COVID Vaccine Update:
Vaccinations are underway at clinics statewide.
For online registration visit the state of VT or you can call 855-722-7878 for your appointment.
Any homebound person can also make an individual request by calling 802-863-7240 or toll free 833-722-0860. The request line is available M-F from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Please note: There is not a vaccination location in Woodstock, but if you’re struggling with online registration, Thompson staff and volunteers are available to assist you.
Individual Benefits Assistance –
Medicare, Medicaid, Food & Fuel Assistance
One on One Meetings are available at the Thompson Center, Call for an appointment
The Windsor Community Health Clinic (WCHC) is available for 1:1 appointments at The Thompson Center. A staff member can answer your individual questions about Medicaid, Medicare parts A, B, and D, food and fuel assistance, and dental and medication help. Although now they are offering in person appointments, WCHC staff continue to offer assistance over the phone or via Zoom.
All CDC and state guidelines for infection control and distancing will be strictly adhered to including the wearing of face coverings.
To schedule a one on one, in person appointment, please call the Thompson at 802-457-3277. In the meantime please reach out the WCHC directly if you have any questions about Medicaid, Medicare, food or fuel assistance, dental or medication help at 802-674-7213.
Get Your Green Mountain Passport
Warm weather is coming and Vermont pandemic restrictions are easing! Did you know Vermont State Parks offers a Lifetime Pass? If you are 62 years or older and a Vermont resident, or a Vermont resident who is a veteran who has been honorably discharged from active duty in US armed services, you are eligible for a lifetime day entry pass into the parks called the Green Mountain Passport. The cost is $2 and available only from your local Town Clerk’s office.
Caregiver Support Group Returns via Zoom
Carla and Anne will continue to facilitate this group virtually on the second Tuesday of each month beginning May 11, 1:00-2:00 pm with plans to meet in person under The Thompson Tent when opening and weather permits. Newcomers are always welcome!
We welcome the return of the Caregiver Support Group where support and education can make a critical difference for family members and caregivers of people with memory loss or disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Carla and Anne welcome you to join this confidential support group virtually, until the group is able to meet again in person at The Thompson. This gathering remains a safe place to share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges.
Complimentary curb-side bagged lunch will be provided by request with registration. Please let us know if you need assistance with using zoom.
Medicare Boot Camp for Those New to Medicare
A virtual presentation offered by Senior Solutions
Thursday, May 10, 4:00 pm
Thursday, June 10, 2:00 pm
Thursday, July 15, 11:00 am
Senior Solutions staff provides unbiased information about the Medicare system at Medicare Boot Camp. These virtual presentations are presented using zoom.
The classes are for Vermonters who reside in Windsor and Windham counties and are new to Medicare. Family members who help these beneficiaries may also find it useful. Medicare has strict enrollment periods, and Medicare Boot Camp prepares participants to make timely decisions about drug plans and supplemental plans as well as many other issues.
Space is limited, so please call The Thompson Center to register.
Coffee Talk – Let’s connect and chat!
Mondays at 9:00 am
Our Coffee Talk on Monday mornings is becoming quite popular as more people call in. We have discussed all types of topics, like back yard bird feeding, skiing on barrels stays, and even 3 holers! Our special guests have included VINS research coordinator, Jim Ambruster, Woodstock Pharmacy owner Gary Smith, and the Woodstock History Center. Dial in on Monday mornings and connect with us – you never know who will be on the other end of the line!
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, find a cozy chair & dial 1-802-448-5745 to get connected.
Prescription Delivery Service Now Available
An update on Woodstock’s new pharmacy – April 2021
The new OHC pharmacy – owned and operated by Smilin Steve Pharmacy Group – is planning to be open by this summer (hopefully sometime in June). The expectation is to only provide prescriptions at first, and eventually be able to expand to over-the-counter medications as well. The pharmacy also plans on having a curbside pick-up option for medications.
Chair Yoga by Zoom
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
This class will be available on Zoom and suggested $3.00 minimum per class.
We invite you to join this yoga class focusing on gentle stretching, strengthening and balance using a chair for support. Breathing and relaxation are part of the practice we all need in these times of change and challenges. Instructor, Linda Harvey, is a registered physical therapist and certified yoga teacher who has worked in multiple settings with an interest in falls prevention and overall wellness.
Linda is presently working at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Otauquechee Health Center in outpatient rehab and aquatic therapy. Her practice includes a therapeutic approach and inclusivity for all people who are curious about the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga.
$3.00/class. Questions for her can be directed to llharvey56@gmail.com. Payments should be made out to Linda Harvey and mailed to The Thompson Center. Punch cards are available for $15/5 classes or $30/10, and the cards will also be honored when we return to in-person classes at The Thompson Center.
Join us For a Walk!
Mondays Beginning May 3, 11:00 am for a 45 minute walk
Meet at East End Park, Maxham Meadow Way, adjacent to the Ottauquechee River
Community Care Coordinator, Carla Kamel, is starting a walking group for people who want to enjoy a leisurely, brisk walk for fresh air, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing. Walks can be expanded and varied depending on interest. Ample parking is available. Bring a friend!
Please Note: Masks will be required at all times. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. On inclement weather days, please call or email The Thompson Senior Center in the morning for updates. For further information call The Thompson at 802-457-3277 or email sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Foot Clinic Returns to The Thompson Center
with Beverly Sinclair, RN
April 8, May 13 & 20, 9:00 – 2:30 pm
Cost: $30 payable by cash or check. Towels are supplied.
Call for your appointment and please plan on earlier arrival for COVID-19 screening
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.
Spring Tai Chi Classes with Anne Bower
Anne will be offering classes in The Thompson Tent this summer as soon as we can make it available upon opening! Zoom classes will continue until further notice.
Instructor, Anne Bower, is offering 4 classes a week and we encourage you to try a new class or continue Tai Chi. It’s slow, gentle but powerful movements will give you energy and multiple health benefits. For more information on any of these classes, please email Anne at anniebower@yahoo.com. Zoom links will be provided at registration with The Thompson.
Monday: 11:10-12:10 Introduction to Sun 73 forms (prior knowledge of Fall Prevention Tai Chi is required)
Wednesday: 10-11 Fall Prevention Tai Chi
Wednesday: 11:10-12:10 Sun 73 continuing practice and learning
Friday: 10-11 Yang 24 continuing practice and learning
Bone Builders Class
Zoom meetings continue weekly and are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays for current students. Participants are also encouraged to continue their practice at home. Exercise routines provided by Althea are available via email or by calling The Thompson.
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
Woodstock Veggie VanGo
Every second Wednesday of the month at 10 am at the WUHSMS back parking lot (toward the Union Arena)
VeggieVanGo is a FREE FOOD distribution event provided by the VT Foodbank and sponsored by the WCUD School Nutrition Program. We welcome families to pick up and deliver out for other families as well. We have yet to run out of food! ALL ARE WELCOME! Please contact Gretchen Czaja-WCUD School Nutrition Program Director with any questions-gczaja@wcsu.net 802-457-1317, 1123
An Overview of Dementia
Presented by Robert B. Santulli, M.D., Honorary Associate of Psychiatry Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College
A virtual presentation via zoom, Thursday, June 3, 1:00 pm
This presentation will discuss the basic features of dementia, including the current and future prevalence, risk factors, pathology, common clinical features, and current treatments. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. Please call The Thompson or email sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org to receive your zoom link.
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
The Thompson Center’s group of trained and caring volunteers is assisting with Advance Directives remotely. Please contact The Thompson Center if you would like a remote appointment with a volunteer and you will be contacted directly by Meg, Judy, or Anne. They will determine the best type of appointment be it via phone, Zoom, Facetime, or conference call, that works best for you. After your initial call to The Thompson, a staff member will send an Advance Directive form and a booklet from the Vermont Ethics Network to help you prepare for your appointment.
Activity Groups for Older Vermonters
GAMES AND SOCIAL TIME
Wednesdays, 2:00-3:00 pm via Zoom
Do you enjoy games and activities? Are you living alone and want to have fun with others who are also managing life alone during the pandemic? Join a weekly group for virtual interactive games and other fun activities that promote connection and coping skills. You can even invite your friends and we will happily help them connect for this interactive time. Call 2-1-1, option #2 with questions.
Or call into: (646) 558-8656 ,
Enter the Meeting ID: 8363 690 8785# ,
Then enter the passcode: 687530
COVID Support Counseling
COVID Support VT is excited to announce that they have three Support Counselors, now available Mondays-Fridays, 8am-8pm, to provide emotional support, connections to community resources and to be a listening ear. Support Counselors are available by calling 2-1-1. All support calls are anonymous and free.
To learn more about COVID Support VT, visit their webpage at www.covidsupportvt.org.
A Reminder from AARP
As we continue our precautions against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, AARP has made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person events and activities for the remainder of 2020, which includes AARP Driver Safety events.
Please continue to direct Smart Driver course participants – who may not be able to renew their car insurance discount – to the Smart Driver online course. We will continue to offer a special 25% off discount through December 31, 2020.
Website: www.aarpdriversafety.org
Promo code for 25% off discount: DRIVINGSKILLS
What is CaptionCall?
CaptionCall is a captioned telephone service that lets you talk on the phone while reading captions of what the other person is saying. This service helps many people with hearing loss understand conversations more easily and effectively. You can enjoy talking with friends and family, plus making your everyday phone calls. It is available at no cost to people with hearing loss. If you or someone you know has hearing loss that necessitates the use of captioned telephone service, visit CaptionCall.com or call 1-877-865-9228 for more information, or contact the Vermont Representative, John Noerr, at 802-342-8326 or at jnoerr@captioncall.com.
Need Help with Online Meeting Programs?
COVE is offering help!
If you are feeling unsure of how to connect to Zoom, WebEx or other online platforms, COVE can help. We will set up a time to do a 1-on-1 call with you to help you navigate the system and learn how to connect. Online meeting platforms can be intimidating, and knowing how to do what and when can overwhelm any of us. Please reach out and we will set up a time to do a walk through and trial run on the system you are trying to use. Stay Connected! To set up a 1-on-1, email marichel@vermontelders.org or call (802) 595-9872.
Stay Connected and Stay Safe during COVID-19
Join the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) every other Wednesday for a discussion of the latest information about scams, fraud, and general safety. We will share what we know and do our best to answer your questions. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones during this public health crisis.
Have questions you’d like to ask ahead of time? Need help getting connected ? Email: marichel@vermontelders.org
Join by Phone by Calling: 408-428-9388; Access Code: 298 225 125
Password: cove802
The Elder Justice Project
If you have a friend, neighbor or loved one who may need assistance we are here to help! The Elder Justice Project provides confidential support, information and assistance with any of the difficult situations described below. We take a client-centered approach, which means you drive the bus along the way. The Elder Justice Project advocates for what you want.
Abuse in later life (ALL) refers to willful abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an older adult that occurs within an ongoing relationship where there is an expectation of trust. Power and control dynamics are often present in these deeply personal cases and thus present unique challenges that require a specialized response.
These cases are often complicated. Older victims may be healthy and active, or they may have physical or cognitive limitations. These victims may be in contact with the justice system, social services, health care, faith communities, and the aging services network. The abuser may be a spouse, intimate partner, family member, or caregiver. All situations are different and unique to your life.
If you would like assistance, please feel free to contact Keely Marie at The Elder Justice Project, 802-698-8310, kmarie@seniorsolutionsvt.org. Helpline at Senior Solutions Toll Free 866-673-8376 or locally 802-885-266