Healthy Bones for Life Exercise & Education Program
Wednesdays, July 2-September 17, 2025 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, July 2- September 17, 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.
Watercolor Workshop with Theresa Samaio Harvey
Tuesdays, July 22 to August 19, 2025 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.
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.
Cost: $97.23 JCC Members/$116.68 Program Guests
Pastel Workshop with Theresa Samaio Harvey
Wednesdays, July 23 to August 20, 2025 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: $97.23 JCC Members/ $116.68 Program Guests plus materials.
Know Your Consumer Rights: Fraud Prevention
Monday, August 11, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
It's not all in your head. Fraud has increased exponentially over the past few years. Fraudsters are getting better at their jobs, have better technology, and are taking more money than ever. Join the NYS Division of Consumer Protection to learn how detect the signs of fraud, what the latest trends are, and how best to avoid becoming victim of fraud.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. Light refreshments and snacks.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Eva Murphy, NNORC Care Manager is offering open office hours at the Albany JCC!
She can help review & compare health insurance plans, set up transportation apps for easy access, connect directly with healthcare providers, provide tech support and troubleshooting.
Free. Stop by the Senior Center. If you can't make it, set up an appointment 518-516-1112 or emurphy@jfsneny.org
Know Your Consumer Rights: Staying Safe Online
Monday, August 18, 2025 from 11:00 am to 11:55 am
Our digital footprint is growing as we become more and more online. While it is convenient to pay bills online and book doctor's appointments, it also leaves our personal information more vulnerable to fraudsters and data brokers. Join NYS Division of Consumer Protection to learn how to minimize your digital footprint and protect your data when interacting online.
From A1C to Zinc... The Role Good Nutrition and Healthy Snacking for Diabetes Prevention
Monday, August 18, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Zoom
Join us virtually for a healthy living class presented by Fran Weiss, Dietician with The Hannaford Healthy Living Team.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Eva Murphy, NNORC Care Manager is offering open office hours at the Albany JCC!
She can help review & compare health insurance plans, set up transportation apps for easy access, connect directly with healthcare providers, provide tech support and troubleshooting.
Free. Stop by the Senior Center. If you can't make it, set up an appointment 518-516-1112 or emurphy@jfsneny.org
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils - Sunflowers
Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
In this 2 1/2 hour class students will learn the basics of Botanical Drawing. The process of Botanical Drawing 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 participants will have created a lovely Sunflower!
All materials are available and can be purchased at Arlene’s:
Drawing Pencils (HB, H, 2H)
Dark Sepia Colored Pencil (Faber Castell , Prismacolor or Caran D ache)
Colorless Blender ( Prismacolor, Derwent, Lyra) optional
Kneaded Eraser and Soft White PVC free Eraser
6’ or 12’ Ruler
Colored Pencil Sharpener
Colored Pencils: 24-36 Count is sufficient. (Faber Castell , Prismacolor, Rembrandt Lyra, Derwent or Caran D Ache)
A pad of 9x12 Bristol Paper : Smooth ( Strathmore or Canson are best)
Drawing Board
Cost: $24.56 Members/$28.66 Program Guests plus materials.
Elul Circle
Thursdays, September 4 - 25, 2025 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
The Hebrew month of Elul is traditionally a time of spiritual preparation. A time to sloooooow down, take stock of ourselves, and reflect meaningfully with others on this thing we call "life." Ah yes, life. That thing that is coming at us fast and furious these days.
This year, let's use Elul to take a beat, gather with others, and explore some Jewish wisdom. A small group of us will meet over four weeks to explore ideas, texts, and wisdom from Jewish tradition for this fall.
This will be a space for us to ask big questions (and I'm not pretending to have any big answers).
The wisdom found in Jewish texts -both ancient and contemporary-can be surprising, complicated, delightful, weird, mysterious, perplexing, and fun. We read these texts broadly and generously, and we will count on everyone to add their unique voices and perspectives to our conversations.
In short we'll reflect on the gestures, ideas, and themes at the heart of the Fall holidays, to prepare ourselves spiritually for their arrival.
Cost: Free.
Introduction to Five Rivers Environmental Educational Center
Friday, September 5, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, New York, has a long history of connecting people to nature. This talk will share some of that history and bring us up to the present day, highlighting programs and what you may look for as you explore our visitor center and trails
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Monday, September 8, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. Light refreshments and snacks.
Healthy Cooking Demo & Tasting
Wednesday, September 10, 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
Axe Throwing @ Generation Axe
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
The High Holidays are coming, and we're offering a modern twist on Tashlich! Join us for "Throwing Away Your Transgressions" an introspective and exhilarating axe-throwing experience.
This event takes place at Generation Axe located at 90 Fuller Rd, Colonie, NY 12205.
Day Trip to New York Botanical Garden / Woodbury (Adults 60+ Years)
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Each registration includes: Round-trip transportation on an air-conditioned, chartered bus and One admission ticket to the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), including entry to the Van Gogh's Flowers exhibition and narrated tram tour.
On the return trip to Albany, we'll make a stop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets for dinner and shopping.
Please check the weather and dress accordingly. This trip is rain or shine.No refunds will be issued.
Cost: $73.69 for Albany JCC & Albany NNORC Residents/ $83.93 Friends & Guests
Know Your Consumer Rights: Identity Theft Prevention
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the NYS Division of Consumer Protection to learn how to protect your personal information both online and off. This workshop has important tips on how to protect your identity, your money, and your credit.
Albany JCC Community Chorus Concert
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm
Get ready for a joyful celebration of community and song as the Albany JCC Community Chorus presents a lively concert filled with uplifting harmonies and local talent.
No registration required.
Albany NNORC Breakfast Club
Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
The Albany JCC welcomes the NNORC breakfast club! Please contact the Albany NNORC for more information at 518-516-1114 or nnorc@jfsneny.org
Making Kusudama Flowers for Sukkot
Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Sukkot is the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest. During Sukkot flowers, fresh or made of paper, are used to decorate the Sukkah -a temporary dwelling constructed for the holiday and to add to the festive atmosphere. In this class, students will learn to make paper flowers called Kusudamas, which are Japanese paper flowers. Create various sizes , which can eventually be made into a garland, wreath or place all around your home or Sukkah for fall.
Materials Needed:
- Sharp Scissors
- Pencil
- 12 inch ruler
- Clear Tacky Glue
- Several Sheets of Lightweight Scrapbook Paper Same color or design
Cost: $24.56 JCC Members/$26.61 Guests plus materials
Aging Mastery
Monday, September 29 - December 8, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
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.
Creating Botanical Fall Leaves in 3 Different Art Mediums
Thursdays, October 16, 23 and 30, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
During these three consecutive classes students will explore using 3 different art mediums (graphite, colored and watercolor pencils) and various techniques to create beautiful fall leaves.
Materials needed:
- Week 1 Graphite Pencils: 9x12 Pad Strathmore or Canson Bristol Smooth Paper, Ruler, Graphite Pencils (2H, H, HB 2B, 4B), Kneaded and PVC Erasers
- Week 2 Colored Pencils: 24-36 set of Colored Pencils (Faber Castell, Prismacolor, Derwent, Caran D Ache), Dark Sepia Colored Pencil, Colorless Blender
- Week 3 Watercolor Pencils: 24-36 set of Watercolor Pencils (Faber-Castell , Caran D Ache, Derwent , Stadeler), 1 pad of Hot Pressed Stonehenge or Fabriano Watercolor paper, Brushes sizes- 6 & 4, watercolor brushes, Container, Paper towels
Cost: $73.69 JCC Members/$85.97 Guests plus materials.
Learn to Play Bridge - Part 3
Tuesdays, October 21 - November 25, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn the fundamentals using Audrey Grant’s better bridge series. This class is a continuation of book 2.
Cost: $36.85 Member/$47.08 Program Guest.
Combine your senses—Tea Ceremony Presentation and Tasting
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Experience the history, aesthetics, and mindfulness at the heart of the traditional tea ceremony. Presented by Wei Qin, Asian Arts New York.
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils Bittersweet
Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
In this 2 ½ hour class students will be using the process of toning using graphite pencils and then lay down color over the piece to produce a beautiful Bittersweet Branch.
Materials Needed:
- A 9x12 Pad Strathmore or Canson Bristol Smooth Paper
- Ruler
- Graphite Pencils 2H, H, HB
- Kneaded and PVC Erasers
- 24-36 set of Colored Pencils ( Faber Castell, Prismacolor, Derwent, Caran D Ache are nice)
- Dark Sepia Colored Pencil
- Colorless Blender
Painting A Simple Landscape of Pinetrees in Soft Pastels
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
In this new 2 1/2 hrs class students will create a pastel painting by using various techniques. Color Theory and composition will be discussed while students watch a quick demonstration. By the end of class students will have created a lovely Pinetree Landscape.
Materials Needed:
- U-Art Pastel Paper 400 or 600
- Soft Pastels (Nu-Pastels, Rembrandt, Paul Rueben, Sennilier, are nice)
- Charcoal Pencil and Kneaded Eraser
- Smudger/blender (tortillion) and old rag
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 Enhanced Program - Kickoff Party
Check back for the next session!
The self-directed enhanced program is a flexible, six-week group walking experience designed to fit any schedule. We provide all the materials and support you need, while your group decides when and where to walk together building connections, staying active, and making every step count. Cost: $20.47 JCC Members & NNORC Residents. Cost includes a Walk with Ease guidebook (value $12).
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