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.
Adult Horse Connections at Moonrise Therapeutics
Fridays: 11/15, 11/22 @10 am-12 pm
Please call The Thompson to register. Transportation available by request
Moonrise Farm in Taftsville, Vermont is home to Moonrise Therapeutics. Founded in 2002, by DJ Jesser, a licensed clinical social worker who believes strongly in the power of relationship building between horse and human. Adult Horse Connections is a therapeutic program offered for adults.
Whether you have many years of horse experience or no horse experience, this group invites you to partner with our horses in a unique way. A revitalized sense of empowerment can be achieved as the horse/human relationship matures. Participants notice increased self-awareness, competency and confidence. We explore the “language of the horse” in and out of the herd, along with basic horse safety, care and handling. Additionally, connecting socially is a highlight for many participants. Art, music and the natural world are integrated during each session as another means for reflection and connection. This is an unmounted program. For more information visit moonrisetherapeutics.org.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
Online November Classes Now Available
November 5 at 12:00 pm or 7:00 pm. Register in advance.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15 week weight-management program that uses strategies proven to work. Classes are held ONLINE, using Zoom. The program is accessible on a desktop, laptop, smartphone, iPad, and tablet. Classes will meet on the same day and time for the full 15 weeks. The general enrollment cost of the program is $250 but you can call The Thompson for your free Voucher/Coupon code for your class registration.
Individual Medicare Open Enrollment Counseling Appointments
with Andy Hayward, licensed Insurance Agent with Gateway Retirement Solutions
Wednesdays, Oct 16 – Dec 4, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at The Thompson, call in advance.
October 15 through December 7 is the Open 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, 2025. 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 The Thompson to make your appointment. 802-457-3277.
SLN Virtual Program
Historic Cemeteries Spooky History:
What Cemeteries Can Teach Us About our Past
Tuesday, October 29, 2:00 pm
Ghosts, specters, and haunts, oh my! While cemeteries are usually places that we associate with scary and creepy things, there’s a lot more we can find when we take a moment to look at the how and why we memorialize those who are no longer with us. Come learn what makes a cemetery “historic”, how burial practices have changed over time, why cemeteries are important places in our community to preserve, and the clues they give us about our history and ancestors.
Register in advance by calling The Thompson at 802-457-3277.
Thompson Annual Meeting
Building our Future
Join us on Wednesday, October 30 at 10:30 am for our annual meeting and a delicious lunch to follow.
The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to vote on and welcome new board members and council members, celebrate achievements, and review our year-end (unaudited) financial statements.
We have lots to celebrate this year! The Thompson services are growing and we continue to serve more older adults each month. Over 200 new participants join us each year, as well as, many guests and family members. We are moving steadily toward an exciting future with our services and building growing to meet the needs of our community.
Our Lunch Menu Includes: Spaghetti and Meat Balls with Parmesan Cheese, Roasted Squash, Caesar Salad, Fresh Fruit Salad. Suggested Donation: $7.00
Call 457-3277 to order lunch and RSVP for the annual meeting. In person with virtual option available.
Medicare Card Fraud Talk
WHAT CAN SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL DO FOR YOU?
November 5 at 1:00 pm
Senior Medicare Patrol is ready to empower you with the information you need to PREVENT Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; and how to REPORT your concerns of potential Medicare fraud. Please register in advance.
SLN Virtual Program
Ford’s Theatre & the Lincoln Assassination
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2:00 pm
Join us at Ford’s Theatre, as we visit the story of Lincoln’s assassination from the place where it happened! Explore the world of Civil War Washington, D.C., the events leading up to the night of the assassination and consider its lasting legacies. During this program, we will look closely at historical and contemporary images including maps, photographs and illustrations. Please register in advance.
Art with Finnie from ArtisTree
Painted Candles
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1:30 pm, Register in advance
Join Finnie for a fun and creative candle painting workshop where you’ll transform plain taper candles into beautiful, hand-painted works of art! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to use acrylic paints to decorate taper candles with vibrant colors and fun designs. Whether you are looking to create a stunning centerpiece, a thoughtful gift, or simply add a personal touch to your home décor, this workshop is friendly to all skill levels.
Celebrating our Veterans
Thursday, November 7, 11:45 am
The Thompson annual Veterans Day lunch and ceremony is a poignant celebration as we honor those who have served and who continue to serve. In recognizing our Veterans, we invite you to join us at 11:45 am as the American Legion leads us in a short ceremony around the flag. A group photo will be taken.
We ask that you make your reservation in advance. Free meal for Veterans.
Thank you to all of our Veterans for your service and your sacrifice which will never be forgotten.
The Thompson will be closed on Monday, November 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.
AARP Smart Driver Class
This 4.5 hour refresher course is open to all drivers 50 years and older
Friday, November 8th, 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch Break 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Cost: $20 for AARP Members, $25 for Others, make check out to “AARP”
The curriculum addresses the normal physical changes brought on by the aging process, how these changes can affect driving ability and how to compensate for those changes. The course also addresses changes in vehicles, regulations and roads. Participants will also learn how to interact with other road users, including truckers, bikers, pedestrians and distracted drivers. The class will address Vermont driving regulations, many of which have changed over the years. Many insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who have completed the class. Drivers who have qualified for a discount by taking the course must take a refresher course every 3 years. There are no tests. Please bring your AARP membership card.
Community Connections
Beth Finlayson, Woodstock Chamber Executive Director
Tuesday, November 12, 1:00pm
Please join us for the November portion of Community Connections chat with Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Beth Finlayson. She will be talking about the towns recent busy, fall tourist season, upcoming busy times as well as annual events held during these times.
SLN Virtual Program
The Roosevelt Children:
FDR Presidential Library & Museum
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2:00 pm
In past programs, we have had the opportunity to learn so much about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their contributions to our country and the world in which they lived. Often overshadowed by their incredibly accomplished and famous parents, we will take this time to get to know the Roosevelt children. We will discover some of the successes and failures of the family, and how they may compare to other presidential offspring. How was being the child of such important and famous parents a drawback? Was it is a hindrance or a help? Join us as we explore these and other fascinating facts by one of our favorite presenters, Jeff Urbin, from the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Register in advance.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 14, 12:00 pm
Menu includes:
Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Stuffing, Roasted Fall Root Vegetables, Cranberry Apple Sauce, Dinner Roll, Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream. RSVP in advance. $7 donation, $12 under 60
Birthday Day Celebration
“Pie for Breakfast”
Friday, November 15, 9:00 am
Pie Buffet, Fruit, Cheese, Coffee, Tea
Holiday Bazaar
Due to our renovations, we will not be able to host our annual holiday bazaar and cookie walk. Instead we’re working on plans to be involved with the Wassail Weekend festivities. If you have already made small crafts to donate, we would love to include them in our table there to benefit the Thompson. Please contact Paula if you would like to participate.
SLN Virtual Program
Chimney Rock Museum: The Oregon Trail:
Chance, Choice & Chimney Rock!
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2:00 pm, Online only
Experience the Oregon Trail like never before at Chimney Rock! Discover the importance of choice, chance, and opportunity as our expert shares real stories of those affected by the historic trail. Feel the awe and curiosity the pioneers experienced when they saw the most famous landmark on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Designated as a National Historic Site on August 9, 1956, Chimney Rock and the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center are maintained and operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society. Register to get your Zoom link. 802-457-3277
SLN Virtual Program
Virtual Tour of the Wyoming Veterans Museum
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2:00 pm, Online only
In honor of Veterans Day this month, we will visit the Wyoming Veterans Museum, located in the heart of the World War II Casper Army Air Base. The Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum honors and shares the contributions made by generations of Wyoming veterans. Explore the individual experiences of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who protected our nation around the globe. Learn more about military history and genealogy in our small research library. Step outside and take a tour of the WWII Casper Army Air Base. Learn more about the base, built after Pearl Harbor, which trained bomber crews for service above Europe and the Pacific. It’s always a good day to honor our Veterans.
Ongoing Programs in Order by Date
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
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 is available by appointment. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277.
Bingo
Monday at 10am & Friday at 10:30am
Join us at the Center or dial 855-223-9106 to connect and play by phone. Bingo players are also welcome to return to The Thompson to play on weekday mornings. Please call Shari for room availability.
Senior Solutions Offers Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
Monday, October 28 & November 25, 9:30am -12:30pm
Individual assistance is available at The Thompson by appointment every other Monday by appointment with Senior Solution Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey.
Programs include:
- VPharm (prescription drug applications)
- 3Squares (money for food program)
- Fuel Assistance
- Green Mt Power discount
Caregiver Support Group with Complimentary Lunch
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 (with complimentary lunch) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges. Pre-register for lunch.
Reflexology at The Thompson
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
November 5 by appointment.
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to confirm 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.
Beginner Bridge
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.
Handwork Circle
Wednesday, 10:30 am
The Handwork Circle group invites anyone to join them on Wednesdays at 10:30 in the living room. You do not need to be a knitter, all projects welcome. Enjoy some coffee and companionship. Contact Jane Soule at 457-2442 with any questions.
Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
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.