Your Weekly eNewsletter 6.26.20
Staff Spotlight
Pam & Siobhan, thank you for all that you do!
Pam Butler:  During this period of extended shutdown, if you’ve had any need for groceries, medications, or even a friendly call, you’ve probably talked to Pam. Pam is our program director and has been at The Thompson for 12 years. During normal times, she plans interesting programs, works out endless details on fabulous trips, and communicates and plans with many instructors to bring us the best classes and opportunities for learning and life enrichment. We’re so thankful for Pam and all that she does and now during these days of COVID, we appreciate her skills on a new level. Pam has been overseeing many daily check-in calls, organizing the grocery shopping, and in general finding a way to meet any need that comes up. 
Siobhan Wright:  If you’ve received Meals on Wheels, ordered a take-out meal, or volunteered these past few months, you’ve definitely talked to Siobhan. Siobhan is our Meals on Wheels and Transportation Coordinator. She has worked every day throughout the shutdown to pack the meal bags, organize routes, schedule volunteers, and distribute meals. Siobhan (or Show-be as Alberto calls her) has been at the Thompson for 11 years. In normal times, she also schedules rides and manages the front desk in our entryway. For almost 10 years, Siobhan worked in the kitchen with Chef Ryan and most people remember her pies, desserts, and especially our beautiful tea party treats!  
To read Pam and Siobhan's interviews, click here
Updates & Programs
Tax Assistance Update

AARP Vermont Tax-wise is unable to assist with tax preparation this year because of the liability and process required for doing taxes remotely. SEVCA is providing remote tax services and their number is 800-464-9951. Please call The Thompson if you have questions, to pick-up SEVCA forms, or for referrals to other options.
Transportation Update
 
For rides before the Thompson re-opens, you can contact the area transit provider, Stagecoach, for medical appointments or wheel chair lift rides. Limited rides through The Thompson will resume on July 13th. Limited West Lebanon Shopping is targeted to resume on July 15th.
 
https://stagecoach-rides.org/  or (802) 728-3773
A Vermont Humanities Council on Aging Digital Program:
The Surprising History of Common Garden Vegetables
Common garden vegetables have long and fascinating histories. Science and history writer Rebecca Rupp will discuss the stories behind many of our favorites, including Vermont’s own Gilfeather turnip and Early Rose potato. Find out how George Washington was nearly assassinated with a plate of poisoned peas, and what Benjamin Franklin thought of asparagus.
Rebecca’s presentation will be available on the  Digital Programs section of their
website  or you can view here .
Active Aging
Tai Chi Class through Zoom

 Tai Chi Instructor, Anne Bower, has organized a schedule of online Tai Chi classes offered through Zoom, a FREE wireless screen sharing app. The following is a list of classes which can also be found on our website with live links to access the online classes.

Fall Prevention Tai Chi, Mondays, 10-11am
Sun 73 forms Tai Chi, Wednesdays,11-12
Yang 24 Forms Tai Chi, Fridays, 10-11am
 
For more information, email Anne at: anniebower@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.anniebower.com.
Bone Builders Update
 
Bone Builders Instructor, Althea Derstine, is encouraging her students to keep exercising and to borrow weights from The Thompson Center during closure. Please call The Thompson staff who will be happy to put your requested weights outside on the front porch for pick-up. 
BINGO at HOME with The Thompson
Friday mornings,10:00 am

Use your phone to call in and join. Fun prizes for winners! For a BINGO card and the call-in number, call 457-3277.
Strength, Stretch & Stability
Zoom Exercise Class
  Led by Liz Hatfield, Certified Fitness Trainer
Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Motion is Lotion! Now is the time to focus on ourselves. We must stay positive and strong. In the short term, exercise can help the immune system find and deal with pathogens, and in the long term, regular exercise slows down changes that happen to the immune system with aging, therefore reducing the risk of infection.
 
Join this class, move your body and feel physically, mentally and emotionally better. 
  
Suggested Equipment:
  • Dumbbells, Soup Cans (14oz is approx. 1lb), Bag of Beans or Rice (1lb) or Filled Water Bottles
 
  • Dish Towel or Pillowcase

  • Two Paper plates, Rags or Furniture Gliders/Coaster (NOT RUBBER)

  • 12 Plastic cups (e.g. "Solo" cups) - 6 Red & 6 Blue - Linda Grant has left 10 sets at The Thompson in a bag if you would like to pick them up.

For information on how to join the Zoom classes, contact Liz directly
802-522-9273 or  ebhatfield@aol.c om
June Menu
Call the day before to order take-out & pick-up from your car between 12:00 - 12:30 pm  
Resources
Do you or someone you care for need a wheelchair or other medical equipment, help with taxes or applying for Medicare, caregiver referrals, help with odd jobs around the house, have transportation needs? Just ask us!    Click here for more information
Woodstock, Bridgewater, Pomfret & Barnard Emergency Operations Guidance to COVID-19
Woodstock Emergency Management   hotline (June 12 Update)
Woodstock has closed the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that was opened due to COVID-19. Emergency response and assistance is still available as is the hotline number 802-457-7516. If the need arises anytime moving forward, the EOC will reopen.

Bridgewater Emergency Management Coordinator - Josh Maxham: 802-299-8428

Barnard Emergency Management Coordinator - Mike Manning: 802-234-5263

Pomfret Emergency Management Director - Kevin Rice: 802-356-7643

For state information & resources dial 2-1-1
For online information visit cdc.gov
Woodstock Area Relief Fund
The Woodstock Area Relief Fund provides immediate and timely financial assistance to residents of the greater Woodstock area who are unable to meet their basic household needs due to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
To apply click here
Vermont Supplemental Food Programs

The Vermont Foodbank is taking all measures possible to ensure we can be there to help people access food during this challenging time. If you or someone you know is in need of help getting food, they can help. The following list will help you access food and programs that best fit your needs:
 
3SquaresVT – Has your household lost pay? 3SquaresVT is here for you and your family. You could be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT benefit or increase the benefit you already receive. We can help you apply. Visit our 3SquaresVT page, email 3svt@vtfoodbank.org, call 1-855-855-6181 or text VFBSNAP to 85511
 
CSFP – The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal nutrition program which offers free monthly nutrition information and nutritious foods to income-eligible older adults.
 
VeggieVanGo – The next VeggieVanGo at Woodstock Union Highschool parking lot will be on July 2, 9:15am – 10:15am . Please stay in your cars and follow directions from parking lot volunteers.

Find a food shelf – The Vermont Foodbank partners with 215 food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, homeless shelters and out of school programs across the state. Find a site close to you through our food shelf listings.
 
Woodstock Community Food Shelf  hours are Monday 4-6 pm, Wednesday 1-3 pm, and Saturday 10-12 pm. 802-457-1185. All are welcome.

For more information visit vermontfoodbank.org or call 1-800-585-2265 , Email: info@vtfoodbank.org
Carla Kamel and the Community Health Team
 
Community Care Coordinator, Carla Kamel, is available for support in navigating resources and services and discussing community-based  services. Carla wants our readers to know that she is available at the Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) for a health and social wellness phone visit at 457-5414 or at carla.kamel@mahhc.org, even if it’s a five-minute phone conversation. 
Ottauquechee Health Foundation (OHF)
 
OHF will continue to offer financial assistance for health and wellness needs through grants to those living in any of their nine service towns which include Woodstock, Barnard, Bridgewater, and Pomfret. If you or someone you know is experiencing financial stress in light of COVID-19 or other health reasons, please contact OHF. They will continue to serve the community by being available via email at info@ohfvt.org or by calling 457-4188, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm. Applications for financial assistance can be found on their website at www.ohfvt.org or by calling The Thompson Center.