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. Call 802-457-3277 or email sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Thompson Beginner Bridge Update
New players have just begun playing in mid March. If you wish to join this group email Pam at pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org. Bridge meets on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm.
Language Tables at Thompson!
Our long tradition of offering a lunch space for those speaking French and Spanish is back. For those who enjoy conversing in French, the French language table meets every Wednesday at noon. If Spanish is your language, your group meets on Fridays at noon. Registration is required for anyone attending lunch.
Thank you Richard Schramm
This engaging group will be concluding the last of their five meetings in May. We thank group facilitator Richard Schramm for his gentle guidance and wisdom, along with Mary Blanton, for supporting others while sharing their stories. We are looking for a new group facilitator and hope to reconvene this group in the fall.
Let’s Get Moving!
Join our Free Walk with Ease Program facilitated by Linda Harvey,
Ottauquechee Health Center Physical Therapist
Thursdays, beginning June 1, 10:30-11:30 am and Tuesdays
beginning June 6, 4:30-5:30 PM
- Meet twice weekly at East End Park at the picnic tables
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water
- Walking sticks or canes are encouraged if needed
- Pre-register with The Thompson and pick up your free program guide book
- Contact Linda Harvey with any program questions at 802-355-0376 or llharvey56@gmail.com
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease program is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. Comprehensive studies demonstrate that Walk With Ease reduces pain, increases balance and strength and improves your overall health.
SLN Virtual Program
Homestead National Historic Park:
Homesteading, Women’s Suffrage, and The Wizard of Oz
Tuesday, June 6, 2:00 pm
This presentation explores the women’s suffrage and homesteading themes in Frank L. Baum’s, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The program highlights the ways those themes remain prominent in retellings of the classic tale. It uses brief vocal music elements to demonstrate the many interpretations of this American fairytale; including, songs from the 1939 Judy Garland film: The Wizard of Oz. Homesteading, Women’s Suffrage, and the Wizard of Oz, is an engaging program that explores the experiences that helped Baum shape his iconic story.
Call The Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Art with Finnie from ArtisTree
Ringing in Spring with Wind Chime Bell(s)
This two-session art project will continue on Wednesday, June 7, 1:30 pm
From pinch pots and coils we will make our very own ceramic wind chime bell(s) in this two part workshop series. The second session will be painting and stringing the bells, ready for hanging.
These gorgeous bells will make a lovely addition to your home or garden. All levels of experience welcome.
*If you missed the first session Finnie will have limited supplies for painting in the second session – be sure to sign up early to ensure that she has enough supplies for painting in June. Sign-up in advance.
Silent Cal Visits The Thompson Center for the Centennial of His Presidency
Thursday, June 8, 1:00 pm
The Thompson Senior Center will be welcoming a special guest speaker from the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation: the 30th president himself, as portrayed by living history performer Tracy Messer. Mr. Messer made his debut in 2017. Since then, he has given dozens of performances across the country and is busier than ever as this year marks the centennial of the Coolidge presidency. The Coolidge administration coincided with, arguably, the most prosperous period in our nation’s history. Born and raised on a farm in Plymouth, Vermont, Calvin Coolidge brought his own brand of Yankee wit and wisdom to the White House. He is, perhaps, best remembered for his character: modeling the values of civility, frugality and humility. Come learn about the life and legacy of Calvin Coolidge from the man himself. There will be ample time in this one hour program for questions directed either to the President or to Tracy.
Please call the Thompson to register in advance. All are welcome!
All-Occasion Card Making Workshop Returns!
With Instructor Karen McNall
Tuesday, June 13th at 1:00 pm, Cost: $20, Payable to Karen McNall
- Create handmade cards from the heart
- No experience necessary!
- All supplies included
- Card making is a great way to make new friends, socialize, learn a new hobby, and have fun!
Please make your reservation by June 9th
SLN Virtual Program
Return to the Elephant Sanctuary!
Tuesday, June 13, 2:00 pm
Since 1995, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee has provided elephants retired from performance and exhibition with a safe refuge and the companionship of other elephants. The facility has grown from 110 acres to 3,060 acres and has provided sanctuary to 29 elephants, making it North America’s largest natural habitat refuge for captive elephants.
We are excited to return to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee to see what is new, and also learn about their newest residents! Call The Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Community Connections
With Liza Bernard from Norman Williams Public Library
Wednesday, June 14, 1:00 PM
Along with the expected books, movies and audiobooks on CD, physically on hand to borrow, the Norman Williams Public Library is a great source for streaming movies, digital audiobooks, and thousands of courses and workshops. NWPL is happy to be once again offering a full range of services from free Wifi and tech help to our “Bag Mobile” and electronics recycling. They host a wide range of programs and events for our community. Learn about their offerings and how to access them.
Prevent, Detect, Report: Protect Your Medicare Information
Presented by Community of Vermont Elders (COVE)
Thursday, June 15, 1:00 PM
Estimates put our country’s annual losses to Medicare fraud, errors and abuse at $65 billion. It’s everyone’s duty to protect this critical benefit by learning to recognize the signs of Medicare crime and stop the scams before they happen.
Prevent, Detect, Report is a short introduction to the basics of protecting your Medicare information, presented by the staff of Community of Vermont Elders, which administers the state’s chapter of Senior Medicare Patrol. From learning how to read your monthly statement to the importance of never giving out your Medicare number unsolicited, Prevent, Detect, Report is critical information for all Medicare beneficiaries.
SLN Virtual Program
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art
Cherry Blossoms: Japanese Custom of “ Flower Viewing”,
Tuesday, June 20, 2:00 pm
What is it about cherry trees, or Sakura, that makes them so beloved? During this interactive webinar, we will explore Hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of “flower viewing.” Through paintings, woodblock prints, and other art forms, we will discover Japanese symbols, values, and traditions associated with blooming cherry trees.
Call the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Occasional Jug Band and Seven Stars Recorder Consort
at The Thompson to Celebrate World Music Day
Wednesday, June 21, Beginning at 11:00 am
The Thompson Center joins the Make Music Day global celebration on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Make Music Day is a one-day event where free, live musical performances, opportunities to make music and other musical events take place around the world on the longest day of the year.
Music has been shown to strengthen social connectivity, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, stimulate memory, and is integral to a well-rounded, enjoyable life. By participating in Make Music Day, The Thompson encourages every form of music making.
The Seven Stars Recorder Consort will perform Renaissance music at 11am. They have been enjoying music by William Byrd, who was a favorite composer in the court of Elizabeth I. This year is the 400th anniversary of Byrd’s death. He was a prolific composer who wrote madrigals, motets (sacred songs in the style of madrigals), keyboard pieces, and complex settings of the mass. The consort has especially enjoyed some of his pieces written for six parts, which they play on viola da gamba and five recorders ranging in size from soprano to contrabass.
Immediately following lunch we invite you to the tent to enjoy some toe-tapping music provided by the Occasional Jug Band. Their repertoire is packed with traditional American roots music, including jug band favorites and folk.
Bookstock 2023 at The Thompson Center
Friday, June 23, Join us for lunch at 12:00 pm followed by our author presentation at 1:00 pm
Melodie Winawer | Anticipation
The Thompson Center is proud to be a host site of Bookstock again this year! From the author of the engrossing historical epic, The Scribe of Siena, comes this thrilling tale set in the crumbling city of Mystras, Greece and as discussed by this bestselling author, associate professor of neurology at Columbia University, physician and scientist Melodie Winewar. Blending the historical romance of Diana Gabaldon, the rich detail of Philippa Gregory’s novels, and Dan Brown’s fast-paced suspense, Anticipation is a thrilling and satisfying read like no other.
Website: http://melodiewinawer.com/
Full Bookstock schedule: https://bookstockvt.org/schedule/
SLN Virtual Program
North to Alaska!
Tuesday, June 27, 2:00 pm Home Viewing Only
On January 3, 1959, President Eisenhower signed a special proclamation admitting the territory of Alaska into the Union as the 49th and largest state.
Join us as we take a virtual trip to Alaska, via the Alaska Public Lands Information Center representing natural, historical, and cultural features throughout the state. Wandering among the exhibits, visitors get a mini tour of Alaska.
We look forward to learning all about this vast state of Alaska, “The Last Frontier”. Call the Thompson to receive your Zoom link.
Antarctica and it’s Penguins: A Virtual Tour
Tuesday, June 27, 2:00 pm, Register in Advance
Penguins are some of the cutest animals in the world and many of them live in Patagonia and Antarctica! Join us for this armchair/lecture type live tour made with pictures and some videos to learn about these incredible birds and the places they live in. The presenter will also talk about Patagonia and Antarctica: the coldest, the windiest and the driest continent in the world.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15-week ONLINE weight-management program based upon evidence-based strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance. Each hour-long weekly lesson includes: 1) discussion about behaviors important for weight loss or weight maintenance, 2) information on how friends and family can provide support, and 3) strategies for adopting the behavior. Planning, tracking and living mindfully are the key components of the program and are incorporated into each lesson.
The program is delivered ONLINE, live in real-time using the Zoom platform. Classes are delivered by a live Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) instructor, hired and trained by North Carolina State University. Participants can choose a time of the day that works best for them – evening and lunchtime classes are available. Participants attend the sessions remotely on individual computers or mobile devices and can see and hear their instructor. The real-time environment allows for discussion with others in the class. Outside of the live sessions, participants also have access to a secure, online portal whereby they track their weekly progress and communicate with their instructor.
Call the Thompson for more information and to sign up for a free access code. Classes are beginning in June & August.
This is $235 value that we’re able to offer for free because of a Wellness Grant through the Vermont Association of Senior Centers and Meal Providers from a Congressional Delegated funding to bring evidence-based programs to senior centers.
Ongoing Programs in Order by Date
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
Would your loved ones know your wishes about medical care if you were unable to speak for yourself? An Advance Directive spells out your wishes and appoints someone to represent you if you are not able. Trained and caring volunteer will be at the Thompson each month on a Monday afternoon. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277 to schedule an appointment.
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.
Senior Solutions Offers Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
Individual assistance is available at The Thompson by appointment every other Monday.
Programs include:
- Prescription Drug Assistance (VPharm)
- 3 SquaresVT (SNAP)
- Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Green Mountain Power credits
PALS Virtual Support Group
The Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) offers Peer Assisted Learning and Support (PALS) monthly virtual support groups on the first and second Tuesday of each month,
10:00-11:30 am by Phone and on Zoom. Call The Thompson for the phone-in number or for a zoom link. Or call VABVI’s Melinda Underwood (802-254-8761) for more information.
Caregiver Support Group with Complimentary Lunch
In-person, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 pm
Virtual participation still 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 & 4th Tuesday, Please call for availability
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to confirm a morning appointment 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.
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.
Free Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
June 15, 9:00 – 2:30 pm. Towels are supplied.
Free foot clinics for one year are made possible by a congressionally directed grant to The Thompson. Please call to schedule your appointment in advance.
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 at 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!