiration to Age Well
We are surrounded by inspiration. In spending time at The Thompson, it is the thing most loved – the people. We’re a group of vibrant volunteers and participants, talented artists, fitness enthusiasts, activists, life-long learners, Veterans, teachers, spiritual examples, travelers, interesting Vermonters, and caring friends.
On Wednesday, October 24th at our Annual Meeting we gave the spotlight to a few of the people that make our community so vibrant and inspire us all to Age Well!
“Being new to the area, I find The Thompson’s daily meal to be a wonderful place to make new friends and get a balanced meal with no shopping, cooking, or cleanup involved (which is a real draw for people who don’t like to cook for one)! I participate regularly in the language tables at lunchtime, as well as Italian lessons, Bone Builder exercise classes, special programs and Meals on Wheels delivery. I look forward to Aging Well with The Thompson for decades to come!” – Laurie Marshall
“My thoughts on aging well is to stay active and creative and the Thompson gives me that opportunity. I especially enjoy the Generation to Generation camp in the summer. It is very rewarding to see the interaction between the adults and the children. We are very fortunate to have all the wonderful programs available to us at the Thompson Senior Center.” – Beverly Audsley
“We age well or better by simply coming here with a purpose.
Those of us who participate in the language tables, some up to 3 different each week, keep the brains working with conversation, constant challenges, research, and also a lot of fun. In my 20 years here, I have managed to make NEW FRIENDS, not merely acquaintances, not an easy task at our age, when we tend to hang on to the past. We also go on trips and meet in our homes for various celebrations that would previously have been shared with family, long gone or too far away for everyday participation. That means we care for each other, help out when needed with driving or other practical chores. We still learn every day. We feel we have an extended family. For some it is also of utmost importance to come here daily and eat a proper meal, as one may tend to skip that when living alone. Lastly, just knowing that I can call here one day when it is really needed, is a tremendous help, making me not worry what is ahead of us. They know us here, and I know that they with their enormous resources, knowledge and caring will step up and connect us with the right people.” – Rita Post
Jim had a long career with the Navy beginning when he was 17, Jim was a Seabee and retired after over 40 years when he was 60.
A few years ago, he was recognized as a Vermont Super Senior and we certainly agree. He keeps busy with a number of things … Among them has been volunteering as a tour guide at the Calvin Coolidge exhibits in Plymouth and here at the Thompson as one of our favorite Generation to Generation participants. At the close of this summer’s event, he shared with all the children and adults in our closing circle that this had been the “most fun he had had in ages” — He chuckled and said, “sometimes people my age end up talking about their ailments. It was refreshing to be here having fun with no time to think about my age.”
This past year after Jim had visited the high school with a group of veterans for interviews with the students, 3 teenage guys wrote a letter about their interview and time with Jim. They said, “HOPE is the word that comes to mine when we think of you because of the story from the beginning of the war when you were crying and that soldier came up and comforted you. You still had your whole deployment and career ahead of you, and you found a way to keep going. Thank you for coming up to us and for taking the time out of your day just to do an interview with us.”
“The aging process embraces both QUANTITY and QUALITY. My family genes have bequeathed the quantity and The Thompson Senior Center has added to the QUALITY — friendship, courtesy, help, education, healthful food, fun, relaxation, physical and mental exercise.
My gratitude, like aging, embraces both my life’s genes and my life’s experiences at the senior center.” – Gina Moore
Jane, our dear centarian, a vibrant speaker, talented artist, and activist who organized and led a protest on immigration issues this past June just after her 100th birthday. I had the pleasure of viewing her artwork on exhibit within the last few years and am continusously delighted by her sometimes irreverant way of speaking the truth always. When I called her on her 100 birthday, she took the phone from her daughter and exclaimed, “I made it to 100 years because of the The Thompson.” Certainly we know there are other factors, but it is absolutely an honor to hear in Jane’s words, “ I could not live in my lovely house without “the Thompson.” After 73 years of cooking, those lovely meals arrive in my kitchen ready to enjoy. It’s a wonderful thing, EVEN the brussell sprouts are great! Long Live the THOMPSON!”