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 | 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 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.
Arts | Exploring The Art of Musical Theater: How did Musical Theater Begin? w/ Kaylyn N.
Today, we will dive into the roots of what made Musical Theater the performing art it is today. We will discuss the beginnings of the craft, starting from the influences of operetta and vaudeville. We will then discuss some of the first-ever Broadway Musicals! Join Kay for a series on the concepts of Musical Theater. Learn about this beautiful performing art by discussing its history, shows, performances, traditions, and more!
Each class will discuss a different topic under the overall umbrella of musical theater. Kay Nelson is a junior at Pace University NYC studying Musical Theater with a minor in Commercial Dance. She has been a performer of all trades since she was 10 years old and loves to share her joy of art to others. You can catch Kay in many performances around the city when she is not training. She cannot wait to share her passions with everyone!
Science | Intrepid Museum: Tour of the Galaxy: Part 1 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 | 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.
Arts | Golden Notes Choir: American songbook & Patriotic faves w/ Joe M.
Join Joe, his wife Ellen(who might dance as well!) & the Golden Notes choir of the Gural JCC and enjoy an Election Day trip through the American Songbook featuring some patriotic favorites.
Joe holds an MA in School Administration and a J.D. He taught high school social studies for decades and practiced law after retiring. He has presented at many conferences on law-related topics and continues to present to local organizations on the constitution, current events, and social issues.
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 five girls, who motivate him in his interest in the American family.
Arts | Juilliard: Dancing Melodies w/ Sabor de Florida ensemble: Classical & Romantic classics
NY-based Peruvian American Giancarlo Llerena is a pianist, collaborator, and teaching artist. He is pursuing an MA of Music Degree in Collaborative Piano at Juilliard as a proud recipient of the Kovner Fellowship. He has appeared on many stages, such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall, and recently performed with violinist Joshua Bell. He has had the privilege of being mentored by many esteemed musicians, including Itzhak Perlman.
Valentina Paolucci is an Argentine-born Italian American conductor & violinist studying for an MA in Orchestral Conducting at the Juilliard School. Recently she won 2nd place in the Athens 6th Int’l. Conducting competition & will work with the Athens Philharmonic this year. She has also played in the New World Symphony in Miami under Michael Tilson Thomas et al. She serves as Ass’t. Conductor w/the Greater Miami Youth Symphony & created Through the Staff, which has provided over 5,000 free private music lessons to underprivileged young students.
Travel | Wowzitude: Edinburgh, Scotland
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!
Culture | Discovering Dominican Republic’s Rich Culture w/ Veronica A.
Join Veronica on a vibrant exploration of the Dominican Republic’s rich cultural heritage. From the music and dance of merengue and bachata to the island’s history and traditions, this class offers a deeper understanding of the Dominican way of life. Whether you’re interested in its cuisine, art, or festivals, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for this beautiful Caribbean nation.
Veronica was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and has a deep connection to her roots. Her love for music, storytelling, and Dominican culture blossomed. With a social work and community engagement background, she combines her professional skills with her passion for sharing her heritage. Veronica loves cooking traditional dishes, dancing merengue, and celebrating the rich diversity of Dominican culture.
Wellness | Nutrition & Healthy Eating w/ Anna D.
Join Anna to better understand how the body uses Food as fuel. We will discuss specific macro and micronutrients as they relate to the treatment of chronic diseases. We will experiment with creating healthy, easy, fun, and delicious recipes that you will want to make repeatedly!
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.
Wellness | The gift of mindfulness: Exploring the world of meditation w/ Samyuktha V.
Join Sam to discover the power of stillness and mindfulness through guided meditation. In this class, we’ll explore various meditation styles, such as mindful breathing, open awareness, and guided meditation, including their benefits corresponding to different mindsets and needs. Along the way, we'll learn about each technique's unique benefits. We’ll conclude with a 10-minute guided meditation, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Sam Vattigunta is a third-year undergraduate student at Stonybrook University. She is majoring in biology and is on the pre-med track, and hopes to become a pediatrician. She grew up watching her parents practice meditation daily and has experienced the benefits, so she’s also interested in sharing them with you!
History | Travel Through History: Roman Empire - Foundation to Domination w/ John R.
The Roman Empire is a fascinating historical entity that evolved from its foundation to become one of history's most powerful and influential civilizations. Rome began as a group of villages along Italy’s Tiber River. About 750 B.C., the villages joined to form a city called Rome. Kings ruled it for more than 200 years.
Eventually, Rome became a republic, and the people elected representatives. Rome's history spans two and a half thousand years. It was the capital city of the Roman Empire, the dominant power in Western Europe, and the lands bordering the Mediterranean for over seven hundred years from the 1st century BC until the 7th century AD.
Born in Jersey City, NJ, John enlisted in the Army, served as a construction engineer, and graduated from CUNY with an Economics degree.
Technology | Technology Overview: Ipad Basics w/ Johanna K.
In this workshop, you'll learn essential skills like navigation, app usage, settings customization, and more. Perfect for beginners, you'll gain confidence and proficiency in using your iPad efficiently for work, entertainment, and staying connected. 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!
Exercise | Awareness Through Movement®: The Feldenkrais Method® w/ Stacia G.
The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education is a powerful and revolutionary approach to improving one's life. It uses gentle, mindful movement to bring new awareness and possibility into every aspect of one's life. Developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, the Feldenkrais Method has helped millions of people worldwide.
Stacia Gallagher is a skilled teacher of movement with 35+ years of teaching in the movement industry; after a series of car accidents and work-related injuries, she turned her attention to mindful movement practices to help herself cope with the lasting effects of the injuries and to address her physical discomfort to age gracefully with less pain.
She is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, providing Awareness Through Movement classes and Functional Integration® lessons in her private practice in Baltimore County, Maryland. She also maintains a private Pilates practice, training clients of all levels on all equipment.
Wellness | Positive Mindset: Cultivating Well-Being in Everyday Life: Aging Healthier - Cultivating a Positive Mindset w/ Callie L.
Join Callie to discover strategies to embrace aging with optimism and resilience! 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.
Arts | Exploring The Art of Musical Theater: Oklahoma! 1st Official Musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein w/ Kaylyn N.
Today we will discuss the musical Oklahoma including the process of how the show was created, its composer/lyricist, and the shows impact on the Musical Theater genre. Join Kay for a series on the concepts of Musical Theater. Learn about this beautiful performing art by discussing its history, shows, performances, traditions, and more!
Each class will discuss a different topic under the overall umbrella of musical theater. Kay Nelson is a junior at Pace University NYC studying Musical Theater with a minor in Commercial Dance. She has been a performer of all trades since she was 10 years old and loves to share her joy of art to others. You can catch Kay in many performances around the city when she is not training. She cannot wait to share her passions with everyone!
Arts | Rodgers & Hammerstein: Their iconic Musicals, pt. 1 (MOC) w/ Stephen K.
Join Stephen on this first of a two-class journey through the iconic musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Starting with the ground-breaking “Oklahoma,” the first true “book musical” that integrated music, lyrics, dialogue, and character, Stephen will play and sing his favorite tunes from each show, sharing why each show is consequential - musically, theatrically, and culturally. As usual, Stephen will invite you to “name that tune” after playing a few bars on the keyboard!
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!
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.
Food | Baking Sweet things! w/ Stephanie D.
Stephanie is a senior at Pace University, majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and Pre-Medicine. Stephanie loves baking and cooking and is excited to share this passion with others.
Science | Astronomy: Revealing its secrets! Outer Space Phenomena - what makes it special? w/ Maisha M. & Sheina P.
Join Astronomy students Maisha & Sheina to learn about our Galaxy!
Maisha Mahzabin is a Junior majoring in Astronomy and minoring in Studio Art at Stony Brook University. Sheina Peralta is a Junior majoring in Astronomy and Physics and minoring in Studio Art. They love gaming, makeup, and their cats!
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? 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 | Paper Crafts: Fall Tree Scene w/ Tyler F.
Learn how to make your own fall tree along with seasonal details, or just watch! Materials: Colored construction paper (red, orange, yellow, brown, blue, and green) or white printer paper, colored markers, clear double- or single-sided tape, scissors, and a large circle template (examples: paper plate, bowl, canister cover, or whatever you have on hand).
Join Tyler in watching or working with her to create lovely crafts using simple materials.
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.
Technology | Making Tech Easy!: Guarding Your Digital Life - Scams and Cybersecurity Threats w/ Rashel E.
In this informative class, participants will explore the world of digital security, focusing on various scams and hacking attempts that can compromise their computers and phones. We will discuss common tactics used by unknown scammers, including phishing calls, fraudulent emails, and malicious software.
Rashel Espejo is currently pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology at Pace University. With a passion for the sciences and mathematics, she is dedicated to continuous learning and enjoys sharing knowledge with others. Rashel's enthusiasm for technology and communication makes her an excellent guide for navigating the digital landscape.
Arts | Jazz, Folk, & Classic Standards w/ Wally L.
Join Wally for jazz standards, folk classics, and pop favorites. Wally Levis (guitar and vocals) plays jazz standards, folk classics, and pop favorites. He's associated with Musicians on Call.
Being Well 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.
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.
History | Women Leaders: Hilla Rebay- Sketching music at Carnegie Hall 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!)
Exercise | Awareness Through Movement®: The Feldenkrais Method® w/ Stacia G
The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education is a powerful and revolutionary approach to improving one's life. It uses gentle, mindful movement to bring new awareness and possibility into every aspect of one's life. Developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, the Feldenkrais Method has helped millions of people worldwide.
Stacia Gallagher is a skilled teacher of movement with 35+ years of teaching in the movement industry; after a series of car accidents and work-related injuries, she turned her attention to mindful movement practices to help herself cope with the lasting effects of the injuries and to address her physical discomfort to age gracefully with less pain.
She is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, providing Awareness Through Movement classes and Functional Integration® lessons in her private practice in Baltimore County, Maryland. She also maintains a private Pilates practice, training clients of all levels on all equipment.
Arts | Light, Shadow, and Storytelling in Art: Edward Hopper and Isolation through Artificial Light w/ Smriti R.
Join Smriti to examine how Hopper uses artificial light and other visual techniques to enhance feelings of melancholy, isolation, and surveyance in his urban scenes.
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 | Exploring the World w/ Tate L.
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!
Technology | Artificial Intelligence (AI): Japan's female robots/A.I./Robots in Food Industry w/ Allen K.
Join Allen to focus on 2 AI areas: a) Japan's recent release of fully functioning female robots and b) the use of artificial intelligence and robots in the food service industry. Technology is changing so fast that you don't want to miss being up to date on the latest trends in AI.
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.
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 Great Gatsby w/ Maddie G.
The Great Gatsby is based on a 1925 novel by American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, near New York City, the novel depicts first-person narrator Nick Carraway's interactions with mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and Gatsby's obsession to reunite with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan.
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!
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 | Travelling though Europe: Explore Madrid, Spain 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.
Life Skills | A Beauty routine for all Ages! w/ Michelle V.
In today's day and age, there is a lot more that women put onto their skin. In this class, Michelle will be showing you a skin routine as well as a makeup routine that is simple and effective. She will also show and explain what each step consists of and why each product is different. Together, we can embrace and enhance our already beautiful skin and take care of it as it deserves.
Michelle is a college student and athlete. She enjoys swimming since she was very young. She also enjoys reading and jewelry making. A fun fact about her is that she loves adrenaline and enjoys rollercoasters and bungee jumping!
Arts | Ballroom Dance Culture w/ Christopher A.
Join Christopher to learn about different dance categories, their history, and the various dance cultures. Christopher Amador is a student at Utah Valley University and a great passion of mine is the art and expression of Ballroom Dance. He was a ballroom coach and competitive dancer for eleven years and even won a first-place award for his group choreography in 2021. Put your best foot forward, and let's learn about Ballroom Dance!
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!
Social | Life Stories to Share: A song's special moment/A holiday I remember w/ Ross B.
Join Ross in sharing these thoughts: Can you share a song that reminds you of a special moment in your life? Can you share a holiday you remember?
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 | Making Tech Easy!: Social Media Simplified: TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp,Pinterest w/ Rashel E.
Join Rashel and equip yourself with the knowledge to use social media efficiently. From messaging on WhatsApp to creating viral content on TikTok and YouTube, to organizing ideas on Pinterest. This class will break down the basics and help you navigate TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Pinterest with ease.
Rashel Espejo is currently pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology at Pace University. With a passion for the sciences and mathematics, she is dedicated to continuous learning and enjoys sharing knowledge with others. Rashel's enthusiasm for technology and communication makes her an excellent guide for navigating the digital landscape.
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!
Technology | Technology with NYPL: Photo Collages with Google Slide 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.
History | Women Leaders: Rian: one of the first female caricaturists in the world 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!)
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 | 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.
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 | History: JFK Assassination, part 2 w/ Steve M.
The Kennedy assassination lives on in your memories, but have you ever thought about what this means in a democracy? How does power suddenly transfer from one man to another? How would LBJ handle this transition?
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!
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.
Social | Life Stories to Share: Special gift I received?/Childhood friend? w/ Ross B.
Was there a special gift you remember getting? Did you have a childhood friend? 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 | 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.
History | NY Historical: 20th Century Industrialization, pt. 2 w/ Kionah T.
Join Kionah of the NY Historical Society for part 2 and explore how technological advancements changed NYC after 1900. 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.