January 2026 

Calendar of Activities & Special Events

 VISIONS at Selis Manor

135 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011

646-486-4444

Event Registration

You can sign up for all special events starting on Monday, January 5th. To register for classes you must call or come in person between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM only for the week of Monday, January 5th

After that you can call or stop by the office during regular office hours to sign up.        

• The VISIONS Center on Aging will be closed on Thursday, January 1st. No classes or meal services will be offered on these dates.  The center will be open on Friday, January 2nd until 1:00 PM.  

• Please make every effort to pick up your double meal during the times offered to ensure you have adequate food for the closure period.

• 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 up for other participants.

• 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.

Contributions

This is a reminder that we have a contribution box available during meal times.  With the increased costs of meals and supplies, we encourage all participants to contribute at least  $1 for meals and for special events in order for us to continue to offer these special programs for everyone to enjoy. We accept contributions in the main office as well. Please note that many events will require a contribution. It will be noted in the description.  

Malibu Breakfast Vouchers are $1 each. We are only providing 20 vouchers every 2 months. Each voucher cost VISIONS $10.  Therefore we really need everyone to contribute $1 or more for each voucher.  

Thank you for your support. 

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.

OAC Website

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

VISIONS Apparel

VISIONS full-zip hoodies available in hunter green, sangria and steel blue are now only $35 each!

CLASS UPDATES

NEW Classes!

Trivia Pursuit

When: Monday, January 5th-Feb 23rd

Time: 2:00 - 2:45 PM

Where: Conference Room

Facilitator: Heather Haley

What planet is closest to the sun? Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic?  If you love trivia, then you’ll want to join this class. 

Knit and Chat

When: Monday, January 5th-Feb. 23rd

Time: 3:00 - 3:45 PM

Where: Conference Room

Facilitator: Heather Haley

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this workshop has something for everyone! Learn the basics or master new techniques in a fun, supportive environment. Our expert instructor will provide hands-on guidance, helping you unlock your creativity with yarn while enjoying some music while we knit and chat. Please bring your own project and supplies to work on. 

Beginner Classical Ballet Barre 

When: Thursday, January 8th - February 26th

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Where: LC1

Facilitator: Heather Haley

End your week with movement meant to stretch, strengthen, and tone your body as you learn and practice a basic classical ballet barre. The class will start with a floor warm up before progressing to the foundational barre exercises. Correct form and posture will be emphasized as we learn the basic choreography of a classical ballet barre routine. Knowledge of ballet movement is not required but would be helpful. Chairs will be used for stability in lieu of a barre. If you don’t have ballet shoes or other soft soled dance appropriate footwear, please wear socks. Sports shoes will not be permitted as you will not be able to complete the required foot articulation in sneakers.

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 vision loss, 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.

There will be two groups available.  Group A will be conducted in Spanish on Fridays and Group B will be in English on Wednesdays. Both groups will be from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. 

Group A (Spanish Speakers) Dates on Fridays:  

January 9, 16, 23, 30, and February 6 2026

Learning Center 3

Group B Dates on Wednesdays: 

January 14, 21, 28, and February 4 and 11 2026

Learning Center 3

If you would like to be part of the group or want more information please contact Alexandria Bejarano at 347-651-1341.

Adaptive living group en Español

Las fechas son: Enero 9, 16, 23, 30, y Febrero 6 2026

Learning Center 3

Facilitator: Alexandria Bejarano

Si usted es ciego o tiene baja visión y desea aprender las funciones de accesibilidad en su teléfono inteligente, preparar comidas de manera segura, manejar sus medicamentos y aumentar su confianza y seguridad general mientras vive con pérdida de visión, ¡VISIONS ofrece grupos gratuitos de Vida Adaptativa en persona para adultos de 55 años o más! Puede aprender nuevas técnicas, habilidades y descubrir dispositivos que le ayudarán a mantener su independencia. Nuestro próximo grupo comenzará el viernes 9 de Enero en Selis de 10:00 AM a 2:00 PM. Si desea ser parte del grupo o quiere más información, por favor contacte a Alexandria Bejarano al 347-651-1341.

Senior Expressions 

Monday January 5th:  Speaker:  Audrey Joy:  Topic:  senior entertainment

Monday January 12th:  Speaker:  Rachel Chen, Department of the Aging:  Topic:  Nutrition and Dementia

Monday January 19th:  MLK's Birthday, Visions is closed.

Monday January 26th:  Speaker:  Joannie Salcedo, TD Bank:  Topic:  financial safety for older adults

Special Holiday Meal

Friday, January 9th - Winter Snowflake Lunch

Regular - Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia

Veggie: Quiche with Broccoli

Sides: Rice Pilaff with peas and carrots, vegetable soup

Dessert

*Does not require signup. This is in lieu of the normal lunch menu. This is for registered members of the older adult center and registered Selis tenants only.

Special Events

Ambassador Program

When: Monday,  January 5th

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Where: Snack Bar

Facilitator: Liz Campanile

Ambassadors let’s catch up and make plans for the new year. If you are interested in being an Ambassador contact Liz C.

Glamour Gals

When: Tuesday, January 6th

Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Where: Auditorium

Facilitator: Jose Ozuna

Usher in the new year by getting your nails done with Glamour Gals! Whether you prefer clear nail polish or looking for a brand new color, Glamour Gals has you covered! So start the year off right with some self-care with GG.

OAC Annual Celebration of Braille Breakfast

When: Wednesday January 7th
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 AM

Where: Auditorium

Facilitator: Cathleen McGuire 

Join us for our annual celebration of the birthday of Louis Braille and the recognition of Braille Awareness month. There will be history, trivia, door prizes and a great breakfast. Open to all, please RSVP.

Feel The Beat - Dance Class - Regular members only 

When:  Friday, January 9th

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Where:  Auditorium

Facilitator: Feel The Beat / Liz C

Class will take place on the first Friday of every month.  Speak to Liz C if interested in joining the class.  If you are a member and do not show up regularly you will lose your spot.

Liz C’s Lab: Warm Up!  Fleece Hand Warmers

When: Tuesday, January 13th

Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Where: Snack Bar

Facilitator: Liz Campanile/Ann DeShazo

Warm up this winter at Liz’s Lab! In this fun, hands-on workshop, we’ll make no-sew fleece hand warmers. These cozy warmers are reusable and can be heated in the microwave for 20 - 30 seconds whenever you need a little extra warmth. You’ll get to choose your favorite herbal scent, like calming lavender or soothing chamomile, or make yours unscented if you prefer.

No crafting experience needed, just come ready to relax, create, and leave with a handmade winter helper you’ll enjoy all season long! Limited to 8 OAC participants. 

New York City Bar Chorus

When: January 13, 2026

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Where: Auditorium

Facilitator: Ann DeShazo

Please sign up for this event.  Refreshments will be served from 6:00 - 7:00 PM only.

Come and enjoy our yearly performance from NYC Bar Chorus.  They always put on a great performance.  You don’t want to miss it!

Josh’s Movie Club 

When: Thursday, January 15th

Time: 2:45 - 5:00 PM

Where: Conference Room

Facilitator: Josh Castillo

Join us for a screening of Dreamgirls (2006), the hit musical inspired by the rise of a 1960s girl group navigating fame, ambition, and friendship. Enjoy unforgettable performances, powerful music, and a lively post-film discussion. Light refreshments will be served, limited to the first 15 participants.

Artshack Ceramics

When: TBA

Time:  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Where:  Offsite - 1127 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 

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. 

New York Cares Theme Party Cancelled this Month

Crafting  with Avian

When: Friday January 16th

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: LC 2

Facilitator: Avian Perez

Come and join our fun monthly craft.  Craft will be determined.  

Limited to 8 OAC members only.

Hot Cocoa and VISIONS Feud 

When: Wednesday, January 21st

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: Auditorium 

Facilitator: Phillip Keys

Join us as 2 teams compete in our version of family feud. There will be tea, hot cocoa and light snacks served to the audience, so come share a few laughs with us as we watch teams compete for a chance to face a team of  VISIONS staff for the grand prize.

Spelling Bee 

When:  Monday, January 26th

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.

Monthly Pizza Party Social

When: Friday, January 30th

Time: 2:00 - 3:15 PM

Where: Auditorium

Facilitator: New York Cares and Diana Cruz

We’re excited to kick off the new year with a Pizza Party Social this January! With rising costs, we had originally planned to host this event quarterly, but for now we’ll play it by ear and see how things go. We’re committed to being cost-conscious while still bringing everyone together for a slice of fun. Expect great vibes, cheesy goodness, and good company—it’s the perfect way to unwind and connect. Come hungry, leave happy! Limited to registered members of the Older Adult Center and Selis tenants. Only 25 spots available please sign up in advance.

Food Pantry 

If you are interested in pantry items, stop by the office Wednesdays 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 Wednesday and Thursday. We can also assist with money identifier applications.

Staff Updates 

Briana 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. 

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.

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.

Email List

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

• 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