History | American History & Literature w/ Alan G.
Alan leads classes combining history with literature and has thought-provoking conversations about both! Alan was a lawyer and an investment banker. In 2010 he obtained a Masters degree in Literature/History. He then also became an Author.
Exercise | "Mostly" Gentle Chair Yoga w/ Cristina M.
This is an excellent class for students with mobility issues. All welcome – We will focus on physical movement, flexibility, balance, and breath work. This gentle form of yoga is practiced in a chair. Some standing poses will be practiced.
Cristina is a SoCal native seeking to expand her yoga practice among several specialized groups, including senior communities.
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! They are a therapy dog team that 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! Ron will be hosting or co-hosting with his dogs, Snow & Rosie - a sure good time!
Arts | Rock, Blues, Folk & Jazz Music w/ Ken K.
Join Ken for a wide range of music from the standards of the American Songbook through folk, country, and R&B of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Ken Knowlton brings his easy-going and accessible style to a wide range of music from the standards of the American Songbook thru folk, country, and R&B of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. He loves to take requests and encourages audience participation, making no two performances the same. His peers at MOC call him the "Human Jukebox”… please join a class and stump him!
Games | Chess Intro: Learn how to play! 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.
Social | Life Stories to Share: Who I'd like to meet?/My address to the nation! w/ Ross B.
2 Questions: Who would you like to meet? You address the nation. What will you say?
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.
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.
Games | What's my Job - can you guess? 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!
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.
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.
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 include what's going on in schools, the internet and our privacy in 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.
Technology | Artificial Intelligence (AI) w/ Allen K.
Join Allen as he delves into all the ways A.I. is transforming every part of our lives! A former high school math teacher, Allen enjoys leading virtual classes on various topics.
Life Skills | Real Time decluttering! w/ Felice C.
Are you surrounded by clutter? Either a little or a lot? Do you wish you could use your dining room table to eat off of and not be a catch-all for stuff? Then come to this class...and bring your clutter!
Felice will motivate you (who are we kidding, the push!) to start saying "Buh-bye!" to your clutter during class. She will also offer great tips for doing it on your own if you want.
Felice is an award-winning author, motivational speaker, and professional organizer with extensive experience helping people get rid of stuff and live the lives they want.
Travel | Wowzitude: Alpine Escapes: Discovering the Beauty of Banff
Join the live Tours brought to you by Wowzitude! Join Susan and the Tour Guide at a vast array of amazing cities in the US and the World as they guide to the landmark and iconic sites. The Tour Guide will comment on what is happening live at the moment! There's no experience like it!
Wellness | Intro to Self-Massage: Moving your body fluids/energy w/ Deborah B.
This class will include a variety of methods, including lymph drainage, blood circulation, Ayurveda, and tapping. Deborah Brandt, Doctor of Physical Therapy and retired dancer, developed it for seniors' movement education and wellbeing.
During each class, participants will lubricate joints and muscles through their full range of motion, stimulate balance, and practice mindful movement.
Whatever your strength or ability, enjoy this opportunity to explore the elements of functional movement while you energize and surprise your mind and body in a fun, creative environment!
Wellness | Toward Self Acceptance and Growth w/ Deirdre W.
The Toward Self Acceptance and Growth group provides a safe space to discuss topics covering a wide range of subjects, which provides participants with new ways of thinking that may assist in better addressing life challenges.
Deirdre is an MSW, LCWS social worker with over 25 years of experience facilitating groups, which is her passion. It is Dierdre's 2nd career, having received her PhD in French. She mainly taught college-level French classes for about 13 years. She also taught meditation and is a firm believer in the ability to change, grow and constantly find additional ways to improve her life. That outlook is what she's happy to share in the group discussions.
History | Contemporary History: What's the status of Social Security for the New Year 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 | Light, Shadow, and Storytelling in Art w/ Smriti R.
Smriti Rout is a mechanical engineering major at Stony Brook University with a passion for the fine arts and design. Throughout high school, she was an avid oil painter. The use of light was a focal point in her AP Drawing & Painting concentration. She greatly enjoys discussing artwork and is excited to share some of her favorite paintings with you and hear your perspectives.
Travel | Wowzitude: Enchanting Tbilisi: Georgia's Winter Wonderland
Join the live Tours brought to you by Wowzitude! Join Susan and the Tour Guide at a vast array of amazing cities in the US and the World as they guide you to landmarks and iconic sites. The Tour Guide will comment on what is happening as it’s occurring in real time. There's no experience like it!
History | American History & Literature w/ Alan G.
Alan leads classes combining history with literature and has thought-provoking conversations about both! Alan was a lawyer and an investment banker. In 2010 he obtained a Masters degree in Literature/History. He then also became an Author.
Arts | Exploring Music in all its variations! w/ Jim S.
Explore different genres of music - much related to Broadway but also Operas, etc. View clips and discuss the background of the plots and the performers, and learn about what you love.
Jim is a retired Professor of private vocal studies and singing diction teacher at Wagner College on Staten Island, NY, and retired lecture class. Professor of the courses Introduction to Music, Music in the Movies, and Music Theater History at St. John’s University in NYC. Jim is also a retired professional opera, music theater, and concert singer nationally.
Social | New Year Resolutions w/ Norman R.
Norman Reiss has long been an advocate for older adults, starting with when he helped older relatives deal with issues involving residence changes and addressing health issues.
Since 2019, Norman has helped clients at DOROT, GetSetUp, and Greenwich House, creating and promoting programs, both in person and online. He is also a veteran Virtual Senior Center facilitator, having led classes since 2012.
Arts | 60s, 70s, 80s Music(Beatles/James Taylor/Paul Simon et al.) w/ Allen W.
Join Al as he plays Oldies music using Guitar Strums, Hums, and Fingerpicks! Al Weiser played in a cover band as a teen and now plays (mostly) oldies and standards for rooms and venues all over NYC and Long Island. He has sung with the Big Apple barbershop chorus in Carnegie Hall and is a solo artist at the Port Authority. He has performed over 200 events for Musicians on Call.
Arts | Paper Crafts: Woodland animal paper baskets w/ Tyler F.
Learn to make cute animal baskets to contain small items for your tabletop or give with a gift inside! Materials you will need or just watch! Construction paper, card stock, or printer paper Clear tape (single or double-sided or a glue stick) Scissors Square template Pencils or felt tip markers (plus black) Colored construction paper red, white, brown and light brown or black, pink. Join Tyler in watching or working with her to create lovely crafts using simple materials.
Tyler works in marketing by day; however, she loves working with paper and other media to create practical crafts in her spare time. She enjoys researching and finding simple projects for everyone to share and express their own creativity.
Social | Life Stories to Share: What are your Goals for 2025? w/ Ross B.
Join Ross in sharing your goals for 2025!
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!
Technology | Technology Overview: Fast & Easy Fixes For Your Devices w/ Johanna K.
Uber & Lyft: Learn how to navigate the Uber and Lyft apps on your smartphones with ease. Safe and convenient transportation is at your fingertips! Join Johanna of Smarter Service for Tech tips, including using your device, surfing the internet, using Email, and many more relevant tips to keep up with today's technology trends.
Johanna has over a decade of experience in the tech industry and is passionate about helping older adults navigate and build confidence with technology. Originally from Texas—a place she still fondly calls home—Johanna now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of over 12 years and their three beautiful children. When she's not spending time with her family, Johanna enjoys baking and decorating cakes!
Wellness | Nutrition & Healthy Eating: Holiday Food and Drink Swaps w/ Anna D.
While there's no arguing that it's easy to get overwhelmed by food choices in the holiday season, there are some tips and swaps to have in your back pocket to ensure you don't stray from your wellness goals in the coming weeks. In the Kitchen with Anna: Join Anna in the kitchen, and she will teach you how to prepare easy, healthy Holiday Side Dishes. If time allows, we may even sneak in a dessert or two.
Anna DiMaggio is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in nutrition for older adults and offers evidence-based, easy-to-understand nutrition and general health information and LIVE cooking workshops. Her true passion lies in understanding the interconnectedness of Food as Fuel and Medicine, & how that relates to Chronic Diseases. Her mission is to empower Older Adults with the knowledge, motivation, & kitchen skills that help them live their happiest and healthiest Life.
Exercise | Building Vitality thru Exercise: Push & Pull 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.
Science | Intrepid Museum: Tour of the Galaxy: Part 2 w/ Jim T.
Jim Tardiff is a born and raised New Yorker and has worked at the Intrepid Sea, Air, And Space Museum as an educator for 9 years. Currently, as Senior Educator, he is a specialist in space and aeronautics.
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 and blackjack, as they incorporate memory, psychology, and logic into an interactive group where everyone is equal, and he's happy to share that with the VSC group!
Life Skills | Crime Prevention & Resources: Police Dept. Safety Tips w/ P.O. John V.
Police Officer John Vlaovich is a Crime Prevention Officer and Older Adult Liaison at the 109th Precinct. He will lead a talk about the services that are available to safeguard your property, the ways you can protect yourself from crime, and the services that are available.
History | The Anti-War Movement: A Voice of Dissent w/ Steve M.
Steve has been teaching American History with VSC since 2018. He has had a varied career as a lawyer, Peace Corps Volunteer, and educator. He taught high school social studies in New York City and retired in 2023 from working in administration with the NYC Department of Education, working with high schools in the Bronx. Steve is married with two grown sons, two dogs, and three cats!
Games | Trivia: Test your knowledge! w/ Jessica N.
Join Jessica for an alternate week Trivia games series where you will explore different topics each week. From the golden moments of decades past to pop culture, history, and more, each session is designed to spark memories, challenge your knowledge, and create lively discussions. So brew your tea, gather your thoughts, and get ready to enjoy a fun hour of trivia with friends!
Jessica is an MSW student at Silberman School of Social Work, passionate about the field of social work and its potential to make a positive impact. A lifelong trivia enthusiast, she loves watching Jeopardy every night and enjoys playing trivia with her family. Jessica is excited to bring her love of trivia to this engaging and fun series.
Life Skills | Creative Self-Care: The Value of Friendship w/ Eugenia P.
Join Jenny to explore what friendship means to us, how we can nurture and maintain the friendships we have, and how to reach out to others.
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 | 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.
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!
Arts | Rodgers & Hammerstein w/ Stephen K.
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 lives in San Diego and participates in the church's music ministry. He performs in retirement centers and jam sessions. He's a life-long learner of music and plays the Irish fiddle for variety!
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.
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!
History | Women Leaders: Effa Manley: 1st Female Owner of Pro Men’s Baseball Team w/ Maegan W.
Join Maegan in a discussion about the first Female Owner and Business Manager of a Professional Men’s Baseball Team. 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!)
History | Fog of War in Vietnam: Misunderstandings and Mistakes w/ Steve M.
Steve has been teaching American History with VSC since 2018. He has had a varied career as a lawyer, Peace Corps Volunteer, and educator. He taught high school social studies in New York City and retired in 2023 from working in administration with the NYC Department of Education, working with high schools in the Bronx. Steve is married with two grown sons, two dogs, and three cats!
Technology | Technology Overview: Using Uber & Lyft for local Transportation w/ Johanna K.
Uber & Lyft: Learn how to navigate the Uber and Lyft apps on your smartphones with ease. Safe and convenient transportation is at your fingertips! Join Johanna of Smarter Service for Tech tips, including using your device, surfing the internet, using Email, and many more relevant tips to keep up with today's technology trends.
Johanna has over a decade of experience in the tech industry and is passionate about helping older adults navigate and build confidence with technology. Originally from Texas—a place she still fondly calls home—Johanna now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of over 12 years and their three beautiful children. When she's not spending time with her family, Johanna enjoys baking and decorating cakes!
Arts | History behind the Music w/ Rob L.
Rob will launch a series of sessions with some of his favorite songs from yesterday and today across a range of 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/
Arts | Enjoying and Exploring Art w/ Barry R.
Join Barry to look at and discuss paintings, sculpture, and decorative art in and around New York, the museums, and other places in which they are found. Our goal is to learn a bit more about art and enjoy it a lot.
Barry is a retired attorney, who has since March 2020 taught the VSC's “Exploring and Enjoying Art” class. He had been a volunteer at ArtWorks NYC, giving virtual art classes to NYC 4th graders and conducting tours at the Metropolitan Museum.
Arts | Musical Deep Dive: The Outsiders-2024 Tony Award winner! w/ Maddie G.
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. THE OUTSIDERS navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them.
Maddie Gwinner is a junior at the University of Arkansas majoring in Political Science and International Relations. Outside of the VSC, she’s on the Arkansas Alpha Delta Pi’s executive board and Vice President of her university’s Mock Trial program. Maddie has been performing in musicals for as long as she’s been able to walk, and she’s excited to share her passion for classic Broadway shows!
Travel | Travelling through Europe: The Amalfi Coast in Italy w/ Cami B.
Join Cami to travel through Europe’s Cuisine, culture, and style, where we will engage in different types of cultural and travel aspects. Cami is a student at Pace University majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology and diplomacy. With a strong love for traveling and fashion.
Arts | Connecting via 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.
Wellness | Wellness & Self-Care: Sleep Hygiene Tips w/ Daniela P.
Learn the importance of good sleep habits and strategies to improve sleep quality.
Join Daniela in this series of classes, which will focus on different wellness topics. Daniela attends Capella University and is currently a Social Work Intern. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, crocheting, and looking for new ways to stay active.
History | NY Historical: The First Presidential Inauguration (The NY Historical) w/ Kionah T.
Join Kionah for a talk focusing on George Washington's election and inauguration! Kionah Tucker is an experienced museum professional passionate about making history education accessible and fun.
She currently serves as the Education Coordinator at the New York Historical Society, where she manages the Museum’s internship program for college and graduate students and supports programming related to the Museum’s many initiatives for students and teachers.
Originally from Newport News, Virginia, she relocated to attend St. John’s University in 2011 and has called New York City home since. Other than her love for history, she is a lover of fashion, travel, animals, game shows, and great food.
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.
Being Well: Dementia and Care-giving w/ Barrie R.
Learn about various health issues, including their 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 | Positive Mindset: Cultivating Well-Being in Everyday Life: Building your happiness Muscle! w/ Callie L.
Discover what happiness truly means and how to strengthen your "happiness muscle." Learn actionable strategies to help cultivate more joy, purpose, and fulfillment into your daily life. Learn about practical tools to help you stay motivated, manage stress, and nurture joy in everyday moments.
Learn about practical & proven tools to cultivate well-being and improve happiness in your everyday life. From tips on creating habits to build positive emotions to developing resilience skills to deal with stress and challenges that arise in everyday life, this class will help you find ways to have a more positive mindset.
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 interested in growth & transformation and passionate about helping others find ways to positively improve their everyday lives.
History | Women Leaders: Patti Lupone: Queen of Broadway (Theatre) 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!)
Technology | Technology Overview: Taking, Sharing & Storing Your Photos w/ Johanna K.
Learn essential photography tips, creative techniques, and smartphone hacks to capture special moments. Discover the best platforms for sharing your images online and explore secure storage options to preserve your cherished memories. Join Johanna of Smarter Service for Tech tips, including using your device, surfing the internet, using Email, and many more relevant tips to keep up with today's technology trends.
Johanna has over a decade of experience in the tech industry and is passionate about helping older adults navigate and build confidence with technology. Originally from Texas—a place she still fondly calls home—Johanna now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of over 12 years and their three beautiful children. When she's not spending time with her family, Johanna enjoys baking and decorating cakes!
Wellness | Healthy Living: Your Brain & Body's health w/ Alaina N.
Join Alaina, Senior Program Manager at the Alzheimer's Association, to discuss Healthy Living for your Brain and body. At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health. These habits may also help to keep our brains healthy as we age and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline.
Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter: Across Nassau and Suffolk County, the Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter is here to help families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and those living with the disease. We provide education and support, advocate for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia, and advance critical research to develop new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.