Lectures and Learning
Ignite your curiosity and enrich your mind with our Lectures and Learning program! Dive into fascinating topics led by experts, expand your world, unravel history, and gain fresh perspectives. Whether you’re passionate about culture, knowledge, or meaningful conversation, our programs are designed to inspire and engage. Join us and become part of a vibrant community of lifelong learners.
Lectures
Music Lectures with Clint Edwards
Through rich recordings, fascinating stories, and heartfelt nostalgia, Clint Edwards brings to life the music and legends that defined a century.
Members $10 per lecture
Public $15 per lecture
Classical Music Series
Select Mondays
250 years of Classical Music in America – March 2 (Rescheduled) at 11 am
As we celebrate the 250th year of the founding of America, we’ll survey the long and important role classical music has played in our history.
Select Tuesdays in March
An in-depth look at how the director/choreographer Gower Champion crafted some of the most popular musicals of the 60s, 70s, and 80s such as Bye Bye Birdie, Hello, Dolly!, and 42nd Street.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
Select Mondays at 11 am
Dick Clark – May 4th
Connie Francis – May 18th
From Brooklyn to ‘Sweet Caroline: Exploring the life, legend, and lasting music of Neil Diamond.
Women of the Garment District
Monday, March 9 at 2 pm
The sewing machines are buzzing and the hot steamers are piping! Let’s dive into the history of the NYC Garment District from its early immigrant beginnings to the female fashion trailblazers of the 20th Century. Host Robbie Amodeo will explore the first forms of employment for women outside of the home including manufacturing, selling and design.
$10 Members • $15 Public
Understanding AI: How It Can Help, How to Use It, and What to Watch Out For
With Cybersecurity Expert, Manisha Agarwal-Shah
Friday, April 17 at 2 pm
This talk introduces Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clear, everyday terms, including what it is, where people already see it (like voice assistants, phones, and medical tools), and how it can make daily life easier. Important risks, including scams, misinformation, privacy concerns, and over-reliance on technology will be discussed. The goal is to build confidence, reduce fear, and empower members to use AI wisely, safely, and on their own terms.
Manisha Agarwal-Shah is the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at McAfee and supports educational and enrichment activities in her community.
Free for Members • $10 Public
The Fashion & Culture of the Borscht Belt
Monday, June 8 at 2 pm
Designer Robbie Amodeo takes us back to the history and the heyday of our beloved vacation destination. Fashion, music and the tummlers, oh boy! This a joyous presentation that celebrates the best of everything, or two, or three or four!
$10 Members • $15 Public
SPECIAL EVENT
Roommating with Author, Meredith Schorr
Monday, June 15 at 2 pm
“This forced-proximity romance is a cozy homage to intergenerational friendships, New York City, romance novel fandom, and grand gestures.” – Kirkus Reviews
Meredith writes romantic comedies and is the daughter of members, Susan Goodman and Michael Schorr.
Free for Members • $10 Public
Join a vibrant new book group dedicated to celebrating and supporting Jewish authors—and experience the thrill of having the author right there with you! On the day of each session, the featured author will be present for an intimate and engaging discussion, offering behind-the-scenes insight into their work.
Enjoy a little dessert as you connect with fellow readers in a warm, welcoming community. Together, we’ll explore compelling reads across a variety of genres and be part of a meaningful literary community unlike any other. Books available for purchase in advance through Adult Life.
Select Thursdays, 1 – 2 pm
Who Loves You Best with Author Marilyn Simon Rothstein
Thursday, May 14
When Jodi Wexler moves in to take care of her granddaughter, what ensues is a zany mix of too many grandmas and emotional family dynamics as the group navigates complicated issues together.
Members $15 | Public $22 The Lost Baker of Vienna with Author Sharon Kurtzman
Thursday, June 4
Chana Rosenzweig sneaks out most nights to return to the hotel kitchen where she works as a dishwasher, baking her late father’s recipes. Soon, she’s caught in a love triangle and we see how she struggles to balance her love of baking against her family’s need for security. This historical novel is inspired by the experiences of the author’s own family after the Holocaust.
Members $15 | Public $22 
The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto with Elizabeth Hyman
As we celebrate Bold Women in March, we’ll revisit the tale of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising during World War II. The book highlights the lives of five young, Polish Jewish women who helped lead the resistance, fight the Nazi regime and aid Jews in hiding across occupied Poland and Eastern Europe.
Big Red Books will be selling books at the event and you can also pre-purchase from their Nyack store or online.
$15 Members • $22 Public
The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto with Elizabeth Hyman
Neighborhood Author Series
The JCC partners with local authors who will come to spotlight their works and talk about their craft and writing process.
Widowhood and Other Altered States: Coming of Age at Seventy Plus by Jackie Guttman
Thursday, February 12 at 2 pm
This book is a wry look at the absurdities of living alone for the first time as a mature adult – a coming-of-age book for people who have already aged, and their younger friends.
Free to Members • $10 Public
Widowhood and Other Altered States: Coming of Age at Seventy Plus by Jackie Guttman
Health and Wellness
Understanding Advanced Directives, and Health Care Proxies
Wednesday, April 29 at 11 AM
Speaker: Sharlyn Serwatien
Director of Care Coordination
Westchester Medical Center Health Network
Western Region
Cannabis 101
Learning How It Can Support Your Health
Thursday, February 26 at 1:30 PM
In partnership with Rockland Cannabis Dispensary, come to a welcoming, judgment-free space to learn how cannabis may support wellness and help manage everyday discomfort. Together, we’ll explore how cannabis works in the body, the different ways it can be used, and how to make informed, thoughtful choices for your personal health journey.
Free to Members
Behind the Music
Insights from an Orchestra Librarian
Join veteran orchestra librarian John Perkel for an engaging, interactive discussion about the essential but little-known role of the orchestra librarian. With over 35 years of experience in major symphonies, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, John shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, complex challenges, and humorous moments—all while inviting audience participation in this informal, eye-opening session.
Thursday, April 30 at 2 pm
Free to Members • $10 Public
Director
Barbara Lerche
Director of Adult Life
845-362-4400 ext. 179
Program Coordinator
Julie Schneyer
Program Coordinator
845-362-4400 ext. 531
juliesc@jccrockland.org