Building Update
Great news! Our newly renovated and expanded building is almost ready for us to return! April is a big month with much to be done, and we will need time to move, set-up, and train on our new equipment and systems (kitchen equipment, phones, hearing loop for hearing aids, and more).
Here’s the schedule for our return to in-person programs and meals:
- April 1 – 18: Off-site programs and meals continue. Meals on Wheels will be distributed from Woodstock Inn Country Club. Bone Builders and Yoga move to the Woodstock Recreation Center Little Theater the week of April 7. The last Masonic Lodge lunch is on April 16. Please see the calendar for full details.
- April 21 – 24: Staff training on kitchen equipment, set-up, and meal prep. Frozen Meals on Wheels will be delivered. No take-out or Masonic lunches.
- April 25 – May 2: Hot Meals on Wheels made and distributed from The Thompson kitchen. No in-person lunches this week as staff and volunteers adjust to the new kitchen. No take-out. A free lunch with the Barnard Silver Lake Progressive Club at Barnard Town Hall will be held on April 30.
- April 25 – May 2: Moving in furniture, setting up program spaces, and training on new systems.
- May 1: Volunteer wait staff training at The Thompson, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (lunch included).
- May 5: In-person lunches and programs resume at The Thompson!
We can’t wait to welcome you back! Please make sure to check the weekly e-newsletters and May newsletter mailing for any changes or updates.
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 programs@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Lunch Meet-up at the Masonic Lodge
Every Monday and Wednesday at Noon
Our good friends at the Masonic Lodge have opened up their building to us for in-person dining, and we’ll be bringing take-out meals to enjoy together every Monday and Wednesday. If you would like to attend a meet-up lunch at the Masonic Lodge, please register in advance for a meal by calling or emailing Cory at cvang@thompsonseniorcenter.org or (802) 457-3277 ext 2. Take-out lunches for those registered will be delivered to the Masonic Lodge.
Please join our gracious hosts at the Norman Williams Public Library for the following programs:
Weekly:
Needlepoint Get-Togethers – Tuesdays 10-12 noon – An informal gathering to stitch and visit
Knitters Meet-up – Thursdays 2-4 pm – A time to join friends, chat and knit. All levels welcome
Bridge with NWPL Friends – Thursdays 2-4 pm (Email Peggy Fraser at fraserusa@gmail.com to join)
Monthly:
Zentangle Time – Last Wednesday of the month, 4-5:30 pm. A time to practice Zentangle with others without formal instruction. Zentangle is a relaxing art form that involves drawing structured patterns to create non-representational images. Benefits include reducing stress, improved focus, and developing dexterity.
Coming in March… Join us for another Music Game Sing-a-Long at the Norman Williams Public Library. Play “Name that Tune” with Anne Marie Bohn on vocals, accompanied by Sherry Belisle on piano.
Public Ice Skating at Union Arena Community Center
Enjoy Public Skate open sessions on the following February days:
Mondays – 1-2:40 pm, Wednesdays – 2-3:40 pm, Sundays – 11-12 noon
Ages 60+ $5, Ages 70+ Free (Skates available for rent if needed) (Schedules subject to change)
Let’s Paint Together
March 26 & April 2 & 9, 1:00 pm at the Masonic Lodge
Join us for in person lunch at the Masonic Lodge and stay to catch up with friends and share in some artistic enjoyment. Joanna Nichols has offered to lend her talents in this regular workshop. You’re encouraged to bring your own art supplies but some will be supplied along with some lite refreshments. Call to sign-up in advance.
Senior Art Group
AVA Gallery Lebanon, NH
Thursdays from 9:30 AM – 2 PM
Senior Art is a free weekly program for seniors looking for encouragement and camaraderie as they find their inner artist! Beginners and experienced artists are welcome. For questions about this program please email nick@avagallery.org.
Special St. Patrick’s Day Holiday Meal at the Masonic Lodge
Monday, March 17, 12 pm
Join us for a traditional Irish meal and music with Will Wright and his daughter Julia on St. Patrick’s Day. Our menu consists of corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots, whole grain roll, short bread cookies and fresh fruit served buffet style. RSVP in advance by calling Cory, 802-457-3277.
Dartmouth Aging Resource Center Presents:
Dementia Resource Team Outing to AVA Gallery in Lebanon, NH
Monday, March 17, 1-3 pm
Join Dartmouth’s Aging Resource Centers team in a visit to the AVA Gallery. This is a great way for caregivers to visit with other caregivers and for your loved one to engage in some fun activities.
Entrance is free, thanks to generous donors. Please contact the Dementia Resource Team at dementiaresources@hitchcock.org or call 603-653-4383 for more information or to register.
SLN Virtual Program
Everglades National Park
Join us for another fun trip to the Everglades!
Tuesday, March 18, 2:00 pm
Located at the confluence of temperate North America and the tropical Caribbean, Everglades National Park is home to representative flora from both climes. The optimal growing conditions that are prevalent throughout south Florida foster a lush growth of plant life that sustains a diverse complex of flora. The Everglades host a number of endemic and legally protected species. Although nine distinct ecosystems have been identified within Everglades National Park, their boundaries overlap within the dynamic landscape, which is subject to the elements of south Florida. Join us as we learn about out the plants, animals, adaptations and life cycles of these beautiful lands.
SLN Virtual Program
Monuments Men: National Museum of the U.S. Army
Tuesday, March 25, 2:00 pm
During World War II, a team of historians, museum professionals, scholars, architects, and archivists came together to protect European cultural sites from war damage. Known as the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section, the team spread out throughout Europe and the Pacific to ensure that sites of cultural significance would be preserved and protected for future generations. This work earned them the nickname the Monuments Men.
Learn more about the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of the Monuments Men. Understand how their determination and dedication to duty protected and secured European and Japanese cultural history and heritage during World War II.
SLN Virtual Program:
Tour of The Petroleum Museum, Permian Basin
Tuesday, April 1, 2:00 pm
Founded in 1975 by over 500 community leaders under the leadership of George T Abell, the Museum tells the story of petroleum and the rugged lives of men and women who sought a better life. The Petroleum museum is the largest museum dedicated to the petroleum industry and its pioneers, and welcomed over one million visitors worldwide. A visit to the Petroleum Museum is an amazing journey through over 230 million years of history. The mission of the museum is to share the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our lives.
Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277 to receive your Zoom link.
Art with Finnie at ArtisTree
Clay Bowls Part 2: Glazing Session
Thursday, April 3, 1:30 pm
Join us for the second part of our Clay Bowl Workshop, where you’ll bring your handmade bowls to life with beautiful glazes! In this session, you can choose between underglazing or standard glazes to decorate and finish your clay piece. Whether you’re looking for a matte finish or a glossy shine, we’ll guide you through the process step by step. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to finish your creations!
Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277.
Dartmouth Health Aging Resource Center Presents
What the Future Holds: Long-Term Care Discussion – A virtual Event
Friday, April 4, 1-2:30 pm
James Thaxton, Esq.
It is imperative that older adults, these approaching retirement age, and the families of those needing long-term care take advantage of the planning opportunities that exist today. We will discuss estate planning that everyone should have and options for paying for your long-term care, including Medicaid. You will have the opportunity to hear about typical issues and problems that can be addressed by adequate planning. This discussion is also very helpful for those who will be serving as agents or caregivers to loved ones. To register and receive your Zoom link please email agingcenter@hitchcock.org or call 603.653.3460
Day trip to Hood Museum of Art
Tuesday, April 8, 10:00 am
Join us for a trip to the Hood Museum of Art where we will enjoy a curated tour by museum staff. The tour will start at 10am and be focused on one or two exhibits and go for about an hour. This will be a car pool trip so if you have room in your vehicle please let us know if you can accommodate anyone else. Please call Cory to Register at 802 457 3277 ext. 2.
SLN Virtual Program
“ Stars of the Vikings”- Mystic Seaport Museum
Tuesday, April 8, 2:00 pm
We are looking forward to once again visiting one of our favorite museums- The Mystic- with Brian Koehler! Join us as we learn about the stars and constellations as seen by Norse people in the European region of Scandinavia. We will hear stories about these ancient seafarers, and explore Norse legends that sought to explain phenomena in the sky, including the Milky Way, eclipses, and the Aurora Borealis.
Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277 to receive your Zoom link.
SLN Virtual Program
The Civil Rights Trail- Selma Interpretive Center
Tuesday, April 15, 2:00 pm
In 1996, Congress established the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail to commemorate the people, places, and marches of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights Movement and the Selma to Montgomery March. After decades of struggling with Southern Jim Crow laws and to exercise their right to vote, Black citizens were finally successful in fulfilling that right with the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Join Park Ranger Theresa Hall with the National Park Service, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail for an introduction to the Voting Rights Movement and the Trail that commemorates it on Tuesday, April 15.
Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277 to receive your Zoom link.
SLN Virtual Program
Federal One: Saving the Arts in the Great Depression/ FDR Presidential Library and Museum
Tuesday, April 22, 2:00 pm
One of the lesser known aspects of the WPA- the Federal One Project, helped to ensure that the American creative spirit continued on in writing, visual arts, dance, and performance during the dark days of the Great Depression. Join us as we learn about examples of the New Deal murals, writings, performances, and why the arts were so important to the WPA and the country.
Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277 to receive your Zoom link.
Community Lunch Meet-up at Barnard Town Hall
Wednesday, April 30, 12:00 pm
Please join the Barnard Silver Lake Progressive Club and The Thompson for a
special, free community lunch at the Barnard Town Hall on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Lunch will be served at Noon.
Menu:
Sepp’s Soup (turkey soup)
Pineapple and cottage cheese salad
Brownies
Coffee, Tea
Please sign-up by Monday, April 28, 2025, by calling the Thompson 802-457-3277
Tablet Program
We’re excited to announce the opportunity to share free tablets and training with first time tech users! This will be for people that do not already have a tablet and are interested in understanding the benefits of owning one and using technology for the first time.
We will have three classes that will focus on setting a tablet up and using it for emails, photos, telehealth, and finally more advanced tasks like paying bills online, managing calendars and more.
Participants will receive the tablet for free thanks to a grant from the Maine Council of Aging and the Hannafords CHEF grant. Cory will schedule classes directly with those who are signed up. Contact him with any questions. 802-457-3277.
Ongoing Programs in Order by Date
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.
Benefits Assistance at Shir Shalom
Call Shari for an appointment. 9:30am –12:30 pm by appointment
As temperatures start to drop, there are programs available to help you stretch your budget. You might be eligible for:
- Seasonal Fuel Assistance to help pay heating and energy bills
- 3SquaresVT monthly benefits to pay for groceries (if you’re eligible for one, you’re eligible for the other!)
- Free weatherization services to improve your home’s energy efficiency (you’re eligible if you get fuel assistance!)
- Crisis Fuel Assistance if you’ve hit your monthly heating budget
Individual assistance is available by appointment with Senior Solutions Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey. Call Shari for your appointment.
Caregiver Support Group at Shir Shalom
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.
Reflexology by Apppointment
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
Please call Shari to schedule a morning appointment. $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.
Bridge at the Norman Williams Public Library
Wednesday, 1:00 pm
Learn the game or improve your skills in a low intensity, friendly setting. Everyone welcome! Coached by Bill Boardman, bridge teacher for decades.
Foot Clinic at Shir Shalom
Call for schedule and to make your appointment. Towels are supplied
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.