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, Strength, Stretch, Stability, taxes)
- 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 9:30 am, with pick-up at 11:30 am at the White Cottage. Lunch Meet-up at Masonic Lodge on Mondays and Wednesdays. Sign up in advance with Cory.
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)
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
“We Return Fighting”:
The Harlem Hell fighters in World War I National Museum of the United State Army
Tuesday, February 25, 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.
What’s on your Nightstand?
The Not-A-Book-Club Book Club at Norman Williams Public Library
Saturday, March 1, 10:30 am – 12 pm
This is NOT the usual book club. We chat about books you are reading, the books you’ve loved, and the books you’ve always wanted to read.
Along with great book recommendations, our discussions have ranged from the design and appeal of book jackets, the eBook revolution, which books we reread and why, modern writers, the craft of writing, and the elements of great writing.
Summaries of past book selections are posted on the Library’s Book discussion group page. We all come away energized and eager for more. We hope you will join us – either in person (masks
encouraged) or via Zoom. Please email programs@normanwilliams.org for the link to join.
SLN Virtual Program
Exploring The Southwest
The Coronado Expedition of 1540
Tuesday, March 4, 2:00 pm
Join us at the Coronado National Monument in Arizona, as we discuss The Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542, which was the first major Spanish exploration of the American Southwest. It begins with a look at the life and times of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the leader of the expedition. We then cover the logistics and route they took and end with a look at the effects of the Colombian Exchange on our lives today. Register by calling 802-457-3277 to receive your Zoom link.
Winter Snowshoe
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park
March 5, 10:30 am – 12 pm, Free
Travel through the enchanting forest of Mt. Tom on Snowshoes. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, everyone is welcome to learn the basics while discovering our local winter landscape. This guided snowshoe experience will meet at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Forest Center. Snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided by Marsh-Billings- Rockefeller NHP. To register and for more information visit: go.nps.gov/Winter Naturalist or call 802-457-3368.
Dartmouth Aging Resource Center Presents:
Virtual Event – Learning to Look: Conversations about Art
Friday March 7, 11 am – 12 pm, Call Cory to sign up. Space is limited
Visual art can inspire and challenge us. It can also offer a focal point for rich conversations about life and ideas. Join this interactive virtual program facilitated by docents from the Hood Museum of Art to learn how to think critically about visual art in the company of your peers. Each time we will explore different works of art from the Hood Museum’s collection across time and cultures. No prior experience talking about art necessary. Curiosity is the only prerequisite!
This program is presented in collaboration with the Hood Museum of Art and Dartmouth Arts and Humanities program.
You will receive a zoom link for this class 60 minutes before the class starts. The zoom link will be sent directly from the Aging Resource Center to the email you registered with.
Art with Finnie at ArtisTree
Clay Bowls Part 1
Friday, March 7, 1:30 pm
Join Finnie for a two-part workshop where you’ll create your own unique hand-built clay bowls. In March, we’ll focus on shaping and forming your bowls using traditional hand-building techniques. Then, in April, we’ll return to glaze your creations. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and leave with beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces! Register in advance by calling 802-457-3277.
SLN Virtual Program
Black Homesteaders in Nebraska
Audacious Dreams
Tuesday, March 11, 2:00 pm
The Homestead Act of 1862 provided African Americans with the prospect of land and home ownership, an attractive alternative to racial violence and social disenfranchisement in the post-Reconstruction South. In Nebraska, independent Black homesteaders built successful farms from eastern tallgrass prairies to the arid Sandhills in the west. Black homesteaders also created intentional communities like Audacious. There, homesteaders built a post office, a church, school and formed an unbeatable baseball team. While Audacious succumbed to plummeting crop prices and prolonged droughts, its residents’ hard work and determination remain an inspiration today. In this lesson, a park ranger will discuss with students how
Nebraska’s geography and history shaped and was shaped by the experiences of Black homesteaders.
Let’s Paint Together
March 12 & 26, 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.
Montpelier Trip to the VT State House
March 12th, Depart in the morning, details to follow
Let’s celebrate March for Meals with a ceremonial reading of a resolution to recognize the importance of our Meals on Wheels programs at the Vermont State House at 1:00 pm. Tour and lunch. Register 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 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.
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.