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.
Poetry & Presence
Mondays, November 3, 17 and 24, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Explore the healing power of poetry in this warm and welcoming adult workshop inspired by How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope, edited by James Crews. Through guided readings, thoughtful discussions, and optional writing prompts, participants will engage with poems that celebrate appreciation, resilience, and connection to nature and community.
Each session offers a chance to reflect, share memories, and express creativity in a relaxed environment. Whether you're a lifelong poetry lover or simply curious, this workshop invites you to slow down, savor language, and connect—with the words, with others, and with yourself. No writing experience is needed, and no supplies are required—just an open heart and a love of life. Cost: Free for JCC Members / $10.24 for Program Guests.
Torah with a Twist
Friday, November 21, 2025 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Enjoy a warm cup of tea as we explore timeless Jewish wisdom through the lens of Mussar—an ethical tradition focused on cultivating traits like humility, patience, and gratitude. Through thoughtful discussion and personal reflection, this monthly class offers practical insights for living with greater mindfulness, intention, and integrity.
Whether you're new to Mussar or deepening an existing practice, you'll find a welcoming space to engage with Torah in a way that’s both intellectually rich and spiritually nourishing. No prior experience required—just an open heart and a curious mind. Free and open to the community.
An Evening of Poetry, Jokes and Stories with Dr. Lisa Grunberger
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Zoom)
Join poet, English Professor and memoirist, Dr. Lisa Grunberger for an interactive evening of poetry, jokes and stories. Lisa will be reading from her poetry collection, For the Future of Girls which is "at once family album, inventory of memories, a reckoning with time and pleas for love to last." She will share an essay from a new collection of Jewish essays called Manna Songs: Stories of Jewish Culture and Heritage , called "Turn it and Turn it Again" about being adopted and how her Jewish identity is more than just blood. Finally, Lisa will lead us in a fun creative writing prompt, where you will have the opportunity to write your own "postcard memoir" -- a few lines of a story to someone who is far away, or who is passed on, but with whom you still feel connected. An evening of reflection on what it means to be Jewish from an award-winning Jewish writer. Cost: $3.07 JCC Members & Program Guests.
Senior Planet: Mobile Health Apps
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Did you know that your smartphone is also a powerful health tool? This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app. You'll learn about using the app's step counter, as well as integrating information from other popular health and fitness apps. You'll also learn the benefits of saving your medical ID. Free and open to the community.
Senior Planet: Intro to Sleep Technologies
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sleep troubles? What if tech could help you sleep? This lecture gives an overview of different devices and wearable technologies that track sleep patterns, monitor sleep disorders, and may even improve your sleep. You’ll also learn about mindfulness apps that offer guided meditations and other ways to promote healthy sleep habits. Free and open to the community.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, December 3, 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
Older Adult Resource Expo
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 11:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Join us for a free community event designed to connect older adults and caregivers with valuable resources, services, and support. In partnership with Assemblymember Romero’s Office, this expo will feature local organizations, health and wellness information, and tools to help families thrive. Whether you’re seeking guidance, exploring programs, or simply looking to learn more, this is a welcoming space to discover opportunities and build connections. View a list of participating agencies and organizations here.
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. Light refreshments and snacks.
Aging at Home or Senior Living? Know Your Options
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Presented by Allyson Nathan, founder and principal of Fortina Senior Solutions, a trusted resource for "all things aging."
Learn about the options available for aging in place at home versus moving to a senior living community. This presentation covers the differences between types of senior living, how to compare costs, available funding options, and the importance of planning ahead. You'll also learn how to recognize when help is needed-and what steps to take when that time comes. Free and open to the community.
Senior Planet: Intro to Chatting with AI
Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Curious about using ChatGPT or Gemini but not sure
where to start? In this hands-on lecture, we'll explore tips for using generative AI chat programs so you can make them work for you. You'll learn how to write questions, or prompts, that are specific and effective at getting helpful responses. Whether you plan to use them at work, for personal projects, or just for fun, we'll show you how this tech can help you with all sorts of tasks. We'll also cover best practices for privacy and security so you can be a
confident user.
Family Feud - Hanukkah Edition
Friday, December 12, 2025 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Get ready for laughter, friendly competition, and holiday cheer as teams face off to guess the most popular answers about Hanukkah traditions, foods, and customs.
Hanukkah Cookie Decorating
Friday, December 12, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Celebrate the joy of connection across generations! Seniors and preschoolers (age 4) will come together for a delightful afternoon of cookie decorating, laughter, and shared creativity. This sweet activity fosters friendship and fun while building bonds between the youngest and wisest members of our community. Maximum: 12 participants. Cost: Free
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Monday, December 15, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
We’re having a White Elephant Gift Exchange with a fun twist—bring a wrapped book or puzzle to share, swap, and maybe even steal. It’s a lighthearted way to enjoy surprises, laughter, and a little friendly competition with friends at the JCC. Cost: Bring a gently used or new wrapped book or puzzle to exchange.
Senior Planet: Intro to Digital Wallet
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00am
What item can you not leave home without? If you said your phone, this lecture is for you! If you said your wallet, you should probably come too! The digital wallets on our smartphones allow us to go about our daily lives without ever needing to pull out our actual wallets. In this presentation, we’ll review the basic features of the most popular digital wallets: Apple Wallet and Google Wallet and talk about their many uses beyond purchases. We’ll also discuss features/considerations for security and privacy.
Senior Planet:P2P Payment Systems
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Since PayPal debuted over twenty years ago, person-to-person payments have become commonplace. In this lecture, you’ll learn about some of today’s most popular P2P payment services, including PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp. We’ll cover some of the basic functions of these services, how they compare, and tips for using them safely.
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. Cost: $24.56 JCC Members, $28.66 Guests
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
Albany JCC Community Chorus Concert
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
This uplifting concert brings together singers of all ages to share melodies that inspire, connect, and delight this hoiliday season!
Lunch is available for adults 60+ years at 12:00pm. Reservations are required for lunch—please call 518-438-6651 to reserve your spot. The deadline to register for lunch is Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
Please register to attend the concert if you are not joining us for lunch at 12:00 pm.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30pm
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
Once Upon a Tea Party
Friday, December 26, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm
Step into a world of imagination and inspiration at our charming tea party with celebrated American Girl author Jacqueline Dembar Greene. This delightful afternoon invites children in grades 2 and up to sip tea (or juice), savor sweet treats (kosher -dairy), and enjoy captivating stories that celebrate courage and friendship. Autographed paperback books will be available for advance purchase at a special discounted price of $5 per book. Cost: $15.35 per person. All children must be accompanied by a grown-up.
Day Trip to the Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park)
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Save the date for an extrordinary three-course lunch at Ristorante Caterina de'Medici. Participants wil have the choice of two entrees. After lunch, we will visit a museum near Hyde Park.
Registration opens January 15, 2026
Healthy Bones for Life Exercise & Education Program
Wednesdays 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.
Email LisaM@albanyjcc.org for more information.
Albany JCC Community Chorus
Wednesdays 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.
Stop by the Membership Desk to register.
National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
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.
Healthy Cooking Demo & Tasting
Check back for the next date!
Jillian from the 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
Cost: Free
Senior Planet: Online Shopping
Check back for the next date!
Online shopping lets you buy products on the internet from your computer and have them shipped to your home or anywhere! Online stores often have larger inventories and lower prices, so you can quickly find the best deal. This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com. You’ll learn how to search for products, make comparisons, and add items to an online shopping cart.
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