Calendar of Activities and Special Events
February 2025
Calendar of Activities & Special Events
VISIONS at Selis Manor
135 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011
646-486-4444
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 can not sign someone else up.
You can sign up for all special events starting Monday February 3rd
Office Closures
VISIONS will close at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 14th and will be closed on Monday, February 17th.
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 beanie hat only $25, great for the cold windy winter days. We’re having a winter blowout sale. Last call for VISIONS hoodies only $20 each! The 16 oz travel mug, $21 each or two for $35. Valentine’s Day is approaching, don’t be caught without a gift! All items are available for purchase on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Tax Preparations with Single Stop
We will be doing taxes again this coming year. Please stay tuned for more information.
Senior Expressions
Monday February 3, 2025: Speaker: Swannie Batista: Paralegal SFTC: Topic: Planning today for tomorrow
Monday February 10, 2025: Speaker: Sam the Piano Man: Topic: senior entertainment
Monday February 17, 2025: President’s Day, VISIONS is closed
Monday February 24, 2025: Speaker: Christina McGeough: Stop and Shop Dietician: Topic: nutrition
Pop Up “mini events” for Black History Month
February 4, 6, 11, 13, and 18 12:45 PM Auditorium
Join VISIONS members for 10 minute pop up events talking about important personalities in Black history, including Amanda Gorman, Jean Baptiste du Sable, and Paul Williams. Pay attention and you may win a prize in our trivia contest on February 25th.
Special Events
Ambassador Program - New Members come say hi and meet the VISIONS Ambassadors
Monday, February 3rd Snack Bar, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Facilitator: Elizabeth Campanile (Liz C.)
Are you a new member that would like to come and get to know VISIONS better? Are you a long time member with a question or want more information on classes or events? Come meet the Ambassadors at VISIONS.
Glamour Gals
Thursday February 6th 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM Auditorium
Facilitator: Jose Ozuna
Glamour Gals have returned for the year 2025 and just in time to get you glammed up. Stop by the auditorium and get your nails done over some good conversation and music with the Glamour Gals team!
Josh’s Movie Club: Valentine's Day Edition!
Thursday, February 6th 3:00 - 5:30 PM Conference Room
Facilitator: Josh Castillo
Join us for a heartwarming Valentine’s Day movie club! We’ll be screening the classic romantic film Sleepless in Seattle and spreading the love with Valentine’s Day candy grams—featuring goodies and a personalized message. Bring your friends, your sweetheart, or just your love for great movies!
Unleash Your Inner Soap Maker!
Friday, February 7th 1:30 - 3:00 PM Snack Bar
Facilitator: Diana Cruz
Ever wondered how to create beautiful and fragrant soaps? Join us for a fun and informative workshop where you'll learn the art of melt & pour soap making.
Explore a variety of colors, scents, and additives.
Create unique and personalized soaps with fun inclusions.
Take home your own handcrafted soaps to enjoy or share! Limited to 7 OAC members aged 60 and over.
Cane Order Day
Tuesday February 11th 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Youth Services Office
Facilitator: Melissa Phipps
Looking to get a new cane? Sign up for our Cane Order Day! Custom color Ambutech canes and grips, white canes, ID canes, and cane tips will be available for purchase. Please note there is a charge for canes mailed home. Please sign up in the main office.
Valentine’s Senior Prom with New York Cares
Tuesday February 11th 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Invite your sweetie or favorite person to this awesome prom hosted by New York Cares. Come in your best, red, purple or pink for an afternoon of good music and good vibes. Please sign up in the main office.
Black History Celebration of African Bead Jewelry
Wednesday, February 12th 1:00 - 3:00 PM Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Campanile
Celebrate Black History with creativity and connection! Join VISIONS and Estee Lauder volunteers for a special crafting event where we’ll make beautiful African bead jewelry, including bracelets and/or necklaces of various sizes and colors. Together, we’ll create stunning pieces that reflect beauty and history. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the culture and leave with a piece of art you’ll treasure. Limit: 15 members, please sign up.
Glam Canes - Pop Up
Thursday February 13th 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Facilitator: Melissa Phipps
Have you ever wanted a bedazzled cane for special events or everyday? Look no further! Arthur Gwynne from Glam Canes will explain the process and show some of the most popular styles.
Valentine's Lunch February 13th 12-1pm
Valentine’s Day Celebration in Partnership with the Senior Council
Thursday February 13th 1:30 - 3:30 PM Auditorium
Facilitator: Ann DeShazo / Corp. Sponsor & Senior Council
There will be music, dancing, mocktails, arts and crafts, desserts and a photobooth. Wear something red.
National Older Adult Independence Month
Adaptive Living Group
In honor of National Older Adult Independence Month, it is a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of older adults and their ability to live fulfilling lives on their own terms. 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.
Our next group will begin on Monday, Feb 10th at Selis from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
The dates are: 2/10, 2/12, 2/19, 2/24, 2/26
Learning Center 3
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 York Cares Monthly Theme Party
Tuesday, Feb 18th 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 February 19th 9:30 - 10:30 AM Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Lee
You must sign up directly with Liz Lee for breakfast club at ext. 214 or call her direct phone number at 646-486-0330 starting February 3rd. You may not sign up for others. 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 February and want a treat during Breakfast Club, please sign up for that as well.
Special Musical Performance: Carlton J Smith
Thursday, February 20th 1:00 - 2:00 PM, Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz C
Come hear NYC’s own Carlton J Smith, world-renowned, honest to ‘Good-God’ Soul Man – singer, songwriter, producer and actor who has set concert stages on fire from Shanghai and Helsinki to Russia, Turkey, London, France and, of course his hometown New York City. He has released several recordings including 2019’s critically acclaimed 1634 Lexington Avenue. He had the honor of portraying his greatest musical hero, James Brown, in the Barry Levinson film “Liberty Heights” (1999), and had a lead role opposite Cyndi Lauper in the off-Broadway musical “Largo”. If you like soul music don’t miss this event. Sign up in advance.
Avian’s Craft: Post-Valentine’s Crafting: Love in Every Touch 💌
Friday, Feb 21st 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Conference Room
Facilitator: Avian Perez 💖
Who says Valentine’s Day is the only time to spread love? Join us for a fun and tactile crafting event that celebrates love and connection any day of the year! We'll create textured keepsakes using an array of materials,perfect for anyone who loves to create something truly unique. Space is limited to 6 participants aged 60 and over. There’s no such thing as being late to celebrate love! 🎨
Juilliard Concert
Friday, February 21st 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Auditorium
Why go to Julliard when Julliard will come to us!
Come and listen to the amazing music from the string quartet from Jullliard.
IGP Tech Workshop Series: AI
Monday, February 24th 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Facilitator: Jose
In the next installment of our IGP tech workshop we’ll be learning how to use ChatGPT and Co-Pilot to harness the power of AI. Please join this class if you’re interested in learning about how AI can enhance your life.
Celebrate Black History Month: And Still We Rise
Tuesday, February 25th 1:00 PM -3:00 PM Auditorium
Facilitator: Liz Campanile
VISIONS members will educate and entertain you as we talk about ordinary people doing extraordinary things in Black History. Come for music, history, snacks and trivia. If you paid attention during the “mini pop up” events you may even win a prize!!! Please sign up in advance.
Alexa Workshop
Thursday February 27th 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Snack Bar
Facilitator: Jose
In this one day workshop we’ll be covering all of the different categories available on the Alexa app and focus on a few helpful add-ons like ChatGPT, WebMD and Notes. If you’re interested in learning more about your Alexa device, please join!
Artshack Ceramics (off site trip)
Friday, February 28th 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.
Looking Ahead:
Juilliard Performance-Friday, March 21st 11am-12pm
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 5:00 PM are also available. Please inquire 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
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, recertifications, assistance filling out any forms.
Case Assistance w/ Rocky
Rocky will be providing in person case assistance each Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. If you require a volunteer to help fill out forms or to go online, you must call the office in advance. If you need help, leave a message in the office, or reach out to Rocky at extension 217.
Join Our Senior Council and Make a Difference!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on our community? We invite you to become a member of our Senior Council and help shape the future of our center. Our Senior Council is comprised of dedicated individuals who work together to address the needs and interests of our senior members. By joining one of our committees Fundraising, Food, or Programming you can contribute your unique perspectives and help us create a vibrant and fulfilling community for all. To learn more, please contact Senior Council Secretary Valerie Buckner, Senior Council Vice- President Donna Hedges, or Senior Council President Yvonne Whitehurst. Senior Council meetings are held monthly.
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. Everyone is responsible for his/her own sign ups. You cannot sign someone else up.
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.
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 elee@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