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.
Poetry & Presence
Mondays,October 6 to December 14, 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.
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils: Blueberries
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Blueberries are often called "star berries" because of their 5 pointed star pattern on their blossom end. They represent good health and a return to vitality after hard times- no wonder they are considered an antioxidant! In this 2 ½ hr. class students will learn the process of botanical drawing, which begins with gradual toning with simple geometric shapes that turn into all the forms in nature. This process will make your piece three dimensional and pop off the page. We will begin our forms by layering neutral tones and putting on top color with colored pencils. By the end of class students will have created a cluster of blueberries. Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.94 Program Guests plus materials
Materials needed: Drawing Pencils (HB, H, 2H), Dark Sepia Colored Pencil, Kneaded Eraser, Colored Pencil Blender, Soft White PVC free Eraser, Colored Pencils: 36 Count - Make sure you have a set with blues, purples and pinks, 9x12 pad of Strathmore or Canson Bristol Paper (Smooth), Drawing Board
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 Aging Workshops: Medicare 101
Monday, October 5, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn about upcoming Medicare changes for 2027, including updates to prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, out-of-pocket costs, and what these changes may mean for your healthcare choices. Presented by the experts at Simplify Medicare. Free and open to the community.
Learn to Play Mah Jongg - Intermediate Class
Tuesdays, October 6 - 27, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Crack, Bam, Dot! Ready to dive into the addictive and fast-paced world of American Mahj Jongg. This is a continuation of the introductory class with Ruth Malka. Cost: $37.04 JCC Members/$47.33 Program Guests.
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.
Healthy Aging Workshops: Building a Circle of Support:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Through conversation and shared learning, participants will explore ways to build a strong circle of support for themselves, family members, friends, and neighbors. Together, we can strengthen connections, reduce isolation, increase awareness of crimes against older adults, and help create a community where older adults are valued, respected, and protected.
Learn to Play Canasta - Intermediate Level
Wednesdays, October 7 - 28, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Canasta is back and more popular than ever! In these relaxed, intermediate-friendly sessions, we continue to build your skills and confidence. Cost: $37.04 JCC Members / $47.33 Program Guests.
Intro to Making a Chunky Blanket
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating a chunky blanket from start to finish, including how to cast on, master the simple chain stitch, join skeins seamlessly, and cast off your finished project. Personalized one-on-one guidance will be available throughout the class, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. No experience is necessary, and no needles or hooks are required, just your hands and a willingness to learn. By the end of the class, you'll have the skills and confidence to begin making chunky blankets on your own at home. The class includes five skeins of yarn, hands-on instruction, and written materials to take home for future reference. Cost: $87.47 JCC Members & Friends.
Please note: You will choose your skeins of yarn when you register. You may choose all one color or multiple colors.
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.
Consumer Protection Series: Data Privacy When Interacting Online
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
If you embrace the online world or choose not to interact, your data is still stored online. Join the NY Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection to go over guidance on how best to protect your information and protect your identity. Free and open to the community.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, October 14, 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.
Vaccine Clinic with CVS Health
Friday, October 16, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Stay Healthy This Season! Skip the hassle and get your Flu and/or Covid vaccines right here at the JCC. Appointments are available now, so schedule yours today!
For ages 3 years to adults. Children under the age of 18 years must be accompabied by a parent or guardian.
Questions? Email lisam@albanyjcc.org
National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
Mondays, 10:00 am to 10:45 am, October 19, 2026 to October 18, 2027
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.
Register here.
Registration for this group closes on November 9, 2026.
Healthy Aging Workshops: Healthy Homes
Monday, October 19, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn about the Healthy Homes Program, which offers a free home visit to identify environmental concerns and provides free cleaning, safety, and health products through Cornell Cooperative Extension. Free and open to the community.
Senior Planet: Food Delivery Apps
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ordering food and other items from home is now easier than ever thanks to the internet and mobile apps. This lecture provides an overview of the most popular food delivery apps, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats and more. You?ll learn about the pros and cons, special features, and best practices for using these apps.
NNORC Breakfast Club
Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Mikaela Ebitz-Linville MPH, BSN, RN is the stroke program coordinator at Albany Medical Center. Her work focuses on preventing stroke and improving stroke patient outcomes in the Capital District through quality initiatives, patient education, and advocacy. Come learn about the warning signs for stroke and learn when you should call 911.
In partnership & located at the Albany JCC.
Online registration here
Healthy Aging Workshops: Community Hospice
Monday, October 26, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn about hospice resources and advance care planning, including how advance directives can help ensure your wishes are honored. Free and open to the community.
Intro to Making a Chunky Blanket
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating a chunky blanket from start to finish, including how to cast on, master the simple chain stitch, join skeins seamlessly, and cast off your finished project. Personalized one-on-one guidance will be available throughout the class, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. No experience is necessary, and no needles or hooks are required, just your hands and a willingness to learn. By the end of the class, you'll have the skills and confidence to begin making chunky blankets on your own at home. The class includes five skeins of yarn, hands-on instruction, and written materials to take home for future reference. Cost: $87.47 JCC Members & Friends.
Please note: You will choose your skeins of yarn when you register. You may choose all one color or multiple colors.
Senior Planet: Meal Kit Services
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
So, what's for dinner?? Some people use subscription-based meal kit services to answer that question for them. It?s as simple as using a website or app to select weekly meals that are delivered fresh to your door! In this presentation, we?ll introduce some popular meal kit services and their features, including finding nutrition info and options for specific diets. We?ll discuss the pros and cons so that you can decide if they're right for you.
Building Brain Healthy Habits: A Three Part Series
Mondays, November 2, 9 & 16, 2026 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Research shows there are everyday habits you can build today to help protect your memory and thinking as you get older- even reducing your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This three-part series from the Alzheimer's Association moves from the science, to the specifics, to a plan you'll actually stick with. Brain health is important for everyone, and it is never too early or too late to take action.
Session 1- Inside the Brain: What Alzheimer's Actually Does Alzheimer's and other dementias are diseases of the brain, not an inevitable part of getting older. This opening session looks at what's happening inside the brain: how healthy nerve cells communicate, what changes as Alzheimer's takes hold, and why the disease reaches beyond memory into language, judgment, mood, and eventually the body's basic functions.
Session 2- The 10 Science Backed Habits Much of what protects your brain is within your control. We'll also look at the clinical trial evidence behind them. The Association-led U.S. POINTER study was the first large-scale randomized controlled trial to show that an accessible, sustainable healthy lifestyle program- combining diet, exercise, heart health, and cognitive and social engagement- can protect cognitive function. Its Latin American counterpart, LatAm-FINGERS, showed those same lifestyle changes can improve memory and thinking when adapted across different cultures, health systems, and communities.
Session 3- How to Build Habits That Last Knowing what's good for your brain is the easy part. This final session tackles the harder part: actually doing it, and keeping it up. In the U.S. POINTER study, the group that followed a program with more structure and accountability saw the greater cognitive benefit. Following this model, we will cover practical habit-building techniques along with honest strategies for the obstacles that derail most people. You'll leave with your own brain-healthy action.
Free and open to the community.
AARP: Learn About Caregiving in Albany
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
During this session, experts from AARP will share a framework to help you make plans to care for friends, family members, or loved ones. You will have the opportunity to connect with other family caregivers, exchange tips and advice, and learn about resources available to you and your loved ones. Free and open to the community.
Register here
Car Fit: Enhance Your Safety in the Driver's Seat
Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
There's a lot more to safe driving than how you drive. Having the proper fit inside your vehicle can make a big difference and help protect you and those around you. With CarFit, an educational program developed by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, you’ll get information and resources on how you can enhance your safety in the driver’s seat.
At this CarFit Event, trained experts will show you how you can enhance your comfort, safety and fit within your vehicle in approximately 15 minutes.
Registration coming soon.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come for fellowship, conversation, fun, and of course, prizes! For ages 60 years and up.
Pastel Painting: Fall Landscapes
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
In this 2 - 1/2 hr class students will become familiar with the various types and techniques of pastel painting . Color Theory and composition will be discussed while students watch a demonstration by the instructor . By the end of class students will have completed a simple fall landscape. Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/ $29.84 Program Guests plus materials.
Materials Needed
- A set of soft pastels ( make sure it has a variety of yellows, golds, reds, rust, browns , greens, blues etc. in it)
- Off white or cream Pastel Paper - UArt 400 is nice, you can also use Canson Mi Tientes
- Kneeded Eraser
- Charcoal Pencil
- Paper Blender
- Draw Board
- Artist Tape
- Wipes
- Apron (optional)
Consumer Protection Series: Savvy Holiday Shopping
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Join the NY Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection to learn how to shop safely online, policies that are in place to protect New Yorkers when shopping in-person or online, and money-saving tips during the holiday season. Free and open to the community.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, November 18, 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.
Albany NNORC Breakfast Club
Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Details coming soon!
On Your Feet & Independent: Fall Prevention
Monday, November 30, 2026 from 10:45 am to 11:45 am
Join us in welcoming Tom Moran, the Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator at Albany Medical Center, to learn about fall risk factors, prevention strategies, and what to do after a fall. Small everyday changes can make a big difference. Free and open to the community.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, December 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.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, December 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.
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