Calendar of Activities and Special Events
November 2024
Calendar of Activities & Special Events
VISIONS at Selis Manor
135 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011
646-486-4444
Office Closures
VISIONS will be closed on Tuesday, November 5th for Election Day. Double meals will be provided on Monday, November 4th.
VISIONS will be closing at 1pm on Wednesday, November 27th and will be closed on November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving. Double meals will be provided on Wednesday, November 27th.
OAC Website
Please visit the VISIONS Older Adult Center Website for updated information, calendars and menus at https://oac.visionsvcb.org
VISIONS Merchandise
It’s time to pick up a new full zip hoodie in royal blue, light gray or maroon. Available in sizes small through 3XL. Each hoodie is $30 or two for $55! Get a head start on your holiday shopping, pick up three hoodies for $75!
Senior Council Announcements
The Senior Council is having their hero sandwich feast fundraiser on Tuesday, December 3rd from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in the auditorium. Come eat, chat and enjoy some music. Preorders for the sandwiches will be every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a council member from 12:00 - 2:00 PM in the auditorium starting November 4th through November 22nd. The hero choices are: eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, peppers and sausages, meatball, or chicken with red sauce. Each sandwich will come with chips and a soda for $20. Come and support VISIONS.
Please be advised that Brooke will be away Monday November 4th through Friday November 15th. She will return to in person teaching on Tuesday November 19th. You can join her classes remotely on November 7th, 12th and 14th.
New Classes
Visions Ambassador Meeting- Monday, November 4th at 10:30 AM in the Snack Bar: Come join Liz C and talk about becoming a Visions Ambassador (previously known as the Buddy Program). This is a way to get more involved with VISIONS, learn new skills, help new members get acclimated and make new friends. This is less of a commitment than the Senior Council but a good way to get involved with VISIONS and get to meet our newest members.
The Multicultural Book Club
November 6th and 20th 1:00 - 3:00 PM LC2
Facilitators: Chrystal Chisolm and Sandra Saunders
Welcome to the all-inclusive VISIONS Multicultural Book Club. Read and discuss books encompassing many genres. Our first meeting will occur November 6th 1:00 - 3:00 PM and light refreshments will be served. Every first and third Wednesday of each month, all are invited to attend our Book Club. Group participation and book title suggestions are encouraged. The initial recommended book titles and DB Numbers are as follows:
1. I Swear Politics is Messier than my Mini Van, DB-114495
2. Coming Home, DB-121671
3. Island Queen, DB-104936
4. Animal by K’wan, DB-116817
5. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde DB-118894
6. Seven Days in June, DB-103670
Special Events
Senior Expressions
Monday November 4, 2024: Speaker: Rocky Simms: Topic: Day of Remembrance: A dedication to those we lost this year
Monday, November 11, 2024: Senior Social
Monday November 18, 2024: Speaker: Tyari Heard, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office: Topic: elder abuse
Monday, November 25, 2024: TBA
Juilliard Musical Performances
Friday, November 1st 1:00 - 2:00 PM Auditorium
Join us for Stories from our String Quartet, an afternoon of music sharing some of our favorite aspects of string quartet playing. Bring your stomps, claps and voices and make some music along with us if you like, or just sit back and enjoy different pieces of music.
Wednesday, November 13th 2pm-3pm Auditorium
Witness the next generation of musical virtuosos in a stunning performance featuring students from the world-renowned Juilliard School. Prepare to be captivated by their exceptional talent and passion as they bring to life timeless masterpieces and innovative compositions. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the future of classical music. Please sign up in advance as space is limited to 30 participants for both events.
Celebration of Life: A Heartfelt Tribute
Monday, November 4th 12:30 - 2:00 PM Auditorium
Facilitator: Rocky Simms
Join us for a meaningful gathering to honor the lives of our friends and loved ones who have passed. This special event will provide a space for healing, remembrance, and connection.
Memorial Readings: A volunteer will read the names of clients who have passed in the last two years.
Client Testimonials: Up to 15 clients will share their personal stories and memories of loved ones.
Information on loss, grief, and mental health resources will be made available.
Clients interested in sharing their stories should sign up in advance and meet with Rocky for guidance.
Let's come together to celebrate the lives of those we have lost and find strength and support in each other's company.
Hand Scrubs and Trivia with the Hays Group
Thursday, Nov 7th 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Auditorium
Come and enjoy some refreshments, a relaxing hand scrub and trivia.
Vocalease
Thursday, November 7th at 1:00 - 2:00 PM Auditorium
Come and enjoy some amazing songs.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Understanding and Preventing Elder Abuse
Friday, November 8th 10:00 - 11:00 AM Conference Room
Facilitator: Diana Cruz
Join us for a presentation on elder abuse. Learn about the different types of abuse, recognize warning signs, and discover how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious issue. We'll discuss resources available and provide practical tips for staying safe. Don't miss this important opportunity to learn and take action. Limited to 12 participants.
Memorial for Michael Nesi (Virtual Session)
Friday, November 8th 4:30 - 5:00 PM
Facilitator: Janis Rehak
234-320-0330
PIN: 860 710 891#
Please come & join us to remember our friend who participated a great deal in Visions activities. We will share memories & feelings in whatever forms of expression that you wish. Michael was a very special person.
November Theme Party with NY Cares
Tuesday, November 12, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Facilitator: NY Cares
Join us for our monthly theme party which will include a craft, snacks and beverages. Let’s get into the Thanksgiving spirit. Sign up in the main office.
¡Lo Que Sea! - Introducción para Grupo de Apoyo y Socialización con VISIONS (Spanish Speakers Only)
Martes 12 de noviembre 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM en el Snackbar
¡Si su primer idioma es el español y estás buscando un grupo de apoyo para personas no videntes, este grupo es para usted! ¡Como el título explica, nosotros vamos a hablar de lo que sea! Si tiene que ver con tecnología o si es sobre asuntos de la vida, te invitamos para ser parte del grupo. Para inscribirse, favor de llamar a la oficina. Si ya eres parte de un grupo de apoyo con VISIONS no cualifica para este grupo.
Museum at Eldridge Street - Verbal Description Tour (Zoom)
Tuesday, November 12th 6:00 - 6:45 PM Conference Room
Facilitator: Melissa Phipps
Join the Museum's Senior Manager for Education and Accessibility, Scott Brevda, for a special verbal description tour of the Synagogue's stained-glass windows and explore their role in one of the most historic synagogues in the United States. Light refreshments will be served.
Alexa Workshop with Jose
Thursday November 14th 10:00 - 11:00 AM Snack Bar
If you already own an Alexa device and would like to further explore all the different features, this class is for you! Whether you’re new to using Alexa or need to brush up on your skills. Please sign up, there are only 8 slots available!
Josh’s Movie Club
Thursday November 14th 3:00 - 5:00 PM Conference Room
Facilitator: Josh Castillo
Don’t miss out on a great pick from Josh. There will be tasty holiday treats. Limited to 15 participants, please register.
Artshack Ceramics (off site trip)
Friday, November 15th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a morning of clay sculpting and good conversation. Let the clay be your guide, you never know what you might make. This is an off-site activity at 1127 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. Space is limited to the first 15 participants to register.
Fitness Explosion Tribute to Andre Ditto
Tuesday November 19th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Schedule:
Ann: Morning Introduction and Greeting 10:00 AM
Brooke: Eating Mediation 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Evie: ZUMBA 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Jule: Fitness 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Shannon Fit & Fabulous 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Come in your favorite VISIONS tee or sweatshirt! Participate in all fitness classes to increase your chances of winning the top prize.
Breakfast Club
Wednesday, November 20th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Lee
Join our monthly breakfast club with Brooklyn Lions Club. Enjoy some bagels, pastries, fruit and coffee/tea. This will be a special Breakfast Club with the Brooklyn Lions Club. Every participant who signs up for the breakfast club will also be receiving a food pantry bag with recipes. We will also celebrate November birthdays. Please reach out to Liz C. if you want a special treat for your birthday! Please note only participants who sign up can participate. All participants who sign up will receive a sticker during breakfast club. There are no exceptions. You must sign up in order to participate in the breakfast club. You must sign up on your own. You cannot sign up for others!
Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library Tour
Wednesday, November 20th, 10:30 AM
Facilitator: Liz Campanile
Take a short stroll to the Andrew Heiskell library on 20th street (between 5th & 6th Ave) and learn all the Library has to offer. Did you know that the Library has newspapers, magazines, music scores and books available for free, in Braille, Large Print and E versions? Get more information on their Online Braille study groups, Ukulele Club and their Virtual Crossword Club. Escorts will be available. Must sign up in advance. Limited to 6 participants - priority given to our 60+ OAC members.
Thanksgiving Special Lunch Meal
Thursday, November 21st 12:00 - 12:45 PM Auditorium
Come and join your friends for our annual Special Thanksgiving meal with tasty sides and dessert too! Let’s celebrate the little things in life and be thankful for the big ones.
Avian’s Craft:
Friday November 22nd 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Auditorium
Facilitator: Avian Perez
You asked, and we listened! We're bringing back the popular Stained Glass Placemat Crafting Event, just in time for Thanksgiving! Let your creativity flow as you design and craft stunning stained-glass placemats with tissue paper and more. This is perfect for adding a unique touch to your holiday table. With only 6 spots available, be sure to sign up soon to secure your place. Must be over 60
Intergenerational Snacktivity Saturday with New York Cares
Saturday November 23rd 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Join VISIONS VRT/OMS Sherrice Stephen, for a special intergenerational volunteer event with New York Cares. There will be a craft and a tasty snack. Older adults are encouraged to bring grandchildren. Please register in advance. Space is limited to the first 10 participants.
Jazz Performance
Tuesday, November 26th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM Auditorium
Join David Colding and his All Stars for a fantastic jazz performance.
Looking Ahead:
Family Feud: Look out for a date in December.
Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, December 3rd 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Auditorium
We will be talking about programs, events, policies, registration and more. This is where you can get all your questions answered about VISIONS programming.
Nutrition Presentation: Tuesday, December 3rd. 12:30 - 1:30 PM Christina McGeough, Stop and Shop Nutritionist: Holiday Food Safety.
Holiday Gala - Thursday December 5th Time: To be announced
Tickets are $5. Guests and Home attendants must purchase a ticket if they plan to join us for the breakfast meals during the festivities.
Attire: Dressy/Gala style
This is an event you don't want to miss!!! Fun Filled day of surprises!
Juilliard: Tuesday, December 10th 2:00 - 3:00 PM Auditorium
New York City Bar Chorus - Tuesday December 10th Refreshments will be served from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Performance starts at 7:00 PM. Refreshments will not be served during the performance. Please arrive early enough to enjoy treats!
Sam the Piano Man - Monday, December 16th, 12:30 PM
General Program Services:
Volunteer Appointments
To request a volunteer reader or shopper, please contact: Ann De Shazo ext. 225
VCB Application Assistance
Tuesdays & Thursdays by Appointment
Carmen Thorne Ext: 304
Case Assistance By Appointment
Please feel free to 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, recertification's, assistance filling out forms. Please contact Rocky Simms: X 217
Senior Council Monthly Meetings
Please consider joining one of our Senior Council committees, we have the Fundraising committee, Food committee, and the Programming committee. Please join the council and ensure your voice is heard. Please feel free to reach out to Senior Council Secretary Valerie Buckner or Senior Council President Yvonne Whitehurst for more information. Senior Council meetings are held monthly.
Event Signups
Please note that OAC members 60 and over are given priority to sign up for 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 (immediately/as soon as possible). We can open the waiting list or avoid excess purchases when you keep us informed.
Bar Codes
As a reminder, please bring your DFTA bar code down for meals for us to scan you in. No one will be denied a meal if you don't have one or if you forget. Please reach out to Diana or Elizabeth for a bar code. Please note that in the event you lose your barcode fob you will be issued a complementary replacement. Should you lose the replacement barcode fob we will charge $5 to replace it. Please ensure to keep your barcode fobs in a safe place.
CONSENT FORMS
The Department for Aging is requiring all senior center members to complete and sign off on consent forms in order to participate in the program. If you can fill out the top portion that includes your Last Name, First Name, Address and phone number and then sign on the bottom and return to the office that would be great. It can be emailed or mailed back to us as well if that is easier. If you need help please reach out to us and we can fill them out for you. If you already filled it out you do not need to fill it out again. You only have to do this one time. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Voter Registration Forms
If you are interested and would like to register to vote please reach out to the center for assistance. If you need to update any voter information, staff can help as well.
Money Identifier Application
Sign up in the office if you need assistance to apply for a money identifier.
Email Address
If you are interested in having the menu, events and other announcements sent please send an email to jgil@visionsvcb.org. You will be added to our email list serve to get regular updates.
Current Services & Class Offerings
Self-Development Classes
Fitness and Evidence Based Classes
Creative Arts Classes
Technology Classes
Support Groups
Online/ Telephone Classes
Information and advocacy
Volunteers & Readers
Farmers Market vouchers, Seasonal Produce Bag
Daily Meal Service *Vegetarian options offered daily
Benefits and Case Assistance