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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.

Join one, two, three, or all four of these classes in our civic history series! March 30: The Road to Independence – The Making of our Declaration of Independence. English heritage, the Enlightenment influences, application and putting them into practice. How representatives of thirteen disparate colonies came together to make a declaration and fight for independence. March 31: Articles of Confederation - The Years In-Between. Late 1780’s, our first national government was a spectacular failure and almost led to the dissolution of our new country almost before it began. Congress commanded little respect , with little to no support from State governments anxious to maintain their power. Why was this so, what prompted the states to agree to change, and how did that occur? April 1: Inventing a Nation – Summer of 1887. What really happened during those 100 hot days in the summer of 1887 in Philadelphia? What was discussed and compromised to create a nation based on the “rule of law.” Then discover how it overcame significant obstacles in order to become the first Democratic Republic in over 2000 years. April 2: The Federalist Papers - Selling the Constitution. Much is known and discussed about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, but why are The Federalist Papers so often neglected or treated as an afterthought? After all, it was these papers and their three authors who sold the new government to the American people, and explained how the new national government was to work. Come learn about the debate over the Constitution’s ratification and how The Federalist Papers defined how our new government was designed to work. About the instructor: Frank Sachs is a retired twin cities educator with a BS in American History and a MS in Guidance and Counseling. He has taught in both public and private schools for 40 plus years. The last 37 of those years were at The Blake School in Minneapolis where he was a senior administrator and taught in the Social Studies department. During the majority of those years Frank taught primarily AP US Government and Politics, US Constitutional Law and American History while serving as the Director of College Counseling.

Register here to board the bus at Thompson Park Activity Center: Arrive at the Minnesota History Theatre in downtown St. Paul for the 10 am performance of Courting Harry!. This story follows Minnesota natives Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Harry Blackmun, lifelong friends whose strong bonds are tested by the momentous decisions before them. These friends from the same St. Paul neighborhood remained close despite their differing career paths, not to mention their often conflicting personal and political ideologies. When Richard Nixon appointed them both to the highest court in America, they found themselves at odds over some of the most controversial legal cases in American history. "Excellent drama, rich history and illuminating psychology - just what theatre should be." - Star Tribune Following the performance, enjoy lunch at Keys Cafe: lunch-portion turkey dinner, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, vegetables, cranberries, bread, butter, beverage and small dessert. Thursday, May 28 Depart TPAC 9:15 am / Return 2:15 pm Register by Friday, April 15

Courting Harry by Lee Blessing, directed by Joel Sass Follow Minnesota natives Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Harry Blackmun, lifelong friends whose strong bonds are tested by the momentous decisions before them. Burger and Blackmun were best friends growing up in the same St. Paul neighborhood, and they remained close despite their differing career paths, not to mention their often conflicting personal and political ideologies. But when Richard Nixon appointed them both to the highest court in America, they found themselves at odds over some of the most controversial legal cases in American history. Lunch at Kéy’s Café for lunch (included).Menu: Luncheon Portion Turkey Dinner, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Stuffing, Vegetable, Cranberries, Bread, Butter, Beverage and Small Dessert. Thursday, May 28, 2026 $108.00 Depart IGH 8:45 am / Return 2:45 pm Depart SSP 9:00 am / Return 2:30 pm Depart TPAC 9:15 am / Return 2:15pm Register by Friday, April 15

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: Rita Schnoor 2nd Tuesdays

Calling all seniors! Get ready for an afternoon of fun, sponsored by Allina Health | Aetna. We’ll play a variety of bingo games with crazy twists to keep the excitement rolling. While you play, you’ll enjoy refreshments and have the chance to win some great prizes. Don’t miss out on the fun…let us know you’re coming and sign up by May 15.

Join us for a sweet time with live music by Mary Hall, who will take you on a musical journey with the Bee Gee’s. After years of traveling as a solo entertainer in the nightclub scene, she has transitioned to new venues. With her three octave voice range and unique guitar style, Mary Hall incorporates a wide variety of styles spanning several decades. Great tunes, delicious donuts, unforgettable vibes. Don’t miss out – come for the music, stay for the donut! (Here is her website, click the music link to hear samples of her music: http://www.maryhall-programs.com).

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.

Thank you for participating in our annual Senior Health Expo.

Arrival at the marina in Hudson Wisconsin to board an Afton Cruise Lines Vessel. Depart from the dock for a cruise on the St. Croix River aboard the Afton Princes or Grand Duchess. Enjoy a boat ride along the shores of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the Scenic St. Croix River with a professional licensed Captain and Crew. The scenery is beautiful every season. View the rugged landscapes, majestic views, woodlands and wildlife. On board luncheon menu: Chicken Marsala, Mostaccoli Pasta with Red Sauce, Hot Vegetables, Caesar Salad, Italian Cold Pasta Salad, Chef’s Choice Dessert, Ice Water and Coffee. There is a cash bar. Downtown Hudson to shop. Browse through the unique and eclectic independently owned shops in the historic downtown area and up on the hill. Be sure to visit the Knoke’s Chocolates and Nuts Store. PLEASE Note: Water levels will determine the incline of the gangplank from the pier to the boat. Guests will be expected to walk about 3 blocks and manage narrow gangplanks to board and disembark from the boat. Walkers and collapsible wheelchairs will fit under the coach. Thursday, July 15, 2026 $100 Depart IGH 10am / Return 4 pm Depart SSP 10:15 am / Return 3:45 pm Depart TPAC 10: 30am / Return 3:30pm Register by Friday, June 12

The greatest jewelers of all time are most closely associated with the Romanovs, the richest emperors of all time. Providing adornments for the tsarist court set fashions for the rest of the European royal families. The end of the Romanov empire might have terminated the ability to continue producing the delicate works, but not the mystique. See examples of their artistry and hear descriptions of the court life in which such art was possible. Presenter: Carol Veldman Rudie

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Minnesota’s Poet Laureate, Gwen Westerman, at the Dakota Lodge! Join us for an inspiring afternoon as Gwen shares her personal story, reads from her powerful and heartfelt poems, and reflects on the creative journey behind her acclaimed book. Gwen beautifully captures the landscape, history, and spirit of Minnesota life. Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet our state’s leading voice for poetry and be inspired by the ways language and storytelling connect us all. In partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center. Refreshments will be provided.

Join us 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

Join Naturalist Eloise Deitz each month for a fun, hands-on Nature Sense series at Thompson Park. Explore fall colors, create nature art, and uncover winter wildlife secrets. Eloise’s engaging style and deep knowledge make each session a delightful way to connect with the outdoors. March - Up, Up, and Away - Woodcocks They can show up in March if end of winter conditions are favorably mild. Learn about this shy, humble, evasive and intriguing bird! Then be on the lookout for it! April - "Favorite Rocks" Rock Hounds If you are a proud rock hound and have a favorite rock with a story surrounding it, bring it to today's program! There will be many many rocks on display and you will certainly leave this program knowing more about our rocky planet! May - Birds on the Fly After a brief discussion about the birds we’re most likely to spot (including their mating behaviors, nesting habits, and egg-laying patterns), we’ll head out on a guided birding hike through the TPAC woodlands, open grassy areas, and along the scenic Thompson Park Lake trail. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; dress appropriately for the weather. Observe, listen, and enjoy the beauty of birds in their natural habitat. June - Summer Sentiments Bring with you and share a favorite summer reading, poem, song, story, picture or photo that manifests what "summer" is for you. Following this share fest, we will take a summer hike on TPAC trails. July - A Summer Garden Tour Back by popular demand! Spend a delightful morning exploring several nearby neighborhood gardens, each uniquely designed and bursting with color at their July peak. Meet at Thompson Park at 9:15 am to check in and organize carpools before heading out together to each garden location. Along the way, enjoy conversation and the beauty of summer in full bloom. Return to TPAC around noon. Space is limited, reserve your spot early. August - The Taste of Summer Summer is bursting with flavor in our gardens and in the wild! Join us for a hands-on, sensory adventure as we explore what’s ripe, ready, and delicious this season. Together we’ll identify, gather, and sample the fresh bounty that makes summer so memorable. Come curious and ready to savor the season.