Spark Community Center

We have some fun things planned for Sparky’s birthday month! Take a look for yourself.

Diners Club is tonight! We are at Snax (by the Lebanon Coop). Hope you can join us!

I must admit I’m still reeling from the news of Bill’s passing. He was my brother from another mother and a pillar in our community. Truth be told, Bill is a big reason for our Community Center even existing. I knew him for years before I founded Spark! through our work together in self advocacy. We traveled by train cross country together to multiple National SABE Conferences.

But outside of the disability rights movement I would ask what he did for fun and was floored by his response. He said he went for a walk in Walmart. I tried to clarify, assuming that he meant he went shopping. Nope. He said he didn’t have any money. But his DSP liked the coffee at the Dunkin there and so that’s where they would go.

Bill Thompson opened my eye to a problem that went far beyond him. All throughout the Upper Valley their were people like him being taken on boring trips to stores or fast food joints because there wasn’t a free and welcoming alternative where they could explore their talent through classes and make new friends along the way.

I saw Bill for his “Spark” those many years ago and the thought of him going for penniless walks in a store for fun . . . well it upset me . . . it felt like wasted potential. He (like all of you reading) deserved better. It lit a fire in me that pushed me to advocate for a solution.

Bill Thompson was the most authentic and kind man I have ever had the joy of meeting. He was a big guy but with a heart as big as his, he had to be. He loved the Partridge Family and classic TV shows like MASH and Gilligan’s Island. He loved oldies and classic rock. He loved being a part of this community. He was a loyal hard working employee at Walmart and fought for the equality of people with disabilities as a member of People First of NH. And if I had my way, I would have given him a top hat and made him mayor.

So on behalf of all of us, thank you Billy. I’m gonna miss you big guy. I’m gonna miss the sound of your jolly voice echoing something I say. I’m gonna miss those quiet moments at the center when we would break into a random duet of the Flintstones theme or a classic Elvis song. Im gonna miss you most of all.

With Love,
John Fenley

P.S. - Bill always reminded me of Balloo from the Jungle Book. This one’s for you Billy!

DisneySingItVideos 117K likes. "The Bare Necessities (from The Jungle Book)"