Join us as we learn and discuss a wide array of topics together with seasoned professionals. In addition to our presenters educating us about their fields of expertise, we will have time for questions and answers, light refreshments and conversation. Our classes will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m., with the season ending in June. These programs are free and open to all ages, so bring your friends and family to learn and grow together! Let’s learn and grow together!
We would like to thank everyone who attended this past year’s Inspirational Afternoons programs.
2021 Programs To Be Announced
2020 Programs
Join us at the center for a wonderful musical performance by David Holzman. He will also be speaking about how his epilepsy and hearing loss shaped his musical career.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
Memories are one of the secret weapons of happiness. Reminisce with Marge Gottlieb Wolfe about the Brighton Beach Baths, Mrs. Stahl’s knishes, the Brooklyn Bridge, a Charlotte Ruse, Little Odessa, the Bronx Botanical Gardens, Pitkin Avenue and the bungalows of Rockaway Beach
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
Our music ranges from 1890's Ragtime to 1920's and 30's swing music to 1950's, 60's and 70's rock-in-roll. Dixieland jazz to Banjo sing a longs, Rock to Latin, Swing to a Waltz. Our musicians have appeared on Broadway and off Broadway, the Silver Screen and on movie sound tracks. We provide a talented, high energy, multi-faceted, distinctive musical experience. We have performed for millions of people since 1968. You don’t want to miss this incredible band!
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
Come relive many amazing performances that have enthralled theatergoers and still remain etched in our collective memory. Participants will have an opportunity to view a variety of video clips highlighting outstanding musicals. Also included between clips will be a variety of anecdotes about the creative teams and casting decisions that were an essential ingredient in the success of these outstanding productions.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
We've already seen programs about the importance of Alfred Hitchcock's output on the history of cinema. In this program, we'll gain deep insight as we explore Alfred Hitchcock's troubled childhood where his neurosis originated from having been raised in Victorian England, and we'll ascertain how this directly resulted in his inner rage and desires being expressed through such films as The Lodger (1927), Rope (1948), Psycho (1960), Torn Curtain (1966), and Frenzy (1972). Not your typical take on Hitchcock, but rather the turning of a whole new page in the master's career.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
2019 Programs
Phyllis Novin has been a professional comic book artist for more than 26 years working for all the major companies including: DC Comics, Marvel, The Simpsons, Disney, Warner Brother and many others. Her programs have been offered at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in NYC (now located in the Society of illustrators). This program is specifically designed for the artist and non artist alike. Don’t miss this fun interactive class!
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Every little girl longs to be a princess, but what is life really like for a young girl growing up first as Elizabeth of York and then as Princess Elizabeth, heir to the throne? This is the rarely told story of the young Elizabeth in her formidable years. It begins with her grandparents from whom Elizabeth learned that the privileges of royalty come with a dedication to duty and country and her loving parents who did their best to maintain a normal childhood within the royal fishbowl. This richly detailed portrait is a peek into the heart of the young girl who would become Her Majesty the Queen.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Please join us for an incredibly fun, hands on learning experience, that you will never forget! Participants can touch and hold tons of animals from all over the world. Experts will discuss proper animal care and husbandry, habitats, food preferences, and behaviors. Almost all of the animals are captive born and are adopted, from people who could no longer keep them.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Paint your own shirt! Don’t miss this unique workshop!
Cost per shirt: $9.00
Please sign up with Eric or Angela
Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
The human brain has the same general structure as the brains of other mammals, but has a more developed cortex than any other. The human brain is almost twice as large as the brain of the bottlenose dolphin, and three times as large as the brain of a chimpanzee. The average human brain has shown to have about 86 billion neurons and 125 trillion synapses in the cerebral cortex alone. We understand less than 20% of brain function. Join us for this incredible lecture about the human brain!
Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of FREE painting for everyone! All supplies will be provided. No experience necessary. Just bring your creativity!
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of "The King" with a lively concert from acclaimed Elvis impersonator Don Anthony. He will be performing your favorite classics and giving his signature scarves to some lucky audience members! Don't miss this unique concert, open to the public.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Learn how to take professional pictures with the staff from Island Photos. They will be supplying cameras and you will be able to take photos and learn how to take pictures like the pros!
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
View spectacular butterfly and moth displays from the world’s tropical rainforests: Central America, Amazon, Africa, Southeast Asia and New Guinea, many collected by the presenter. Learn about and discuss science concepts including camouflage, mimicry, insect anatomy, metamorphosis, and tropical climate. Presenter Steve Fratello has explored the world’s tropical rainforests for approximately 1,000 days and led several major scientific expeditions for the Smithsonian and Field Museums. Don’t miss this incredible lecture!
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
A lecture with Sharon Faith Collins. Michelangelo was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the High Renaissance born in the Republic of Florence, who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. Considered by many the greatest artist of his lifetime and by some the greatest artist of all time, his artistic versatility was of such a high order that he is often considered a contender for the title of the archetypal Renaissance man. Please join us for this informative lecture.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
2018 Programs
With Bette Neuman, a highly experienced Museum Docent at the Nassau County Museum of Art for over 13 years, was born and raised on Long Island and is a graduate of Barnard College. Join Bette as she helps us to explore the works of some exceptional female Impressionist artists.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
With Jennifer Scott Miceli, Ph.D., Director of Music Education and Vocal Jazz, and Department Chair at LIU Post. This workshop will center on the power of music, and in particular singing, to heal the human soul. Participants will hear documented accounts of singing as a catharsis for the human condition, and learn more about the philanthropic mission of Belle Voci Intergenerational Women’s Choir. Join Dr. Miceli as she helps us to engage in singing and easy movement designed to enliven the spirit and uplift the soul. Come and explore ways to honor your musical gifts, and see how your voice can make a difference. Every voice counts, especially yours!
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
With Lorraine Lupinskie, Social Studies Director, Half Hollow Hills School District
Historians use the word "boom" to describe a lot of things about the 1950s: the booming economy, the booming suburbs and most of all the so-called "baby boom". Our discussion of the 1950s will focus on pop culture. We will look at the rising popularity of television and the impact of shows like I Love Lucy and discuss the emergence of the "teenager" and the birth of rock and roll. We will also look at advertisements from the decade as we discuss the rise of the car culture and the emergence of a new consumerism.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
Chef Andrew Greene, CCC (Certified Chef de Cuisine) American Culinary Federation - Long Island Chapter Executive Chef and Vice President of the ACFLI
Bring your appetite and be prepared to sample some amazing taste sensations!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
A Live Performance by Dr. Paloma Ferrante. In addition to performing, Paloma loves teaching the cello and chamber music and is a former faculty member of Long Island Conservatory, Great Neck Conservatory, the Herald School and Friends Academy on Long Island. In this session we will discuss the history of the cello and Pablo Casals' performances of the Bach 'Six Suites for Solo Cello' and Gaspar Cassado's 'Suite for Solo Cello' performed live by Paloma Ferrante.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
With Theara Ward, Dancer, Choreographer, Educator, Writer, and Program Associate, Dancing Through Barriers Dance Theatre of Harlem, Everett Center for the Arts. Creativity abounds in the world of dance and theatre. We will meet Dance Theatre of Harlem and discuss its unique place in history. We will then explore interactive movement suited for any level of movement ability and do a warm-up where movement vocabulary based on personal experience will be introduced.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever held a Chinchilla?
What about a Porcupine?
Please join us for an incredibly fun, hands on learning experience, that you will never forget!
Participants can touch and hold tons of animals from all over the world. Experts will discuss proper animal care and husbandry, habitats, food preferences, and behaviors. Almost all of the animals are captive born and are adopted, from people who could no longer keep them.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
with Monica Randall. Learn about some of Long Island's most intriguing manor houses with their labyrinths of secret passageways, hidden chambers, deserted tunnels, and mysterious events that surround them. This program is filled with plenty of suspense, and practical lore. You will come away believing that truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
Have you ever seen a dog paint? Dagger was voted best Long Island Painter of 2018! Please join us for an incredibly fun, hands on learning experience, that you will never forget! All participants will paint along with Dog Vinci! This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Please sign up at the front desk.
Monday, November 5, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story, written by O. Henry (a pen name for William Sydney Porter), about a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time. Diane Heinlein and David Houston will be preforming this story. They are amazing performers that have been in numerous plays throughout Long Island. This is a performance that you will not want to miss!
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
2017 Programs
With Arthur Kopelman, PhD., President, Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island. Dr. Arthur "Artie" Kopelman is a population ecologist whose research interests, since 1987 include the population dynamics and feeding ecology of fin and humpback whales of New York and New England; and since 1995, the population dynamics of pinnipeds of NY. Through the use of photo-identification, Dr. Kopelman has been examining the site fidelity of harbor seals at Cupsogue Beach Park in Westhampton Beach, NY, since 2006. He received his Ph.D. in Biology in 1982 from The Graduate School and University Center of CUNY. Dr. Kopelman is a Full Professor of Science in the Department of Science and Mathematics, Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of NY.
In May 2010, Dr. Kopelman was appointed a Distinguished Service Professor by the State University of New York Board of Trustees. Distinguished Professorship is the highest honor conferred upon instructional faculty in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Dr. Kopelman is also president, co-founder and webmaster of the Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island and a director of Save the Great South Bay.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
With Phil White, Artist, Musician and Grandpa; John Taylor, Singer/Songwriter and Author. Have You Written a Song? We'd Love to Hear It…Bring Your Instruments.Join us for an afternoon with John Taylor on guitar, and Phil White on lead guitar, banjo, and harmonica, as they help us to explore some of the joyful aspects of songwriting. These two musicians have been performing together for over a decade at folk festivals, libraries, and house concerts, and are looking forward to sharing some time discussing the creative process of songwriting with you.
John Taylor is a songwriter and storyteller whose dominant theme is going home, whether it's a place here on earth, your inner self, or somewhere beyond our earthly dimension. In writing about his own journey, he hopes that you will connect with yours. John's novel, entitled, "The Forgiving Dream" is the first book in The Forgiving Dream Trilogy.
Phil White is a long term resident of Sea Cliff. Now retired, he has had a long career in advertising and commercial communication. He has also been a SAG/AFTRA actor. A life-long musician and painter, he now concentrates on teaching fretted and traditional instruments and leading musicians' jam sessions. More recently, he displayed seventeen of his paintings in the Golden Gallery at our own Glen Cove Senior Center.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
With Andrea Doering, Executive Editor, Revell Division of Baker Publishing Group. Whether you write for personal exploration, to record family memories, or want to pursue publishing your work, there are practices and resources that can help you do your best work. During this interactive session we'll discuss how to narrow your scope, get into the writing habit, and dispel some myths about the creative process, as well as go over basic publishing practices. Feel free to bring your questions, curiosity and passion, as Andrea helps us navigate some of the essential pointers for great writing.
Andrea is senior acquisition editor with Revell Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. She is the former editor-in-chief of Crossings Book Club. Her experiences also include academic publishing and book packaging. She holds an M.A. in English/Creative Writing from the University of Maine, and has published several children's books and short stories.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
With Author and Naturalist, John Turner. There is a Long Island that is so much more than housing developments, shopping malls, strip commercial centers, and industrial parks. It is an island that while providing homes for 2.8 million Nassau and Suffolk County residents, is also home for hundreds of other animals and plant species. During the lecture we'll introduce and get to know those species. John Turner's book, Exploring the Other Island is an invaluable guide to the natural wonders of Long Island. One of the area's premier naturalists, Turner takes us on a breathtaking tour of the natural wonders that surround us: birds, plants, animals, and more. If you spend any time outdoors, you won't want to be without it.
"I've long considered John Turner the expert of experts, the all-around most experienced, most knowledgeable, and most devoted person I know with regard to scientifically appreciating, lucidly explaining, and effectively helping protect this fish-shaped island.… There is no more companionable guide, no more insightful teacher.… And because many of the species he describes live elsewhere too, this book is useful over a wide swath of the coastal northeast".
-- Carl Safina, author and president, Blue Ocean Institute.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.