COVID Vaccine Update:
The following are links to the most current information about Covid and the vaccines for DH, and VT:
DH Information about Covid and the vaccine is at: https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/patient-education/covid-19-vaccine.html
The state of VT information is at:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/vermont-covid-19-vaccine-planning
The preceding information is from the website of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Aging Resource Center -agingcenter@hitchcock.org
Important Information for Tax Preparation for 2020 taxes
For the safety of tax preparers and community members, tax preparation will be handled remotely this year. Following all established protocol for personal safety and protection of tax information, the process is as follows:
Step 1. Stop by the Thompson to pick up a Tax preparation envelope with the instructions for this year. Tax envelopes will be available for pick-up between January 25th – February 5th. The easiest time to pick-up is during our lunch meal curbside pick up between 12 – 12:15 pm, M-F. You will leave your name and number with Thompson staff and then gather all information necessary as listed on the instructions.
Step 2. A tax preparer will contact you to schedule an appointment after February 15th to come to The Thompson to review your documents. Tax preparation will be completed remotely.
Step 3. Once your tax return is complete, a third stop at The Thompson will be scheduled for you to get the printed copy of your return and sign form 8879.
Individual Benefit Assistance –
Medicare, Medicaid, Food & Fuel Assistance
One on One Meetings are available at the Thompson Center
February 12 & 25, 9:30—1:00 pm
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.
Coffee Talk Continues – Let’s Chat!
Mondays at 9:00 am
Special Guest, Gary Smith, joins Coffee Talks on January 25th!
We invite you to join us on Monday mornings for Coffee Talk by simply dialing in to our toll free phone number (like with Bingo). We’ll catch up with each other, maybe share old stories or talk about current events, and have occasional special guests to share their expertise on a topic of interest.
It’s as simple as using your telephone. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, find a cozy chair & dial 1-802-448-5745 to get connected!
Update on WARF
If you live in Woodstock, Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, or Reading, WARF can help provide immediate financial assistance of up to $1,000. This is available to anyone in those towns who are unable to meet their basic household needs, such as rent, food, or childcare, due to the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus.
WARF:COVID-19 has money available at least through the winter months. Please don’t hesitate to apply, even if you’ve never asked for help before. WARF is committed to the confidentiality of all participants.
To APPLY www.woodstockarearelieffund.org, To ASK QUESTIONS Phone – 802-281-9902, Email – woodstockcovid19@gmail.com
Caregiver Support Group Virtual Tea
Thursday, January 28, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Complimentary curb-side bagged lunch will be provided by The Thompson with registration.
Though the pandemic has prevented this group of devoted caregivers from gathering, you and the challenges you face are not forgotten. As we look forward to encouraging news in the new year, let us connect with each other – on zoom for now – and enjoy a virtual tea. Carla and Anne will be hosting and facilitating and participants are encouraged to socialize and share as you have in the past.
So that everyone has a chance to share within the allotted time, registrations will be limited so please call The Thompson to register for your zoom link early. If you need assistance with zoom, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you!
Prescription Delivery Service Now Available
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 a new 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.
Foot Clinic Returns to The Thompson Center
with Beverly Sinclair, RN
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.
Register for a Virtual Tai Chi Class This Winter
Stay safe and warm and enjoy Tai Chi at home this winter. Instructor, Anne Bower, is offering 5 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: 10-11 Tai Chi with a Chair
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
Update from Bone Builders Class from Althea Derstine
Zoom meetings will continue weekly and will now be 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
Veggie VanGo Program
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 have moved our VeggieVanGo to every second Wednesday of the month to accommodate the reopening of the WUHSMS campus. The distribution site will be located in the back parking lot at the Union Arena Entrance. 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
Citizens Assistance Registration for Emergencies (CARE)
A United Way of Vermont program through Vermont 211
Emergencies can take many forms. Ice storms, floods, fires, major traffic accidents, and similar events can cause power outages, isolate individuals, or prompt the need for an evacuation. Would you need help in an emergency or evacuation? The Citizens Care Registry for Emergencies (CARE) program was created to help. CARE’s key partners are the United Ways of Vermont, Vermont 211, Vermont 911, and Vermont Emergency Management. CARE helps Vermonters who might need special assistance in case of a wide-scale event.
For information on how to register, visit e911.vermont.gov/care. Registration forms are also available at The Thompson Center.
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
The Thompson Center’s group of trained and caring volunteers will be resuming Advance Directive assistance 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.
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
Join Online via WebEx:
https://meetingsamer2.webex.com/meetingsamer2/j.php?MTID=m04dfabdfb36d8de0a475ffa5d14fa048
Meeting Number: 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 802-885-2669.
appointment.