TriDistrict Community Education

2021-2022 Thompson Times Subscription Subscription year runs from September 2021 through August 2022 and is printed six times per year. Price is pro-rated as year progresses.

"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." ~ Michelle Obama Mayor David Napier would love to listen and share with residents how courage can be contagious and move things along for the betterment of this community. Come and join him in conversation. Muffins will be available. Presenter: Mayor David Napier Mon, June 21 9:30-10:30 am 1583-S21 1 session - $3 Register by Mon, June 14

A Bench in the Sun by Ron Clark "An uproarious and endearing tribute to the joys and tribulations of aging." - Broadway World Part Grumpy Old Men, part The Odd Couple, the script is rich with one-liners, tender moments, musings about the seasons, and reflections on the way the world is changing. Lifelong friends Burt and Harold are residing at Valley View Gardens. When retired actress Adrienne Bliss moves in and decides to join the duo on their bench in the sun, a heated rivalry develops as the pair vie for Adrienne's attention. Performance starts @ 1:15 pm, Daytrippers Theatre, Bloomington . Wednesday, Oct 27 $75.00 Depart TPAC 12 pm / Return 4:05 pm Depart SSP 12:15 pm / Return 3:50 pm Depart TPAC 12:30 pm / Return 3:35 pm Register by Oct 20

Come and hear about Frank's experience banding raptors on the North Shore of Lake Superior for over 50 years. Meet his 15-year-old red-tailed hawk, Mim, who will be accompanying him on his visit to TPAC. Check out his blog showcasing his banding efforts by googling North Shore Banding - Frank Taylor. Presenter: Frank Taylor Wed, July 28 10-11 am 1586-S21 1 session - $5 Register by Wed, July 21

Terry Kubista is a British historian, educator, and presenter. He has been running a very successful monthly program at the Minnetonka and Plymouth Senior Centers. The major purpose of Kubista's courses is to stimulate your thinking and inspire you to ask questions. The classes are fun, relaxed and a combination of oral presentations, videos and participant questions. Join us at Thompson Park In-Person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Please register in advance. Country Homes Revealed June 8 Country houses hold a great fascination for a lot of Americans, but what do we really know about them? For example, "How much did that new roof cost?" Media: “Country Homes Revealed” DVD . Ancient Britain July 13 English ancient history has been given a series of shots in the last few years. Is it time to check in and update your understanding of "The Old Folk"? Media: “The Old Folk” DVD . The Changing City of London Aug 10 London has undergone massive changes since it was first named and settled by the Romans 2000 years ago. We'll be able to touch on only a few of them. Media: “London Now and Then” DVD

This Service Group decorates bags for Meals on Wheels on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Bags are provided. We won't be sharing supplies for the foreseeable future, so please bring your own inspiring and creative decorating supplies!

The Discover Group via Zoom Join Ph.D. Biochemist Gary Gray each month to engage in discussion on articles from the latest issue of Discover magazine. So much is happening so fast - climate change, medical breakthroughs, space exploration, and more! 3rd Fridays 10-11:30 am Mar 19, Apr 16 Online via Zoom 1574-W21 Registration required Registration deadline one week prior to each class

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 - Friday 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.

Top your ice cream with chocolate, strawberry, or caramel. Enjoy the music, tapping & clapping, and maybe even some dancing encouraged, while socializing with friends over a bowl of ice cream. Donations accepted. Wed, July 28 Ice Cream Served: 1-2 pm Live Music: 1-3 pm Register by Wed, July 21

Improv: Spend More Time Laughing! Kelsey Dilts McGregor and Jen Scott, both of HUGE Theater in Minneapolis, are thrilled to offer an "Intro to Improv class" this summer at Thompson Park Activity Center. Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters, and dialogue of a game, scene, or story are made up at the moment. Often improvisers will take a suggestion from the audience, or draw on some other source of inspiration to get started. It is a fantastic art to practice! Anyone can do it. Improv builds flexible thinking and active listening skills; no previous theatrical experience required! It's also a very social activity, and laughter is a natural part of these exercises. Please join us! Instructors: Kelsey Dilts McGregor and Jen Scott, both of HUGE Theater in Minneapolis Tues, Aug 3, 10 10-11am 1594-S21 2 sessions - $18 Register by Tues, July 27

2021-22 Landmark Tours Travel Show Mark your calendars and join Thompson Park Activity Center (TPAC) to learn more about the upcoming tour opportunities! Invite your friends. TPAC collaborates with Landmark Tours, a local, family-owned tour operator. For more information call 651-403-8300 or stop by and pick up a catalog of the exciting 2021 trips! This will now be In-Person at TPAC! Tues, June 29 1-2 pm 1592-S21 1 session - free Register by Tues, June 22 Join us via Zoom from Home - or - Zoom together at TPAC on our large TV

Enjoy painting with others who share your love of this art, while listening to classical music and conversing with one another. Bring your own supplies. There is no instructor for this group.

Did you know that TPAC has its own "no experience necessary" creative art community? We have an afternoon planned for you to indulge your senses, view our members' artwork, enjoy a lip-smacking root beer float and tap your toes to the live music at TPAC! Families and children welcome. Call TPAC for details on how you can display your creations. Donations accepted. Wed, Aug 25 1-3 pm Register by Wed, Aug 18

Scientific American Discussion Group via Zoom Join Ph.D. Biochemist Gary Gray each month to engage in discussion on articles from the latest issue of Scientific American magazine. 3rd Wednesdays 10-11:30 am Mar 17, Apr 20 Online via Zoom 1575-W21 Registration required Registration deadline one week prior to each class

Join this class to take away “user” doubt. This two-hour introductory workshop covers some of the most common and basic use of smartphones. Prerequisite: Able to place and accept cell phone calls. Presenter: ray@raythecomputerguy.com Mon, July 19 12-2 pm 1584-S21 1 session - $35 Register by Mon, July 12

This two-hour workshop is a continuation of Workshop 1. Learn in-depth use of smart device features and functionalities including apps, email, Wi-Fi, and more. Prerequisite: Completed Smartphone Workshop 1 session or be familiar with Smartphone use. Instructor: ray@raythecomputerguy.com Mon, Aug 9 12-2 pm 1585-S21 1 session - $35 Register by Mon, Aug 2

For all of you “Soccer grandparents” who didn’t grow up with soccer, this class will be perfect for you. Our instructor will go through the basics of the sport: rules, strategies, and scoring using video highlights to provide play-by-play explanations. By the end of the hour, you won’t be in better shape, but you will be a better soccer spectator. Presenter: Nora Schletty Fri, May 28 2-3:30 pm 1581-S21 1 session - $5 Register by Fri, May 21