Classes and Workshops

Classes and Workshops

Day Trips

Click here to view information for our upcoming day trips to see Death Beccomes Her on Broadway and the NYC Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Healthy Bones for Life
Healthy Bones for Life

Wednesdays, April 1 - June 24, 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.

Waitlist only

Poetry & Presence
Poetry & Presence

Mondays, April 13 - June 22, 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.

Register here 

Schlep Squad (walking Group)
Schlep Squad (walking Group)

Tuesdays, Starting April 14, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm-ish

Join us every Tuesday for a 0.9 mile walk from the Albany JCC to the Stewart's Shop at Whitehall and New Scotland . It's an easy, feel-good way to get moving and meet other JCC Members. 

Register here

Book Mavens
Book Mavens

Tuesdays, April 28 - June 23, 2026 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Join us for a lively, thought-provoking discussion of After Abel and Other Stories by Michal Lemberger. This powerful collection reimagines biblical narratives through the eyes of the women who lived them, giving voice, depth, and agency to figures often overlooked in traditional texts. We'll explore a new story each week as part of this ongoing series.

Copies of the book may be ordered at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza or online from your preferred retailer.

Register here

Torah with a Twist
Torah with a Twist

Friday, May 8, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee 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.

Register here

Senior Planet: Intro to Learning Apps Languages & The Arts
Senior Planet: Intro to Learning Apps Languages & The Arts

Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Lifelong learning is fun and offers many benefits! There are hundreds of apps out there for every type of learner, and all kinds of interests. This presentation will introduce you to apps that help you learn different languages, explore the arts and art history, and even show you how to play instruments. If you want to learn it, there's an app for that! Free for adults 60+ years.

Register here

BINGO with Albany NNORC
BINGO with Albany NNORC

Wednesday, May 13,  2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. 

Register here

Consumer Protection Series: Avoiding Health & Wellness Scams
Consumer Protection Series: Avoiding Health & Wellness Scams

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

The Health & Wellness industry has grown immensely over the past decade. As new information comes in and more products go on the market it is important to know how to shop safely. Join the NY Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection to go over guidance on topics like supplements, health & wellness publications, online pharmacies, and more.  Free.

Register here

Senior Planet: Intro to Translation Tools
Senior Planet: Intro to Translation Tools

Monday, May 18, 2026 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

With the internet, the whole world is at your fingertips, but what do you do when you need to access sites or information in an unfamiliar language? There are apps for that! This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate. You'll learn about tools that can automatically translate the websites you visit, apps that can translate live conversations, and more. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of these tools and the situations in which they may be the most helpful. Free for adults 60+ years.

Register here

Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils - Daisy
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils - Daisy

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 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 Daisy on special paper called  Kraft Paper. Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.84 Program Guests plus materials. A list of materials is available on the registration page.

Register here 

AARP  Fraud Watch Network
AARP Fraud Watch Network

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Have you ever been approached with a fraudulent offer or been a victim of identity theft? The AARP Fraud Watch Network is working to empower you in the fight, with proven resources and tools to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud. By taking a few practical steps, you have the power to fight back against fraud. This session will arm you with the latest data on fraud trends and provide tips and resources to protect yourself and your family. Free.

Register here

Albany NNORC Breakfast Club
Albany NNORC Breakfast Club

Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Open to JCC Members!

More information coming soon.

Painting a Floral Window Box in Soft Pastels
Painting a Floral Window Box in Soft Pastels

Thursday, May 28th, 2026 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

In this 2 ½ hour class, students will create a small pastel painting by using an underpainting, which gives the piece more depth. Color Theory  and techniques will be discussed while students watch a quick demonstration. By  the end of class students will have created a  lovely painting of a floral window box. Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.84 Program Guests plus materials. A list of materials is available on the registration page. 

Register here

Hannaford Nutrition: High Blood Pressure Why and How to Shake the Salt
Hannaford Nutrition: High Blood Pressure Why and How to Shake the Salt

Monday, June 8, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (Zoom)

Join Fran Weiss, our local Hannaford Dietician, for an engaging conversation on blood pressure and salt. Free and open to the community. Participants will recieve a zoom link after they register.

Register here

Happiness Habits Monthly Get-Together - Joyful June
Happiness Habits Monthly Get-Together - Joyful June

Monday, June 8, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

This month the theme is Joyful June where we explore the importance of feeling good. Numerous studies have shown that experiencing positive emotions, even just briefly, can result in greater creativity, attention, connection, trust, resilience and resourcefulness. Feeling positive emotions more regularly can help us survive and thrive. Please email Lisa at lisam@albanyjcc.org if you plan on attending. 

 

BINGO with Albany NNORC
BINGO with Albany NNORC

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes. 

Register here

Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils - Vintage Rose
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils - Vintage Rose

Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

In this 2 1/2 hour class students will  learn a little history on botanical women artists and 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 vintage Rose. Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.84 Program Guests plus materials. A list of materials is available on the registration page. 

Register here

Learn About Nascentia Health & Bingo
Learn About Nascentia Health & Bingo

Monday, June 15, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Join us for an informative presentation about the services Nascentia Health provides and how they support individuals and families in our community.  Stay after the presentation for some fun and prizes!  Presented by Brandee Holmes. 

Register here

 

Drawing Hosta Leaves in Graphite Pencils
Drawing Hosta Leaves in Graphite Pencils

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm   

In this 2 ½ hour class, students will be introduced to graphite pencils, and learn techniques such as shading, toning and blending different types of leaves of houseplants. They will watch a quick demonstration by the teacher, before creating their own Hosta Leaves. 

Register here

Please Select...
AARP Smart Driverâ„¢ Course
AARP Smart Driver™ Course

Friday, July 24, 2026 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
(Lunch 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)

Refresh your defensive driving skills and increase your confidence behind the wheel. Upon completion of the Smart Driver course, you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on auto insurance. 

Course fee is $25 AARP member / $30 non-AARP member. Payment by credit or debit card can only be accepted when registering on line. If paying at the course, check or money order (made out to AARP) is preferred. If paying in cash at the course, exact change is needed. Bring your driver’s license and, if member, AARP member number to the course. 

Register here (AARP website)

National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
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. 

Register here

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