Our building is officially closed for construction!
Our 99 Senior Lane building is officially closed for construction and we’ve moved to our temporary locations.
Our phone number and staff are still working so please reach out with any questions (802) 457-3277. (Please do not call our temporary locations directly. We are not able to monitor those numbers).
- Congregation Shir Shalom (1680 W. Woodstock Rd, Woodstock) is now the location for all Age Well programs and exercise classes (Foot Clinic, Medicare Counseling, Caregiver Support Group, Gentle Yoga, Bone Builders, Tai Chi, Strength, Stretch, Stability)
- Norman Williams Public Library is the location for Mahjong, Bridge, and other special events.
- White Cottage is our place for Meals on Wheels and Take-out Meals only. Call Cory, 802-457-3277, ext 2, to order take-out. Schedule ahead or call by 9:30am, with pick-up at 11:15am at the White Cottage.
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 Starting in February
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)
SLN Virtual Program
Presidential Inaugurations on the National Mall
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2pm
Every presidential inauguration is a moment in our nation’s history and each president has left their own legacy that shaped the country. Some presidents are honored with monuments and memorials for future generations to reflect on their life and legacy, including many iconic sites in the nation’s capital. In honor of the presidential inauguration, follow the journeys of past presidents through places and stories found in national parks in D.C. and across the country. The National Park Service has been at the center of planning presidential inaugurations for more than 80 years. The National Park Service are responsible for the care, maintenance and preservation of some of the most
important locations used during inaugurations, from viewing areas on the National Mall to the inaugural parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue to the site of the presidential reviewing stand near President’s Park. Two administrative units of the National Park Service—National and Memorial Parks and President’s Park—play an important role in planning inauguration event support in DC.
Register in advance to receive your Zoom link at 802-457-3277.
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program
“We Return Fighting”:
The Harlem Hell fighters in World War I National Museum of the United State Army
Tuesday, February 4, 2:00 pm
On Dec. 27, 1917, the all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment docked in Brest, France. In the 191 days the men spent on the front lines no ground was lost and no man was captured. Their actions earned them the nickname “Hellfighters.” Explore the commitment, challenges, and bravery of the Harlem Hellfighters. Learn how their actions, along with the thousands of other Black World War I veterans, contributed to the Allied victory. Examine the legacy of their service and its impact on the civil rights movement.
Register in advance by contacting Cory to receive your Zoom link.
Art with Finnie at ArtisTree Community Arts Center
Hand Felted soaps and baubles
Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 pm
Join Finnie for a fun and creative workshop where you’ll learn the art of felted soaps! This hands-on activity combines wool and soap to create beautiful, unique, and functional pieces of art. Felted soaps make wonderful, natural exfoliators, and they can be used as decorative items or gifts.
Please register in advance by contacting Cory at 802-457-3277.
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program
“Small Cave No More”: Jewel Cave National Monument
Tuesday, February 11, 2:00 pm
Learn about one of the longest caves in the world! Hundreds of feet beneath our tour routes, Jewel Cave’s passageways descend deep enough to intersect the Madison Aquifer. At these points, cave explorers have discovered 14 underground lakes! When our exploration teams add new mileage to the cave, they encounter passageways and formations that have never before been seen by human eyes. The first discovered lake in Jewel Cave, Hourglass Lake, was encountered by an exploration team in 2015. Over 220 miles long, Jewel Cave is known for its length and the unique crystal formations that cover the cave walls. Join a ranger to learn about the cave formation, discovery, and modern exploration.
Register in advance by contacting Cory to receive your Zoom link.
Fraud/Scam Talk
Feb 12, 10:30-12 noon at Shir Shalom
Please join us for a talk on Fraud/Scam prevention with Southeastern Vermont Community Action and Mascoma Bank on Wednesday, February 12th 10:30 – 12noon at Shir Shalom. Pizza will be provided by SEVCA. Please call the Thompson Center to register in advance.
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
Tuesday, February 18, 2:00 pm
“All in all, he’s a riddle that must puzzle the devil.”- Davy Crockett
Today, Martin Van Buren is an obscure man, often little more than a footnote. In pre-Civil War America, however, it was impossible not to have an opinion of him. Van Buren was central to the creation of America’s political parties and to the largest crisis of his time, slavery. The above quote is from Davy Crockett, one of many Americans trying to understand the Red Fox of Kinderhook.
Join us as we learn about this historic site, Lindenwald, an estate he purchased in his hometown of Kinderhook in 1839. After his presidency, Lindenwald became not only a family home, but a political base.
Register in advance to receive your Zoom link. Contact Cory at 802-457-3277.
Senior Learning Network Virtual Program
“Freer in Egypt”: National Museum of Asian Art
Tuesday, February 25, 2:00 pm
Charles Lang Freer developed an interest in Ancient Near Eastern objects in 1902 when he began to collect examples of the region’s ceramic vessels, such as glazed jars from the Parthian period (247 BCE–224 CE) and ancient Egyptian statuettes in faience (e.g., F1902.24 ). His interest increased over the years and culminated in 1906 when he embarked on his first trip to Egypt.
In 1906, Freer made his first trip to Egypt. The journey started in Detroit in November and after a stop in New York and Philadelphia, he reached Naples on November 29, 1906. From there he sailed with the SS Oceana and reached Alexandria on December 8, 1906. Freer traveled throughout Egypt for about two months until January 1907, allowing him to develop his first impressions of the country.
Register in advance by contacting Cory at 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.
Welcome to AARP Tax Aide for Tax Year 2024
We’re looking forward to preparing your tax return in-person this year!
Appointments for tax preparation will be made by calling The Thompson Center at 802-457-3277 x3 after January 6, 2025. Plan on spending 1-2 hours at the Thompson’s temporary location at Congregation Shir Shalom, 1680 West Woodstock Road while we prepare your return with you. Tax booklets will be available in advance, if you would like to get ready ahead of your appointment, just call first to ensure we have a booklet set aside for you.
Please be sure to bring the following items:
- Last year’s tax return envelope that contains the printed returns (Federal and Vermont) AND all of your supporting documents. It will be helpful to review these documents to ensure you are bringing the same information for 2024.
- Driver’s license or picture ID and Social Security Card for you and your dependents
- Applicable tax documents you have received in January and February such as: your social security statement, 1099s for all retirement income, broker statements for sales of stocks/bonds, records of estimated tax payments, and your Vermont Property Tax bill for 2024-25.
Thank you!
Tax Aide Team (Althea, Dave, Jane, Richard, Tom, Ron and Karen)
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.