well perhaps there is a more proper way to do what I'm doing
this is a single sided layout, but I'm using VIAs as jumpers, for hard wired connections that will be made on the component side. so having the thermal breaks in the pour just makes it easier to solder.
I found the "proper way" ... using the Jumpers library, taking a jumper and placing both ends on the same net that I want to jumper... presto thermals!