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The Thompson Center

Your Resource to Age Well

99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT 05091 * (802) 457-3277

Senior Centers: Delivering Vital Connections!

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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!

We’re excited to launch “Your virtual senior center!”

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We’re excited to officially launch “Your virtual senior center!”  With the safety of our participants in mind and the strict capacity constraints on our physical space (1 person per 200 square feet, allowing us only 15 people in the whole building!), we know that virtual programs are here to stay for the foreseeable future.  In addition to the programs we were already offering online, we’ve added some exciting opportunities through our new partnership with “Senior Learning Network.”  These LIVE programs will take us all around the country to museums and landmarks that we may never be able to visit otherwise.  You’ll still call or email the Thompson to register for the programs and we’ll send the connection information to registered participants.  Check it out here and let us know if you have any questions.  We’re also hoping to have information soon about connecting people without technology devices, so please be in touch if you’re not online and would like to be.    

Senior Learning Network Virtual Program Update:

We have had an enthusiastic response and terrific, positive feedback for our new series of virtual programs offered through the Senior Learning Network. Thanks to all those who have tuned in and gotten back to us about the programs you are enjoying. For one example, 116 tuned in to watch the August 18th program on Eleanor Roosevelt, nationwide, and we hear it was a great presentation with interaction with the speaker. Please keep watching and enjoying!

BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY:  To better protect the integrity of the Zoom program, Senior Learning Network is asking participants who have registered for a program to be aware of the following guidelines:

· Participants are advised that they will be required to have their name on their screen (no phone numbers)

· Participants will be asked what senior center they are affiliated with.

· Please do not share zoom room IDs with anyone who is not registered

For the Senior Learning Network Virtual Programs, register in advance through the Thompson to receive the Zoom link. 457-3277

“Writing a Memory” Toy and Miniature Museum

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2:00 pm

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures educates, inspires, and delights adults and children through the museum’s collection and preservation of toys and  miniatures. The museum, located in Kansas City, Missouri, contains the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest antique toy collections on public display.

THE PROGRAM- Come ready to participate!
Toys can hold some of our most cherished memories.  Join Kelly Burns, Museum Educator at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, as she shares the story of the Nettie Wells dollhouse and the special memories held by its items. Come with a memory ( picture, or actual toy!) to share!!  

“Animal Adaptations in the Yellowstone Ecosystem”

Draper Natural History Museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Tuesday, October 6, 2:00 pm

Animals truly are amazing! They can survive in their environments through their amazing adaptations. During this lesson, students will discover the basic habitat needs of animals, and explore how living things adapt to seasons and environments. Students will journey through four habitats in the Greater   Yellowstone Ecosystem – the alpine, forest, mountain meadow, and plains/basin environments. We will visit immersive museum exhibits that highlight animals in each of these unique habitats.

Virtual Tour from the National Museum of the Pacific War

Thursday, October 8, 2:00 pm

Come and take a virtual tour of this fabulous museum! Discover the human story of World War II in the Pacific in more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space spread over three galleries located on six acres in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas. The National Museum of the Pacific War is the only museum in the continental U.S. solely dedicated to telling the story of WWII in the Pacific.

Virtual Tour from the National Museum of the Pacific War

Thursday, October 8, 2:00 pm

Come and take a virtual tour of this fabulous museum! Discover the human   story of World War II in the Pacific in more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space spread over three galleries located on six acres in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas. The National Museum of the Pacific War is the only museum in the continental U.S. solely dedicated to telling the story of WWII in the Pacific.

“GOLD”!  A Virtual Tour from Columbia State Historic Park

Thursday, October 22, 2:00 pm

Columbia State Historic Park is the largest collection of gold rush era buildings in all of California. The brick buildings that date back to the late 1850s-1870s help to tell the story of the diverse merchants and miners who helped create this once booming town. Although Columbia’s population has dwindled over time, it was never a ghost town. This virtual tour takes you inside buildings and exhibits for a look at this bygone era.

TWO BONUS “MORE ABOUT ELEANOR” PROGRAMS!

WEDNESDAY, Oct 21 and THUR.,OCT 29

Back by popular demand! We have had some special requests for MORE about ELEANOR- and Jeff with the FDR Presidential Library and Museum has agreed to come back . We will send out more program details closer to the date. Please make note of these TWO Bonus Programs!

Part 1:

Wednesday, October 21, 2:00 pm

Eleanor Roosevelt: Partner in the Whitehouse

Part 2:

Thursday, October 29, 2:00 pm

Eleanor Roosevelt: Casting Her Own Shadow In the Post Whitehouse Years 

Mediterranean Night: A Journey to Provence, France

A Cook-Along-Zoom Class with the Co-Op Culinary Learning Center

September 24,  3 – 5 pm,  $10.00 per person due at registration

Provençal cuisine is high-spirited, yet simple food, which focuses on seasonal and fresh ingredients; it is the Mediterranean’s la cuisine de grand-mère. In less than two hours, we will transport you to Provence with a simple weeknight dinner that is low on fuss and high on flavor. Our main dish will be spiced-rubbed pork tenderloin with fennel, tomatoes, artichokes and olives. Suggested side dishes include a simple salad and Israeli couscous and we will start by mixing up a simple olive oil cake for dessert.  Add a glass of your favorite beverage, and this is a meal to be savored.

Join Hanover Food Co-op Food Educator Lindsay Smith for this fun and delicious cook-along class.  Recipe, directions, and zoom link instructions will be emailed two weeks prior to the class. Please pre-register by calling The Thompson Center.

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 call-in number, call 457-3277.

Strength, Stretch & Stability

Zoom classes will remain in effect until further notice

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

Thompson’s Annual Virtual Falls Prevention Awareness Program and Self-Guided Balance Screenings

Presented by Linda Harvey, Mt Ascutney Physical Therapist

Wednesday, September 30, 1-2 pm via zoom

Are you worried about falling? Are you ready to be steady?

There are so many things you can do to stay steady and prevent a fall! 

  • Check your vision yearly
  • Pick up clutter
  • Review your medications
  • Get physically active

This virtual event will offer an informational session followed by Linda guiding participants in a self assessment for balance using the CDC-approved STEADI criteria. Please register for this event by calling The Thompson Center and you will be notified with the zoom link information. You will need a sturdy chair and comfortable clothes and shoes.

The Songs and their Stories! A Virtual Musical Performance by Rich Araldi

Tuesday, October 27, 1:00 pm via Zoom

Pre-registration required for Zoom link by calling The Thompson.

Rich Araldi has been a performing musician for over 45 years on vibraphone, piano, and drums. He will provide us with an excursion through the great songs of the 20th century and the stories that make them that much more special. Drawing from the jazz age, through the swing era, into modern jazz, the Beatles, and beyond! Songs we love with stories, anecdotes, and trivia. This will be an enjoyable performance for all ages, family friendly and interactive, covering a wide range of music and topics.

(Archive) Generation to Generation week at The Thompson 2019

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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

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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!” 

 

2020 Thompson Winter Gala

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An elegant evening of dining, dancing, and auction with friends to benefit The Thompson

Evening includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live music and dancing. Black tie optional. Exciting silent and live auctions. Complimentary wine with dinner.

$125 per person ($95 tax-deductible)

WE ARE NOW STARTING A WAITING LIST FOR THIS EVENT. If you have a table host who has RSVP’d for you, please complete the steps below as soon as possible. All others, please contact Deanna Jones at 457-3277 or djones@thompsonseniorcenter.org and we will do our best to seat you if there are any cancellations. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

To view our LIVE AUCTION details click here

To view the FULL CATALOG of Aucton Items click here

MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE IN TWO SIMPLE STEPS:

STEP 1. Enter Guest Name(s) and Menu choice(s) here

STEP 2. Pay for tickets online below (or mail a check to The Thompson Senior Center, 99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT 05091)

Select number of tickets/reservations

Note: You may also change ticket quantities on the next screen

Menu Details

Salad Course
Winter Green Salad
Baby Frisée, Romaine & Lola Rosa, Red Wine Poached Pear, Candied Walnuts, Citrus Vinaigrette

French Water Rolls & Butter

Entrée Meat (Gluten-Free)
Slow Braised Boneless Short Rib of Beef
Colcannon Potatoes, French Beans & Leeks, Cipollini Onions, Braising Jus

Entrée Fish
Blue Crab Stuffed Atlantic Sole
Rock Shrimp & Roasted Tomato Crema, French Beans & Leeks

Entrée Vegetarian (Gluten-Free)
Cauliflower & Carrot Bowl
Spiced Coconut Crema, Citrus Basmati Rice

The Woodstock Inn is offering an elevator rate of $149+tax for anyone who wants to stay the night at the Inn. Mention the elevator rate for this event when you make reservations.

The Thompson Center’s Winter Gala is our most important fundraiser, supporting The Thompson’s programs and services that help us all age well in our community.  Thank you for your support.

Please call or email with any questions: (802) 457-3277 or info@thompsonseniorcenter.org

A Special Thank You to our Important Sponsors!