Leisure and Special Interest
Try a new hobby or just learn something new with our wide range of special interest courses!
How to Register
- Register online by selecting "Add to Cart" on the desired course(s) and select "Cart" at the bottom of the page when you are ready to checkout.
- The “Seats Left” information is updated every half hour and when you checkout.
- Other registration options are available.
Don’t see the course you are looking for below? Sign up to get updates and news about upcoming classes.
Courses
- Advanced Paranormal Research
- Be Kind to Animals
- Be Your Own Life Coach
- Citizen Science
- Composting & Worm Composting at Home
- International Trip Info Session
- Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
- New York State Safe Boating
- Power Tools 101
- Prohibition Booze
- Solar Power at Your House
- Sustainable Landscaping & Ecological Design
- The Complete Martini Course
- Travel Planning Made Easy
- Unplug & Recharge with Horses
- Wines of Romeo & Juliet
Advanced Paranormal Research
The purpose of this course is to provide advanced information and knowledge of the methods, tools, and approach to create a professional paranormal team and become a paranormal investigator/researcher. This course goes in depth into all the things necessary to prepare yourself and/or your team to conduct a professional paranormal investigation, including detailed information on spiritual protection techniques, using divining rods, using advanced audio and video software for evidence review, conducting location research, and much more. There will be two off-site investigations, one at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady and one at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga. The prerequisite to this course is having taken Jack Kenna’s Paranormal Research 101 course. Course fee includes a $80 materials fee.
Class will meet 3/12 -5/7
No class 3/19, 4/16 & 4/30
Off-site investigations on Monday 4/14
Course will be held in Administration Building, Room 104
Jack Kenna, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 3/12 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Monday, 4/14 7:00 pm - 10:55 pm Monday, 4/28 7:00 pm - 10:55 pm |
ZSPI-272 600 | 16 seats left | $169 | Opens 1/22 |
Be Kind to Animals
Teach your children, your friends and your community to be kind to animals. This class will address safety around animals, how to understand their body language, kind vs. cruel treatment, shelters and rescues, the history of human relationships with animals, and jobs with animals. This is a one day online course.
Online Course
Maria Genovesi, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 2/26 - 2/26 | ZSPI-325 600 | 20 seats left | $24 | Opens 1/22 |
Be Your Own Life Coach
This course will help you to explore so many ways that you can become your own, best life coach! Topics will include Self Analysis and Goal Setting, Incorporating Health and Wellness into your everyday, Stress Management, Time Management, Improving your Listening/ Communication Skills, and Motivating You! Reflect, Refresh and learn how to be your own best coach through life! This course is available through Brightspace D2L. You will need your Hudson Valley username and password to access the course.
This is an online course in Brightspace D2L.
Danielle Blesi, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 4/8 - 4/28 | ZSPI-291 600 | 15 seats left | $49 | Opens 1/22 |
Citizen Science
This course would cover the history of citizen science projects and their usefulness in many areas of science. Citizen science is research conducted with participation from the general public. Essentially, it is regular people going out and collecting data that scientists can use to learn more about our natural world. In this class, we will learn about many of the ways citizen science has been used over the last 30-plus years and what it has accomplished. We will also explore some of the many projects out there that you might find interesting and discuss how to become involved yourself.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Susan DiFranzo, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 3/11 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-327 600 | 24 seats left | $27 | Opens 1/22 |
Composting & Worm Composting at Home
Are you curious about composting, but don’t know where to start? Are you a veteran composter, but looking for different perspectives? Come and learn the simple science and practice behind traditional forms of composting, and also vermicomposting – using worms to create a rich soil amendment. There are many options available, even systems that work in the smallest apartments. This workshop will include a live worm farm demonstration, Q&A session, and some great discussion!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley of Sunray Sustainability, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 2/25 5:45 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-287 600 | 24 seats left | $32 | Opens 1/22 |
International Trip Info Session
Visit Ireland this spring!
Join us to learn more about this ten night tour of Ireland from May 20 - May 30, 2025. The tour includes visits to Dublin, Killarney, Cork and Galway.
The information session will be remote via zoom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 1/22 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
ZSPI-334 600 | 16 seats left | $0 |
Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
Unravel the mystery and majesty of mushrooms! Discover the possibilities of a mycelium-based future! Learn how to find and identify fungi in the wild! If any of these exclamations interest you, then this course is for you. Suggested reading: “National Audubon Society Field Guide to Mushrooms” ISBN 978-0-394-51992-0.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Avery Stempel of Collar City Mushrooms, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays, 3/24 - 4/14 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
ZSPI-260 600 | 20 seats left | $37 | Opens 1/22 |
New York State Safe Boating
New York State requires certain boat operators to have a boating safety certificate. All individuals born on or after May 1, 1996 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Additionally, operators of any age (14 or older) that wish to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) are required to complete a boater education course. For more information, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Michael Cannistraci, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays, 3/31 - 4/7 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-019 600 | 24 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/22 |
Power Tools 101
In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of hand power tools every DIY enthusiast and handy person should know! We’ll dive into the essential tools of the trade, including the drill, impact driver, jig saw, multi-tool, and circular saw. We will explore the revolutionary technology behind brushless tools and how they outperform their regular counterparts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your toolset, join us as we demystify battery-powered hand tools, learn the best practices, and discover the advantages of investing in brushless technology.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley of Sunray Sustainability, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 3/11 5:45 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-303 600 | 24 seats left | $32 | Opens 1/22 |
Prohibition Booze
What is bathtub gin? We’ll make it. How do you turn moonshine into whiskey? We’ll do it. How do you run the largest brewery on the east coast in the middle of Manhattan and never get caught? We’ll show you. How do you make wine from desiccated grapes? We’ll explain. This class explores the fun and dirty side of Prohibition, from hip flasks to medicinal alcohol prescriptions and from Owney Madden to Dutch Schultz to Legs Diamond. We’ll drink the wines, whiskies, and beers of Prohibition. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in WILL, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays, 4/24 - 5/1 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-330 600 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/22 |
Solar Power at Your House
This class will answer all the questions about putting solar on your house that solar companies won’t tell you. Is there any truth to the ridiculous ads you see online about everything being free? Do you still have power when the power goes out? Does New York pay you to go solar? Cut through the nonsense with this informative class geared towards homeowners who are curious about solar power but don’t know who to trust.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Jesse Ryan, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 3/3 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-326 600 | 20 seats left | $27 | Opens 1/22 |
Sustainable Landscaping & Ecological Design
This workshop will dive into designing and developing outdoor space in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way by utilizing ecological design. The primary focus will be on landscaping at the home scale in a way that focuses on soil health, native and beneficial plants, biodiversity, water efficiency, and conserving resources. You can design landscapes that not only reflect your unique vision, but also contribute positively to the health of the planet!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley of Sunray Sustainability, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 3/4 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-289 600 | 24 seats left | $32 | Opens 1/22 |
The Complete Martini Course
James Bond may be responsible for this classic cocktail’s long endurance, but the fact is that the Martini has been with us for a very long time. Shaken or stirred? Vodka or gin? Is vermouth needed or verboten? Dirty? Fruity? From the purist’s point of view to modern day twists (such as the cosmopolitan and others), this will be the history of vodka, gin, and one of the world’s most famous cocktails. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in WILL, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays, 4/10 - 4/17 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-329 600 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/22 |
Travel Planning Made Easy
This condensed, yet comprehensive, three-hour course is designed to demystify the process of planning your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway or a months-long expedition, this course will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to plan your trip efficiently and effectively. From destination selection to budgeting and packing, each module is packed with practical tips and actionable advice to streamline your travel planning experience. Come to class with a future trip ready to plan or just a dream of where you may want to go!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Abigail Cavazos, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 2/26 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-301 600 | 20 seats left | $27 | Opens 1/22 |
Unplug & Recharge with Horses
Always feeling frazzled, fatigued, and drained by the end of the day? You’re not alone! Burnout is at an all-time high and has recently been recognized as an official medical diagnosis. This class is a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature to find inner calm amid all of life’s demands. Join us in the arena for a transformative experience with horses that will leave you feeling relaxed and recharged. You’ll learn strategies for minimizing stress to regain energy, purpose, and passion, at work and in life. No riding and no horse experience necessary.
Course will meet at 148 Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort, NY
Katie Navarra, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 5/6 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
ZSPI-281 600 | 10 seats left | $135 | Opens 1/22 |
Wines of Romeo & Juliet
“Romeo and Juliet” is perhaps Shakespeare’s best known and most performed play. The action takes place in Verona, Italy, one of the key cities in the Veneto region. The class will sample wines such as Prosecco, whites such as Soave, Gambellara, Tocai Friulano, and Trebbiano, and reds such as Rossignola, Valpolicella, Amarone and Bardolino. The history of the story of Romeo and Juliet, as well as that of Shakespeare, will also be discussed, as well as the region’s cuisine. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in WILL, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays, 3/27 - 4/3 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-328 600 | 15 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/22 |
Get in Touch
Division of Workforce Development and Community Education
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding college holidays and vacations)