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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.

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 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

Arrive at Buca di Beppo in St. Paul for lunch - Pranzo Lunch Menu: Mixed Green Salad and Caesar Salad, Fresh-Baked House Bread, Spaghetti Marinara & Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigian, Coffee, Tea, Soft Drink. 1:00 p.m. “To be Announced” this is a 75-minute afternoon performance. Circus Juventas is a youth performing arts circus school, serving youth throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The organization was founded in 1994 by Dan and Betty Butler, and offers circus arts training to young people ranging from 3 to 21 years old. Thursday, July 30, 2026 $97.00 Depart TPAC 10:45am / Return 2:45pm Depart SSP 10:30am / Return 3pm Depart IGH 10:15am / Return 3:15pm Register by Friday, June 26

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.

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!

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!

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).

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.

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.

Tuesday, October 13$111 Comfort stop at the Goose Creek Rest Area near Harris, MN. NW Wisconsin Regional Visitor Center in Trego, WI. Take time to use the rest room and visit the gift store. The train staff will load guests into the dining cars. The historic railroad recreates the atmosphere of rail travel using rebuilt cars from 1912 to 1918. Ride the rails to Bean Creek. Have lunch in the dining car. Menu: Chicken Entrée with Rice, Vegetable, Dinner Roll, Cookie and Coffee or Lemonade. After lunch enjoy the relaxing scenery from the train as it travels into rural Wisconsin.Stop to buy cheese at the Burnett Dairy Cooperative retail store near Grantsburg, WI. Coffee, Ice Cream, Fried Cheese Curds and other concessions are available for purchase at the Bistro. Depart IGH 7:30 am / Return 5:00 pm Depart SSP 7:45 am / Return 4:45 pm Depart TPAC 8:00 am / Return 4:30 pm Register by Friday, September 11

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