For a list of all exercise related classes and activities, visit our Active Aging page
It’s Fresh Produce Season!
Locally Yours Offered at The Thompson Center Weekly through October at 10am
We’re excited to promote Locally Yours, a free program that gives us access to fresh, locally grown produce. There is no income restriction and the program is available to all Thompson patrons. Our Locally Yours partner, Neil and Alice Lamson’s Fox Crossing Farm in Pomfret, will be delivering fresh produce to The Thompson weekly.
What is it?
This program helps older Vermonters get locally grown produce, benefitting both senior nutrition needs and our local farms. Locally Yours is made possible through Senior Solutions with a grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets.
How does it work?
It’s as easy as stopping at The Thompson on delivery days or letting us know to include produce with your home delivered meals if you receive them. We encourage you to take only as much as you think you can use as it helps share the crops with more people. When picking up produce, we do need you to sign in so we can report back on how many people were served this season.
HomeShare Presentation with Shari
Thursday, August 8th at 1:00 pm
HomeShare Vermont has been matching people who have room in their home with those seeking an affordable place to live for the past 42 years. Now, through a partnership with The Thompson Center, HSVT has expanded into 16 Windsor County towns.
HomeShare guests can contribute to rent and utilities and/or provide help with household tasks, such as cooking, yardwork, housekeeping, snow removal, pet care, or running errands. HomeShare Vermont conducts background and reference checks and then helps create compatible matches.
Please register with the Thompson for this informative presentation.
Veteran’s Administration Hosts Open House Event with PACT ACT Assistance![](https://www.thompsonseniorcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Veterans-affairs.jpg)
Saturday, August 3rd from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Transportation may be provided by The Thompson by request
The White River Junction VA Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Vermont National Guard will be hosting a PACT Act claims and eligibility assistance event on August 3rd from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at the White River Junction VA Medical Center. The event will offer VBA claim assistance, VHA eligibility support, toxic exposure screenings and much more. This will be an opportunity for Veterans to sit with VBA to discuss claims and assist in filing. Food and music will be available to enjoy.
The PACT Act is a historic new law that expands VA health care benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The law empowers Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide generations of Veterans – and their survivors – with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. The VA assumes certain diseases or illnesses can be related to a Veteran’s military service. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits and health care services for these conditions.
Any Veteran or survivor can learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MYVA411. (1-800-698-2411)
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has a Public Contact Office at the Patriot Building ground floor on the WRJ campus that is open Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM for Veterans to visit and file a claim or ask questions. The direct line for the VBA Public Contact Office is 802-295-9363, ext 5335.
Excerpts from this content were taken from VA, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
Monday, August 12, 9:30-12:30pm, by appointment
VPharm (prescription drug applications), 3Squares (money for food program), Fuel assistance, Green Mt Power discount. Individual assistance is available at The Thompson by appointment with Senior Solutions Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey. Call for your appointment.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less – Online August Classes Now Available
Beginning August 4th. Call for specific dates and times.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15 week weight-management program that uses strategies proven to work. Each lesson informs, empowers and motivates you to live mindfully as you make choices about eating and physical activity.
Classes are held ONLINE, using Zoom. The program is accessible on a desktop, laptop, smartphone, iPad, and tablets. 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 Voucher/Coupon code for your class registration.
Caregiver Support Group
with Carla and Co-facilitator Anne Marinello
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.
In-person Tech Support
Appointments on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 12:30-2:30 pm
In collaboration with the Norman Williams Public Library, you can now get 1:1 tech support at The Thompson. Bring in your mobile phones, laptops, iPads and any other type of tablet device you need help with. Multiple devices can be brought to one appointment. Call Shari to book your 1 hour appointment, and don’t forget your passwords!
Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
July 18 & 29, August 15, 9:00 – 2:30 pm. Towels are supplied. Cost $35
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.
Reflexology is available at The Thompson
July 23 and August 13 by appointment
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to schedule your appointment on the second or fourth Tuesdays of the month. $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.
The Hub is here for you!
If you’ve had a setback or change in circumstances that make it difficult to pay your bills and live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading or Woodstock, we’re here to lend a hand. For more details and to apply, visit their website at https://apply.thehubneighbors.
The HUB is a Project of Woodstock Community Trust, a non profit 501c3 organization.
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 will be available by appointment. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277.
HomeShare is working in our Community!
The collaboration between HomeShare Vermont and the Thompson Aging at Home program is creating more possibilities for HomeShare! More applications in our wider service area means more opportunities for successful matches. Hosts can request service to help around the house and/or some additional income while Guests can live in a private bedroom in someone’s home at an affordable rent. Contact Shari at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org or 802-457-3277 for more info or to schedule a presentation in your town.
Faulkner Fund Offers Financial Help to Woodstock Residents
Need help with car payments, utility bills, medical bills, repair bills or other financial needs? The Faulkner Fund was established in 1959 from a bequest in the will of Marianne G. Faulkner to The American Red Cross. The purpose was to “help in the care, support and maintenance of needy and deserving persons living in Woodstock”. Grants are available to Woodstock residents via a confidential application. Contact Paula Audsley, vice chair of The Faulkner Fund via email: paudsley@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277. Brochures (listing committee members and their contact information) and applications are available at The Thompson Senior Center and The Ottauquechee Health Foundation.