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.
Backyard Games
Tuesday, May 31, 1:00 pm
Join us on May 31st for a fun afternoon of Horseshoes, Corn hole, and Supersized Connect-four! The tent will be up for shade, and you can play along starting at 1:00. Please register in advance.
Art with Finnie from ArtisTree
Embroidered Landscapes—Rescheduled from May
Wednesday, June 1, 1:30 pm
In June, we will paint an underlayer of a simple landscape and embellish it with colorful threads. Finnie will provide simple landscapes for motivation or participants are welcome to bring in a photo of a meaningful place. Come and learn Finnie’s process to create beautiful mixed media snapshots. Please pre-register by calling The Thompson.
SLN Virtual Program: James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Tuesday, June 7, 2:00 pm
At first glance, Abraham Lincoln and James A. Garfield have some obvious similarities: they were both bearded Republican presidents struck down by assassins. But there’s much more to the story than that! Lincoln and Garfield knew one another and shared many similar views. In fact, without Lincoln’s intervention, James Garfield might never have served in Congress or become President of the United States. But there were also some stark differences between the two as well, and Garfield privately expressed frustration with President Lincoln. This presentation will explore many of the similarities and differences between the nation’s sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, and its twentieth President, James A. Garfield.
Please call to reserve your spot. Let us know if you would prefer to view from home or watch from the Thompson and leave the technology to us.
Tick-borne Illness Prevention & Safety with Vermont Department of Health
Tuesday, June 7, 1:00 pm
Tick season is upon us in Windsor County. Learning how to avoid ticks, recognizing what type of ticks carry disease, and identifying steps to take if you find a tick bite can help prevent illness. Join Epidemiologist Lyrica Stelle from the Vermont Department Health for a presentation on tickborne illnesses, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do if you find a tick bite.
VNH Presents: How to Be Successful with Home Health Services
Thursday, June 9, 1:00 pm
Join the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of VT & NH as they discuss the process for home health services and how a patient can get the most out of the services. This presentation will cover what home health services are, what the process will look like for a patient and what to expect while receiving home health services.
Please register in advance by calling The Thompson.
SLN Virtual Program: Exploring Lincoln in Washington:
National Mall and Ford’s Theatre
Tuesday, June 14, 2:00 pm, at home viewing only
Ford’s Theatre and The National Mall and Memorial Parks join forces to explore what Washington, D.C., was like for President Lincoln and how the city has grown and changed over time. Examine places that mattered to Lincoln during his lifetime and places where he matters to us today, including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Ford’s Theatre. In this interactive program, participants will look closely at historic and contemporary images of Washington D.C. including maps, photographs and illustrations.
Please call to reserve your spot. Let us know if you would prefer to view from home or watch from the Thompson and leave the technology to us.
The 251 Club of Vermont – One Couple’s Journey
Tuesday, June 14, 1:00 pm
Carol and Peter Pickett were eager for something to do in the early days of the pandemic shutdown and decided to hit the road. This began their adventure of discovering many of Vermont’s 251 towns and their subsequent joining of The 251 Club of Vermont, an organization of Vermont enthusiasts whose objective is to visit the 251 towns and cities in Vermont. They will share their experiences from their travels and we invite others to come and share their own Vermont travel experiences.
SLN Virtual Program: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Tuesday, June 21, 2;00 pm
The building of the Casa Grande was a major event of the Classic Period (1100 – 1450 C.E.). The best dating methods available indicate that this large, caliche structure was built during the 1300’s. The construction appears to have been well planned and organized, requiring tons of material and a huge cooperative effort on the part of many people. Today we can only marvel at the Casa Grande and try to imagine what it was used for. Though many theories have been suggested, we still aren’t sure as to its purpose. All we can assume is that the Casa Grande must have been very important to the people who built it. Join us as we learn about this fascinating mystery in Arizona!
Please call to reserve your spot. Let us know if you would prefer to view from home or watch from the Thompson and leave the technology to us.
Island Times Steel Band Returns for Vermont Make Music Day
Tuesday, June 21, 1:00 pm
We are making music again at The Thompson on Vermont Make Music Day! Join us in The Thompson tent for one of our favorite bands as we celebrate along with other communities around the world on June 21, World Music Day. The Thompson will be on the Vermont Make Music Day map which will be linked to the National World Music Day map. Let’s encourage friends to participate in this world wide event!
The Thompson Center Welcomes Bookstock in June
The Hiking Gardener with Author Celia Ryker
Friday, June 24, 1:00 pm
Horse trainer and horticulturist Celia Ryker, author of Walking Home: Trail Stories, shares stories from hiking the Long Trail. Along with tales of the challenges of distance hiking, Celia mingles memories of scenic views, plants and flowers, and the wonders of nature every step of the way. Celia Ryker has been a horse trainer, horticulturist, and hiker. Walking Home: Trail Stories is about hiking the Long Trail, a decision she made when she reached her sixtieth birthday. But Walking Home is about much more than mud, sweat, and blisters; it shares the stories, memories, and people who came to mind as her legs carried her up the mountains and across 273 miles of trail. Celia and her husband Don live between Vermont and Michigan with their border collie, Flurry. Visit www.celiaryker.com.
SLN Virtual Program: Truman Presidential Library
The Upset of the Century
Tuesday, June 28, 2:00 pm
Truman’s approval in 1948 was at an all-time low. Still, he enjoyed being President. He threw himself into the challenge of his long-shot re-election bid with confidence and verve. His aggressive cross-country “Whistle Stop” campaign began nearly broke.
Flanked by Bess “The Boss” Truman and crowd favorite Margaret, he crisscrossed the country thee times by train. He met with Midwestern farmers and cheering crowds in Harlem. He stressed high prices and housing. He attacked the “Do Nothing” 80th Congress. In the last campaign where television did not play a role, Truman spoke directly with voters.
His win over the heavily favored Republican candidate, Thomas Dewey, was one of the greatest upsets in U.S. political history.
Please call to reserve your spot. Let us know if you would prefer to view from home or watch from the Thompson and leave the technology to us.
VERMONT LEGAL AID PRESENTS:
A Free Virtual Legal Advice Clinic for Vermont Seniors (Age 60+)
Thursday, June 30, 9:00 – 11:30 am
Vermont Legal Aid is hosting a virtual legal advice clinic by phone for free civil legal assistance to Vermont seniors, aged 60 and up, to answer legal questions about COVID-19 related assistance, federal and state benefits, housing, unemployment, debt, or other civil legal issues. Call and book your free 20-minute appointment!
To schedule an appointment, CALL: 1-802-318-4169. Leave a message with your name and number and the best time to return your call. You can also book an appointment online at https://vtlawhelp.org/seniors. The phone number above is just for the legal advice clinic. If you have an immediate legal problem, call our general phone number and leave a message: 1-800-889-2047.
PLEASE NOTE: Our attorneys cannot help you with criminal issues. Your appointment must involve your own problem, and not a question about a family member or friend’s problem. All consultations are confidential. This clinic is by appointment only. The number of available appointments may be limited.
Ongoing Programs in Order by Date
Advisory Meetings
1st Monday of the Month
We are very happy to report that Dick and Bonnie Atwood will be our new Advisory Council Members. They will facilitate our meetings held on the 1st Monday of every month at 1:00 pm. All are encouraged to attend.
Bingo
Monday & Friday mornings, 10:00 am
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.
Medicare Recipients – Find Your Benefits to Age Well & Boost Your Budget
In-person Assistance at The Thompson
3rd Monday of the month, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, by appointment
Find your benefits to Age Well. Individual 1:1 assistance is available at The Thompson to help Medicare recipients find the programs you may be eligible for . Those programs include: Medicare Savings Plans, Prescription Drug Assistance, 3 Squares VT (SNAP), Choices for Care, and Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP).
If you need immediate assistance, call Senior Solutions Outreach Specialist, Tracy Blanchard directly at 802-773-7917.
For those enrolling or new to Medicare, individual assistance is available by contacting The Windsor County Community Health Team at 802-674-7213, or the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at Senior Solutions, 802-885-2655.
Join the Thompson TRIVIA TEAM!
2nd Monday of the Month
We will be hosting trivia on the second Monday of every month at 10 am. Come test your knowledge across a variety of topics, and have some fun at the Thompson! Please call us at 457-3277 to register.
Advance Directive Assistance
2nd Monday of the Month
Trained and caring volunteers are available to assist you with creating your advance directive at The Thompson Center on the second Monday of the month, by appointment, 1:00 and 2:00 pm time slots.
Please call Shari at 457-3277 to schedule an appointment.
Caregiver Support Group with Complimentary Lunch
In-person, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 pm
Virtual participation will still be 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.
Reflexology at The Thompson
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
2nd Tuesday, 10:30 am – 2 pm and 4th Tuesday, 9 am – 12 pm, Please call for availability
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to confirm a morning appointment beginning at 9:00 am on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. $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. All clients must be fully vaccinated. Face coverings are required during your treatment.
NEW! Rummikub Comes to The Thompson
Wednesdays, 1:15 pm
Rummikub is a tile-based game for 2 to 4 players, combining elements of the card game rummy and mahjong, but much easier! Volunteer facilitator, Kathy Connor has tiles so you don’t need to bring your own. This is a fun game for all so invite your spouse, partners, and friends. Call to sign-up in advance. This group will meet every Wednesday expect for the first Wednesday of each month.
HANDWORK CIRCLE
Wednesdays, 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 with Beverly Sinclair, RN
June 16, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: $30 payable by cash or check. Towels are supplied.
Call for your appointment, Face masks required during treatment
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 Returns to 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!
Carla Kamel and the Community Health Team
Friday Office Hours at The Thompson, 10am-12pm
Community Care Coordinator, Carla Kamel, is available for support in navigating resources and discussing community-based services. Carla expertly and compassionately can identify your needs and goals, and provide information, support and connection to resources to meet individual goals. She is available at the Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) for a health and social wellness phone visit at 457-5414 or at carla.kamel@mahhc.org, even if it’s a five-minute phone conversation. While walk-ins are welcome, making an appointment is advised by calling The Thompson.
Technical Assistance Available at The Thompson or in Your Home
If you have questions about a device that you are using, help is available on a fee for service basis by a qualified local individual. Please call Shari to learn more.