Center for Creative Retirement

We offer more educational and fun classes, trips and workshops to keep you actively engaged.

How to Register

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Courses

All Aboard - Train Ride

Enjoy a fall ride on the Saratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway, a historic line originally built by The Adirondack Company in 1864 to connect Saratoga Springs to North Creek. Let us take you back in time and relax as you enjoy a leisurely excursion with some historical commentary on a  90 minute trip to Greenfield and back. Our group will have our own lounge car with leather barrel chairs and direct access to the partially-covered open air car, with picnic tables. We will pass marshes and swamps with beautiful views of the Southern Adirondacks as the leaves change colors. Don’t forget your binoculars. Snacks and drinks are available onboard or bring your own. Trains are not wheelchair accessible, but assistance is available for those who use walkers. One restroom is available during the ride and before you leave the station, there is a porta potty. Course fee includes a $30 materials fee.

Course will meet at 9 Railroad Place, Corinth, NY

Lea Darling, Coordinator

All Aboard - Train Ride
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/14
10:30 am - 12:30 pm		 ZCCR-866 500 42 seats left $45Opens 8/26

American Feudalism

Starting in the 1620s, the Dutch West India Company, in an attempt to encourage settlement in its North American colonies, established a system by which wealthy investors could buy land and titles in America, giving them special privileges to govern and collect tithes from people who settled on the land they had bought. This system, called the “patroonship system,” broadly resembled feudalism. Despite its ancient inspiration, however, the system managed to thrive in America for centuries, even outlasting colonialism itself. For more than 50 years after America severed its colonial ties to Europe, many New Yorkers continued to pay tithes to their quasi-feudal landlord, known as the “patroon.” This course will explore the origins of the patroonship system and its relationship with American independence. We will use this system as a lens through which to analyze the social and political culture of the early American republic, and study the ways in which it adapted, and later failed to adapt, to changing times.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Vincent Wolf, Instructor

American Feudalism
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 9/11
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZCCR-864 500 32 seats left $18Opens 8/26

American Mah Jongg - Intermediate Level

Learn American Mahjong strategy in this advanced beginner class. We will focus on how to choose a hand, what tiles to select during the Charleston, and when to pivot and what hand to pivot to, along with other playing strategies. We will also spend time playing Siamese (two-person) Mahjong. Students should already know the basics of how to play American Mahjong and have their own 2026 playing card.

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06

Julie Ann Price, Instructor

American Mah Jongg - Intermediate Level
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Fridays, 9/18 - 11/13
10:30 am - 12:30 pm		 ZSPI-170 500 16 seats left $85Opens 8/26

Armchair Walking Tour

Oldest Saratoga Neighborhood to the Track. Though it’s known for its casinos, race track and even its springs, Saratoga has always really been about its people. It welcomed all, from those who owned the grand mansions to those who cleaned the horses’ stalls. Join Victorian historian Hollis Palmer, Ph.D., as he takes you on a virtual Gilded Age tour, house by house, from the oldest neighborhood (Franklin Square) to the track (via Union Avenue), while learning about the families who built these beautiful homes. Enjoy this opportunity to learn the information you’d get on a walking tour while sitting in a comfortable chair.

Course will meet at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, NY

Hollis Palmer, Instructor

Armchair Walking Tour
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 9/14
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZCCR-791 500 30 seats left $30Opens 8/26

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Style

Celebrate Oktoberfest in grand style at the German American Club of Albany! Enjoy a delicious authentic German meal of wurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels and apple dapple cake. Then learn about the history and famous Oktoberfest traditions around the world and practice a German drinking song together. Course includes a $40 materials fee.

Course will meet at German American Club, 32 Cherry St., Albany, NY

Melinda Burns, Instructor

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Style
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 9/29
11:30 am - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-868 500 50 seats left $55Opens 8/26

Come Smell the Roses

Instructor Michele Peters, a certified floral designer and member of AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers), brings energy and her passion for flowers to this floral design class with a seasonal spin. Join us for a holiday-themed flower arrangement demonstration and lesson, with a little hands-on project at the end. You may be one of the lucky students who carries one of her creations home! Students who need to withdraw from class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Michele Peters, Instructor

Come Smell the Roses
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/29
9:30 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-859 500 30 seats left $35Opens 8/26

Coming to America: Furniture of the Pilgrim Period

This presentation will follow America’s early English-built houses through the 18th century, illustrated from their architectural details to their furnished interiors. We’ll see examples of early English architecture in the Americas, including the settlement of Roanoke Island, North Carolina in 1587, Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 and Plymouth Colony in 1620. The settlements will be fully explained and illustrated, and the models used for finished homes will showcase architectural styles and techniques, including Saxon cruck construction and Tudor and Elizabethan building methods. 

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor

Coming to America: Furniture of the Pilgrim Period
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/9
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZCCR-680 500 32 seats left $22Opens 8/26

Flip Side of History

Flip Side of History - Part II

This repeat presentation revisits some of the most incredible true stories ever told. Learn about why author Robert Louis Stevenson gave his birthday away, the three men who set sail for Africa to make a fortune in the illegal diamond trade, a man who lived like a millionaire for one day, and more! For more than thirty years, author and retired teacher Steve Silverman – host of the delightfully odd Useless Information Podcast – has been on a mission to dig up the strange, silly, and downright unbelievable stories that history has swept under the rug. Come join Steve as he brings some of his all-time favorites to life in a talk that’s guaranteed to entertain.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Steve Silverman, Instructor

Flip Side of History
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/16
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZCCR-745 500 32 seats left $15Opens 8/26

From Horse Rail to Mobility Hub

Join Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian and Director of the Hart Cluett Museum Kathy Sheehan for a journey through our county’s rich transportation history. Kathy’s illustrated discussion on the history of public transportation in Rensselaer County and the Capital Region will evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Kathy Sheehan, Instructor 

From Horse Rail to Mobility Hub
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 11/12
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-865 500 30 seats left $25Opens 8/26

George Washington's Travels

George Washington might have traveled the country more than any of our early leaders besides Adams and Jefferson. No automobiles, trains, or airplanes were available to him, just horses on bad roads and boats in all kinds of weather. Where did he go, when did he go, and why did he go? These are some of the questions we will explore as we follow his trips on maps provided in class.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Jim Sefcik, Instructor

George Washington's Travels
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/16
11:00 am - 1:00 pm		 ZCCR-856 500 32 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Getting Started With Your Family History

Genealogy, the study of family history, is a hobby that has grown in popularity with the ease of research on the internet, but with this ease also comes questions. How can you determine if what you are looking at is accurate? Does it really pertain to your family? Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will guide you through the process of how to get started, separate fact from fiction, and conduct reliable research that will be treasured by your family for generations to come. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Getting Started With Your Family History
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 9/17
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-656 500 30 seats left $18Opens 8/26

Gettysburg: Folks, Farms & Field Hospitals

The civilian and military heroics at Gettysburg remain a source of pride and amazement 163 years after the battle. The battle was all-encompassing, not only for the people, but also for the town and its environs. This presentation will talk about the townspeople of Gettysburg, featuring names we know, like Pierce, Wade, Shriver, and some we don’t. We’ll learn about the pivotal role of several farms in the ebb and flow of the combat, plus how they were transformed into field hospitals both during and after the fighting. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Jim Cochran, Instructor

Gettysburg: Folks, Farms & Field Hospitals
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/8
9:25 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-858 500 30 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Harney & Sons Factory Tour

Ever wonder how tea blending happens? Where do tea leaves come from? Are all tea leaves picked the same? What is yellow tea, pu-erh, oolong, etc.? Join us to learn! Established in 1983, Harney & Sons has developed a state-of-the-art tea blending process. We will walk through the entire process in their factory. After our tour, plan to visit the charming village of Millerton with its Harney gift shop, tea tasting room and small cafe, or enjoy independent small shops and eateries. Take a self-guided leisurely walk on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail before ending your visit. To do this tour, you must be able to walk up and down stairs, wear closed shoes, remove all jewelry including wedding rings/earrings, and wear a provided hair net throughout the tour. 

Course will meet at 5723 Route 22, Millerton, NY

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Harney & Sons Factory Tour
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 9/24
10:00 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-867 500 20 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Heroes of Irish Independence

Ireland’s people long yearned for their rightful spot among free nations, independent of foreign rule. While there are countless thousands of Irish men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in seeking their nation’s independence, there were a few who took a leadership role in attempts to achieve this admirable goal. This two-hour session presents a musical tribute to a few of the major leaders who contributed to the cause for Ireland’s freedom. Your host, Irish Don Kelly, will provide a brief overview of their stories, and will perform a tune that honors Ireland’s heroes. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Don Kelly, Instructor

Heroes of Irish Independence
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 9/24
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-731 500 30 seats left $18Opens 8/26

History of Underwear

This lecture covers what was considered the ideal woman’s figure as it evolved over a time frame of 1680 - 1900. What was considered the perfect body in 1680 was just the opposite by the end of the 19th century. While fashion certainly played a key role, it was the undergarments that shaped and supported everything; breasts, hips and waists were all treated in a variety of ways and depended upon underwear to achieve the right look.  This class will examine ladies’ undergarments in detail while explaining how they were the foundation for how clothing exaggerated different areas of anatomy from century to century. 

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor

History of Underwear
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/2
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZCCR-355 500 32 seats left $22Opens 8/26

Ice Harvesting History

Remember the days of the ice box? Electricity, pollution and the cost of labor have changed the way we use refrigeration, but the history remains. The ice trade was a 19th-century industry, centering on the east coast of the United States, involving the large-scale harvesting, transport and sale of natural ice for domestic consumption and commercial purposes. This presentation will offer a brief history of the ice trade’s development on the Hudson River and detail the process for harvesting, storage and delivery. We will then view a display of the ice industry in the museum. Course fee includes a $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at Watervliet Society Museum. 1501 First Ave., Watervliet, NY

Tom Ragosta, Instructor

Ice Harvesting History
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 10/5
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-647 500 32 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch

The Knickerbocker Historical Society will be our hosts as they tell us about the history and ghosts of the Knickerbocker Mansion, which dates from about 1770. They will arrange for historical “ghosts” to give moving firsthand accounts of their lives and experiences, and they will explain the renovations – the not-for-profit Society rescued the mansion from certain demolition and has continued to restore it. Our visit concludes with a chance to tour the mansion and a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion. Course fee includes $35 materials fee.

Course will meet at Knickerbocker Family Mansion, 132 Knickerbocker Rd., Schaghticoke, NY

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/7
10:30 am - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-137 500 29 seats left $50Opens 8/26

Know Your Car

Join us for a “Know Your Car” seminar designed specifically for retired adults, where you’ll gain confidence and practical knowledge about your vehicle in a friendly, low-pressure environment. This informative session covers essential topics such as understanding dashboard warning lights, checking fluids, proper tire maintenance, and basic troubleshooting tips to help keep you safe and independent on the road. Our experienced instructor will also answer common questions and can address new vehicle technologies, including hybrid/electric cars and advanced driver assist systems. Whether you drive every day or just occasionally, this seminar is a great opportunity to refresh your skills and stay road-ready.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 153 

Christopher McNally, Instructor

Know Your Car
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 11/6
11:30 am - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-825 500 20 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Whether you are a complete beginner or just need a refresher, join us in learning to play Mahjong. This fun mental exercise includes basic instruction and the opportunity to play with people of varying skill levels. 

Thursday class will not meet on 10/1

Friday class will not meet on 11/6

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06

Julie Ann Price, Instructor

Learn to Play Mah Jongg
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 9/17 - 11/12
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZSPI-119 500 12 seats left $85Opens 8/26
Fridays, 9/18 - 11/13
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZSPI-119 501 12 seats left $85Opens 8/26

Lucy Larcom: A New England Mill Girl

Lucy Larcom, later to become a noted poet and educator, began her working life in a New England textile factory in the 1830s. The Industrial Revolution transformed life in America for workers and consumers; as a young mill worker, Lucy’s tales are a prime example of the working and living conditions many young female “operatives” experienced in the early days of industrialization. With props and hands-on activities for the audience, instructor Phyllis Chapman, as Larcom, illustrates “the American System” of manufacturing; the transformation of raw materials into a finished product under one roof, how the structure of a mill divided up a complex process into simple functions, and the experience of the worker as a cog in “the great machine” of a mill. She also explains how factory work ultimately led to educational opportunities and expanded roles for young women in 19th century America.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor 

Lucy Larcom: A New England Mill Girl
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/7
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-280 500 30 seats left $30Opens 8/26

Meet the Legendary John Morrissey

Led by storyteller and author Sandy Schuman, this class will explore the captivating life and times of the legendary John Morrissey, the founder of the Saratoga Race Course. A Troy resident, Morrissey was an Irish immigrant from Tipperary who remarkably rose from violent street brawls to the highest echelons of political power. Making headlines from coast to coast, his extraordinary journey cut across immigrant running, voter fraud, gang riots, politics, and illegal gambling, prizefighting, and horse racing. With a presentation including more than 150 images, we will uncover the origins of his nickname, “Old Smoke;” delve into his rise as the heavyweight champion of America; investigate his complex association with Tammany Hall; and follow his dramatic ascent to congressman and state senator. Finally, we will explore his creation of the iconic Saratoga Race Course, a bold move that cemented his lasting legacy in American sports history, before recounting the details of his tragic and untimely death in Saratoga Springs at age 47.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Sandy Schuman, Instructor 

Meet the Legendary John Morrissey
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/14
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-857 500 30 seats left $27Opens 8/26

Meneely Bell Foundry's 200th Anniversary

Come learn about the Meneely Bell Foundry of West Troy (Watervliet), the most successful bell foundry in America! Kim and Melinda Burns, son and daughter-in-law of bell historian Eugene Burns, will share amazing stories based on 75 years of bell research. More than 75,000 bells were shipped around the world, and this session will also highlight many of their journeys. Participants will have the opportunity to play a Meneely chimola and ring a Meneely bell! Course includes a $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at Watervliet Society Museum. 1501 First Ave., Watervliet, NY

Kim & Melinda Burns, Instructors

Meneely Bell Foundry's 200th Anniversary
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 9/21
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-869 500 50 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Molly Brant - Between Two Worlds

Molly Brant was born in 1736 in Canajoharie, New York. She was called “Gonwatsijayenni”, meaning “someone lends her a flower.” Her parents were Mohawk, one of the Six Nations. At 18, she met Sir William Johnson, the most influential man in the Mohawk Valley; they fell in love, and, though they never married, had eight children together. Sir William, his family, and Molly’s brother were Loyalists during the Revolutionary War and she remained devoted to the English cause, placing her on the losing side of the conflict. While remembered in Canada as a hero, honored with monuments, plaques, and postage stamps, she is nearly forgotten in America, and no portrait of her was ever commissioned. This presentation brings Molly Brant back to life through descriptions of her beauty, strength of character, devotion to family, and compassion for her people, who suffered after siding with the English. In the homes she shared with Sir William, she set tables with fine crystal and porcelain and dressed in lace-trimmed silk gowns, but for everyday life, she returned to her Mohawk clothing; many illustrations will showcase this. Historical photographs of women from similar backgrounds will also help recreate Molly’s image. The presentation also highlights the Native American perspective of the war and how Molly Brant saved many women and children from certain death.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor

Molly Brant - Between Two Worlds
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 9/18
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZCCR-845 500 32 seats left $22Opens 8/26

More Stories from the Flip Side of History

More Stories from the Flip Side of History - Part VII

Get ready for an all-new collection of incredible true stories! If you enjoy hearing about ordinary people who have done out-of-the-ordinary things, then this is the class for you. For more than thirty years, author Steve Silverman, host of the Useless Information Podcast, has been uncovering some of history’s strangest, most fascinating long-forgotten stories.  Join Steve as he presents a fresh batch of his favorites. They are sure to make you laugh, gasp, and wonder why no one ever told you these stories before!

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Steve Silverman, Instructor

More Stories from the Flip Side of History
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 9/25
10:30 am - 12:30 pm		 ZCCR-755 500 32 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Mrs. JJ Brown Survivor of the Titanic

Margaret Brown, or “Mrs. JJ Brown,” as she preferred to be addressed, has been described as a feisty Westerner, a rather “common” woman who survived the Titanic disaster, but there was much more to this remarkable and adventurous lady. Tales of her flamboyant lifestyle and world travels have superseded her participation in numerous public causes and in addressing social issues, including juvenile delinquency, public appreciation for the arts, and women’s suffrage. During the disaster, she remained calm and resourceful, urging others to act swiftly and remain positive. Long afterward, she chaired a Titanic Survivors Committee for the rest of her busy life. Instructor Phyllis Chapman leads the audience on an in-depth tour of the “Ship of Dreams,” its passengers and its crew as Mrs. JJ Brown in this class.

Course will meet at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, NY

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor

Mrs. JJ Brown Survivor of the Titanic
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/20
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZCCR-264 500 50 seats left $30Opens 8/26

Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment

Historic Cherry Hill is a historic house museum in Albany, NY, and the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family from 1787-1963. In 1827, a murder occurred at the Cherry Hill farm, home of the well-known Van Rensselaer family. The crime aroused tremendous public interest, and the subsequent trial culminated in the last public hanging in Albany. Although it appeared to be a crime of passion, it uncovered some simmering issues of the day, including women’s roles and legal rights, social class, punishment and the law, as well as slavery in New York. Hear the words of those involved in the crime and decide who you think was guilty or innocent. 

 Please dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear comfortable shoes. Inside, the tour will take participants up and down two flights of stairs; outside, participants will walk over some uneven ground. Course fee includes a $15 materials fee.

Course will meet at Historic Cherry Hill, 523 ½ South Pearl St. Albany; located between First and McCarty Avenues.

Cherry Hill Staff, Coordinator

Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/23
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm		 ZCCR-736 500 14 seats left $30Opens 8/26
Saturday, 10/24
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm		 ZCCR-736 501 14 seats left $30Opens 8/26

Norman Rockwell Presentation

If you remember the Saturday Evening Post, then you don’t want to miss this class. Come and learn about Norman Rockwell‘s life and art during this presentation, which will explore the background and history of the artist, his family, his schooling, his teachers, mentors and illustrators, his painting approaches, his most iconic works, his personal life, and the way his work ties into American culture, as well as the history of the Norman Rockwell Museum. We’ll also learn about the people who appeared on his famous Saturday Evening Post covers and explain how and why he chose his models. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Dan Carubia, Instructor

Norman Rockwell Presentation
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 11/4
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-684 500 30 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Notorious! Shady Ladies of 19th Century America

Some people would rather be infamous than famous – and 19th century American women were no different! Scandal and gossip can be so delicious, and these ladies tasted their fair share of both. Phyllis Chapman appears in costume as Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States, to delight not only with her own scandalous escapades, but also those of other unconventional 19th century ladies. Victoria, Calamity Jane, Belle Starr, Lizzie Borden, Lydia Pinkham, and Carry A. Nation did as they pleased and didn’t worry about propriety. In the days when a lady’s name only appeared in the newspapers three times in her life, these gals were frequent headliners. If you like gun-swinging, bone-crackling, axe-whacking, free-loving women, this is a must see for you! 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor 

Notorious! Shady Ladies of 19th Century America
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/28
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-505 500 30 seats left $30Opens 8/26

Parker Dunn: A Boy, His Bravery & a Bridge

More than 35,000 motorists drive over the Dunn Memorial Bridge each weekday, heading to their jobs in Albany or home to the suburbs beyond the City of Rensselaer. It’s a safe bet that few, if any, of the commuters who cross the bridge know anything about the person for whom it is named. Who was Parker Francis Dunn? Where was this young man from? Why is this span over the Hudson River named for him? This presentation includes many photos of Parker Dunn, from a toddler to a young man, and images of the bridge before, during and after construction. Presenter Mark Bodnar will enlighten you on local history that’s been lost to today’s world and will reveal the life and bravery of a young hero who most only know today for the bridge that bears his name.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Mark Bodner, Instructor

Parker Dunn: A Boy, His Bravery & a Bridge
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/21
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-862 500 30 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Senior Exercise Class

Over the course of an hour, students in this class for seniors will work on 18 exercises grouped in three modalities in ascending order of difficulty. Students will be provided with a sheet listing the exercises to use at homeas part of a daily routine and will need to bring their own mat and one- or two-pound hand weights to class.

Course will be held in Brahan Hall, Room 114

Ihor Evanick, Instructor

Senior Exercise Class
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesdays, 10/6 - 11/24
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZREC-133 500 12 seats left $35Opens 8/26

Strolling Through Round Lake

Travel along with longtime resident Scott Rigney, village historian, as he describes the founding of Round Lake, along with the history of its National Historic Landmark Ferris Tracker Organ, and enjoy a stroll along the village streets. Find out where the famous 1847 Ferris Tracker organ came from, why the streets are arranged in a hub and spoke pattern, what the term “camp houses” means, and what Victorian architecture looks like. You will be waking on even and uneven surfaces for up to a mile; wear appropriate footwear and be prepared to stand for up to an hour and a half. Some folks may want to bring a small folding chair. Dress for the weather, as we have walked in the rain. 

This class will begin at the Round Lake Auditorium, 2 Wesley Ave., in the center of the village. Parking is at Leah’s Cakery, 3 Curry Road in the Zim Smith Rail to Trail parking lot, with an additional parking lot across from Round Lake Methodist Church, 34 George Ave. Participants, give yourself time to park and walk to the auditorium, which is five to six minutes away. Course includes $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at Round Lake Auditorium, 2 Wesley Ave, Round Lake, NY

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Strolling Through Round Lake
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 9/22
9:30 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-298 500 20 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Terrific Trees

Learn how to identify several of the trees most commonly found on the Rensselaer Plateau, as well as the different adaptations used by trees and their importance to wildlife and the ecosystem, while exploring the property at Dyken Pond to visit unique specimens. Leave with a better understanding of trees and why they grow in different ways. 

Course will meet at at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center 475 Dyken Pond Rd.

Josh Pulito, Instructor

Marie D'Entrone, Coordinator

Do Not Follow Your Car GPS- Some GPS units are directing people to the east side of the lake, which is 25 minutes from the Center. Please follow the directions below.

Directions: From East on Route 2. Watch for Tamarac School on the left and Tamarac Plaza on the right. Go 1.5 miles. Watch for Dyken Pond sign on the right. Turn right onto Route 79 (Blue Factory Rd). Go two miles. Turn left at Dyken Pond sign onto Route 80 (Madonna Lake Rd). Bear right at fork (Jay Hakes Rd. is to the left). Bear right at Dyken Pond sign onto Dyken Pond Rd. (go straight instead of following the turn). Continue 2.5 miles. Dyken Pond Road is a dirt road, go to the end.

From Points West, follow Route 7 east from Troy. Continue approximately 4 miles. Turn right at traffic light onto Route 278. Continue until the end. At traffic light, turn left onto Route 2, you will see Tamarac School and Plaza. Follow directions above.

From Points East: From Route 22, follow Route 2 west. You will pass the blinking light in the town of Grafton. Approximately 0.5 mile from there, look for the white Methodist Church on the left. Turn left at the church onto County Route 85 and continue for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Route 80 (Madonna Lake Rd). After 0.8 miles, turn left at the sign.

Terrific Trees
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/13
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm		 ZCCR-557 500 14 seats left $30Opens 8/26

The Best of Oakwood

Opened in 1850, Oakwood Cemetery in Troy was one of the first rural cemeteries in the country, with serpentine roads, beautifully sculpted monuments, and lovely landscaping. Our tour will begin in the magnificent Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel, a National Historic Landmark filled with Victorian splendor at every turn, from the marble floors and onyx columns to the dazzling, stained glass windows by Tiffany and Armstrong. We’ll enjoy a walk through the cemetery, stopping along the way to hear an interesting variety of stories about some of Oakwood’s “residents.” There will be accounts of heroics, tragic deaths, gravestone symbolism and more. We will visit the grave of Uncle Sam and pause to see the panoramic overlook of the Hudson River valley, passing a waterfall and the double ponds before returning to the main road for the conclusion of our tour. This slow-paced walk is a 1.5-mile loop on mainly level, paved roads with one dirt road and one or two slight inclines. A restroom at the chapel will be available before and after the walk. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes. You might want to bring bottled water as well. Course fee includes $20 materials fee.

Course will meet at Oakwood Cemetery, 186 Oakwood Ave. Troy, NY (You can park near the chapel or in the circle by the flagpole)

Heidi Norton Klinowski, Instructor,

Paula Johannessen, Coordinator

The Best of Oakwood
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 9/14
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm		 ZCCR-600 500 29 seats left $35Opens 8/26

The Dick Van Dyke Show

October 2026 will mark the 65th anniversary of the debut of The Dick Van Dyke Show. Come join us and step back in time to the 1960s for a visit to New Rochelle with Rob and Laura Petrie as we celebrate the endurance of this classic television sitcom. Created and produced by comedy legend Carl Reiner, this series continues to entertain generations of fans due to its brilliant writing and the stellar casting of Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Larry Mathews, and Richard Deacon. The class presentation will commemorate this anniversary milestone by recalling and discussing some favorite moments from the show through the lens of local Dick Van Dyke Show historian and archivist David Van Deusen. Van Deusen will share video clips, rare photographs, and behind-the-scenes stories regarding the production of the show, as well as recount his personal experiences meeting and becoming friends with the various cast members.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

David Van Deusen, Instructor 

The Dick Van Dyke Show
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/15
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-860 500 30 seats left $15Opens 8/26

The Dollar Princess

Consuelo Vanderbilt was the most well-known of a group of more than 450 young American women who were known as “Dollar Princesses” during America’s Gilded Age (1870s -1914), a period of huge economic growth that led to the creation of America’s first multimillionaires. These millionaires could afford anything money could buy, but not royal titles, which could only be attained by marrying into European royal families. Several marriages were arranged between daughters of American millionaire families and sons of European royalty, including Consuelo’s. This class explores her life, from her miserable childhood and being married against her will at 18 to the strength she found in her independence by age 25. It will also illustrate her many homes, fashion, philanthropy work and family members, including Commodore Corneilus Vanderbilt, the Spencers, and the Churchills.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor

The Dollar Princess
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 9/25
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZCCR-855 500 32 seats left $22Opens 8/26

The Saugerties Lighthouse

Join us at the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 landmark on the Hudson River that now stands proudly as a living museum and a renowned bed and breakfast. Step back in time more than a hundred years to experience the charm and rustic simplicity of life in the middle of the river. The Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of the public. The restored red-brick lighthouse offers overnight bed and breakfast accommodations, public tours, and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen,  keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light tower offers a panoramic view of the 

Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains. Because of its location on the river, tours must be scheduled with tide schedules in mind. The lighthouse can be reached via a half-mile nature trail of dirt and rock paths with wooden bridges and boardwalks and sandy trails. It is at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties, New York. Suitable, comfortable shoes are recommended as it is a short walk to the lighthouse. Course fee includes $10 materials fee

Course will meet at the 168 Lighthouse Road, Saugerties, NY

Saugerties Lighthouse Staff, Coordinator

The Saugerties Lighthouse
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/15
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-337 500 20 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Tiffany Treasures of Troy

Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) is probably the most well-known artist and designer from the creative Aesthetic Movement and Art Nouveau periods of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His company’s contributions to the decorative arts through his use of his trademarked Favrile glass remain unparalleled. The Tiffany Studios in Queens produced lamps and lighting, glassware, jewelry, and of course, stained glass windows, both sacred and secular. Troy, one of the wealthiest cities in the country at the time, has one of the world’s largest collections of Tiffany windows. They are in churches, private homes, cemeteries and civic buildings. Join architectural historian Suzanne Spellen for this virtual tour featuring some of the great Tiffany treasures Troy has to offer. Course includes a $10 materials fee.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Suzanne Spellen, Instructor

Tiffany Treasures of Troy
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 9/23
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-426 500 30 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Time Travel with History & Star Trek

Step into the past—and leap into the future—in this unique dual program experience. 

Part I - Discover the Past: Explore the rich and fascinating history of the Town of East Greenbush with historian Bobbie Reno, whose deep research and storytelling bring local heritage to life.

Part II - Celebrate the Future: Mark the 60th anniversary of Star Trek with a special presentation featuring Bobbie Reno’s personal collection of Star Trek memorabilia, with a focus on Spock and Leonard Nimoy. A must-see for fans and history lovers alike.  

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Bobbie Reno, Instructor

Time Travel with History & Star Trek
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 9/30
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-863 500 30 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Tour Proctors Collaborative Scene Shop

This is a unique opportunity to learn how Broadway or off-Broadway shows are first conceived. The first step for all show producers is to create a script for the storyline and then to hire a creative staff that envision a world or setting. The setting is not just the narrative of the production, but a narrative of the space needed, which translates the storyline and point of view of the work. The production staff then bids out the work to people who will actualize the design. A scene shop’s work begins in a bid process, figuring out how to make this vision a reality. The class will be introduced to Obadiah Savage, the scene shop director, who will lecture and demonstrate his work by using plans, drafts and other methods of communication used by designers to build a set and ensure the success of a work. He will also discuss common issues like rigging, electrical concerns, flame retardancy and other potential safety problems and consequences of an accident happening in front of a live audience. Then, the tour will move into their fabrication space to look at instances of problem solving, and into their warehouse to view the prop and scenery inventory. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions and will be encouraged to continue the dialogue with the staff even after the class ends.

Course will meet at Scene Shop, 611 Rotterdam Industrial Park, Building 6, Bay 1, Schenectady, NY 12306

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor 

Tour Proctors Collaborative Scene Shop
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 9/9
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZCCR-827 500 20 seats left $29Opens 8/26

Tour Troy's Private Washington Park with a Light Lunch

Take a step back in time to the mid-1800s to see and experience the genteel living of the nouveau rich of Troy’s Washington Park and surrounding neighborhoods. We will see firsthand the loving care taken to rehabilitate and update many of these one-of-a-kind 19th century homes and explore their own private park. We’ll see many types of architecture, including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne, and may even see a restoration in progress at one of the homes. We’ll start with a visit to St. John’s Episcopal Church for a presentation on their Tiffany treasures and to explore their Memorial Garden, and a light lunch will be held in the last home we visit on the tour. There will be lots of walking on mostly uneven surfaces: sidewalks, grass, roads, and some home interiors with multiple flights of stairs. Be mindful of your capabilities to keep up with the group, as we have a tight schedule to adhere to for the two-hour tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be on your feet for all of the tour. Dress for the outdoors, rain or shine this time of year. Course fee includes $25 materials fee.

Course will meet at 146 1st Street, Troy, in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church where the tour begins. Parking lot directly across from the church.

Lynn Kopka, Instructor

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Tour Troy's Private Washington Park with a Light Lunch
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/2
9:30 am - 12:30 pm		 ZCCR-329 500 20 seats left $40Opens 8/26

Tour of County Waste Single Stream Recycling Plant

How does Single Stream Recycling (SSR) work? Come find out the answers and see the workings of this busy facility. SSR makes recycling easier because there is no separating for you. SSR is also better for the environment, with less going into the landfill and more to be reused. But sometimes objects get recycled which shouldn’t, and once you learn what these are, you will make the workers’ jobs a lot easier. Before our walking tour, we will see a short informative video with discussion. Close-toed shoes, long pants and dressing for outside temperatures is a must, as the garage doors will be open. You will be issued a hard hat, safety glasses, earplugs (optional), and a safety vest that must be worn while on the tour. Be prepared for walking up and down several levels of open stairs while on the tour. If you have a sensitivity to smells, they have disposable masks you can wear, but you may want to reconsider this tour. Parking is at the plant, 865 South Pearl St., Albany. Off South Pearl St., look for Binghamton St. (Leadpoint sign); turn onto it and make a quick left into the red brick building parking lot to green awning office sign to the right, where you will enter.

Course will meet at 865 South Pearl St., Albany

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Tour of County Waste Single Stream Recycling Plant
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 10/5
10:00 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-568 500 14 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Visit the BASF Environmental Educational Classroom and Wildlife Habitat

Join us to walk the trails at the BASF Wildlife Habitat and Environmental Education Classroom in Rensselaer. This former industrial brownfield has been converted into a wildlife habitat that promotes growth of indigenous plants that provide foraging and nesting for a wide variety of animals; a way station for migratory birds; and a freshwater wetland area to provide a habitat for aquatic species, amphibians and reptiles. Bird watchers, bring your binoculars! We’ll learn about the construction process of the sustainably-designed green educational classroom, and lunch will be provided!

Course will meet at BASF Environmental Education Classroom, 70 Riverside Avenue, Rensselaer, NY

Fran Pilato & Jim Cochran, Instructors 

Visit the BASF Environmental Educational Classroom and Wildlife Habitat
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 9/25
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-526 500 35 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Visit to Burden Iron Works Museum

The Burden Iron Works Museum highlights the industrial heritage of the Hudson-Mohawk region. The museum features exhibits and artifacts representing major local industries such as iron, bell casting, textiles and precision instruments, among others. A stationary steam engine and several bells are the largest displays inside the museum, while a number of artifacts are arranged on the museum grounds. The museum’s executive director will begin the program with an overview of the region’s industrial history, with a special focus on the contributions of Henry Burden. Participants will then have the opportunity to experience the museum’s displays at their own pace, with docents available to answer questions. Course includes $10 materials fee. 

1 Session, Meet at Burden Iron Works Museum, 1 East Industrial Parkway, Troy, NY

Michele Doodian, Coordinator

Visit to Burden Iron Works Museum
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 11/5
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-530 500 19 seats left $25Opens 8/26

Who was Benedict Arnold?

Do you really know the backstory of America’s infamous traitor? Almost all of us have in one way or another heard various stories about what kind of general Benedict Arnold was in Washington’s army and how he chose to go over to the British, but did you know that there are many who feel that his country betrayed him before he betrayed America? This presentation will discuss his early family years, his foray into the military, and those individuals who had significant influence on the disastrous decision that sealed his fate. The narrative of the general’s life unfolds like a poignant tapestry, interwoven with the threads of his early family years that shaped his character and aspirations. His military journey, marked by a series of bold decisions and pivotal moments, reflects both his dedication to service and the weight of responsibility he felt towards his nation. Influential figures along the way played crucial roles in guiding his path, reinforcing his commitment to duty while simultaneously instilling a sense of loyalty that would later be tested. Ultimately, the profound feelings of betrayal he experienced serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in loyalty and sacrifice, illustrating how even those who serve with honor can find themselves at odds with the very ideals they once upheld. This multifaceted exploration not only deepens our understanding of one man’s journey but also invites reflection on broader themes of allegiance, trust, and the sometimes-painful realities of serving one’s country.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Bill Remia, Instructor

Who was Benedict Arnold?
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 11/19
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-848 500 30 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Why the Wright Brothers Were Successful

This class will discuss the history of flight, the pursuit of which began very early in the 19th century, and describe what allowed the Wright Brothers to succeed. It only took them four short years between testing their first model kite in 1899 to designing, building, and demonstrating their Wright Flyer in 1903. By 1902, they had already made hundreds of safe flights without experiencing any unexplainable upset during flight. The Wright Brothers always believed that the engine was going to be mere “icing on the cake,” simply providing the thrust to propel their already-proven glider design. Come learn about the history and engineering behind why their design worked. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

John Tolbert, Instructor

Why the Wright Brothers Were Successful
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/1
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-861 500 30 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Wild Tails of Albany Animals

Wild Tails of Albany Animals - Part 2, back by popular demand! The City of Albany is WILD! Maeve McEneny-Johnson of Discover Albany will share stories of Albany’s long-time love of furry and feathered friends, big and small. She will also uncover many creatures in the form of carvings and statues hidden in plain sight. We will revisit favorite animals from last session, including Owney the Railway Mail Dog and our beloved Nipper, but there will be new creative creature stories to uncover as well.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Maeve McEneny-Johnson, Instructor

Wild Tails of Albany Animals
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 9/16
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-851 500 30 seats left $22Opens 8/26

Woman of Schuyler Mansion

Born and raised in Albany, the five Schuyler sisters were the daughters of Revolutionary War General and United States Senator Philip Schuyler and his wife Catherine Van Rensselaer, of patroon lineage. Coming of age during the country’s formative years, the sisters lived in a pivotal time in history. George and Martha Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Benedict Arnold, Horatio Gates, and Dolley Madison were just a few of their friends, associates, and adversaries. In this class, learn what it was like growing up as a Schuyler with an in-depth look at the history of the Schuyler sisters and the life of their mother, Catherine. Hear about their daily lives and their role in shaping their family’s story. This talk also explores the experience of the women enslaved by the Schuylers, as well as an inside peek at the process of uncovering their untold stories.

Course will meet at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, NY

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Woman of Schuyler Mansion
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 9/18
10:00 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-513 500 100 seats left $18Opens 8/26

Get in Touch

Office of Workforce Development and Community Education

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Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 334
(518) 629-7339

Fax: (518) 629-8103

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding college holidays and vacations)