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(Grand)Parents with Littles: Your Tech Safety ToolboxLifelong LearningNavigating the digital world can be challenging for parents and grandparents with young children ages 0-5. This practical training class is designed to equip you with essential tools and knowledge to keep little ones safe in an increasingly connected world. You'll gain practical tips and strategies for managing technology use, protecting privacy, and fostering a safe digital environment for young children.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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2024-2025 Thompson Times SubscriptionNewsletter - Thompson TimesThompson Times Subscription Subscription year runs from September 2024 through August 2025 and is printed 6 times throughout the year. Price is pro-rated as the year progresses.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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37 Postcards Production at DayTrippers Dinner TheatreTrips & ToursNew Date! Thurs, May 29 Purely for the laughter, we’ve planned this trip to 37 Postcards. Written like a 1930’s screwball comedy, young Avery Sutton and his fiance return after eight years in Europe only to find his already eccentric family has gone certifiably insane! The house is on a tilt, the dog is feral, his grandmother (presumed dead) is alive and kicking! Oh, the Suttons are a quirky, funny, loving family. So the couple has to either accept their oddities or leave them behind. They discover that you can, in fact, go home again. You just never know what you’ll find! Buffet lunch includes chicken, lasagna, mashed potatoes, Tuscan vegetables, garden salad, rolls, dessert, coffee & tea. Register by May 1 Depart TPAC 10:45 am / Return 4 pmAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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3X3 FitnessFitness & WellnessThese 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. Facilitator: Barb EricksonAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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American History and Fiction as Seen Through Percival Everett's JamesLifelong LearningJoin historian Peter Rachleff to read and discuss the 2024 National Book Award-winning novel, James. This retelling of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is from the perspective of the enslaved man “Jim”, who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River. Everett invites us (or challenges us?) to consider American history and American fiction from a point of view unfamiliar to most of us. Many of us grew up reading Huckleberry Finn and it will be interesting to consider how it might have shaped our views of American history - and to discuss how James offers new insights. Instructor: Peter Rachleff, prof emeritus Macalester CollegeAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Author Marcia Rendon Reading and Q & ALifelong LearningMarcie R. Rendon, member of the White Earth Nation, has written several notable works, including the award-winning novel Girl Gone Missing and the compelling mystery series featuring Cash Blackbear. Her writing explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of contemporary Indigenous life. Rendon will share insights from her literary journey, discuss the importance of representation in storytelling, and explore the intersection of culture and creativity. Look forward to an engaging conversation highlighting Marcie’s experiences and the significance of her work in today’s literary landscape. Presenter: Marcie R. Rendon, acclaimed author & playwright rooted in Indigenous heritageAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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WaitlistBayfield & Apostle Islands Tour WSPTrips & ToursRegister here to board the bus at Thompson Park Activity Center: Visit beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands! Important information for this overnight trip: Minimum payment of $200 per person required to make a reservation. Final & full payment due Thurs, May 22, 2025: after this date your fee is non-refundable. Spots are not held for participants without payment. Board the bus where you registered. Boarding and drop-off only at 3 locations listed. Plan to be dropped off and picked up. Thompson Park does not allow for overnight parking. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled trip departure for check-in. A $10 service fee will be charged if you cancel your trip registration anytime before May 22. No refunds will be issued after the trip registration deadline. Trips will fill when the maximum numbers are reached, or at registration deadline. All trips are subject to change until the final itinerary is posted. DAY 1 - Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Leave early and have lunch before the Apostle Island Cruise in Bayfield. The Apostle Islands “Grand Tour” Cruise takes you on a narrated, informative 55-mile scenic cruise. Throughout this memorable cruise, you’ll pass extraordinary natural scenery, beautiful historic Raspberry Lighthouse and Devils Island Lighthouse. See standing rocks, extensive sea caves, and marine wildlife. Learn the rich history of centuries of human interaction with Wisconsin’s “Crown Jewels” on majestic Lake Superior. After the cruise, check into the Legendary Waters Resort. The resort is built on the shores of Lake Superior with an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. It is located adjacent to the casino. Dinner will be at the resort. Lunch & dinner are included in your trip fee. DAY 2 - Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Have breakfast at Legendary Waters Resort. Take the Madeline Island Ferry from Bayfield to the picturesque town of LaPointe on Madeline Island. It is the largest of the Apostle Islands. Meet a local guide for a tour of the island. Hear about The Apostle Islands and how they were named for the twelve apostles, but indeed number twenty-two, ranging in size from three to fourteen thousand acres. Have lunch at the Pub Restaurant and visit the Madeline Island Historical Museum. Return to Bayfield and visit the Bayfield Winery for a tasting. The Bayfield Winery began fermenting their first batch of wine in the fall of 1995. There are a dozen varieties of wines from very dry to very sweet all from different varieties of apples, pears and fruits. Tonight's dinner is at Legendary Waters Resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your trip fee. DAY 3 - Thursday, July 17, 2025 Have breakfast at Legendary Waters Resort. Meet a step-on-guide and hear about the historic village of Bayfield and visit one of the apple orchards. Have a Victorian luncheon at the Old Rittenhouse Inn amidst antiques and fireplaces. It is a Queen Anne style mansion restored to its original splendor with distinctive touches. Bid adieu to this unique delightful area and enjoy the carefree ride home. Return to the Twin Cities by early evening. Breakfast and lunch are included in your trip fee. Tuesday-Thursday, July 15-17 $765.00 (2 persons in a room) $965.00 (single room) Depart TPAC Tues, 6:45 am / Return Thurs, 6 pm Register by Thursday, May 22Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Bear Aware: With the Traveling NaturalistLifelong LearningDiscover 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 NaturalistAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Bocce BallCards & GamesEnjoy 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.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Canva for Awesome BeginnersLifelong LearningDiscover the creative possibilities with Canva, the ideal tool for beginners and novices! Learn to harness the power of the easiest design website available (and free). You'll learn to create stunning designs or use templates with step-by-step guidance. Whether it's online documents, business cards, email signatures, or more, leave this class with the confidence and skills to use Canva effectively and creatively.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Card Creations with Stacey PangbornCreative ArtsGet 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.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Caregiver Support GroupGroupsBeing 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 WednesdaysAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Cemetery Tour Around Minneapolis with Doug Ohman WSPTrips & ToursRegister here to board the bus at Thomson Park Activity Center. Explore the fascinating world of cemeteries around Minneapolis with Minnesota historian and our tour guide, Doug Ohman. Visit some of the earliest burial grounds to the most current, where the last visible vestiges of our past hold our history. Cemeteries are clues to the stories worthy of remembrance by honoring those who have gone on before. Stops will be made, depending on weather and burial services. Wear appropriate footwear for walking on unpaved, grassy areas. Possible visits may include Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pioneer and Soldier Cemetery or Crystal Lake Cemetery. Lunch will be at Patrick’s Bakery and Cafe for the Soup and Sandwich Special: California chicken strip sandwich has baked chicken strips, oven-roasted red peppers and lettuce on walnut raisin bread with honey Dijon dressing. Enjoy minestrone soup, as well as coffee, tea or milk and a mini pastry for dessert. Register by: Fri, May 16 Depart TPAC 9 am / Return 4:30 pmAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Colored Pencils GroupCreative ArtsJoin 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.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Constitution Stress Test: Diagnosis Courtesy Richard PainterLifelong LearningAn important presentation examining challenges facing the U.S. Constitution today. From threats to free speech and voting rights to concerns about executive power and judicial integrity, these key issues and so many more are testing our democracy. As seniors it's our duty to stay informed and engaged. Presenter: Richard Painter, S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law, Univ of MN Law SchoolAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Crafting for a CauseCreative ArtsSpread 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 TuesdaysAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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CribbageCards & GamesStrategic games of all sorts are good exercise for your brain. Here, the fun is in pegging your way to victory! Join us for a couple of hours of fun!Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Dakota BridgeCards & GamesWaitlistTeam up in pairs at a table of four. Through bidding, choose a trump suit or go without one, then play your cards strategically to win tricks. Outsmart your opponents and score big! Call Thompson Park Activity Center if interested and check on availability.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Discover Your Roots: A Family Tree & Ancestry WorkshopLifelong LearningJoin us for a hands-on journey into your family history! Meet fellow genealogy enthusiasts, create your own family tree with large draft sheets, and explore online research tools. Learn about DNA testing, photo digitization, and ancestry websites. Bring your laptop if you research online. Coffee, tea, and friendly conversation included.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Discover the Fascinating World of Crop ArtLifelong LearningExplore the history and creative process behind this unique art form, famously showcased at the MN State Fair. Learn how artists transform seeds into intricate designs while learning about the cultural significance of crop art. The presenter has been entering the crop art competition for 21 years, with a total of 29 pieces and 12 blue ribbons. Enjoy many slides illustrating the wild world of crop art. Perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and the creatively curious. Instructor: Teresa AndersonAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Donations to Thompson Park Activity Center '24-'25DonationsNestled 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.Adult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Experience the Adventure: Joe Schmidt’s Life-Changing Trip to UgandaLifelong LearningJoin beloved local sports broadcaster Joe Schmidt as he shares the unforgettable story of his family’s African safari adventure. Travel with him through vivid accounts of breathtaking landscapes and up-close encounters with majestic Mountain Gorillas in the mountains of Uganda. This once-in-a-lifetime journey will inspire and amaze you, offering a glimpse into the wonders of wildlife and the beauty of Uganda’s natural world. Don’t miss this captivating event. Joe will have books available for purchase following his presentation. Presenter: Joe SchmidtAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Explore Conversational Spanish Level 2Lifelong LearningThis dynamic Level 2 Conversational Spanish course delves deeper into greetings, practical phrases, numbers, family, food, hobbies, and more complex interactions. Perfect for those with basic Spanish knowledge. Prior elementary Spanish experience recommended. Our instructor ensures an engaging and immersive experience using gestures, visuals, and real-life scenarios to enhance learning. Join this enriching language journey! Instructor: Dick Milles, former Spanish Instructor, Metropolitan State UniversityAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25
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Explore Conversational Spanish for Absolute Beginners - Level 1Lifelong LearningThis engaging course covers greetings, practical phrases, numbers, family, food, hobbies, and more. Ideal for newcomers, No prior Spanish experience required. Our instructor ensures a stress-free, immersive experience using gestures and visuals for easy learning. Join this enjoyable language journey. Register 5 days before first class. Instructor: Dick Milles, former Spanish Instructor, Metropolitan State UniversityAdult 55+ Sept 24-Aug 25