The Toward Self Acceptance and Growth group provides a safe space to discuss topics covering a wide range of subjects, which provides participants with new ways of thinking that may assist in better addressing life challenges.

Deirdre is an MSW, LCWS social worker with over 25 years of experience facilitating groups, which is her passion. It is Dierdre's 2nd career, having received her PhD in French. She mainly taught college-level French classes for about 13 years. She also taught meditation and is a firm believer in the ability to change, grow and constantly find additional ways to improve her life. That outlook is what she's happy to share in the group discussions.

Today Rob will perform and play songs that celebrate playfulness, fun, and foolishness! Rob will launch a series of sessions with some of his favorite songs from yesterday and today across a range of genres. Enjoy the music and the stories behind the songs.

Rob Lutes is an acclaimed songwriter and performer, a multiple Maple Blues Award and Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, and recipient of the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year. He has released eight albums, including 2021's Come Around, which hit #5 on Folk Radio in the US in August 2021. https://roblutes.com/

Join Alan for a look at these timely health topics! Best times for seniors to exercise. Which exercises burn the most fat? Best types of exercises for seniors, including weight training. What are Tai Chi and Yoga, and what are the benefits? Given the growth in weight-loss medications, we will also explore the types of GLP-1 medications, their costs, benefits, risks, and side effects.

Allen is a former high school math teacher who enjoys leading virtual classes on a variety of topics.

Learn tips for taking, sharing, and storing photos with tools like Google Photos, iCloud, and OneDrive. This guide covers everything from capturing moments and organizing albums to choosing the best storage options for preserving digital memories.

Join Johanna of Smarter Service for Tech tips, including using your device, surfing the internet, using Email, and many more relevant tips to keep up with today's technology trends. Johanna has over a decade of experience in the tech industry and is passionate about helping older adults navigate and build confidence with technology. Originally from Texas—a place she still fondly calls home—Johanna now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of over 12 years and their three beautiful children. When she's not spending time with her family, Johanna enjoys baking and decorating cakes!

Alan leads classes combining history with literature and has thought-provoking conversations about both! Alan was a lawyer and an investment banker. In 2010 he obtained a Masters degree in Literature/History. He then also became an Author.

Betty Marion White Ludden was an American actress, comedian, and television pioneer whose career spanned over eight decades. Known for her roles as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls, and Elka Ostrovsky on Hot in Cleveland, she became the first woman to produce a sitcom with Life with Elizabeth.

Maegan is an editor and French translator by profession, allowing her to work with writers, artists, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Her work combines two passions: helping people build relationships through communication and learning new things. Maegan moved to NYC in 2011 for the Publishing and Digital Media program at NYU. She was excited to discover an online community center for older adults--something she had longed to see in her home city of Montreal while working for HelpAge Canada.

She has been leading VSC classes ever since, and cherishes the bond she shares with the participants over women leaders throughout history and their influence on our lives today. She loves to spend time in nature and has two small dogs, Cindy and Tucker (who sometimes pop in on classes!)

This is an excellent class for students with mobility issues. All welcome – We will focus on physical movement, flexibility, balance, and breath work. This gentle form of yoga is practiced in a chair. Some standing poses will be practiced.

Cristina is a SoCal native seeking to expand her yoga practice among several specialized groups, including senior communities.

Join Paul for Anything Goes as he discusses the Ocean Liner Luxury, Screwball Comedy, and Cole Porter Wit: Set sail on a luxury cruise ship where high society meets high-seas hijinks in this sparkling musical comedy. Filled with tap-dancing sailors, disguised gangsters, and a delightful romance, it features some of the cleverest lyrics in theater history. With iconic Cole Porter showstoppers like "I Get a Kick Out of You" and the roaring title number, it’s a high-energy, laugh-out-loud celebration of pure vintage glamour.

Join Paul weekly for Broadway highlights and spotlights for the shows you love and know, and some you may not know! He will share his love and knowledge with you!

Paul is a lifelong musician, music educator, and performer based in Connecticut. Named after Paul Stanley from the band KISS, he grew up surrounded by music and started playing guitar, piano, and drums at a young age. He now runs his own teaching studio and also teaches at a local high school. Paul has performed everything from jazz and classical to video game music and Broadway-style cabarets.

When he’s not teaching or composing, he enjoys exploring Connecticut, going to concerts, and sharing his love of music with others. His classes are interactive, upbeat, and designed to bring music—and great stories—to life!

Grief, Lightly is a gentle space to explore loss in all its forms—people, places, experiences, and roles. Our goal is to find more joy without burying our grief. We’ll talk about how grief ebbs and flows, how reminiscence can help, and what to do with those folks who keep telling us to “get over it.”!

We’ll take a look at how grief is shown (and sold) in our culture and at movies, music, and figures like Yo-Yo Ma, Lena Horne, Anderson Cooper, and Coretta Scott King for what they have to say about grief and loss. Think culture and conversation, not crying and Kleenex, though those are okay, too!

Anna Kruse is an MSW student at Columbia and a Master’s in Divinity student at Union Theological Seminary. She has led groups for people experiencing all kinds of life transitions. Having lost many people close to her, she knows what it’s like to feel like you’re doing grief wrong! She believes storytelling, community, laughter, and practical care can help create more joy.

This is a supportive, discussion-based group focused on emotional well-being, connection, and reflection. Each month, we will explore topics related to stress, relationships, life changes, self-compassion, and personal growth in a calm and respectful space.

Participants are invited to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. There is no pressure to speak, no right or wrong answers, and no judgment. This group is about listening, being heard, and reminding ourselves that we are not alone.

Daniela is a volunteer group facilitator with the Virtual Senior Center. She has a background in social work and a strong interest in emotional wellness, connection, and creating spaces where people feel heard and supported. She is really glad you’ve joined the class and is honored to share this space with you.

Discover the art of chess with Benjamin as your guide! Each class begins with a brief introduction, and you'll learn the moves for the pieces. Not only is chess a delightful pastime, but it also nurtures memory and logic and fosters social connections. So, get ready for some fun!

Benjamin is passionate about chess and often competes in tournaments. Also, Benjamin is the driving force behind 'Chess in the Homes,' an intergenerational chess program. He is part of the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter and is in a Pre-Medical program.

Join Tyler to learn various tricks artists use in their work. What you’ll learn: - Learn a few tricks like the rule of thirds, symmetry, and more! - How to use it at home. - Resources to help you get started.

Tyler works in marketing by day; however, she loves working with paper and other media to create practical crafts in her spare time. She enjoys researching and finding simple projects for all to share and express their own creativity.

Join Lisa to learn about yourself by tuning in to your ‘soma,’ which is defined as your body when experienced from within. Somatic yoga is a yoga practice that uses a mindful approach to movement called “somatics.” It prioritizes thoughts, feelings, and body awareness over form. The process is what matters, not athletic proficiency.

Lisa has been teaching mindful practices in NYC for about 20 years & was certified in 2021. This same year, she completed her certification in Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy with Sundara Yoga.

More recently, she completed a certification with the HeartMath Institute in Trauma-Sensitive Healthcare & several certifications in Interpersonal Neurobiology w/ Dr. Dan Siegel. This prepared Lisa to develop class curricula for oncology, general medical & psychiatric patients in her connection to Weill Cornell Center for Health & Wellbeing. Lisa lives w/her husband, Seán, & they care for their dog, Finn MacCool. She enjoys nature & enjoys concocting in the kitchen!

Join Charles for a lot of musical potpourri and a little of “other”! The musical content will include some basic teaching of how to play a piano, singing as a group, viewing music videos to include songs and teaching about music. Then, if time, Charles takes class requests and will devote some time to discussing or finding interesting things on the internet. Enjoy the Entertainment hour!

Charles has always been a music lover and his earliest memories of loving music are hearing his beloved Mom humming, singing and listening to a transistor radio, challenging as it was to tune in to a radio station. Today he wants to bring joy to you by helping you to build a simple toolbox for playing the piano (a super user friendly and approachable instrument), that will enable them to play a lot of song as well as just enjoy the pleasures of singing and listening to Music!

Join Anna in this discussion about the good times, the tough times, and what has stayed important. In this series, we’ll celebrate a different part of our lives each week, reminiscing, reflecting, and sharing stories about the people, places, and experiences that have shaped us. Some weeks may bring laughter, some memories, and some surprises. Come anytime to this uplifting drop-in group.

Anna Kruse is a midlife Master’s in Social Work student at Columbia and a Master’s in Divinity student at Union Theological Seminary. She has led groups for people experiencing all kinds of life transitions. She is an avid reader and loves movies. She believes storytelling, community, laughter, and practical care can create joy.

Glenn performs as an old-school singing cowboy, complete with colorful costumes and a repertoire of country and western favorites from past decades. Together with his wife, Suzanne Smithline, he performs in the family-friendly rock and roll band "Squeaky Clean," which appeared for many years on Nickelodeon's "Eureeka's Castle."

Glenn performs an hour of well-loved songs ("anything that you can sing wearing a cowboy hat"), occasionally shares a corny joke, and provides updates on the family. Over the years, he has come to know the favorite songs of many participants. There is always a welcome mat and a "Howdy" for newcomers.

Join Norman to look at two of the most popular AI programs, and discuss the differences between them, and whether to consider paying for the premium versions (usually $20/month).

Norman Reiss has long been an advocate for older adults, starting when he helped older relatives navigate residence changes and address health issues. Since 2019, Norman has helped clients at DOROT, GetSetUp, and Greenwich House, creating and promoting programs, both in person and online. He is also a veteran Virtual Senior Center facilitator, having led classes since 2012.

Join the VSC team members for this monthly meeting where you can share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns about the classes you attend. This will be an open conversation, giving you the chance to let us know what’s working well and where we can improve.

We will be sharing some of our current policies and ideas to make our program a space where you feel valued and heard. We hope you will join us for this meaningful exchange. Your voice matters and helps shape the future of our community.

Join the live Tours brought to you by Wowzitude! Join Susan and the Tour Guide at a vast array of amazing cities in the US and the World as they guide you to landmarks and iconic sites. The Tour Guide will comment on what is happening as it’s occurring in real time. There's no experience like it!

Join Steve to explore what made Frederick Douglass ( Man of the 19th Century—The Life and Lasting Impact of Frederick Douglass) such an important leader in his time and why he still matters today.

Steve has been teaching American History with VSC since 2018. He has had varied careers as a lawyer, Peace Corps Volunteer, and educator. He taught high school social studies in New York City and retired in 2023 from working in administration with the NYC Department of Education, working with high schools in the Bronx. Steve is married with two grown sons, two dogs, and three cats!

Join Barry to look at and discuss paintings, sculpture and decorative art in and around New York, the museums and other places in which they are found. Our goal is to learn a bit more about art and enjoy it a lot.

Barry is a retired attorney who has since March 2020 taught the VSC's “Exploring and Enjoying Art” class. He had been a volunteer at ArtWorks NYC, giving virtual art classes to NYC 4th graders and conducting tours at the Metropolitan Museum.

Join Anna for Nutri-Cosmetology: Creating Beautiful Skin, Hair, and Nails from the Inside Out In the Kitchen, we will learn how to build meals and snacks that provide nutrients for beautiful hair, glowing skin, and stronger nails ✨

Join Anna to gain a better understanding of how the body uses Food as Fuel. We will discuss specific macro and micronutrients, as they relate to the treatment of chronic diseases. We will experiment with creating healthy, easy, fun, and delicious recipes that you will want to make over and over again!

Anna DiMaggio, MS, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is a specialist in Nutrition for older adults and offers evidence-based, easy-to-understand Nutrition and general health information, and LIVE Cooking Workshops. Her true passion lies in understanding the interconnectedness of Food as Fuel and Medicine, & how that relates to Chronic Diseases. Her mission is to empower Older Adults with the knowledge, motivation, & kitchen skills that help them live their happiest and healthiest Life.

Learn what QR codes are, why they’re used, and how to safely scan them with your smartphone. We’ll cover common uses, safety tips, and do some hands-on practice—no tech experience needed!

Originally from Texas—a place she still fondly calls home—Johanna now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of over 12 years and their three beautiful children. When she's not spending time with her family, Johanna enjoys baking and decorating cakes!

Alan leads classes combining history with literature and has thought-provoking conversations about both! Alan was a lawyer and an investment banker. In 2010 he obtained a Masters degree in Literature/History. He then also became an Author.

Phyllis Ada Diller was an American actress, comedian, author, musician, and visual artist who was known for her eccentric stage persona and self-deprecating humor. One of the first female stand-up comics, Diller was a major influence in her time. Her act featured wild hair and clothing, an exaggerated cackle, and zany personality. Diller's talents extended beyond comedy, as she could also sing, paint, play the piano, and act.

Maegan is an editor and French translator by profession. Both of these positions allow her to work with writers, artists, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Her work combines two passions: helping people build relationships through communication and learning new things.

Maegan moved to NYC in 2011 for the Publishing and Digital Media program at NYU. She was excited to discover an online community center for older adults--something she had longed to see in her home city of Montreal while working for HelpAge Canada. She has been leading VSC classes ever since and cherishes the bond she shares with the participants over women leaders throughout history and their influence on our lives today. She loves to spend time in nature and has two small dogs, Cindy and Tucker (who sometimes pop in on classes!)

This is an excellent class for students with mobility issues. All welcome – We will focus on physical movement, flexibility, balance, and breath work. This gentle form of yoga is practiced in a chair. Some standing poses will be practiced.

Cristina is a SoCal native seeking to expand her yoga practice among several specialized groups, including senior communities.

Grief, Lightly is a gentle space to explore loss in all its forms—people, places, experiences, and roles. Our goal is to find more joy without burying our grief. We’ll talk about how grief ebbs and flows, how reminiscence can help, and what to do with those folks who keep telling us to “get over it.”!

We’ll take a look at how grief is shown (and sold) in our culture and at movies, music, and figures like Yo-Yo Ma, Lena Horne, Anderson Cooper, and Coretta Scott King for what they have to say about grief and loss. Think culture and conversation, not crying and Kleenex, though those are okay, too!

Anna Kruse is an MSW student at Columbia and a Master’s in Divinity student at Union Theological Seminary. She has led groups for people experiencing all kinds of life transitions. Having lost many people close to her, she knows what it’s like to feel like you’re doing grief wrong! She believes storytelling, community, laughter, and practical care can help create more joy.

Join Jeffrey and listen to your favorite deep album cuts and hits from the 1970s from artists like the Beatles, Elton John, The Doobie Bros, Allman Bros, etc.! Jeffrey Scornavacca is a Boston-based songwriter/producer.

Along with singer/songwriter Jaida James, Jeff is actively involved in a music project called Appalachia Moderna, blending soulful vocals and traditional melodies with modern production and edgy slide guitar. With Agona Hardison, Jeff co-wrote and produced Agona’s last album, “This is the Year”.

Jeff and his music partners have raised over $20,000 for Musicians On Call and Boston Children's Hospital. Jeff graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's Degree in Music and Audio Recording and has an MBA from Suffolk University.

Join Ross for these 2 topics: A teacher who helped you. A color you'll never use to paint an inside house wall.

Every person has a fantastic life story that needs to be told. In this series of classes, we look at our memories and explore questions, both big and small. Our lives are so different, and we celebrate how different we each are. Our classes usually have a shorter, more straightforward question and a more involved question afterward. All of us share our stories. There are lots of smiles and laughter.

Ross lives in Sydney, Australia, and enjoys hearing how our lives differ. He has been working with Seniors for some time now. Ross continues working part-time in a nursing home, trying to help people live happier, better lives, and very much looks forward to the VSC weekly sessions.

Join Lisa to learn about yourself by tuning in to your ‘soma,’ which is defined as your body when experienced from within. Somatic yoga is a yoga practice that uses a mindful approach to movement called “somatics.” It prioritizes thoughts, feelings, and body awareness over form. The process is what matters, not athletic proficiency.

Lisa has been teaching mindful practices in NYC for about 20 years & was certified in 2021. This same year, she completed her certification in Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy with Sundara Yoga.

More recently, she completed a certification with the HeartMath Institute in Trauma-Sensitive Healthcare & several certifications in Interpersonal Neurobiology w/ Dr. Dan Siegel. This prepared Lisa to develop class curricula for oncology, general medical & psychiatric patients in her connection to Weill Cornell Center for Health & Wellbeing. Lisa lives w/her husband, Seán, & they care for their dog, Finn MacCool. She enjoys nature & enjoys concocting in the kitchen!

Join Charles for a lot of musical potpourri and a little of “other”! The musical content will include some basic teaching of how to play a piano, singing as a group, viewing music videos to include songs and teaching about music. Then, if time, Charles takes class requests and will devote some time to discussing or finding interesting things on the internet. Enjoy the Entertainment hour!

Charles has always been a music lover and his earliest memories of loving music are hearing his beloved Mom humming, singing and listening to a transistor radio, challenging as it was to tune in to a radio station. Today he wants to bring joy to you by helping you to build a simple toolbox for playing the piano (a super user friendly and approachable instrument), that will enable them to play a lot of song as well as just enjoy the pleasures of singing and listening to Music!