**Council House will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thurs 11/25 & Fri 11/26.**
We are excited to welcome everyone back to Council House safely. To help us keep everyone safe, you must review NCJW NY’s COVID safety policies before coming to an in-person class, as they detail specific requirements to attend.
Classes are first-come first-served, and enrollment will be limited due to COVID-19 safety measures. Classes may be cancelled, re-scheduled or changed to a virtual format at any time due to safety concerns.
Given the ever changing situation with COVID-19 all participants should assess whether coming to activities at Council House is right for you. Please consult with your personal doctors and family members before joining us.
CLL programming is only open to members of NCJW NY. Membership costs $72 per year. Become a member here.
For those in financial need, scholarships are available.
Navigation: Art Classes | Exercise Classes | Performing Arts Classes | Discussion Groups
BEADING
Mondays, 10 AM – noon | Oct 4 – Dec 13 | $45 (materials included)| Rena Rappaport
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Start your Monday off beading among friends. Some equipment will be provided, and students are encouraged to bring their own. Beaders can bring broken necklaces to fix, jewelry needing redesign or they can make new jewelry. Open to beginners!
*NEW!* FINESSING YOUR ARTWORK INTO A SKETCHBOOK
Mondays, 1 PM – 4 PM | Oct 4 – Dec 13 | $155 (includes $20 materials fee) | Marilyn Walter
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Discover the magic of developing and incorporating a sketchbook/workbook into your creative process. For those who love to paint, collage, draw, or use digital devices learn to “see” the unlimited possibilities and different ways of starting a sketchbook. Gather information knowledge, and inspiration from other artists’ images as you see and finesse your artwork to completion. Individual instructor attention and group participation in ongoing discussions of work in progress is an important aspect of the class. Bring a few pieces of work for the first class for discussion.
*REGISTRATION IS FULL* MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE
Tuesdays, 10 AM – noon | Oct 5 – Dec 14 | $125 (includes $15 materials fee) | Donna Levinstone
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This class explores traditional collage, using paper and various found objects. Students are encouraged to explore printmaking techniques and a variety of drawing and painting materials. At the end of each class students hang their work on the wall and have a group discussion. This provides endless inspiration as each student expresses themselves in unique ways. Students are also exposed to the work of professional collage artists and painters to learn about different styles and techniques throughout time.
*REGISTRATION IS FULL* PASTELS
Tuesdays, 1 PM – 3 PM | Oct 5 – Dec 14| $125 (includes $15 materials fee)| Donna Levinstone
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The pastel class explores traditional and abstract pastel drawing. Students learn about the different types of pastel that are being used today, including soft pastel, hard pastel, oil pastel and even water soluble oil pastel. Participants work both from observation and imagination. Work includes pastels in a mixed media capacity combining them with other medium such as marker, watercolor and even collage. Students will have an opportunity to learn about pastel painting through looking at different artists throughout history. At the end of each class, they will also have an opportunity to look at each others work and share their process and thoughts.
WATERCOLOR
Wednesdays, 11 AM- 1 PM | Oct 6 – Dec 15| $65 (materials included)| Al Bukszpan
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This class covers watercolor tints, mixing colors and manipulations with a watercolor brush. Students will create still life and landscape pieces. Open to beginners and advanced students.
*REGISTRATION IS FULL* PAINTING IN ALL MEDIA
Wednesdays, 1 PM – 4 PM | Oct 6 – Dec 15 | $150| Gene Wisniewski
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Students will enjoy highly personalized instruction in drawing and painting in a fun, casual atmosphere. They will learn to express themselves and improve their technical skills in all media including charcoal, pencil, oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Students can work from photographs or develop their own abstract style.
*REGISTRATION IS FULL* STAINED GLASS
Thursdays, 10 AM – noon | Oct 7 – Dec 16 | $65 (materials included) | Yvette Bendahan
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Private, individualized instruction for all levels. Students learn how to cut the glass, assemble pieces according to a pattern or create something original in color, shape and form. The final accomplishment is a thing of beauty in color and design.
*NEW!* CREATIVE DRAWING
Thursdays, 2 PM – 4 PM | Oct 7 – Dec 16 | $165 (includes $15 materials fee)| Ann Kronenberg
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Experiment with a variety of drawing media while examining line, form, composition, technique, and content. We will investigate drawing as visual language, and explore drawing from observation and imagination, realistically and expressively, representationally and abstractly. Instruction is individualized to meet each student’s needs.
WEAVING
Fridays, 10 AM – noon| Sept. 24 – Oct 29| $125 (materials included) | Jamie Boyle
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Learn traditional weaving techniques—and invent your own—this Fall! Experimentation and play are encouraged as we learn and build upon new skills in the weaving studio. This instructional class is perfect for absolute beginners and experienced weavers alike. We will cover the basics for those new to the process and those seeking a refresher. Experienced weavers will have the opportunity to expand their skills through individualized projects.
FELDENKRAIS
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM | Oct 5 – Dec 14| $70 | Margot Townsend
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These effective and comfortable guided lessons will help you to improve your balance, flexibility and ability to function in daily movements.
PILATES
Tuesdays, 3 PM – 4 PM | Oct 5 – Dec 14 | $75 | Mike Lesser
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This group fitness class will be sitting in a chair as well as standing using the Pilates Principles to build an awareness and connection to deep core stabilizing muscles in a focused fun format. This is a barefoot class to gain better connection to the floor.
DISCOVERING CHI
Wednesdays, 11AM – noon| Oct 6 – Dec 15 | $55 | Roger Puckett
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A slow dance that unlocks the energy within you. Awakening the body through gentle and dynamic moves.
INSTRUCTIONAL VOICE
Mondays, 2:45 PM- 4:45 PM | Oct 4 – Dec 14 | $135| William Lyon Lee
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Each class, open to all levels, begins with warm-ups and site reading exercises, and progresses to vocal pieces from various sources. Singing is great for the health and the spirit, especially in groups!
ELLIE RESSLER MUSICAL THEATRE
Fridays, 1 PM to 2:30 | Oct 8 – Dec 17 | $60 | Mark York
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Ellie Ressler Musical Theater with Mark York celebrates the classic musical theater songs of Broadway. All songs are from the 1980s and prior. If you like to sing, whether you have a great voice or not, feel free to join. All that is required is your love for classic Broadway Music.
Unless otherwise noted, discussion classes are free to members, and are offered year-round.
TECH SOUP 101: TECHNOLOGY HELP DESK
Mondays, 10 AM – noon | Engage Volunteers from the JCC
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A help desk for questions regarding phones, tablets and laptops. Please bring your own devices when possible. Schedule in advance by calling (212) 687-5030 x 0.
SHORT STORY
Mondays, 11 AM – noon | Ruth Taller & Betty Feldman | *Virtual until November*
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Each week members read a short story, provided one week in advance, and participate in a facilitated discussion about that story. Discussions are lively and thought-provoking!
Zoom Videoconference or Phone Call Email denise@ncjwny.org to register for this class. After registering you will receive the call-in information and the story for the week by email. *Space is limited*NEW* THE GREAT CONVERSATION (PHILOSOPHY COURSE)
Mondays, 1 PM – 2 PM | Oct 18 – Dec 13 | David Arnold
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This course will examine some of the most abiding concerns of humankind. In the quest to understand we will have the assistance of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, and Descartes, and others. What is truth? How should we lead an ethical life? What is justice? Where do we discover knowledge? These are all questions we confront every day. Philosophy and its study will give us a reliable foundation to appreciate the complexity of such issues and a wonderful ability to make sense of them. Join us for this quest!
MEN’S LIFE GROUP
Tuesdays, 11 AM – noon | Howard Fischer
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Male members discuss issues that affect their lives — problems they have, resources they need, how they order their lives, physical and mental health issues, friendship, etc.
MEDITATION: A UNIVERSAL TRADITION
Wednesdays, 11AM – 12:15PM | Richard Goldberg
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Members practice the art of meditation through silence, relaxation, gentle movement, and conversation. Newcomers are always instructed in the procedure and all questions regarding practice are answered.
SHORT READS, LONG CONVERSATIONS *Virtual until November*
Wednesdays, 1 PM to 2 PM | FREE | Ruth Taller and Arlene Kossoff
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Members read a new article or non-fiction essay each week and come for a stimulating discussion.
Zoom Videoconference or Phone Call Email denise@ncjwny.org to register for this class. After registering you will receive the call-in information, and the essay for the week by email. *Space is limited*NEW* WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU LOOK AT ART
Wednesdays, 11AM – noon| Oct 13 -Nov 17| Gene Wisniewski
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Learn the basic principles of how to approach, analyze, and appreciate great works of art the way an artist would. Includes discussions on viewing art as both a physical object and the expression of an idea, art in the context of its time, and the elements of composition.
This course is thanks to a gift from the Gerson Family Foundation.*NEW* LET’S TALK ABOUT AGING
Wednesdays, 3:45 PM – 5 PM | Oct 20 – Dec 1 | Ettalee Samek Pass
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This 6 session facilitated pilot group is open to men and woman 65-75 who want to discuss the challenges of getting older, while listening and learning from one another. Possible topics include unmet expectations, challenging relationships, end of your professional identity, building a support network, coping with loss and thinking about your legacy.
Screening phone call is required to participate. Pre-register by October 6th with Denise at denise@ncjwny.org or 646-884-9468. This group requires a minimum of 6 participants and can accommodate a maximum of 12.
*HYBRID* CURRENT EVENTS
Thursdays, 11 AM – noon| Member-Led
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We will be cordially discussing current events that take place in the community, nation and world. Bring your vast knowledge and experience and let us all share our individuality in tasteful, meaningful and spirited discussions. This class meets in person and virtually via Zoom. Planning to join? Email Denise
denise@ncjwny.org for Zoom log in information.
EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF AGING
Thursdays, 2 PM to 3 PM
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A weekly discussion of topics pertaining to how it FEELS to age. Topics include coping with physical and mental disabilities, financial concerns, loss of loved ones, etc.
*VIRTUAL* MEDITATION
Fridays, 10 AM – 11 AM | Richard Goldberg
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Members practice the art of meditation through silence, relaxation, gentle movement, and conversation. Newcomers are always instructed in the procedure and all questions regarding practice are answered.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89462205644\
Phone Number: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 894 6220 5644
