History | Expanding Family Tree via Family Search w/ Victoria C.
This class focuses on the history of people and finding out about your ancestry. How did your families live, shop, work, play, go to school? Everyone has a backstory and we’ll learn what makes everyone’s family so interesting and share stories so everyone can learn and appreciate.
Victoria is a Genealogist and founder/creator of The Genealogy Tree House website. She teaches and guides seniors who want to begin researching and documenting their family trees both online and manually. She previously spent 35 years in administrative management managing working in many different fields including medical, real estate, finance, construction, and retail.
Training | VSC Q&A: Ask Your Questions! w/ VSC Facilitator
Do you have a question about the VSC and how it works? Here is your chance to ask the VSC staff members. What can you do on the platform, and what resources are available to help you? Each week, you have the opportunity to ask one of the VSC team members!
History | How the World Shapes our Lives w/ Alice G.
This class discusses the impact of current events and cultural trends on our daily lives. Discussions of current topics ranging from what's going on in schools to the internet and our privacy, to fashion, scientific breakthroughs in Israel, and how what's going on in China affects us. News items are interspersed with travelogues from trips taken around the world.
Formerly a corporate attorney building and financing major pipelines, storage terminals, and power plants, and negotiating derivatives documentation, Alice now takes history classes through Northwestern University and Florence Melton, exercises with tai chi, play mah jongg, and indulges in an addictive travel habit. She has visited and photographed places on all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica).
Alice also avidly follows the Chicago sports teams and thoroughbred horse racing. In August 2021, she and her husband renewed their vows for their 51st wedding anniversary.
Life Skills | Tips for Getting Motivated to Get Organized w/ Felice C.
Wish you were more productive? Do you need a push to clear out clutter? Want to start exercising but can't start? What's stopping you from living the life you want? If you need a little motivation to do almost anything, then join Felice for great tips and ideas!
Felice is an award-winning author, motivational speaker, and professional organizer who has great experience helping people to get out of their own way.
History | Art History w/ Tamara E.
Join Tamara for an exploration of Ancient Egyptian history through the evolution of artistic pieces and historical cities during the many changes in Ancient Egypt's kingdom. This week, we will take a closer look at the first intermediate period and the culture shifts that are reflected in its art.
Tamara is an international student currently attending Pace University. She is fascinated by how history can be told and uncovered through art, making art a valuable part of every past civilization.
Arts | The Songs of Hoagy Carmichael (MOC) w/ Stephen K.
Join Stephen, part of Musicians on Call, who will play a selection of songs by the great American Songbook composer Hoagy Carmichael. He'll perform standards such as Stardust. Skylark and Heart and Soul. He will ask you to guess the tune's name before singing it! He'll share anecdotal information about this colorful artist and each of the songs he performs.
Stephen has loved jazz music since being introduced to it by friends in college! He played piano and sang-mostly American Songbook Standards. He grew up in Buffalo, absorbing many musical influences from his parents and older brothers. He currently lives in San Diego, participates in the church's music ministry, and performs in retirement centers and jam sessions. He's a lifelong learner of music and, for variety, plays the Irish fiddle!
History | Intrepid: One Giant Leap: The Story Of Apollo w/ Jim T.
Join Jim to explore Intrepid's exhibit "When We Went to the M.” On July 20, 1969, over half a billion people were glued to television sets worldwide as astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon.
This completed the challenge President John F. Kennedy set forth just eight years before landing a man on the moon by the end of the 1960’s. Many consider this the most significant achievement in the history of mankind. How did we get there? In the early 1960s, amid spectacular achievements by the Soviet Union, President Kennedy asked what project would be so bold as to impress the whole world.
Jim Tardiff is a born and raised New Yorker who has worked as an educator at the Intrepid Sea, Air, And Space Museum for nine years. As a Senior Educator, he is a specialist in space and aeronautics.
Arts | History behind the Music: Setting the Scene: Great Film Music 20th Century w/ Rob L.
This week, Rob will tell more stories behind some of the great film music of the 20th century. Rob will launch a series of sessions with some of his favorite songs from yesterday and today across various genres. Enjoy the music and the stories behind the songs.
Rob Lutes is an acclaimed songwriter and performer, a multiple Maple Blues Award and Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, and recipient of the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year. He has released eight albums, including 2021's Come Around, which hit #5 on Folk Radio in the US in August 2021. https://roblutes.com/
Travel | Exploring the World: Mali w/ Tate L.
This week, we are headed off to explore one of Africa’s beautiful countries and all that it holds! Come and explore all the different places in the world with Tate.
Tate is a Minnesotan with a long-standing passion for our world's beauty. He loves to learn and share all he can on locations across the globe!
History | Travel Through History: War of 1812 – The Forgotten War w/ John R.
The War of 1812, often referred to as "The Forgotten War" or the "Second War of Independence," was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that took place from 1812 to 1815.
British impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy was a major grievance. The British practice of stopping American ships and forcing sailors into service for the British navy angered many Americans. Britain and France imposed trade restrictions on the United States during the Napoleonic Wars.
British support for Native American resistance against American expansion in the Northwest Territory contributed to tensions. The British were accused of arming and encouraging Native American attacks against American settlers.
Technology | All you need to know: Smart Technology Purchases w/ Abbie R.
Have questions about purchasing the right computer, laptop, or smartphone? In this workshop, you will learn the best process for purchasing new tech and feel confident using it.
Abbie Richie grew up in Los Angeles as an entrepreneur, wife, mother of two school-aged children, and devoted daughter of many. She is the TECH GURU FOR SENIORS and the founder of Senior Savvy, which provides Zoom workshops and technical support throughout the US.
Senior Savvy is the marriage of two things Abbie loves - helping older people and technology. She has been featured on The List, ABC 15 News, Fox26 Houston, the Isiah Factor, USA Today, and Yahoo News.
Arts | Music Through the Years: Music of Revived Genres w/ Bo D.
This class will focus on songs that have revived older genres of music in the modern era.
This class will review music from different eras, ranging from classical to rock to jazz and more. We will listen to examples from these different musical eras and discuss various aspects of music and our opinions on how we feel about it. This class is meant to discuss everyone's thoughts and opinions on the music we may hear in our everyday lives and help foster a deeper understanding of the music we hear around us!
Bo attends Pace University and is a proficient classical pianist and singer who has been a part of the music field for 15 years. He has studied with teachers that have run many big music conservatories, such as Juilliard and has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He is trained in music theory and the interpretation of music.
Games | What's my Job? w/ Dave K.
This game will be based on the TV show "What's My Line?". Everyone will get a chance to ask questions to the person whose job they are trying to guess. The person with the "job" can only answer "yes" or "no" to the questions.
The person asking the question will get to keep asking as long as they get "yes" answers to their questions. They will stop when they get a "No" answer and the next person will ask questions. The group will get up to 10 "no" answers to guess their profession to win the game. This is a chance to give your inquisitive minds a real workout!
Dave was formerly a Radiation Therapy Physicist. He loves a variety of gambling games including Poker & Blackjack, as it incorporates memory, psychology, and logic into an interactive group where everyone is an equal and he's happy to share that with the enliveo group!
Wellness | Being Well: Having a Stroke: The warning signs, prevention and treatment w/ Dr. Barrie R.
Learn about various health issues, including what they entail, symptoms, prevention, and suggestions for healthier living, with gerontologist Dr. Raik.
Dr. Raik spent 40 years practicing and teaching geriatric medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and its associated medical schools. She has just retired from clinical work but continues teaching medical students.
Wellness | Nutrition Matters: Nutrition Matters: Basic Food Groups w/ Lucy I.
This class will break down the basics of different food groups. Join us as we explore proteins, carbs, fats, and more, with easy tips to incorporate each into your diet. Get ready for a tasty journey toward healthier eating! Nutrition Matters" is an engaging series that explores how what we eat impacts our overall well-being.
Join me as we dive into the significance of our dietary choices and their consequences on our health. Get ready for enlightening discussions on the power of nutrition and its effects on our lives!
Games | Chess Club: Intro & Playing w/Stuyvesant HS students w/ Benjamin B.
Discover the art of chess with Benjamin and fellow students as your guides! Each class begins with a brief introduction, after which you'll move into separate 'breakout rooms,' where individual students will lead you through the intricacies of chess piece movements. Not only is chess a delightful pastime, but it also nurtures memory, logic, and fosters social connections. So, get ready for some fun!
Benjamin and his friends are passionate about chess, often competing in tournaments. Benjamin, in particular, is the driving force behind 'Chess in the Homes,' an intergenerational chess program. He and most of his fellow chess enthusiasts who facilitate VSC classes attend Stuyvesant High School.
Arts | Paper Crafts: 3-D landscape paper collage w/ Tyler F.
Learn how to create a relaxing paper landscape that can be displayed in your home.
Tyler works by day in marketing, however, she loves working in paper and other media to create practical crafts in her spare time. She enjoys researching and finding simple projects for all to share and express their own creativity.
Social | Life Stories: Title of your life's Novel?/Change 1 major life decision w/ Ross B.
Your new place: houseboat or RV? Something that school could teach that would be valuable?
Every person has a fantastic life story that needs to be told. In this series of classes, we look at the memories of our lives. We explore the questions, both big and small. All of our lives are so different, and we celebrate how different we each are. Our classes usually have a shorter, more straightforward question and a more involved question afterward. All of us share our stories. There are lots of smiles and laughter.
Ross lives in Sydney, Australia, and enjoys hearing how our lives differ. He has been working with Seniors for some time now. Ross continues working part-time in a nursing home, trying to help people live happier, better lives, and very much looks forward to the VSC weekly sessions.
Arts | Mostly Music Entertainment Hour w/ Charles D.
Join Charles for a lot of musical potpourri and a little of “other”! The musical content will include some basic teaching of how to play a piano, singing as a group, viewing music videos to include songs and teaching about music. Then, if time, Charles takes class requests and will devote some time to discussing or finding interesting things on the internet. Enjoy the Entertainment hour!
Charles has always been a music lover and his earliest memories of loving music are hearing his beloved Mom humming, singing and listening to a transistor radio, challenging as it was to tune in to a radio station. Today he wants to bring joy to you by helping you to build a simple toolbox for playing the piano (a super user friendly and approachable instrument), that will enable them to play a lot of song as well as just enjoy the pleasures of singing and listening to Music!
Games | Dealer's Choice Poker (not for Beginners) w/ Dave K.
Join your friends and play some Dealer's Choice poker. When it is your turn to deal, you get to choose between Texas Hold'em and stud poker with wild card variations. The first 6 players who sign in will play at the table and have a chance to be the big winner for the night! This is not a class on how to play; you should already be familiar with the rules for stud and Texas Hold'em.
If you are uncomfortable playing but just want to watch and learn how the game is played, you are more than welcome to join the session and pick up some pointers! The hand rankings for poker are posted under the "Materials" tab if you wish to print that out.
Dave was formerly a Radiation Therapy Physicist. He loves poker, as it incorporates memory, psychology, and logic into an interactive group where everyone is equal, and he's happy to share that with the VSC group!
Arts | Fun w/ Improvisation! w/ Kathy K.
Improvisation, or Improv, is spontaneous, entertaining, and fun! The first 8 people entering the class who wish to be an actor that day will be doing 2-person scenes for about 5 minutes. It’s a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters, and dialogue of a scene or story are made up in the moment. You will be doing 2-person scenes for about 5 minutes. Kathy will give each pair of “actors” a situation. The actors will each be given a character to pretend to play. After the scene is acted out, the rest of the class will guess what characters they are portraying. There will be several scenes played out as time allows.
Example of a situation for doing an improv scene: You are preparing for your first ride in a hot air balloon.
Kathy Knox discovered improv when she took an improv class in 2016. Since then she has enjoyed teaching and performing improv at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University in Greenville, SC.
Technology | Technology How To: Surfing the Web w/ Kayleah S.
In this series, Kayleah will review a variety of tech topics. Kayleah Serano is a Senior in college studying Speech Pathology and Psychology. She hopes to work with children and older adults in the future and is interested in teaching technology classes, games, etc.
Games | Dealer's Choice Poker (not for Beginners) w/ Dave K.
Join your friends and play some Dealer's Choice poker. You can choose Texas Hold'em and stud poker with wild card variations when it is your turn to deal.
The first six players who sign in will play at the table and get a chance to be the big winner for the night! This is not a class on how to play.......you should already be familiar with the rules for stud and Texas Hold'em. If you are uncomfortable playing but just want to watch and learn how the game is played, you are more than welcome to join the session and pick up some pointers! The hand rankings for poker are posted under the "Materials" tab if you wish to print that out.
Dave was formerly a Radiation Therapy Physicist. He loves the game of poker, as it incorporates memory, psychology, and logic into an interactive group where everyone is an equal and he's happy to share that with the VSC group!
Technology | Everyday Tech for Beginners w/ Cindy G.
Technology can be confusing for people who didn't grow up using it on a day-to-day basis! This class is meant to be a place for beginners (although people of all levels are welcome) to introduce themselves to tools and tips as taught by someone who grew up in the smartphone generation. Learn about using technology, from the basics of Gmail and Spotify to tips on online safety and more!
Cindy is a student at Cornell University from NYC. In her free time, she is passionate about cooking, eating the food she cooks, and contemplating the existentialism of life.
Nature | Fun with Pets: Meet our Furry Friends!
Join Cheryl, Ron, and volunteers as they showcase their furry friends. Enjoy their antics, cuteness, and tricks. They're waiting for you to have a great time! CJ will be hosting calls with her special little dog, Lucy!
Their therapy dog team loves serving others virtually and in person. Lucy is an AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog and a trickster! She also has the AKC Performer Elite title (highest level). They are excited to host these virtual pet therapy calls with VSC and look forward to having fun visits with you!
Technology | Technology with NYPL: Writing, Sharing, and Editing with Google Docs w/ Brandon S.
Understanding how to work with files and folders is integral to using your computer. This class will teach you about file structure, copying and deleting files, portable storage, and cloud storage.
Brandon Lincoln Snyder is a composer based out of New York City. The Ensemble Aventure has performed his music and Faint Noise at institutions including IRCAM, impuls, MATA, The Jack Straw Cultural Center, and Downbeat Magazine. He has presented research on machine learning-based composition techniques at the IRCAM Forum and TENOR conference and taught music informatics at the Karlsruhe State Conservatory of Music.
Wellness | Positive Mindset: The Art of Self-soothing w/ Callie L.
Learn about the importance of self-soothing behaviors and techniques for managing stress and discomfort in challenging situations. This class will offer tips on how to promote wellbeing by adding simple tools readily available to everyone.
Learn about practical tools to stay present & mindful in your everyday life. Being intentional about being more mindful can help you to live with greater purpose and more happiness. This class will offer tips on how to achieve this easily by adding a few simple habits to your daily life.
Callie received her certificate in Positive Psychology in 2017. During the pandemic, she began hosting online workshops and presentations for individuals and small groups. She is a NYC native, a graduate of CUNY, and a media professional. She’s also a lifelong learner who is interested in growth & transformation and passionate about helping others find ways to improve their everyday lives positively.
History | Women Leaders: American Women's History in Focus (Smithsonian exhibit) Author w/ Maegan W.
Maegan White leads a weekly evening class on Women Leaders of the World. She is an editor and French translator by profession, allowing her to work with writers, artists, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Her work combines two passions: helping people build relationships through communication and learning new things.
Maegan moved to NYC in 2011 for the Publishing and Digital Media program at NYU. She was excited to discover an online community center for older adults--something she had longed to see in her home city of Montreal while working for HelpAge Canada.
She has been leading VSC classes ever since and cherishes the bond she shares with the participants over women leaders throughout history and their influence on our lives today. She loves to spend time in nature and has two small dogs, Cindy and Tucker (who sometimes pop in on classes!)
Wellness | Life skills/Senior topics: The Purpose of Pets: Exploring Their Key Roles w/ Cassandra F.
The presence of pets profoundly impacts our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We'll explore the roles and benefits of pet ownership. Please bring a picture of your pet or one you want to own to highlight in our discussion.
Cassandra has over 15 years of experience teaching adult learners courses in business, human resources, and other business-related courses. As an entrepreneur, Friends of Families, Inc. was birthed in 2012 to offer seniors and families services and resources for building and strengthening relationships. One of the service offerings is coaching and consulting families on advance care planning (ACP). As a certified ACP facilitator, Cassandra designs care plans to ensure their healthcare needs and wishes are honored now and in the future.
Exercise | Fitness & Exercise w/ David W.
Join David for a full body workout. Do as much or little as you can as he explains how the various exercises help you in your daily movement.
David graduated college with a Film/Editing degree. He owned his own business for 20 years. After the birth of his daughters decided to go into Personal training. He concentrates on Mature Adults and leads individual and group training as well as works with people with various conditions like dementia, parkinsons, etc. David also teaches in the Arts & Science department as part time Faculty for Columbia College in IL.
Wellness | Maintaining Cognitive Function with Aging w/ Dr. Nao Y.
Join Dr. Yoneda to discuss Maintaining Cognitive Function with Aging. Dr. Nao Yoneda is an emergency medicine physician practicing in Flushing and associated with NY Presbyterian Hospital.
History | Contemporary History: Has Meir Kahane (Jewish activist) left the building? w/ Joe M.
Is it time to take another look at this famous Jewish leader? Rabbi Kahane lived from 1932-1990. He was an American-Israeli Orthodox rabbi, writer, and politician who served in the Israeli Knesset and founded the Jewish Defense League.
Joe leads classes on various contemporary topics with humor and lots of information! He looks forward to your input, no matter what side of the issue you're on. Join in!
Joe holds both an MA in School Administration and a J.D. He taught HS Social Studies for decades and practiced law even after retiring. He has presented at many conferences on law-related topics and continues to present on the constitution, current events, and social issues to local organizations. His wife is a college professor and former public school Principal, his daughter is a teacher, and his son is a journalist. He’s most proud to be a grandfather of 5 girls, motivating his interest in the American family.
Games | CASINO BLACKJACK w/ Dave K.
Take a virtual trip to the casino and try your luck at beating the dealer at blackjack (same as 21). The first 6 players who sign in will get a seat at the table and get a chance to be the big winner! Please read the rules for playing under the "Materials" tab before coming to class. You are more than welcome to come and just watch to get familiar with the rules.
Dave was formerly a Radiation Therapy Physicist.
He loves a variety of gambling games, including Poker & Blackjack, as it incorporates memory, psychology, and logic into an interactive group where everyone is an equal and he's happy to share that with the VSC group!
History | True & Fascinating Crimes: The Miraculous Survival Story of Kristen Smart w/ David C.
Kristin Denise Smart was an American woman murdered by Paul Flores at the end of her first year on the campus of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her body was never found.
Join David to learn and converse about the most intricate and notable crimes, scams, murders, and cons that have taken place in the United States. Tackling eight famous cases, David will reveal the truth about these stories, their characters, and their legacies. Join us for an hour of fascinating (and sometimes frightening) history.
David Cuellar is a Social Work Intern who currently works at the Clearview Older Adult Center and attends Columbia University. His passions are music, the outdoors, psychology, and writing/telling stories. He is excited to share his longtime interest in true crime with the VSC community.
History | Art History: Ancient Egypt Part 3 w/ Tamara E.
Join Tamara for an exploration of Ancient Egyptian history through the evolution of artistic pieces and historical cities during the many changes in Ancient Egypt's kingdom. This week, we will take a closer look at the first intermediate period and the culture shifts that are reflected in its art.
Tamara is an international student currently attending Pace University. She is fascinated by how history can be told and uncovered through art, making art a valuable part of every past civilization.
Nature | Fun with Pets: Meet our Furry Friends!
Join Denise, Pam, and volunteers as they showcase their furry friends. Enjoy their antics, cuteness, and tricks. They're waiting for you to have a great time!
Pam lives with her husband and two rescue Sheltie girls in Edmond, Oklahoma. After retiring as an IT Director for a newspaper company, she focused on volunteering with rescued Sheltie girls whom she certified as therapy dogs. Pam enjoys sharing her dogs both online and in person, knowing her pups bring smiles and joy wherever they go.
Denise and Wiley, a miniature schnauzer, became a certified Therapy Dog team about eight years ago when Wiley was just a year old. They have been visiting several locations in their area, such as the Children’s Hospital, schools, libraries, and nursing/assisted living homes, and during the pandemic in 2020, they joined the Pets Together team. As of Feb. 2024, they have over 850 visits.
Life Skills | Creative Self-Care: The Beauty of the Present Moment w/ Eugenia P.
Let's explore and share the many ways we can be more present in order to appreciate and enjoy the present moment.
Jenny Pigassiou is a NYC-based performance and video artist and entrepreneur. Life-long learner and creator, including personal development workshops, painting, light sculpture, and improvisational theater, among others.
Arts | Country Western & Originals w/ Glenn M.
Glenn performs as an old-school singing cowboy, with colorful costumes and a repertoire of Country/Western favorites from past decades. Together with his wife Suzanne Smithline, he performs in the family-friendly rock and roll band "Squeaky Clean," who appeared for many years on Nickelodeon's "Eureeka's Castle."
Glenn performs an hour of well-loved songs ("Anything that you can sing wearing a cowboy hat"), an occasional corny joke, and updates on the family. Over the years, he has come to know the favorite songs of many participants. There is always a welcome mat and a "Howdy" for newcomers.
Food | Pretzels-What is their history and cultural significance w/ Denise L.
Join Denise in this fun talk about Pretzels! She will showcase their rich history, cultural significance, and popularity. So grab a few and share your thoughts!
Denise worked as a librarian in various libraries for 35+ years, retiring in 2018. After retiring, she wanted to get more involved with her community, so she now volunteers at her local Senior Center, school lunch program, and various other organizations, including the VSC! Denise spends time with family, reading, crocheting, and cooking when she's not volunteering.
History | Women Leaders w/ Maegan W.
Maegan White leads a weekly evening class on Women Leaders of the World. She is an editor and French translator by profession, allowing her to work with writers, artists, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Her work combines two passions: helping people build relationships through communication and learning new things.
Maegan moved to NYC in 2011 for the Publishing and Digital Media program at NYU. She was excited to discover an online community center for older adults--something she had longed to see in her home city of Montreal while working for HelpAge Canada.
She has been leading VSC classes ever since and cherishes the bond she shares with the participants over women leaders throughout history and their influence on our lives today. She loves to spend time in nature and has two small dogs, Cindy and Tucker (who sometimes pop in on classes!)
Arts | Music Through the Years w/ Bo D.
In this class, we will discuss classical music from different eras. I will show some examples of classical music from different eras, mainly focusing on music from the classical and romantic eras.
This class will include music by composers like Chopin, Mozart, and Liszt. Bo attends Pace University and is a proficient classical pianist and singer who has been a part of the music field for 15 years.
He has studied with teachers that have run many big music conservatories, such as Juilliard and has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He is trained in music theory and the interpretation of music.
History | Contemporary History w/ Joe M.
Joe leads classes on various contemporary topics with humor and lots of information! He looks forward to your input, no matter what side of the issue you're on. Join in!
Joe holds both an MA in School Administration and a J.D. He taught HS Social Studies for decades and practiced law even after retiring. He has presented at many conferences on law-related topics and continues to present on the constitution, current events, and social issues to local organizations. His wife is a college professor and former public school Principal, his daughter is a teacher, and his son is a journalist. He’s most proud to be a grandfather of 5 girls, motivating his interest in the American family.
Arts | Your Favorite Deep Album Cuts/Hits from the 1970’s w/ Jeffrey S.
Join Jeffrey and listen to your favorite deep album cuts and hits from the 1970s, including those by artists like the Beatles, Elton John, The Doobie Bros, Allman Bros, etc.! Jeffrey Scornavacca is a Boston-based songwriter/producer.
Along with singer/songwriter Jaida James, Jeff is actively involved in a music project called Appalachia Moderna, a blend of soulful vocals and traditional melodies with modern production and edgy slide guitar. With Agona Hardison, Jeff co-wrote and produced Agona’s last album, “This is the Year”.
Jeff and his music partners have raised over $20,000 for Musicians On Call and Boston Children's Hospital. Jeff graduated from Berklee College of Music, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Music and Audio Recording, and has an MBA from Suffolk University.
Arts | Connecting through Creativity w/Deborah W.
This group offers a space for mindfulness and fun connection by exploring professional and personal works of writing, poetry, music, and more.
Deborah received her Master's in Public Health at Mount Sinai and works as a project manager in their geriatric and palliative care department. Deborah didn't think of herself as too creative. Still, after volunteering with the Foundation for Art & Healing and starting some writing workshops, she now loves facilitating creativity circles and connecting through artistic expression (though she is still not a visual artist!).
Deborah loves living in NYC. You can find her biking around the parks, swimming at the JCC, or cooking at home with friends and family.
Arts | Exploring Classical Music: Piano & Guitar w/ Juilliard GCSF Performances
Join Alan & Brayden in playing classical music. Enjoy mostly solo pieces for piano or guitar, and a couple of duets. They will feature works by J. S. Bach, Frédéric Chopin, Roland Dyens, and others.
This is a wonderful program brought to us by the Juilliard School. Join brothers Alan Liu on classical guitar and Brayden Liu on Piano and listen to this talented duo!
Arts | Fun w/ Improvisation! w/ Kathy K.
Improvisation, or Improv, is spontaneous, entertaining, and fun! The first 8 people entering the class who wish to be an actor that day will be doing 2-person scenes for about 5 minutes. It’s a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a scene or story are made up in the moment. You will be doing 2-person scenes for about 5 minutes. Kathy will give each pair of “actors” a situation. The actors will each be given a character to pretend to play. After the scene is acted the rest of the class will guess what characters they were portraying. There will be several scenes played out as time allows.
Example of a situation for doing an improv scene: You are preparing for your first ride in a hot air balloon.
Kathy Knox discovered improv when she took an improv class in 2016. Since then she has enjoyed teaching and performing improv at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University in Greenville, SC.
Social | Life Stories: Skill you’d like to have/ One rule every family must obey w/ Ross B.
A skill you’d like to have. Set one rule that every family member must obey.
Every person has a fantastic life story that needs to be told. In this series of classes, we look at the memories of our lives. We explore the questions, both big and small. All of our lives are so different, and we celebrate how different we each are. Our classes usually have a shorter, more straightforward question first and then a more involved question afterward. All of us share our stories. There are lots of smiles and laughter.
Ross lives in Sydney, Australia, and enjoys hearing how our lives are so different. He has been working with Seniors for some time now. Ross continues working part-time in a nursing home, trying to help people live happier, better lives, and very much looks forward to the VSC weekly sessions.
Arts | M.G.M.: Movie viewing & chat: "9-5" w/ Marilyn M. & John G.
Join your film enthusiasts Marilyn & John for a viewing of the classic 1980 movie "9-5" starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dabney Coleman.
It's about three female secretaries who decide to get revenge on their tyrannical, sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. Lots of fun! The song 9-5 was nominated for an Oscar.
Both Marilyn (a travel enthusiast) and John are VSC members and friends and enjoy leading classes for you!
Arts | Soft Rock, Cover classics, Beatles & more w/ Randi-Alan S.
Alan and Randi perform covers of classic standards like Stand By Me, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, songs by the Beatles, and other soft rock songs.
Alan and Randi are a married couple who met in 1978 in high school in Philadelphia, PA. They’ve been making music together pretty much ever since. Alan started playing guitar when he was 12 years old, and Randi has been singing in choirs and performing in shows since middle school.
Food | Chinese New Year: Origin, Traditions & Zodiac Signs w/ Tina Z.
Join Irene & Tina in unraveling the origin story and traditions of Chinese New Year along with the myth behind the Chinese zodiac signs.
Tina is a junior at Stony Brook University majoring in civil engineering, and Irene is a junior majoring in Computer Science.
Technology | All you need to know: All you need to know: YouTube is For You! w/ Abbie R.
In this workshop, you will learn everything you need to know to watch videos on YouTube. You will learn about creating an account, subscribing to channels and playlists, what the screen icons mean, and more.
Abbie Richie grew up in Los Angeles as an entrepreneur, wife, mother of two school-aged children, and devoted daughter of many. She is the TECH GURU FOR SENIORS and the founder of Senior Savvy, which provides Zoom workshops and technical support throughout the US.
Senior Savvy is the marriage of two things Abbie loves - helping older people and technology. She has been featured on The List, ABC 15 News, Fox26 Houston, the Isiah Factor, USA Today, and Yahoo News.