Calendar of Activities and Special Events 

January 2025 

Calendar of Activities & Special Events

 VISIONS at Selis Manor

135 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011

646-486-4444



Office Closures

VISIONS will close at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31st and Friday, January 17.  Double meals will be provided on December 31st and January 17.  Visions will closed on January 1 and January 20,2025.

OAC Website

Please visit the VISIONS Older Adult Center Website for updated information, calendars and menus at https://oac.visionsvcb.org


VISIONS Merchandise

Get your limited edition VISIONS mug, $23 each. Don’t forget full zip hoodies in royal blue, light gray and maroon are still available, $30 each or 3 for $75. Stay tuned for a VISIONS beanie!


NEW Class:

Adaptive Living Group

If you are blind or have low vision and want to learn the accessibility features on your smartphone, safely prepare meals, manage your medications, and increase your overall confidence and safety as you live with visual impairment , VISIONS offers free in person Adaptive Living Groups for adults 55 and older! You can learn new techniques, skills and discover devices that can assist you to maintain your independence. 

Our next group will begin on Friday, January 24th at Selis from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The group will run Fridays and Mondays for 3 weeks. 

The dates are:

Friday January 24th

Monday January 27th

Friday January 31st

Monday February 3rd

Friday February 7th

If you would like to be part of the group or want more information please contact Cathleen McGuire, Senior Director of Rehab and Outreach at (212) 625 - 1274


NEW Class:

Moving Forward (Peer to Peer)

Wednesday’s 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM 

(Starts January 15th)

Facilitator: Jose Gil

This class is a new addition to the  Moving Forward series although this particular class will be a peer to peer support group led by Jose. If you’re looking for a place to connect with fellow members of the Blind & Visually Impaired community to connect and find understanding, you’re welcome to sign up. This class will be capped at 10 people so if you’re interested please sign up in the office.



Class Changes: 

Karaoke with Rosalyn McDavid will now be on Tuesdays from 12:30 - 1:30 PM in the auditorium starting January 7th. 

G’s & Gents: (Men’s Group)

Wednesday’s 11 AM - 12 PM Snack Bar

This class is a men’s peer to peer support group that was formerly known as “Man Cave”. Swing by and chat about life and everyday topics in a supportive environment. From serious discussions to boisterous conversations and everything in between.

Ambassador Program (new Visions members are welcome)

Monday, January 6th; Snack Bar, 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Facilitator: Elizabeth Campanile  

VISIONS Ambassadors let’s meet up, kick the new year off and make some plans. New members to Visions are welcome to come and meet the ambassadors and get to know Visions better. Anyone who wants to become an ambassador please see Liz C. to sign up.  Open to new members (within the past 6 months) and Ambassadors.


Special Events


Senior Expressions 

Monday January 6, 2025:  Speaker:  Daniel Barkley, Brooklyn Legal   Services Unit:  Topic:  elder abuse

 

Monday January 13,2025:    Speaker:  Emily Gulah, Achilles:  Topic:  program overview

 

Monday January 27,2025:   Speaker:  Anna Allen, Say-Ah:  Topic: tips for staying healthy with health literacy

 

How is Your Resolution Going?

Tuesday January 7th 2:00 - 3:00 PM Snack Bar

Facilitator: Tiffany Barrera, Youth Services Intern

We’re just about one week into the New Year. Did you make any resolutions? How are they going? Come share your thoughts and ideas for a fantastic 2025. Refreshments will be served.


VISIONS Annual Celebration of Braille

Wednesday January 8th 9:00 - 11:00 AM Auditorium

Facilitator: Cathleen McGuire and the Rehab Staff

We’re celebrating Louis Braille’s birthday with history, trivia, prizes and breakfast.  Sign up in the main office.



Josh’s Movie Club: New Year, New Film!  

Thursday, January 9th 3:00 - 5:30 PM Conference Room

Facilitator: Josh Castillo

Join us to kick off the new year with a special movie screening! We'll welcome 2025 with a TBD film — stay tuned for the title announcement. After the film, we'll discuss and share our thoughts while enjoying light refreshments. It's the perfect way to start the year on a cinematic note!




Avian’s Craft: Paint and Sip, Create, Relax, Enjoy!

Friday, January 10th 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Conference Room

Facilitator: Avian Perez 

Get ready for a delightful morning of painting, sipping, and socializing at our Paint & Sip Event! No experience is necessary—just bring your imagination, and we’ll take care of the rest. Enjoy non alcoholic beverages and light snacks with your peers. Grab a brush and a canvas and let's start the new year making art. Space is limited to 6 participants aged 60 and over.


Kicking Calories

Monday January 13th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM LC1

Facilitator: Jose Gil

After celebrating the holidays, it’s time to kick some calories. If you enjoy exercising or have a new year’s resolution to get back into shape this is the class for you. Jose will walk you through some kickboxing exercises to get your heart rate going and kick off the new year strong.






Lunar New Year Lantern Craft

Wednesday, January 15th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Auditorium

Facilitator: Liz Campanile

It’s the year of the Snake! Come join MSG volunteers as you create your own Lunar New Year lantern.  We will have traditional Chinese snacks and trivia as well. Limited to 15 members.


New York Cares Monthly Theme 

Tuesday, January 21st 10:30 - 11:30 AM          

Facilitator: NY Cares 

Come and have some refreshments, snacks and make a craft with NY Cares Volunteers.


 Breakfast Club

Wednesday January 22nd 9:30 - 10:30 AM Auditorium

Facilitator: Liz Lee

You must sign up with Liz Lee only for breakfast club at ext. 214 or call her direct phone number at 6464860330 starting January 2nd.  You must sign up yourself and not for anyone else.  You will be told if you are in the breakfast club or the waiting list. 

Join our monthly breakfast club. Priority is for OAC members over 60 years of age. We are limiting the breakfast club to 40 members only.  You must sign up to be a part of the breakfast.  You will receive a sticker once you come in for breakfast.  If you have a birthday in January and want a treat during Breakfast Club, please sign up for that as well. 


Museum at Eldridge Street - Verbal Description and Art Activity

Wednesday, January 22nd 1:30 - 3:00 PM Auditorium

Facilitator: Liz Campanile

Join the Museum's Senior Manager for Education and Accessibility, Scott Brevda, for a special verbal description tour and history of the Synagogue's stained-glass windows and explore their role in one of the most historic synagogues in the United States. As an added bonus, create your own stained glass masterpiece. Light refreshments will be served.


Tech Workshop with IGP

Thursday January 23rd 4 PM - 5 PM Meeting Room 2

Facilitator: IGP

In this tech workshop, join Jose and student volunteers in exploring accessibility apps such as Lazarillo and Be My Eyes AI. If you wish to participate and want apps downloaded on your device, please have your Apple ID passwords handy if applicable.



Artshack Ceramics (off site trip)

Friday, January 24th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Facilitator: ArtShack

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 12 participants to register.

Tarot's Wisdom for Wellness: A Guide to Self-Discovery:

Fridays, January 2025  10:00 - 11:00 AM Conference Room

Continue Your Tarot Journey in 2025!

This January class cycle is open to anyone who previously participated and those interested in learning more. Join us to delve deeper into the world of tarot, dream interpretation, and symbolism. Discover how to harness the power of these tools for personal growth and insight.

Accessible Tech Discussion with IGP

Monday January 27 4 PM - 5 PM Meeting Room 2

Facilitator: IGP

Are you curious about the latest technological advancements that will make life easier? Are you wanting to know what’s on the horizon for accessible technology that will enhance life for the Blind & Visually impaired. Join this class so we can explore such topics.

,

Lunar New Year Movie Celebration

Tuesday, January 28th 1:30 - 4:00 PM

Come and enjoy a special Lunar New Year Movie which will include special lunar new year treats.

Crazy Rich Asians 

This contemporary romantic comedy based on a global bestseller follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family. (2 hours)

Special Lunar New Year Lunch Celebration

January 29th 12:00 PM 

Celebrate Lunar New Year during our regular lunch service.  Don’t forget to wear Red!  This is a regular meal service so meal cards will be scanned for anyone eating lunch.  Dessert is only available to members who are dining in.  If you do not have a meal card but would like a meal you can pay $6 in advance before January 23rd! - See Liz Campanile.

Regular meal:   chicken & broccoli with rice

Veggie meal: Vegetable Lo Mein

Sides:  Steamed Vegetable Dumplings, Sauteed Bok Choy

Desert: Almond Cookies, Tangerine

Looking Ahead:  


Guiding Eyes - Tuesday February 18th 1:00 PM


Artshack Ceramics - Friday February 24th 11:00 AM


Tax Preparations with Single Stop  

We will be doing taxes again this coming year.  Please stay tuned for more information. 


Valentine’s Day Celebration-Thursday February 13th

Music, Fun & Dancing.  Wear something red.  Get your FREE ticket to this event!!! This event is limited to 60 people! You can only bring one guest.  More details to come!!!!


General Program Updates

Food Pantry

We are restocked! If you are interested in pantry items, please stop by the office to see Mike or Phyllis, Monday through Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 


Volunteer Appointments

We have volunteers on site Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Evening volunteers beginning at 6:00 PM are also available.  Please require within.  All appointments need to be scheduled in advance.  Please NO WALK INS.   To request a volunteer reader or shopper, please contact: Ann De Shazo ext. 225


VCB Application Assistance 

Tuesdays and Thursdays by Appointment

Carmen Thorne Ext: 304



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