World Record Bingo

October 14, 2021 by Jen Bloch

Join us at 1pm on October 22, 2021, to help set a World Record!

The Thompson is excited to participate in a historic community event as an official venue. On October 22, 2021, we’re attempting to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with an exciting game of online bingo!

We’re raising awareness on our efforts to fight social isolation & reframing the face of aging by hosting the largest hybrid game of Bingo the world has ever seen. So come join us at on October 22, 2021 at 1 pm. There will be games, prizes, snacks, and of course a chance to hang out with family and friends. This is your chance to be a part of something huge!

For in-person, we will follow all safety guidelines & capacity will be limited so please call 457-3277 to RSVP.

Our Online Venue:
Even if you cannot attend in person, you can still play safely from home and join our online community here
Please register ahead of time — at 1pm there will be World Record announcements and speakers from around the country, including Deanna Jones, Executive Director, for The Thompson. The record-setting bingo game will be at 2pm.

Thompson Winter Gala Raffle

January 5, 2021 by Thompson Senior Center

Senior Centers: Delivering Vital Connections!

August 13, 2020 by Jen Bloch

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 16^th: 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 25^th 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!

“The Thompson at Home”

July 20, 2020 by Jen Bloch

Your Virtual Senior Center

Senior Learning Network Virtual Programming at The Thompson

January Programs

Please note that these are all group viewings so leave the technology issues to us and watch with friends in the comfort of The Thompson on our newly updated large screen tv.

Call to reserve your seat.

Amon Carter Art Museum’s Art of the American West

Tuesday, January 4, 2:00 pm

Join us as we view the Carter Legacy galleries housing the original collection of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell objects.

We will also discover how other artist of the time and modern and contemporary artists have depicted the American west.

Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park

Tuesday, January 11, 2:00 pm

Come discover the unique history of Ste. Genevieve! Established by 1750, Ste. Genevieve was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. Early French Canadian settlers were drawn here by the rich agricultural land known as Le Grand Champ (the Big Field). After the flood of 1785, the town relocated to its present location on higher ground approximately three miles to the northwest of its original site. A true embodiment of the “melting pot” metaphor, Ste. Genevieve is rich with history, telling the stories of the people that lived and settled the land.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Tuesday, January 18, 2:00 pm

*No group viewing this day*

Did you know the Ford Presidential Library and Museum is the only split Presidential museum? The Library is located in Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan’s campus. The Museum is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Join Kristin Phillips, Public Affairs Specialist, as she gives you a glimpse inside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Find out why there are two separate facilities, and more fun facts about the 38th President Gerald R. Ford.

Mitchell Caverns

Tuesday, January 25, 2:00 pm

Mitchell caverns are the only limestone caves in the California State Park system. The caverns were created during the Pleistocene epoch, when ground water with a high carbonic acid content ate into the surrounding marble and sedimentary limestone. Stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations were formed from calcium carbonate left by dripping mineral water. For many years the caves were thought to be “dead”, that is, the formations were no longer growing. However, recent studies have found something different.

Our park ranger, Andrew has asked us to return to see a special presentation of the caverns in the Providence Mountains with their new and improved internet connections.

Guardianship: Help or Harm?

A Virtual Presentation by Vermont Legal Aid

Wednesday, January 12, 1:00 pm

In this virtual presentation, Leah Burdick, Esq. Staff Attorney at the Elder Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid, Inc., will discuss the legal framework of a guardianship and what being under a court-ordered guardianship really means in Vermont.

Please register with The Thompson for your zoom link.

Communicating with Animals –

a Virtual Zoom Presentation by Animal Communicator, Jeannie Lindheim

Thursday, January 27, 1:00 pm

Do you ever wonder what your animal is thinking and feeling? Jeannie Lindheim, author of Loving Animals: Conversations with an Animal Communicator, will discuss how animal communication works and techniques she uses. She will tell some touching stories and share some techniques that you can use with your animals. There will also be time for Q and A.

Jeannie cannot answer specific questions about your animal as that would require a consultation but generic questions are welcome

Jeannie Lindheim studied with animal communication pioneer, Penelope Smith. Jeannie consults with pet lovers from all over the U. S. who are trying to understand how their animal feels and what they want. She has communicated with dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, hedgehogs, pigs, alpacas, bearded dragon lizards, rabbits, many types of birds, steer, insects and many other species. 100% of the proceeds from her book are donated to animal rescue organizations.

(Archive) Generation to Generation week at The Thompson 2019

May 31, 2019 by Thompson Senior Center

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.