Notes from the VSC Community: End of Year Appreciations (Part 1)

This December, the VSC members share their appreciation the many amazing people who make up the VSC Community. This includes facilitators, staff, organization admins, social workers, family, and fellow members. We want to highlight some of these people who make the VSC community as vibrant and inviting as it is.

VSC members come together to socialize, make friends, check in on one another, and learn with each other. Some have been around for 10 years, some for a month. The community has come from all different backgrounds and walks of life. Facilitators share their expertise, stories, and knowledge. They’ve even toured us around the world, whether that be in a neighborhood in New York City, a small town in Portugal, parts of Eastern Australia, the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, or somewhere in between — letting members travel no matter where they are. With the support of people like staff, admins, family, and social workers, the VSC is available 365 days a year for our older adult population.

Read below for part 1 of our end of year appreciation series. More to come in the following weeks. Interested in sharing your own message? Submit here.

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To the VSC Staff and Facilitators: I am so grateful for all they do to provide this program to seniors. It is a blessing and a life-saver and a great joy. I also greatly value the contributions of all the members.

– Judy S.

I truly love Jim's music class – each one he classes are excellent. I really appreciate the sign language class. [It’s] really fun in all classes.

– Deborah O.

Maria Dixon (Social Worker at Maspeth Senior Center) is special to me. Maria always helps me and supports me when needed. God bless her.

– Barbara G.

[Rosemarie A.'s class on Tuesday in positive self-care has been so helpful to me in improving my mental health outlook. It is one class on zoom I try to attend every week.

– Debbi L.

I'd like to thank my very creative papercraft instructor Lisa. She has gotten my brain and hands working in ways I was not able to move because of injuries sustained in an accident. Her imagination and patience is endless and greatly appreciated!

– Bess F.

I've been interested in music all my life, but it took Jim Sergi to introduce me to The American Songbook, those songs and shows that formed Broadway Musicals before my time in '60s New York. Suddenly I'm discovering and learning about those famous individuals who began and made famous what has become New York's Broadway.

– Claire B.

It’s been an amazing year to have VSC in my life. The VSC and John Giacone helped me learn about technology so that I am less isolated.

I am grateful for Anna Maggio who gave amazing classes in cooking. With Anna, I tried new foods and ways of preparation. I also [learned to] acquire new kitchen gadgets, such as my air fryer.

VSC exercise classes such as Yoga with Joy helps me recover from a major car accident.

Last but not least, Humor with Pam, who takes the trouble to phone if I am late to sessions at 11am Mondays, has kept me to keep a sense of humor and a balanced outlook.

–Monique D.

Thank you, Darryl, for helping to keep us safe and fit with your classes, especially the Staywell class which is very helpful. [It has been] very helpful to have VSC classes during this pandemic.

– Dora T.

Jessica is extremely helpful; she does a wonderful art program on Mondays. For me to enjoy the programs on the computer, all the facilitators and the staff are necessary and I very much appreciate the joy and wonderful programs that I have enjoyed on this computer due to their diligent work. Thank you.

– Anonymous

To Facilitator Ross B. and Member Marilyn M.: Both bring joy, knowledge and civility to the table.

– Anonymous

Facilitator Bernie always has an interesting & informative class. Always answers questions gracefully & checks into questions for additional info.

– Rose C.