Poetry & Presence
Mondays, July 6 - September 28, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join us for a warm and welcoming adult workshop that celebrates gratitude, resilience, and connection through poetry. Each session offers a relaxed space to share stories, savor language, and reconnect with poetry, with others, and with yourself. Whether you're a longtime poetry lover or simply curious, you?re invited to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy the moment.
Watercolor Painting with Theresa Samaio Harvey
Tuesdays, July 7 - August 11, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
In this class we will explore the medium of watercolor and how to use it creatively and with confidence. We will discuss watercolor materials and techniques, such as controlling water flow and brush effects. We will discuss color mixing, washes and glazes, resist, negative painting, wet-on-wet, and dry brush. Additionally, general aspects of painting and drawing, such as composition, perspective, line, value and texture will be considered as we develop original paintings. We will paint from still life's, photographs and our imagination. Classes will consist of brief explanations or demonstrations followed by a painting session. All levels are welcome. Cost: $118.34 JCC Members/$142 Program Guests.
Materials: A list will be provided via email. Please email LisaM@albanyjcc.org if you would like to view the list before you register for the program.
Sold out!
Pastel Painting with Theresa Samaio Harvey
Thursday, July 9 - August 13, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Pastels are an easy, enjoyable art medium. They can be used like pencils, crayons or paint and provide the artist with endless possibilities. In this class, students will develop their drawing skills and color mixing knowledge while learning to "paint" with the rich medium of soft pastel. Working from a variety of subjects, students will learn various pastel techniques. They will learn to "see" color and form more artistically. If you like rich, vivid color, you may fall in love with pastel!
Classes will consist of a brief discussion, demo and/or handouts of a topic, followed by a painting session. Cost: $118.34 JCC Members/$142 Program Guests.
Materials: Bring your own set of soft pastels (the more colors the better) or use student grade sticks provided. You can bring your own paper or purchase sanded surface paper pack (4 different types of paper) from the instructor for approx. $12.
Sold out!
Medicare 101 Workshop
Monday, August 3, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the team from Simplify Medicare for an interactive session focused on medicare. Refreshments will be served- plus giveaways!
RSVP to Anna (Simplify Medicare) at 518-512-6904.
Learn to Play Mah Jongg
Tuesdays, August 4 to 25, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Crack, Bam, Dot! Ready to dive into the addictive and fast-paced world of American Mahjong? This course is specifically designed to demystify the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules and card.
We break down the game into easy, digestible steps so you can transition from a complete novice to a confident player. All supplies included. Class fee includes a 2026 National Mahjong League Card ($15 value). Cost: $53.51 JCC Members / $63.80 Program Guests.
Learn to Play Canasta
Wednesdays, August 5 to 26, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Canasta is back and more popular than ever! In these relaxed, beginner-friendly sessions, we take the confusion out of the rules. You'll learn how to form melds, build strategies, and score points through hands-on, guided gameplay. By the time you leave, you'll have the skills and confidence to join any card table or start your own game night. All supplies included. Class fee includes a canasta rack ($15 value). Cost: $53.51 JCC Members / $63.80 Program Guests.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come for fellowship, conversation, fun, and of course, prizes! For ages 60 years and up.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come for fellowship, conversation, fun, and of course, prizes! For ages 60 years and up.
IYUN: Elul Circle
Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24 & October 8, 2026 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
The High Holidays are more than a moment in the calendar. They are an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and grow. Each Elul Circle gathering draws on accessible Jewish texts and engaging discussion prompts to explore the themes of the season, including self-reflection, renewal, repair, and joy.
Whether you're deeply familiar with Jewish tradition or encountering these ideas for the first time, you're welcome here. Bring your experiences, your questions, and your willingness to listen, reflect, and share. Cost: No fee to attend.
Book Mavens
Tuesdays, Starting September 15, 2026 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Join us weekly to discuss the stories of six American Jews who helped shape the Civil War and the fight against slavery. The discussion is free and open to everyone!
Copies of Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery by Richard Kreitner are available at local libraries & bookshops.
Senior Planet: Getting Creative with Canva
Wednesdays, September 16, 23 & 30, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
This multi-week, interactive series will introduce you to Canva, a popular design platform. We’ll first take a look at the many graphic design platforms available. Then, we’ll cover the basics of Canva and learn about the platform’s popular features that allow you to design almost anything — from greeting cards to flyers. With the help of your trainer and classmates, you’ll use those features to create a project with Canva!
Bring your own laptop or tablet, or use one of our Chromebooks during each session. The program is free and open to all community members.
Consumer Protection Series: Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join the NY Department of State?s Division of Consumer Protection to learn the latest trends we are seeing with fraud and how AI is changing the landscape. We will also give you tools to protect your identity and avoid becoming the victim of identity theft in the digital world.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Stop by and meet Eva Murphy, NNORC Care Manager.
Call 518-516-1112 or email emurphy@jfsneny.org if you cannot make open hours and need assistance.
NNORC Breakfast Club
Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Check back for details!
Collage Art Class
Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Check back soon for details!
AARP: Six Pillars of Brain Health
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join us on Wednesday, September 23, for AARP's Six Pillars of Brain Health. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the six pillars of brain health, activities that support brain health, and hopefully, be inspired by others.
Register at AARP or email LisaM@albanyjcc.org
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Check back for details!
Torah with a Twist
First Friday of the Month, Starting October 2, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Join us the first Friday of each month for an engaging discussion of the weekly Torah portion through a Mussar lens with Lisa Morlitz, a facilitator trained by The Mussar Institute (TMI). Mussar offers practical wisdom for personal growth, self-awareness, and spiritual development in everyday life. No experience is needed, just an open heart and curious mind. Free and open to all.
Healthy Bones for Life
Wednesdays,October 7 - December 16, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
The Healthy Bones for Life Exercise and Education Program is a community- based program designed for men and women who are 55+. The exercise program consists of weight-bearing exercises, muscle strengthening, flexibility, posture training, and balance exercises. Cost: Free for Members/$10.24 per quarter for Program Guests.
Registration will open in September 2026.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come for fellowship, conversation, fun, and of course, prizes! For ages 60 years and up.
National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 11:15 am
In this program, you'll get a full year of support and learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to your routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of your goals. This program is proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Please note: This program is for adults who are at risk or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes only. We'll meet weekly for the first six months then transition to once a month.
Email LisaM@albanyjcc.org for more information.
Class Cancellation Policy
We understand that life brings many surprises to us all, and sometimes people must cancel their class or workshop registration. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes and workshops, at the most affordable costs possible, by reading and adhering to our cancellation policy.
Registration
Registration is not complete and spaces not held, unless the class or event is paid in full.
Cancellations
Classes or workshops may be cancelled when enrollment minimums are not reached. Cancellations are determined no later than 2 business days before the class starts. If the
Albany JCC cancels a class or workshop, the participant will have the option to transfer to another class, as long as space is available, or receive a 100% refund.
If a participants chooses to cancel their registration for a class or workshop, the refund policies are as follows:
- 100% refund with seven or more days' notice prior to the start date of the class unless specified otherwise*
- No amount refunded after that time. However, you may transfer your registration to another individual not currently registered for the class or workshop*
*Account credit may be given in special circumstances at the discretion of the Jewish Cultural and Community Program Coordinator