Happiness Habits
Mondays, January 26, 2026 to March 16, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Happiness Habits is a secular, science-based course created by Action for Happiness. It combines expert-led insights, practical exercises, and supportive group discussions. Maximum: 18 participants. No class on February 16. Cost: TBA.
Register online through the Action for Happiness website. For assistance, contact Lisa at lisam@albanyjcc.org
Sold Out
Poetry & Presence
Mondays 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.
No sessions on 1/19 and 2/16.
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.
Healthy Bones for Life
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.
Winter Session starts January 7, 2026.
Sold out
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 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
Creating Fruit in 3 Different Art Mediums: Week 1 Graphite Pencils
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
During these three classes students will explore using three different art mediums and various techniques to create beautiful fruit. Take one or all 3 classes! Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.84 Program Guests plus materials.
Materials Needed:
- 9x12 Pad Strathmore or Canson Bristol Smooth Paper
- Graphite Pencils 2H, H, HB 2B, 4B
- Kneaded and PVC Erasers
- Pencil sharpener
- Pencil blender
- Drawing Board
Jam with Jordana
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 11:00 am to 11:55 am
Join us for a fun, easygoing music session using djembe drums, chimes, and tambourines. We?ll explore simple rhythms together in a relaxed, supportive space where everyone can enjoy making music. Free.
MacS Band
Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The Macs are a three piece act consisting of three multi-instrumentalists, vocalists that present a diverse collection of cover songs and original music with precision and artistry. Their performances highlight a seamless blend of musical styles, professionalism, and stage presence that resonates with a wide range of audiences.Renowned for their impressive strong vocals and tight harmonies, this trio brings depth and warmth to every performance. The trio also welcomes song requests, adding a personal touch that connects with audiences and makes each show a unique experience. On March 1st. They will be highlighting women fronted bands’ songs to celebrate Women’s History Month. Including artists, Sade, Linda Rondstadt, Dusty Springfield, Heart and more along with some original music written by the Macs. All interpreted through acoustic music. Sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund.
Here to Help: Understanding Community Hospice Services
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Hospice is a Medicare benefit that supports people with serious illnesses. This presentation explains the essential services hospice provides and highlights the importance of advance care planning—ensuring your wishes are known early so your care reflects what matters most to you.
Open Office Hours with Eva
Wednesday, March 4 , 2026 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
Living the Jewish Calendar: Pesach The Stories We Tell
Friday, March 6, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
What is the difference between history and memory? Can you create history? Can you 'create' memories? What is the different power each of these forces have on our life? What is the difference in feeling and moral weight between remembering an event and living through it?
Book Mavens
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Details coming soon!
Creating Fruit in 3 Different Art Mediums: Week 2 Colored Pencils
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
During these three classes students will explore using three different art mediums and various techniques to create beautiful fruit. Take one or all 3 classes! Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.84 Program Guests plus materials.
Materials Needed:
- 24-36 set of Colored Pencils (Faber Castell, Prismacolor, Derwent, Caran D Ache are nice)
- Dark Sepia Colored Pencil
- Colorless Blender and eraser
- 9x12 Pad Strathmore or Canson Bristol Smooth Paper
- Drawing Board
BINGO with Albany NNORC
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and win some fantastic prizes.
MyRosalie
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Let's Talk: Thriving in our golden years through community and connection"... MyRosalie offers free mental health education and peer-to-peer support for seniors. Let's get activated!
Torah with a Twist
Friday, March 13, 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.
Jam with Jordana
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 11:00 am to 11:55 am
Join us for a fun, easygoing music session using djembe drums, chimes, and tambourines. We?ll explore simple rhythms together in a relaxed, supportive space where everyone can enjoy making music. Free.
Living the Jewish Calendar: The Discipline of Counting the Days
Friday, March 27, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Counting time is an act with an aspiration. We hope by quantifying something as fluid as time, we can gain a control of it and dedicate it to some higher purpose. We count days to make days count. How do we count, quantify, and dedicate in our lives? Free and open to the community.
Creating Fruit in 3 Different Art Mediums: Week 3 Oil Pastels
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
During these three classes students will explore using three different art mediums and various techniques to create beautiful fruit. Take one or all 3 classes! Cost: $25.73 JCC Members/$29.84 Program Guests plus materials.
Materials Needed:
Oil Pastels provided!
- Cold Press Watercolor Paper or Oil Pastel Paper
- Q-tips and Paper Blender/Stub
- Paper towels
- Drawing Board
Decoupaging Blocks and Boxes
Tuesday, April 7 & 14, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
These 2 two hour sessions use a variety of fun and colorful collage materials to decorate wooden blocks and cigar boxes. This engaging process creates expressive objects that can decorate your home, be used as storage containers and are also wonderful gifts. All materials included.Feel free to bring copies of personal photos to add. Cost: $61.74 JCC Members / $72.03 Program Guests.
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