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  • 2025-2026 Thompson Times Subscription

    Thompson Times Subscription Subscription year runs from September 2025 through August 2026 and is printed 6 times throughout the year. Price is pro-rated as the year progresses.
  • 3X3 Fitness

    These exercises are chair-based and low-impact. Improve muscle tone as you follow along with the 3x3 workout DVD, using resistance bands or rings. If you love it, you may decide to purchase your own set of rings.
  • Aqua Fitness

    Focused towards seniors, but all are welcome to join! A lower intensity class that incorporates cardiovascular training as well as water resistance to strengthen muscles and techniques to improve balance.
  • Eric K. (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Bean Bag Toss

    Bean Bag Toss (aka Corn Hole) is a fun game for 2-4 players. Toss bean bags and score 1 point for landing on the board or 3 points for putting the bag through the hole; it's not as easy as it sounds! We supply the boards and bags, while you supply the fun and competitive spirit of the game. Played outdoors.
  • Bear Aware: With the Traveling Naturalist

    Discover the majestic world of bears using clues from berries, small rodents and fish. These super-sized, furry animals are our guardians of forests, mountains, and rivers. Showcasing in black, brown, white, glacial blue, and Spirit-bear-cream, bears hold wide respect in native cultures. They often instill fear in humans, as they are misunderstood. Learn why we all need bears to share our planet, unveiling the Spirit Bear as a symbol of successful collaboration in protecting one of the rarest bears on Earth. Presenter: Melanie Shipman, Lifelong Naturalist
  • Bocce Ball

    Enjoy the camaraderie and skillful competition of Bocce Ball—a game that brings fun and health benefits. Simply aim to place your bocce balls closer to the pallino (little white ball) than your opponents. Games are self-monitored, with teams formed weekly, gathering around TPAC's patio for some outdoor enjoyment.
  • Card Creations with Stacey Pangborn

    Get ready for a fun, hands-on class where you'll create 3 beautiful, handmade greeting cards! In May, we’ll focus on get-well, sympathy, and thanks; while August’s class will highlight kid and adult birthdays. Each card is thoughtfully designed and prepped by Stacey, so you can relax and let your creativity flow. All supplies are provided—just bring your enthusiasm! All skill levels welcome.
  • Caregiver Support Group

    Being a caregiver as a spouse, child, or friend of an aging adult can take a toll. Your life is simply not the same. Access to information is key to navigating aging in a positive way. The caregiver support group comes together with trained facilitators to learn about topics relevant to this role. Please register in advance. Sponsored by DARTS. 2nd Wednesdays
  • Crafting for a Cause

    Spread joy by crafting heartfelt notes with fellow volunteers. These messages of kindness will be included in locally delivered meals and brighten someone's day! Join us to create a ripple of happiness. All materials are supplied for this act of community compassion. Cardstock donations greatly appreciated. Facilitator: Pat Marshall 2nd Tuesdays
  • Create with Colored Pencils group

    Join this fun group and work on your latest pencil project. All levels welcome, from novice to skilled. Staying inside the lines is your decision, but laughter and camaraderie is mandatory in this creative process. There is no instructor, but sharing your techniques is welcome! Bring your own pencils and art equipment.
  • Dementia Friends

    Dementia Friends Dementia Friends is led by a Dementia Friends Champion. This one hour session is a discussion led by Dementia Friends Champion. It is not a training session. You’ll learn what dementia is, what it’s like to live with the disease, and some tips for communicating with people who have dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to turn their new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. The action can be as big or as small as you choose-every action counts! Presenter: Colleen Fitsch
  • DoNut Forget the Music

    DoNut Forget the Music! Join us for a sweet time with live music by Vinnie Rose, who will take you on a musical journey through the decades-featuring swing, rock country, pop, blues and more! Great tunes Delicious donuts Unforgettable vibes Don’t miss out - come for the music, stay for the donut! Vinnie Rose is a dynamic solo performer known for captivating audiences with his solo acoustic live-looping shows, and delivering high-energy, interactive shows that are as skillful as they are fun. Spanning over nine decades of music, his setlist is a genre-spanning journey—swing, rock, country, pop, folk, blues, and more—often tailored on the fly to fit the crowd. Whether it’s a themed performance, spontaneous, or taking requests in real time, Vinnie brings a personal touch to every show. With a remarkable 3¼-octave vocal range and a looping guitar pedal that layers rich, rhythmic guitar textures, Vinnie creates the sound of a small band—all on his own. His passion for performing and connection with his audience consistently make him a favorite at venues throughout Minnesota. Vinnie Rose is a dynamic solo performer known for captivating audiences with his solo acoustic live-looping shows, and delivering high-energy, interactive shows that are as skillful as they are fun. Spanning over nine decades of music, his setlist is a genre-spanning journey—swing, rock, country, pop, folk, blues, and more—often tailored on the fly to fit the crowd. Whether it’s a themed performance, spontaneous, or taking requests in real time, Vinnie brings a personal touch to every show. With a remarkable 3¼-octave vocal range and a looping guitar pedal that layers rich, rhythmic guitar textures, Vinnie creates the sound of a small band—all on his own. His passion for performing and connection with his audience consistently make him a favorite at venues throughout Minnesota.Vinnie Rose is a dynamic solo performer known for captivating audiences with his solo acoustic live-looping shows, and delivering high-energy, interactive shows that are as skillful as they are fun. Spanning over nine decades of music, his setlist is a genre-spanning journey—swing, rock, country, pop, folk, blues, and more—often tailored on the fly to fit the crowd. Whether it’s a themed performance, spontaneous, or taking requests in real time, Vinnie brings a personal touch to every show. With a remarkable 3¼-octave vocal range and a looping guitar pedal that layers rich, rhythmic guitar textures, Vinnie creates the sound of a small band—all on his own. His passion for performing and connection with his audience consistently make him a favorite at venues throughout Minnesota.
  • Donations to Thompson Park Activity Center '25-'26

    Nestled in the midst of a beautiful Dakota County park, Thompson Park in West St. Paul is home to Thompson Park Activity Center, where we provide services and programs for adults of all ages and from all communities. TPAC is located at 1200 Stassen Lane, just off Butler Avenue and offers programming Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. We welcome you, so visit us soon! Thompson Park Activity Center graciously accepts tax-deductible donations. If making a donation over $25, please indicate if you would like to have your name acknowledged in the Thompson Times publication.
  • Fall Migration Tour SSP

    THIS TOUR HAS A LOT OF WALKING L.A.R.K. Toy’s in Kellogg, MN for self-serve coffee and muffin (included). Look around the toy store with specialty items and books. Meet your Wildlife Tour Interpreter, Jim Nissen. Each year migration patterns change depending on food sources and weather conditions. Jim will make adjustments to the route in order to view species of waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds moving from their northern summer nesting areas to warmer southern wintering grounds. Spectacular tundra swans, majestic eagles, ducks and geese use this migration corridor. Stops along the route may extend into the La Crosse area. Bring your binoculars. Lunch at the Blue Moon Restaurant in Onalaska, WI Sample Menu: Soup & Sandwich Special - A Cup of Soup and Club Sandwich - Thinly sliced Turkey, Ham and Bacon with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Mayonnaise on Sourdough Bread, Homemade Potato Chips, Beverage, Cookie. Onalaska Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. There is information about the seasonal sights and sounds on the refuge. View some interactive exhibits about the diverse wildlife and habitats. The River Walk exhibit allows you to “walk on water” and see what lies below the surface of the river. Another activity is to walk to the nearby Lake Onalaska Overlook. Thursday, October 30, 2025 $108.00 Depart TPAC 7:30am / Return 6pm Depart SSP 7:45am / Return 5:45pm Depart IGH 8am / Return 5:30pm Register by Friday, September 26
  • Fall Migration Tour WSP

    Register here to board the bus at Thompson Park Activity Center: Our first stop will be at L.A.R.K Toys in Kellogg, MN for self-serve coffee and muffin (included), with time to browse the toy store's specialty items and books. Meet your Wildlife Tour Interpreter, Jim Nissen. Jim will make adjustments to the route in order to view species of waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds moving from their northern summer nesting areas to warmer southern wintering grounds. Spectacular tundra swans, majestic eagles, ducks and geese use tis migration corridor. Bring your binoculars! Lunch will be at the Blue Moon Restaurant. Sample menu: Soup & Sandwich Special includes a cup of soup and club sandwich (thinly sliced turkey, ham and bacon with lettuce, tomato, onion and may on sourdough bread; homemade potato chips, beverage & cookie). After lunch visit the Onalaska Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Learn about the seasonal sights and sounds on the refuge; view interactive exhibits about the diverse wildlife and habitats. The River Walk exhibit allows you to "walk on water" and see what lies below the surface of the river. There is also a walking trail in the nearby Lake Onalaska Overlook. Thur, Oct 30 $108 Depart TPAC 7:30 am / Return 6 pm Register by Fri, Sept 26
  • Folsom Prison Experience St Cloud SSP

    Arrive for lunch at Coyote Moon Grille Restaurant overlooking the Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud. Menu: Entrée, Popover, Salad, Side Dish, Beverage, Dessert. Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud. Step into the shoes of an inmate at Folsom Prison in 1968 and participate in the electrifying Johnny Cash show. Feel the palpable tension as the watchful Warden and his guards keep a vigilant eye, while Johnny Cash, June Carter, and the Statler Brothers ignite the stage with their timeless music. Be part of the historic performance! Friday, January 16, 2026 $120 Depart IGH 9am / Return 6:15 pm Depart SSP 9:15 am / Return 6 pm Depart TPAC 9: 30am / Return 5:45pm Register by Friday, Dec 5
  • Journaling & Watercolor for Self-Discovery - SSP

    Discover the art of self-expression through journaling and watercolor. Create a laminated journal cover and bookmark, explore therapeutic journaling techniques, and leave with a personalized journal and ideas to begin writing. No personal sharing or therapy will be involved. All supplies included. Instructor Vicki Reeck
  • Laugh Because You Can: Improv Workshop

    Discover the joy of spontaneous fun in this lively beginning improv class designed especially for seniors! No scripts, no pressure—just playful exercises and games that spark creativity, laughter, and connection. You'll build confidence, improve thinking, and enjoy the freedom of expressing yourself in a supportive, low-stress environment. Come for the fun, stay for the friendships, and laugh because you can. Instructor: Laura Berger
  • Life in an American Concentration Camp: The Japanese-American Experience during WWII

    Hear a first-hand account of what it was like for JapaneseAmericans who were interned in concentration camps right here in the U.S. during World War II. Sally’s family was moved from their home to the Puyallup Assembly Center in Washington state and then on to the Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho, where they spent the war years. Presenter: Sally (Ohno) Sudo
  • Men’s Topics & Toast

    Join us for Toast and Topic on the last Monday of each month, a special time for men to visit and share their insights. Discuss various topics in an engaging environment. Take this opportunity to connect with new folks and contribute your thoughts. Even if you don’t usually ‘get involved’, your participation and insights will be appreciated. Facilitator: Rob Meyer No meeting December or May.
  • Mystery Book Club

    We select a wide range of authors and locales, and enjoy stimulating discussions on our interpretations, speculations and theories of the book. It’s truly amazing the wonderful insights each reader brings to the discussions! Facilitator: Joyce Wahlquist July: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister Aug: Hidden Depths by Ann Cleves 2nd Tuesdays
  • NASA MN Space Grant Consortium Presentation

    Discover the exciting world of high-altitude research with the NASA MN Space Grant Consortium! This presentation explores the science behind weather balloons, how they collect atmospheric data, and their role in space and climate research. Learn how these balloon missions help advance scientific understanding and provide valuable insights into our planet and beyond. Don't miss this fascinating event. Presenter: James Flaten, PhD, Assoc Dir of NASA's MN Space Grant Consortium
  • Nature Sense with Eloise Deitz

    Eloise's programs are designed to promote connections with nature. Register one week or more in advance. It's time - let's go! March Looking for Spring Hike Maybe you will need to wear boots or a raincoat, or winter-wear still, but we are heading out on Thompson Park trails in search of early signs of spring. Will March come in like a lamb or go out like a lion? Whatever, there will be signs of spring and we will find them! April April Foolery This program is all about nature facts, fiction, trivia and maybe even attempts at stumping the naturalist. Let's have some laughs! May Spring Birding Join fellow bird enthusiasts on a guided hike through the woodlands, around the lake, and across nearby grasslands at Thompson Park. We'll be on the lookout for early spring migratory birds in their natural habitats. Bring your favorite field guides and binoculars if you have them! June Plants Alive How much do you really know about plants? Discover surprising facts and answer intriguing questions during this engaging, station-based activity that takes place both indoors and outdoors. July Summer Garden Tour Looking for gardening inspiration? Join us for a tour of three unique off-site gardens during their peak blooming season. We'll meet at Thompson Park Activity Center (TPAC) at 9:00 AM to arrange carpools, then explore the vibrant and imaginative gardens in West St. Paul and St. Paul, spending 20–25 minutes at each garden. Aug The Soil Beneath Our Feet Soil is a vital resource we often take for granted. In this class, you'll learn about the different types of soil, how it's used (and abused), and its importance to life on Earth. Gain a deeper appreciation for the ground beneath your feet!