Join us for an informative and friendly presentation with Eunice K. Neubauer, founder of Choice Connections. Eunice specializes in helping older adults and their families navigate the many senior living options available in and around West St. Paul. She’ll share valuable insights to make the search easier, less stressful, and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring options now, this session offers clarity, guidance, and peace of mind. Presenter: Eunice K. Neubauer, CSA,Choice Connections

Join us for a special conversation with Dr. Michael Osterholm, world-renowned epidemiologist and best-selling author, as he shares the research behind his latest book, The Big One. Known for his clear, engaging explanations of global health, Dr. Osterholm will explore pandemics past and future, the science guiding public health, and how we can better prepare. This is a unique opportunity for our 55+ adult learners to hear directly from one of Minnesota’s most respected voices in medicine. Books will not be available, however, pre-purchased copies may be signed if time allows. Refreshments will be provided.

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. Join us anytime. Sponsored by DARTS. 2nd Wednesdays

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

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

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.

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.

Register here to board the bus at Thompson Park Activity Center: Arrive in Stillwater, the birthplace of Minnesota and former lumber center located on the St. Croix River. This distinctive community has a wealth of 19th century Greek Revival, Queen Anne and Italianate architecture and offers a blend of history, scenery, shopping and culture. The two-hour cruise departs at 11:30 am aboard a modern vessel with the St. Croix Boat & Packet Company. Climate controlled and fully accessible, with table seating available on the first floor. This is not a narrated cruise, so relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Socialize or feel free to bring cards or games to play while cruising. A deli lunch is served buffet style during the cruise, including a variety of meats, cheeses, salads and dessert bars, coffee and sodas. From 1:30-3:00 pm, enjoy shopping downtown Stillwater at boutiques, gift stores, art galleries and more. Tuesday, June 9 Depart TPAC 10 am / Return 3:45 pm Register by Friday, May 8

Metro Dining Club (MDC) cards will be available at Thompson park Activity Center starting in mid-September. Each set is comprised of over 60 cards to local restaurants, which allow you to "buy one meal, get one free", or get 50% off your entree. Use the cards two or three times and the set pays for itself. The cards make great gifts. Stop by TPAC to pick up your set!

This richly illustrated presentation examines the historic and contemporary baseball parks of the Twin Cities. We’ll begin with the early baseball grounds and simple wooden ballparks of the late 19th century, visit Nicollet Park and Lexington Park in the early 20th century, see Midway and Met Stadiums at mid-century, and finish our virtual tour with a look at two modern wonders: Target Field and CHS Field. Presenter: Kristin Anderson

Amusing, annoying, long eared, and prolific; bunnies hop into our lives in the form of jackrabbits, cottontails, and snowshoes. They are the fast-food dinner for many larger mammals and essential to a healthy lynx population in the north woods. Why are they so uniquely built? What triggers the changing colors in some? What’s a hare vs. a rabbit? And who really ate your spring bulbs? Presenter: Melonie Shipman, The Traveling Naturalist

Join us as we share our time, resources, and talents to better our communities; near and far. Each month, we select a cause to do a project; with an option to bring donations. Donations are only accepted on meeting days the 2nd Monday of the month, 9-11:30 am. We do not meet June, July or August. Ongoing projects need the following *clean, new / gently used donations for various causes: *Cardstock, stickers, used greeting cards *Pillowcases *Plastic shopping bags *Paper grocery bags Used athletic sneakers - any condition

Learn and improve your watercolor skills by creating beautiful paintings. Have fun being creative while experimenting with different styles of painting. Bring your own supplies. Pre-registration required. Prerequisite: Introduction to Watercolor, or instructor consent. Instructor: Linda Stout

Apply existing skills and learn more about techniques, color theory, and more. Emphasis will be on the elements and principles of art and design as you create your own painting. Bring your own supplies. Prerequisite: Introduction to Watercolor, or instructor approval. Instructor: Linda Stout