Shames JCC

Pop Culture Goes Multipolar
2025-05-19 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
We are all familiar with the term “economic globalization,” but less so with the term“cultural globalization,” or the degree to which pop culture has gone multipolar. Pop culture has become an important narrative through which we can understand the ever-changing landscape of world politics. Many older Americans grew up immersed in American culture only in our songs, TV shows, movies, and books. But today, we can access pop culture products from all over the world—which have challenged US pop culture dominance. Join us as we explore this transformation and its implications for global connectedness
About the facilitator: David Cheney is an international economics writer, instructor, and trainer for international and educational institutions. He has held a variety of positions at the International Monetary Fund and has provided communications and writing support for a number of multilateral institutions including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2025-05-20 12:30 - 13:30
Do you care for a family member with chronic illness or special needs? Join our conversation circle to connect with others in a similar situation. Whether you are responsible for a child with special needs, a spouse with cognitive or physical decline, or any other situation that fits, we welcome your participation. The group will be facilitated by longtime social worker, Joanne Reed. Coffee and tea will be served.

Voyages with Verve: Recoleta, Buenos Aires’ Most Storied Cemetery
2025-05-20 14:00 - 15:00
FREE for members and non-members, incl. light snack from the region
Join us live from La Boca, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, where art, architecture, and culture come together in bold and beautiful ways. Known for its colorful buildings and creative spirit, La Boca has long been a haven for artists, performers, and visionaries. From the vibrant murals of Caminito to the stories behind La Boca’s unique architectural style, this tour offers an inspiring look at one of Argentina’s most creative and expressive communities.

Verve Book Club: "Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon
2025-05-21 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Frozen River is a captivating historical novel set during Prohibition in the 1920s. It follows two women—one an immigrant, the other a wealthy socialite—as their lives intersect in a dangerous world of bootlegging and smuggling across the frozen St. Lawrence River. This gripping story explores themes of survival, resilience, and the complex bonds that form in times of crisis.

Puppy Cuddle with the SPCA (Children & Families only)
2025-05-21 17:15 - 17:45, 2025-05-21 17:45 - 18:15
Members: $12; non-members: $15
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, come take a paws to relax, recharge, and cuddle with adoptable puppies from the SPCA of Westchester! This experience is designed to promote well-being, reduce stress, and bring smiles—all through the healing power of animals.
All puppies at this event are available for adoption—come for the cuddles, maybe leave with a new best friend!
*All funds will be going to support the SPCA of Westchester.

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: A New World Order
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:15
Members: Free; non-members: $10
The Trump Administration is gutting the old world order, a democratic-capitalist system dominated by the US since after WWII. Instead he seems to be emulating the new Chinese order in opting for protectionism, subsidies, and authoritarian political control. What kind of new world order are we headed for and what can the west do to make it more sustainable and equitable?

JCC Book Club: "We Begin at the End" by Chris Whitaker
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:15
FREE for members and non-members
The story of a police chief whose childhood friend has returned from prison after 30 years is called by The New York Times “Part thriller, part bildungsroman, part Dickensian tear-jerker and — most startlingly — part western….” Join us to discuss a novel about two kinds of families―the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2025-05-23 11:30 - 12:30
FREE for members and non-members
Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter reaps many scientific benefits including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; a strengthened immune system; and much more. Laughter is initially stimulated as a physical exercise and soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Bring your playful spirit!
