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.

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Courses

A Brief Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

What is artificial intelligence? How does it affect our daily lives? Will it usher in a utopia or mean the end of humanity? This class will provide an introduction to what AI is and the history of its development. We will also discuss Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, and the current and potential future impacts of AI on our lives and society.

Course will be held in DCC, Room B06 

Kirk Winans, Instructor

A Brief Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 9/24
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-318 500 21 seats left $29

Bach Flowers to the Rescue

Do you feel stressed? In this workshop, you will learn about the Bach Flower Remedies, a gentle system of self-help remedies discovered in 1930 by an English physician and homeopath who intended for them to be available to everyone to use at home. Available in most health food stores, the Bach Flower Remedies are a system of 38 natural remedies taken in water to relieve common everyday stress. Come learn about and try these safe, gentle, non-habit-forming remedies made from nature. Try just two drops of a chosen remedy in water will allow you to experience them for yourself.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Nini Gridley, Instructor

Bach Flowers to the Rescue
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 11/12
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-299 500 15 seats left $19

Bourbon and Rye

This class provides a complete course on the history of bourbons and ryes of the United States, as well as tastings. We’ll taste straight bourbon, wheated bourbon, four grain bourbon, high rye bourbon, single cask bourbon, high and low ryes, and single cask ryes. We’ll also make several different classic cocktails, influenced by each spirit’s history. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.

Course will be held in WILL, Room 113 

Carlo DeVito, Instructor

Bourbon and Rye
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 10/10 - 10/17
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-310 500 7 seats left $69

Cannabis Plant Science & Introduction to Home Grow

Join the experts from the New Grow Center for a class that will unlock the secrets of successful home cannabis cultivation with practical tips, hands-on demonstrations, and expert guidance. During this comprehensive class, our expert instructors will guide you through New York State cannabis regulations, cannabis plant science, and a step-by-step process of setting up a successful home grow operation. We will cover setting up the right cultivation equipment, choosing the right strains and seeds, and understanding light cycles, humidity, and pest management. You’ll gain invaluable insights into every aspect of the home growing journey. 

This course is taught remotely via Zoom.

New Grow Center, Instructor

Cannabis Plant Science & Introduction to Home Grow
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 9/26
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm		 ZSPI-314 500 22 seats left $39

Cannapreneur: Ancillary Opportunities in Cannabis

Join the experts from the New Grow Center for a webinar presentation and live discussion designed for “ancillary” businesses, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who want to do business in the multi-billion-dollar NYS cannabis market. There is a diverse need for products and services that can support the growth of the industry and ensure cannabis license holders have all of the resources they need to be successful, from the plants’ seed to sale. Ancillary opportunities include: construction and contractors; packaging and labeling; delivery services; security and secure transport; website design; testing laboratories; branding and licensing; marketing and creative; media networks; compliance and payroll; financial services; real estate; and more. 

This course is taught remotely via Zoom.

New Grow Center, Instructor

Cannapreneur: Ancillary Opportunities in Cannabis
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 9/12
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm		 ZSPI-313 500 22 seats left $39

Drinking with Hemingway & Fitzgerald

In this class, we’ll explore the wines of France, Italy and Spain, as well as martinis, bathtub gin, daquiris and rum, and more as we drink with Hemingway and Fitzgerald. We’ll sample the wines and cocktails from books like “The Sun Also Rises,” “A Farewell to Arms,” “The Great Gatsby” and other Fitzgerald short stories and novels, and “A Moveable Feast.” Join us as we mix literary history and libation education. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.

Course will be held in WILL, Room 113 

Carlo DeVito, Instructor

Drinking with Hemingway & Fitzgerald
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 9/26 - 10/3
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-309 500 11 seats left $69

Finding Meaning After Loss

Eileen Clinton, author of the book “What a Wonderful World: Reflections of Love, Loss, and Hope,” will present an overview of her book in this class. An interactive discussion will follow, focusing on strategies for coping with loss and creative ideas for remembering and celebrating loved ones. Clinton has a diverse background as a death educator, hospice bereavement specialist, and licensed funeral director. After years of supporting the bereaved at hospice, she co-founded the Bereavement Studies Program at Maria College in Albany. A signed copy of her book will be included in the course.

Course will be held in WILL, Room 113 

Eileen Clinton, Instructor

Finding Meaning After Loss
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/2
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-308 500 21 seats left $45

Holiday Cocktails

Is there any better way to get a taste of the holiday spirit than with a delicious seasonal cocktail? In this class, we’ll explore 12 holiday cocktails from mixologists throughout North America that are easy to make and serve. From refrigerated cocktails to easy batch cocktails, these recipes are sure to surprise and impress your guests this holiday season! Cocktails include peppermint bark shots, cranberry whiskey sours, white Christmas margaritas, and many more. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.

Course will be held in WILL, Room 113 

Carlo DeVito, Instructor

Holiday Cocktails
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 11/7 - 11/14
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-312 500 0 seats left $69Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Home Buying 101

This workshop will help potential homeowners and new homeowners understand the theory of general construction, the structure of a house, and how to identify common problems. Participants will learn how to check for and identify foundation cracks, identify signs of water damage or mold, learn the basics of properly insulated homes (very important in our climate), and learn how to recognize the quality and condition of materials used in the home’s construction.

Course will be held in DCC, Room B06 

Rich Daley, Instructor

Home Buying 101
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 9/17
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-315 500 18 seats left $32

Home Insulation & Energy Efficiency

This workshop covers the basics of home insulation, including different types and how to upgrade insulation to improve energy efficiency. Participants will learn practical tips for sealing drafts, enhancing window insulation, and installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as engaging in DIY projects like weather-stripping and installing programmable thermostats.

Course will be held in DCC, Room B06 

Rich Daley, Instructor

 

Home Insulation & Energy Efficiency
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/15
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		 ZSPI-317 500 23 seats left $32

Home Maintenance Basics

Focusing on regular and preventive maintenance, this workshop provides a seasonal maintenance checklist, essential tools every homeowner should have, and tips for identifying and fixing small problems. Participants will also learn when to DIY versus hiring professionals and how to find and vet reliable contractors.

Course will be held in DCC, Room B06 

Rich Daley, Instructor

Home Maintenance Basics
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/1
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm		 ZSPI-316 500 9 seats left $32

Learn the Tarot

The goal of this class is for you to learn how to use Tarot cards for yourself. Tarot offers ways for you to blend your inner and outer realities so you can live your life more creatively. We will look at metaphors, symbols, and archetypes to help you better understand the Tarot. Topics include the major and minor arcana, numbers and symbols, interpreting cards, reverse cards, creating questions, deck care and selection, multiple spreads, the Celtic cross, and more. We will utilize an interactive workshop format with short weekly “work” activities/readings to help you connect your cards and their meanings. Students must bring their deck of Rider-Waite cards to all classes.

Course will be held in Willams Hall, Room 113

Melody Kearney, Instructor

Learn the Tarot
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Saturdays, 9/21 - 10/26
9:00 am - 11:00 am		 ZSPI-121 500 0 seats left $79Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

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 is the course 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 B06 

Class on 9/30 will be held at Collar City Mushrooms, Troy

Avery Stempel of Collar City Mushrooms, Instructor

Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Mondays, 9/16 - 10/7
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm		 ZSPI-260 500 3 seats left $37

Paranormal Research 101

Join paranormal investigator Jack Kenna from TV’s “Paranormal Survivor,” “Haunted Case Files,” and “Haunted Hospitals” as he shares the steps necessary to build and grow a successful paranormal team and research/investigate haunted locations. Students will find out how to work with clients; examine the most common equipment used and learn how it works and when to use it; and learn tips and techniques for capturing quality evidence. Students will receive a course book and will participate in a four-hour investigation of a local historic site, the Shaker Heritage Society in Albany. Course fee includes a $65 materials fee.

Off-site investigation on Sat. 10/12, extended class time 7 - 11 p.m.

No class 10/15

Course will meet in the Administration Building, Room 104

Jack Kenna, Instructor 

Paranormal Research 101
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesdays, 9/17 - 10/22
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm		 ZSPI-218 500 9 seats left $129

Paranormal Research: Psychic Abilities

This new course by Jack Kenna is meant to provide advanced knowledge of psychic abilities, including the methods, tools and approach needed to connect with and use psychic abilities to conduct paranormal investigations, perform spiritual cleansings, and much more. This in-depth course connects you with your latent psychic abilities to enhance the abilities you already have; helps you understand the different types of psychic abilities and identify what ability you may have; and shows you how to use these abilities to connect with spirit, assist with paranormal investigations, and identify positive/negative energies. The course will also cover spiritual protection techniques and tools; spirit portals and how to detect and close them; the signs of spirit attachment; and cleansing techniques and tools. All students will receive a cleansing kit. Course fee includes a $55 materials fee.

Off-site investigation on Sat. 11/2, extended class time 7 - 11 p.m.

No class 11/6

Course will meet in the Administration Building, Room 104

Jack Kenna, Instructor 

Paranormal Research: Psychic Abilities
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesdays, 9/11 - 11/13
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm		 ZSPI-319 500 0 seats left $169Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques

This course will turn you into the pinball wizard you were always meant to be! There is a lot more to pinball than just luck. With some basic skills, you can conquer any pinball machine. Each machine has its own rules, and learning to identify them is the key to scoring the most points. We will learn those techniques and use them on several different pinball machines spanning from the 1970s to today. The only prerequisite is the desire to have fun!

Course will meet at Mean Max Brewery, 251 River St, Troy, NY

Jesse Ryan, Instructor

Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 9/17
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm		 ZSPI-300 500 11 seats left $27

Religious & Mystical Origins of Western Music

In this class, we will examine the impact of classical philosophy on medieval music, and how changes in spiritual practices inspired profound changes to the forms and styles of music in the Renaissance, laying the foundation for the Baroque. 

This course is taught remotely via Zoom.

Avraham Levitt, Instructor

Religious & Mystical Origins of Western Music
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 11/5
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm		 ZSPI-311 500 26 seats left $19

Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science

Introduction to learn how to identify trees and other woody plants on campus and in forest. Basics introduction in tree science such as how they grow, reproduce and the benefits to trees. Join ISA Certified Arborist in a lecture and walk around campus learning basic tree id and basic tree science. Dress for the weather and unpaved trail walking.

Course will be held in Administration Building, Room 106

Brian Smith, Instructor

Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/4
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm		 ZSPI-290 500 11 seats left $24

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

Unplug & Recharge with Horses
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/2
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm		 ZSPI-281 500 9 seats left $135

Get in Touch

Division of Workforce Development and Community Education

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

Fax: (518) 629-8103

Regular Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer 2024 Hours (May 20 - July 26): Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, Closed
(excluding college holidays and vacations)