Wellness Showcase on June 9, 2025. Click here to learn more about this complimentary event for adults 60+ and caregivers.
Senior Planet: Protecting Your Personal Information Online
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. We’ll cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams, and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online. Free for adults 60+ years.
Senior Planet: Spotify
Monday, March 31, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Spotify is a great digital music service for enjoying millions of songs, podcasts, and videos for free! In this lecture, you'll learn about Spotify’s important features, including how to search for songs and create your own playlists. You'll also learn how to follow your friends and the artists you love.
Learn to Play Bridge
Tuesdays, April 1 - May 20, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn the fundamentals using Audrey Grant’s better bridge series. This class is for adults who have never played or know how to play but have not learned the principles of modern bidding:
- No trump opening bids & responses
- Major suit opening bids & responses
- Minor suit opening bids & responses
Cost: $36.85 Member/$47.08 Program Guest. Price includes a copy of Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction by Audrey Grant.
Senior Planet: Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Do you like scrapbooking but want a more convenient way to organize and arrange your photos and mementos? Come learn about these digital scrapbooking tools that make it easy to digitize your memories. In this lecture, you’ll get an overview of a few different tools that make it easy to create, share, and print your scrapbooks. You’ll also learn about common features across the different platforms.
Healthy Cooking Demo & Tasting
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Jillian from Capital Region SNAP-Ed will:
- Demonstrate a delicious recipe that is quick, easy and affordable
- Provide the recipe and cooking instructions
- Offer samples of the recipe prepared during the demonstration*
*Food is prepared kosher-style
Healthy Bones for Life Exercise & Education Program
Wednesdays, April 2 to June 25 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
Albany JCC Community Chorus
Wednesdays, April 2 to June 25, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Come & Sing with Sherri Strichman! Participants must be able to carry a tune and take direction. Free for JCC Members! $18.42 per quarter for Program Guests.
Model Passover Seder
Friday, April 4, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm
Enjoy a meaningful, engaging and interactive Seder led by Rabbi Ami Monson, JFS Community Chaplain. Lunch includes matzah ball soup and beef brisket. Cost: $18.42 JCC Members and Guests
Jewish Culture 101
Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11:00 am to 11:55 am
How many Jewish foods can you identify? Join us for an engaging, Jeopardy-style discussion delving into the foods that have shaped—and continue to shape—Jewish culture. Don’t miss this enriching and free experience!
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. Light refreshments and snacks.
Mah Jongg Lessons
Fridays, April 11 to May 30, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Learn how to play American Mah Jongg, a fascinating, rummy-like game played with tiles. Over six lessons, Criss Macaione will teach players the basics of understanding the tiles and current Mah Jongg card and how to select and strengthen a winning hand. Cost: $18.42 for JCC Members or $36.85 for Program Guests.
All players need a current National Mah Jongg League card. The card may be purchased from Criss.
No class 4/25 and 5/16.
Senior Planet: Digital Tools for Brain Health
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Stay sharp with technology! In this lecture, we'll explore digital tools to support habits that can help you stay sharp, including wearable devices, engaging websites, and informative podcasts. Discover practical resources to keep your mind active and enhance your cognitive wellbeing in today’s digital world.
Senior Planet: Getting Started with DuoLingo
Monday, April 21, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
DuoLingo is a fun and free way to learn a new language! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how DuoLingo works and explore the features of the app yourself. You'll also download the app on your phone and create a profile. You’ll be able to start learning a new language by the time the workshop ends!
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils- Apple Blossoms
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
The quality and type of paper one uses for colored pencils sets the tone of your artwork. Using a different type of paper called Kraft paper gives a lovely contrast to the lights and darks of your piece. It creates a different feeling than white or cream paper. In this class participants will play and experiment with darks, lights and midtones on this paper. By the end of class, they will have created a lovely Apple Blossoms on this unique paper!
Materials Needed:
- Drawing Pencils (HB, H, 2H)
- Dark Sepia Colored Pencil (Faber- Castell , Prismacolor or Caran D ache)
- Kneaded Eraser and Soft White PVC free Eraser
- 6’ or 12’ Ruler
- Colored Pencil Sharpener
- Colored Pencils: Set of 24-36 Count is sufficient. (Faber- Castell, Prismacolor or Caran D Ache, Arteza) Make sure your set has white, light blue, pink and purple in it!
- Stonehenge 9x12 Brown Craft Paper (Arlene’s usually carries sheets or pads or Amazon)
Cost: $24.56 JCC Members/$26.61 Program Guests plus materials.
Check, Play, Connect
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ready to checkmate boredom? Join us for an hour of chess, checkers, and Connect 4 fun! We’ll bring the games, you bring the rivalry! Free.
Bronte Roman
Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Live Latin-Pop Music.
Arranged by the Albany Musicians Association. Sponsored by The Music Trust Performance Fund, Jim Clark Community Performance Fund & the Albany JCC.
Senior Planet: Passwords, Passkeys and More
Monday, April 28, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Protecting your online accounts starts with strong password practices. In this lecture, we’ll review password basics before exploring options like single sign-on, passkeys, multi-factor authentication, and password managers. Learn why these password alternatives are safe ways to simplify your digital life and keep your personal information secure.
Senior Planet: Gardening Tech at a Glance
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Do you want to improve your green thumb or just make gardening easier? Technology may be the answer. Join us in this introductory lecture to learn about different types of gardening tech. We'll go over some popular apps and explain their common features that will help you with everything from designing your garden to identifying plants and caring for them. You'll also learn about outdoor smart irrigation systems and sensors, as well as indoor gardening devices.
Senior Planet: Podcasts at a Glance
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Podcasts are an increasingly popular form of entertainment and a great source of information on all kinds of topics. In this lecture, you'll learn more about these audio programs available on the internet: why people listen to them, where you can find them, and what the most popular ones are.
Container Gardening Tips & Techniques
Wednesday. May 7, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Discover how to successfully grow annuals, perennials, and herbs in containers to highlight your landscaping. Learn what types of containers, soil, and amendments to use in different environments and what varieties of plants work best.
About the Speaker
Carole Henry is the Community Horticulture Program Manager, Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County. Carole attended the University of Delaware and received a BS degree in Plant Science with emphasis in Horticulture and Landscape Design. She has over 45 years’ experience working in the Landscape, Nursery and Floral industry. Before moving to New York in 2015 from outside of Philadelphia, PA, Carole owned and operated her own business, “Potted Designs LLC” which specialized in Custom Garden Containers and Professional Gardening Services.
Botanical Drawing with Graphite Pencils - Water Droplets on Leaves
Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
In this class students will learn the techniques in which artists draw water droplets on leaves and petals . They will use a step by step process using various graphite pencils to create these beads of water. By the end of class, students will have completed a leaf drawing with droplets.
Material Needed:
- Graphite Pencils (Staedtler, Faber-Castell, Derwent are suggested) 2H, H, HB, 2B, 4B and 6B
- White PVC Eraser (regular or in pen form)
- Kneaded Eraser
- Small and Medium Size Paper Blending Stumps (1 of each)
- Bristol Smooth Paper
- Ruler
Cost: $24.56 JCC Members/$28.66 Program Guests plus materials.
Jules and Paula Stein Live and Learn Lunch Series with Benita Zahn
Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Check back for more details and registration.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. Light refreshments and snacks.
Introduction to Alcohol Ink
Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Alcohol Inks are acid-free, alcohol-based inks that dry quickly and permanently. The alcohol in the ink evaporates swiftly leaving a design or pattern on the surface- such as glazed tiles, glass, plastic or special paper called Yupo or Dura- Bright. In this class students will be introduced to this medium and practice its techniques. By the end of class you will have created some lovely pieces to take home.
Materials Needed:
- Several Colors Of Alcohol Inks (By Ranger or Jaquard Pinata Brands are best and can be purchased at Arlene’s & Michaels)
- Dura Bright White Craft Plastic Paper by Grafix or Yupo White Paper
- Small Bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol 90%
- Small Plastic Painting Palette and Plastic Container
- Small round brush
- Small flat brush
- Small Spray Bottle
- Surgical Gloves (Latex or Nitrile)
- Paper Towels or a Rag
- Smock
Cost: $24.56 JCC Members/ $28.66 Program Guests plus materials.
Jules and Paula Stein Live and Learn Lunch Series with Laura Melnicoff
Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Check back for details and registration.
Gardening in a Changing Climate
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Hear the latest news about our climate and the changes that will affect you. Learn how to adapt your gardening practices and how to mitigate your effect on the environment.
About the Speaker:
Martie Teumim has been an Albany County Master Gardener since 2001. She is a retired high school English teacher and software trainer. Her latest interest is in native and pollinator plants. She is a member of the Capital Region Chapter of Wild Ones, a native plant and natural landscape organization. She has two grown daughters and two grandchildren. She lives in Delmar with her husband and two cats.
Day Trip to New York City
Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Registration is first-come, first-serve
- Each registration includes round-trip transportation to New York City on a chartered bus and one ticket in the orchestra section to “The Great Gatsby: A New Musical” at the Broadway Theater. The orchestra section does not have any stairs and is accessible for those with walkers and/or canes.
- You will have time to explore Times Square and have lunch before the theater. Lunch is not included in the price of the trip.
- Snack bags will be provided for the trip home.
- No refunds. This trip is rain or shine.
Cost: $94.16 Albany JCC/NNORC Members or $112.59 Program Guests.
Capital Region JCC's Heart Walk Team
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Join us for the Annual Heart Walk! Enjoy a day filled with fun and camaraderie while raising awareness about heart health. Register by May 1, 2025 to receive a Capital Region JCC Heart Walk Team Shirt!
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils- Clematis
Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
In this 2 ½ hour class students will continue to practice the process of Botanical Drawing, which begins with gradual toning with simple geometric shapes. We will begin our forms by layering neutral tones and putting on top color with colored pencils. This process will make your piece three dimensional and pop off the page. By the end of class participants will have created a beautiful Clematis Flower.
Materials Needed:
- Drawing Pencils (HB, H, 2H)
- Dark Sepia Colored Pencil (Faber- Castell , Prismacolor or Caran D ache)
- Kneaded Eraser and Soft White PVC free Eraser
- Ruler
- Colored Pencil Sharpener
- Colored Pencils: Set of 24-36 Count is sufficient. (Faber- Castell , Prismacolor or Caran D Ache, Arteza)
- A Pad of 9x12 Bristol Smooth Paper by Strathmore or Canson
Cost: 24.56 JCC Members/$28.66 Program Guests plus materials.
National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
Mondays (Virtual) or Wednesdays (In-person)
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 to join one of the groups.
Walk with Ease with Albany NNORC
Check back for Spring 2025 session.
**Please note: this program meets three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings**
The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease.
Walk with Ease will help you:
- Motivate yourself to get in great shape
- Walk safely and comfortably
- Improve your flexibility, strength and stamina
- Reduce pain and feel great
Aging Mastery
Check back for Fall 2025 dates.
Build your personal playbook for aging well! This fun, innovative program empowers you to take key steps to improve your well-being, add stability to your life and strengthen ties to your community. Meet new friends and provide encouragement to one another as you take the Aging Mastery journey together.
Co-sponsored by JFS, Albany NNORC and CDPHP.
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.
Low Enrollment
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.
Refunds
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