Embedded Files
October 2025
October 2025
Calendar of Activities & Special Events
VISIONS at Selis Manor
135 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011
646-486-4444
You can sign up for all special events starting Monday, September 29th. To register for classes you must call or come in person between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM only for the week of September 29th. After that you can call or stop by the office during regular office hours to sign up.
Please note that OAC members 60 and over are given priority to sign up for some events.
You must call or stop by the office to sign up for any events. Everyone is responsible for his/her own sign ups. You cannot sign someone else up.
You can also make an appointment with a volunteer to help review the calendar.
Please be mindful that all food items are provided exclusively for registered members of the center. We kindly request that home attendants do not take these items, as they are intended solely for our members. Your cooperation in ensuring enough is available for everyone is greatly appreciated.
Important Update to Our Meal Service Policy
Important Update to Our Meal Service Policy
Please note an important update to our meal service policy, effective immediately. To comply with requirements from our funding source, all clients must now be present to receive their breakfast and lunch. This means you cannot send someone else, including family, friends, or home attendants, to pick up a meal for you. Once you have been served, you are welcome to take your meal to go or consume it onsite.
We understand that occasional issues may prevent you from coming in. If this happens, please call the office so we can discuss any available options with you. Adhering to these rules is essential for us to continue our congregate meal program. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Office Closures/ Double Meals
The VISIONS Offices will be closed on Monday, October 13th in observance of Columbus day. We will be offering double meals on Friday, October 10th. VISIONS will close at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 10th
OAC Website
Please visit the VISIONS Older Adult Center Website for updated information, calendars and menus at oac.visionsvcb.org
VISIONS Apparel
It’s time for our mega sale! Get a VISIONS cap and tee for only $17. Hoodies are coming soon, hunter green, sangria and steel blue. Only $40 each, stay tuned for an arrival email.
The Food Bag Program is Back!
Sign up for the 4th Annual Fresh Food for Seniors program through Council Member Erik Bottcher. Every two weeks at participating senior centers, participants can order and pick-up their pre-packed food bag for $10 per bag filled with fresh produce from regional farmers.
Dates for sign up and pick up are as follows:
Sign up and Payments are on Mondays and Tuesdays and pick ups are the following Wednesdays (must pick up the food bags before 4:00 PM). Bags typically arrive after 12:00 PM.
October 6th and 7th - pickup October 15th
October 20th and 21st - pickup October 29th
Staff Updates
Please welcome Briana Garcia. She is a social work intern from Fordham University. She will be here Monday - Wednesday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM until May 2026. Her extension is 234 and her email is briana.garcia@intern.visionsvcb.org. She can assist in completing forms and applications, offering support and reviewing resources with you.
CLASS UPDATES
Teachers and Writers are back for 6 weeks only!
When: Wednesdays: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: LC 2
Facilitator: Dave Johnson
Drawing from a Deep Well: An Art and Writing Workshop
Join Teachers & Writers and The Visionaries for this workshop of discovery, creating both drawn and written poetic lines. Focusing on capturing our memoirs in both forms, sketching characters, painting places, and inking our histories and ambitions. We will offer our audience a rich bucket full of our life's experiences.
Senior Expressions
Monday October 6, 2025: Speaker: Guillame Allame, NYC Grow: Topic: Composting
Monday October 13, 2025: VISIONS is closed
Monday October 20, 2025: Special Crafts Program
Monday October 27, 2025: Sam the Piano Man, Musical entertainment
New Class
Storytime: A Book and a Movie
When: Every Thursday starting October 2nd
Where: Snack Bar
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Love a good story? Join us each week as we dive into a story together! An instructor will read a book aloud chapter by chapter, then experience it come to life on the big screen! We’ll start with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, and when we finish the book, we’ll watch the movie together. After that, a brand-new book and movie await! It’s a cozy, relaxed way to enjoy stories, spark conversation, and share the magic with friends. Open to all, must sign up. Limited to 15 people.
Special Holiday Meal
*Does not require signup. This is in lieu of the normal lunch menu. This is for registered members of the older adult center only.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 - Halloween Meal
Lunch: Apple Smothered Pork Chops
Veggie: Veggie Meatloaf
Sides: Shredded apple, carrot and green salad; normandy veggie mix; baked butternut squash; mac and cheese; dessert
Special Events
Feel The Beat - Dance Class - Regular class members only (no need to sign up if you are a class member)
When: Friday, October 3rd
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Feel The Beat
Class will take place on the first Friday of every month. Speak to Liz C if interested in being on the waiting list
Ambassador Program - Regular Ambassador meeting.
When: Monday, October 6th
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Snack Bar
Facilitator: Liz C
All Ambassadors please attend.
Eataly Comes to VISIONS
When: Tuesday, October 7th
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Campanile
Eataly will visit VISIONS to give an overview of their marketplace. They will share information about the history and mission of Eataly, the different departments within the store, and the variety of Italian food and products available. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how Eataly operates and what makes their store unique.
Open to everyone - please sign up.
Lions Club Breakfast Social
When: Wednesday, October 8th
Time: 10:15 - 11:15 AM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Lee
Enjoy a special hot breakfast, pastries, fruit and coffee/tea. This will be a special Breakfast Social with the Brooklyn Lions Club. Limited to 40.
Snacktivities with New York Cares
When: Wednesday, October 8th
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Melissa Phipps and New York Cares
Join us for a quick craft and an afternoon snack. Please sign up, limited to the first 30 people.
White Cane Day Celebration Breakfast
When: Wednesday October 15th
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitator: Cathleen McGuire and the Mobility Staff
Did you know that White Cane Awareness Day was created in 1964? Join us for a morning of history, trivia, demonstrations and testimonials about all things related to the white cane. Open to all, please RSVP!
Fall Spa Health & Wellness Day
When: Wednesday October 15th
Time: 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitator: Ann & Liz C.
Join us and our corporate volunteers from We Work for a day of creativity, movement, fun and wellness. There will be multiple events during the day and the more events you attend the greater your chances of winning a prize!!! You must sign up for every event. Open to all
Kickboxing with Jose 1:00 - 1:45 PM, - limited to 10
Smoothie Workshop 1:45 - 2:30 PM, limited to 10
Bodywash Workshop 2:30 - 3:30 PM limited to 10
Cane Clinic and Order Day
When: Wednesday October 15th
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Snack Bar
Facilitator: Bill Hixson and Mobility Staff
Check out the canes made of different materials and a variety of tips. Place an order for a snazzy colorful cane to match your VISIONS t-shirt! Please sign up for a slot in the main office.
Halloween Ghost Canvas Craft with Avian
When: Friday, Oct 17th
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: LC 2
Facilitator: Avian Perez
Get into the spooky spirit with this hands-on Halloween project! Clients will create their very own ghostly masterpiece on canvas using a plaster-based technique. This fun and tactile craft brings the ghosts to life with raised textures, making each piece unique and perfect for seasonal decorating. Whether eerie or whimsical, your canvas will capture the playful chills of Halloween and be a festive keepsake to display year after year. Please RSVP open to only 8 OAC members. Be sure to get on that list.
Juilliard Presents: Live Classical Performance by The Prudential Duo 🎻
When: Friday, October 17th
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Juilliard/ Diana Cruz
Join us for a captivating musical experience featuring The Prudential Duo, a talented pair of Juilliard students bringing the rich tones of the viola to life through timeless classical works. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to be inspired, this performance is not to be missed. Open to All!
Spelling Bee
When: Monday, October 20th
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Conference Room A
Facilitator: Liz Lee
Can you spell éclaircissement? That was the winning word for the annual Spelling Bee. If you think you got what it takes to spell words like calisthenics to churlish then sign up and join the competition. Limited to 6 participants.
Halloween craft/cookie decorating
When: Monday, October 20th
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitators: Liz Campanile/Ann DeShazo/ MGT company
Get into the Halloween spirit with a festive afternoon of creativity and sweet fun! Join us for a hands-on Halloween craft project, decorate your own spooky (and delicious!) cookies, and sip on apple cider while enjoying the company of friends. A perfect way to celebrate the season with crafts, treats, and Halloween cheer! Limited to 20 people.
New York Cares Monthly Theme Party
Cancelled this month. We will be back next month!
Townhall Meeting
When: Tuesday October 21st
Time:10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Ann & Liz
Join us for our town hall meeting! We will meet VISIONS new CEO Molly Eagan and talk about all of the programs we have to offer. We will also explore your interests in programs. We will serve light refreshments!
Breakfast Club
When: Wednesday, October 22nd
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Lee
In order to respect the time for the regular daily breakfast, please come at 10:00 AM for the Breakfast Club to ease confusion. Participants who sign up will receive a table mat indicating breakfast club so the volunteers will know who to serve. The breakfast will now include fruit salad, juice, coffee and one main breakfast item. The main breakfast item will change monthly (bagel, pancakes, etc). Any participant who treats volunteers (or staff) with any disrespect will be banned from joining breakfast club in the future.You must sign up with Elizabeth Lee only at 646-486-0330. You can only sign up yourself. You cannot sign up for someone else.
Vocal Ease
When: Thursday, October 23rd
Time: 1pm-2pm
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Rocky./Vocal Ease
Come and enjoy some wonderful tunes with Vocal Ease
Josh’s Movie Club
When: Thursday, October 23rd
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Where: Conference Room
Facilitator: Josh Castillo
Participate in this witchy affair for the spooky movie season. Warm up with some witch’s brew and snacks as we come together to watch The Craft (1996). You won't want to miss this one!
Breast Cancer Awareness Presentation
When: October 23rd (tentative)
Time: TBA
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: The Pink Agenda/ Ann De Shazo
Stay tuned for more details
Diabetes Presentation
When: TBA
Time: TBA
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: NYU Langone/ Ann De Shazo
Stay tuned for more details
Artshack Ceramic
When: Friday, October 24th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Offsite - 1127 Bedford Blvd
Facilitator: Melissa Phipps
Let your fingers be the guide in a morning of clay, conversation and creativity. Please note that participants are responsible for their own transportation. Limited to the first 10 participants.
Spooky Snacktivities with New York Cares
When: Wednesday, October 29th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Melissa Phipps and New York Cares
Join us for a morning filled with crafts and snacks with a Halloween flair. Limit to 30
Senior Council Halloween Movie & Treats
When: Wednesday, October 29th
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: OAC Senior Council
Get ready for a spooky good time with the OAC Senior Council! Join us for a special Halloween movie and treats in the Auditorium. We'll be showing a classic spooky film while enjoying some delicious Halloween-themed snacks and refreshments. It's the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit with your fellow community members. Don't miss out on the frightful fun!
Juilliard Presents: The Stray Cats in Concert 🎶
When: Friday October 31st
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Juilliard and Diana Cruz
Get ready for bold brass and swinging rhythms as Juilliard’s own student ensemble, The Stray Cats, takes the stage with a fresh take on classic jazz. Featuring the soulful sounds of the trombone front and center, this performance promises a dynamic blend of improvisation, groove, and youthful energy. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply curious to hear what the next generation of artists is cooking up, this is one set you won’t want to miss. Come for the music. Stay for the vibe. Open to all.
Monthly Pizza Party Social & Spooky Stories! 👻🍕🎃 When: Friday, October 31st
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: NYCares and Diana Cruz
Kick off your Halloween afternoon with our Monthly Pizza Party Social – Halloween Edition. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy delicious pizza, festive vibes, and great company. Whether you’re channeling a classic ghoul or showing off your most creative look, we can’t wait to see it! Then stick around for Spooky Scary Stories by Candlelight. We’ll dim the lights, cue the eerie music, and gather for a chilling storytelling session. Hear real-life tales of the unexplained and share your own if you dare. It’s the perfect way to end the afternoon with a thrill! Come for the pizza, stay for the goosebumps. Open to Selis tenants and registered OAC members. Please sign up in advance, only 40 spots available!
Looking Ahead
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!
When: TBA
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Diana Cruz
Cost: $8 Contribution requested to help cover supplies. Limited to 25 participants. More information to follow.
Family Feud In November with Phillip Keys
Annual Holiday Gala
When: TBA
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Ann De Shazo
Join us for our annual holiday gala! Tickets will be sold in November. They are $5. More details to follow.
Let’s spread some holiday cheer with a performance from the Filomen M. D’agastino Greenberg Music School. This is a performance you won't want to miss.
When: TBA
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM Performance
7:30 - 8:00 PM Refreshments and Reception
Where: Auditorium
Facilitator: Ann De Shazo
November 17 - the history and music of Tin Pan Alley @ senior expressions
General Program Updates
Food Pantry
If you are interested in pantry items, stop by the office Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Volunteer Appointments
We have volunteers on site Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Evening volunteers beginning at 5:00 PM are also available. We can not accommodate walk-ins, please make an appointment with Ann De Shazo ext. 225.
Case Assistance and Applications By Appointment
Please call the office to make appointments for any of the following services: faxing documents, making copies, application assistance, benefits assistance like HEAP, Medicaid, Medicare, Homecare services, Money Identifiers, re-certifications, assistance filling out any forms. Rocky is available on Tuesday and Carmen is available for VCB application assistance on Tuesday and Thursday. We can also assist with money identifier applications.
Composting Matters: Help Us Follow NYC’s New Rules
In accordance with NYC’s new composting regulations, all food scraps must now be separated from regular trash during mealtimes. Please take a moment to dispose of food waste properly. If you’re unsure about what can be composted or need assistance, office and meal staff are available to help. Your cooperation is appreciated and essential to keeping our program in compliance.
Event Signups
Please note that OAC members 60 and over are given priority to sign up for certain events. Please note that events are space limited and often supplies are purchased based on RSVP numbers. If you sign up for an event, but need to cancel for any reason, please call the office as soon as possible. We can open the waiting list or avoid excess purchases when you keep us informed. You must call or stop by the office to sign up for any events. You may not sign up for someone else.
Join Our Senior Council and Make a Difference!
We invite you to become a member of our Senior Council and help shape the future of our center. Our Senior Council is composed of dedicated individuals who work together to address the needs and interests of our senior members. By joining one of our committees, you can contribute your unique perspective and help us create a vibrant and fulfilling community for all. To learn more, stop by the main office. Senior Council meetings are held monthly.
Bar Codes
Please be aware that we're upgrading our lunch scanning system. We'll be transitioning from barcodes to QR codes. More information will be shared soon.
Email Address
If you are interested in having the menu, events and other announcements sent please send an email to elee@visionsvcb.org. You will be added to our email listserv to get regular updates.
Current Services & Class Offerings
Current Services & Class Offerings
Support groups
Fitness Classes, open gym
Creative Arts Classes
Technology Classes
nutrition groups
Spanish speaking groups
Information and advocacy
Volunteers & Readers
Farmers Market vouchers, Seasonal Produce Bag
Daily Meal Service *Vegetarian options offered daily - breakfast and lunch
Benefits and Case Assistance
Page updated
Report abuse