For a list of all exercise related classes and activities, visit our Active Aging page
Medicare Talk with Zedaina Blanchard
Financial Professional and Insurance Representative with Bankers Life
Tuesday Sept 23, 1:30 PM, Please sign up ahead of time
In this session we will be educating you on Medicare. We will go over all the different parts and how they work. We will explain the differences between supplements (Medigap plans) and Advantage (Part C) plans and how they both work.
We will also go over the changes to Medicare for 2026. We will explain how the Part D will work next year. You will also have the opportunity to schedule a one on one to go over personalized options for yourself based on your doctors and medications if you would like to but there is no obligation.
Walk-in Thompson Flu Clinic
Provided by Smilin’ Steve (Ottauquechee Pharmacy)
Thursday, October 16, 9:00am- 12:00 PM
High-dose flu vaccines for those 65 and older will be available at our October clinic, as well as a limited number of regular dose vaccines.
Anyone 65 and over will need to bring their Medicare card Part A/B card, which is different than a prescription coverage card.
For people under 65, please bring your regular prescription drug coverage insurance card, which in order to bill insurance needs to have an Rx BIN number, an Rx PCN number, an Rx Group number, and an ID number. It might be a different card than a medical coverage card.
This is a walk-in clinic and no prior reservation is required. Any questions regarding the actual vaccine type or which one you should be getting should be directed to Ottauquechee Pharmacy or your personal physician.
Individual Medicare Counseling Appointments
with Andy Hayward, licensed Insurance Agent with Gateway Retirement Solutions
Thursdays beginning October 16 from 8:00 AM—3:00 PM at The Thompson
October 15th through December 7th is the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Prescription Drug Coverage Plans (Part D). During this time you are able to join a Medicare Part C or D plan. Your plan will take effect on January 1, 2026. If you already have a Medicare plan, this is the time to re-evaluate your health care needs and compare them to your current plan benefits. If you decide to stay with your current plan there is no further action required to renew it. Call Shari at The Thompson to make your appointment: 802-457-3277.
Veterans Disability Assistance at The Thompson
1:1 Appointments now available upon request.
Do you need assistance navigating the Veterans Administration (VA) for a disability? Even though the PACT Act assistance has expired, a local veteran and Thompson volunteer can help you with the application process as benefits are still available. For example; If you served in the National Guard you are eligible and if your service did not include a military conflict you are still eligible. Veterans who served on ships containing asbestos, experienced loud noise from artillery or aircraft, or those who were firemen on aircraft carriers are encouraged to let us help you with benefits assistance. Conditions such as heart disease related to hypertension or stent placement or those who were exposed to toxins and have cancer or asthma could qualify for benefits. Some veterans are receiving significant compensation each month for hearing loss. Could this be you? There is so much for you to learn if you are a veteran and we want to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
To schedule your appointment, contact Pam Butler at pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277.
Tech Appointments Are Back at The Thompson!
We’re excited to welcome back one-on-one tech help sessions, thanks to the generous support of Emily Gibson from the Norman Williams Public Library.
Available Time Slots:
Thursday, October 9
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM
Thursday, September 25 and October 23
- 2:00 – 2:30 PM
- 2:30 – 3:00 PM
Each session is 30 minutes long and space is limited — please call The Thompson to reserve your spot.
Foot Clinic
9:00 am – 2:30 pm. Towels are supplied. Cost $35
Check the calendar for dates. Call Shari for your appointment
Beverly Sinclair has been a practicing registered nurse for 22 years and providing foot care service for older Vermonters for the past 8 years.
Benefits Assistance
1st Tuesday of each month, 9:30am –12:30 pm by appointment
Individual assistance is available by appointment with Senior Solutions Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey. Call Shari for your appointment.
Caregiver Support Group
with Carla and Co-facilitator Anne Marinello
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 on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges.
The HUB: Your Compassionate and Confidential Safety Net
Struggling to make ends meet? The HUB provides quick, confidential short-term financial assistance and connections to long-term resources. The goal is to prevent temporary setbacks from turning into something more serious. Whether it’s rent, heating, car repairs, or other essentials, we’re here to get you back on track.
We assist residents of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, and Woodstock. To apply, visit our website at apply.thehubneighbors.org , call 802-457-7214, or email apply@thehubneighbors.org.
The HUB is a Project of Woodstock Community Trust, a 501c3 organization.
Advance Directive Assistance by Appointment
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. A trained and caring volunteer will take the time to explain this simple process. Call Shari at 802-457-3277.
HomeShare is working in our Community!
Homesharing is an innovative way for people to remain in their homes while receiving help and/or some additional income. The Thompson Aging at Home program’s collaboration with HomeShare Vermont is now entering its third year! With our latest expansion into all of Windsor and Windham Counties, there will be even more opportunities to create compatible homeshare matches. Currently, HomeShare hosts receive an average of $380 in rent and 8½ hours of help each week from their guests. Contact Shari at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org or 802-457-3277 to learn more about homesharing or to schedule a presentation for your group or organization.
Faulkner Fund Offers Financial Help to Woodstock Residents
Need help with car payments, utility bills, medical bills, repair bills or other financial needs? The Faulkner Fund was established in 1959 from a bequest in the will of Marianne G. Faulkner to The American Red Cross. The purpose was to “help in the care, support and maintenance of needy and deserving persons living in Woodstock”. Grants are available to Woodstock residents via a confidential application. Contact Paula Audsley, vice chair of The Faulkner Fund via email: paudsley@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277. Brochures (listing committee members and their contact information) and applications are available at The Thompson Senior Center and The Ottauquechee Health Foundation.