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 18^th 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

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“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!!  

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.