Leisure and Special Interest
Try a new hobby or just learn something new with our wide range of special interest courses!
How to Register
- Register online by selecting "Add to Cart" on the desired course(s) and select "Cart" at the bottom of the page when you are ready to checkout.
- The “Seats Left” information is updated every half hour and when you checkout.
- Other registration options are available.
Don’t see the course you are looking for below? Sign up to get updates and news about upcoming classes.
Courses
- Adventure Ready: Packing for Survival
- Bach Flowers to the Rescue
- Beauty in Biology and Math
- Beers of Europe
- Composting & Worm Composting at Home
- Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
- New York State Safe Boating
- Pet CPR and First Aid
- Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques
- Power Tools 101
- Sustainable Landscaping & Ecological Design
- Travel Planning Made Easy
- Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science
- Whiskies of Scotland
- Wine Appreciation
- Wines of Italy
Adventure Ready: Packing for Survival
This class will equip you to safely and confidently venture out for an adventure in the wilderness for a day or a week. You will lean all about the gear, clothes, tools and techniques needed to carry your traveling pack comfortably, liberating you to explore the wild mountains, rivers and valleys of our exquisite wild lands with joy. You will learn what you do and don’t need, see some examples, and try on and test out how to organize your gear so that you are most comfortable and confident to plan that adventure. A little know-how frees you to go now!
Course will meet at 99 Town Park Road, East Greenbush, NY
Hollan Bonjukian, of Trufitness and Nutrition, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Thursday, 7/25 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm |
ZSPI-304 700 | 30 seats left | $49 | Opens 5/15 |
Bach Flowers to the Rescue
Do you feel stressed? In this workshop, you will learn about the Bach Flower Remedies, a gentle system of self-help remedies discovered in 1930 by an English physician and homeopath who intended for them to be available to everyone to use at home. Available in most health food stores, the Bach Flower Remedies are a system of 38 natural remedies taken in water to relieve common everyday stress. Come learn about and try these safe, gentle, non-habit-forming remedies made from nature. Try just two drops of a chosen remedy in water will allow you to experience them for yourself.
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Nin Gridley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Tuesday, 6/11 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-299 700 | 20 seats left | $19 | Opens 5/15 |
Beauty in Biology and Math
Why do our brains perceive things as beautiful? In this class, students are asked to bring, make, or draw examples of beautiful things in nature, music, art, and design. We will discuss beauty in faces, nature, art, and perhaps current fashion as well. We will look at how symmetry affects our perception of beauty, how the strange mathematical Fibonacci sequence describes some of nature, and how tonal frequencies (that’s physics) combine to make beautiful sounds. It’s mathematical!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Catherine Talano, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Thursday, 6/13 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-302 700 | 10 seats left | $29 | Opens 5/15 |
Beers of Europe
Did you know the first beer purity law was declared in Bavaria – and it was a move made for political survival, not a consumer protection law? Experience a tour of Europe through beer history in this class. From the wheat beers of Belgium to the ales of England and Scotland; from the stouts of Ireland to the beers of France, Italy, the Czech Republic and even Russia; from Kolsch to Baltic Porter to India Pale Ale, students will learn the history of beer in Europe and its impact on the beer styles made and drank in the United States. Beers will be sampled, and history explained. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Tuesdays, 6/18 - 6/25 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-306 700 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 5/15 |
Composting & Worm Composting at Home
Are you curious about composting, but don’t know where to start? Are you a veteran composter, but looking for different perspectives? Come and learn the simple science and practice behind traditional forms of composting, and also vermicomposting—using worms to create a rich soil amendment! There are many options available, even systems that work in the smallest apartments. This workshop will include a live worm farm demonstration, Q&A session, and some great discussion!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Monday, 6/10 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-287 700 | 24 seats left | $27 | Opens 5/15 |
Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
Unravel the mystery and majesty of mushrooms! Discover the possibilities of a mycelium-based future! Learn how to find and identify fungi in the wild! If any of these exclamations interest you, then this is the course for you. Suggested reading: "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Mushrooms." ISBN 978-0-394-51992-0
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Class on 4/22 will be held at Collar City Mushrooms, Troy
Avery Stempel of Collar City Mushrooms, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Monday, 4/8 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Monday, 4/22 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Monday, 4/29 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
ZSPI-260 600 | 0 seats left | $35 | Section Full Call to be added to wait list |
New York State Safe Boating
New York State requires certain boat operators to have a boating safety certificate. All individuals born on or after May 1, 1996 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Additionally, operators of any age (14 or older) that wish to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) are required to complete a boater education course. For more information, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Michael Cannistraci, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Monday, Wednesdays, 6/10 - 6/12 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-019 700 | 25 seats left | $69 | Opens 5/15 |
Pet CPR and First Aid
Whether you are a pet owner or just a pet lover, this class will provide critical knowledge that could help save a pet’s life. The instructor, Mary Lynn, is the owner of Pet Estates Inc. and Merry Lynn Kennels and has been a successful business owner and leader in the pet business for more than 30 years and is certified by the American Red Cross for Pet First Aid and CPR. Students will need to purchase at least one textbook as part of the online portion of this course; approximate textbook cost is $20.
This is an online course in Brightspace D2L.
Mary Lynn Gagnon, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Online, 6/10 - 7/1 | ZSPI-141 700 | 15 seats left | $86 |
Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques
This course will turn you into the pinball wizard you were always meant to be! There is a lot more to pinball than just luck. With some basic skills, you can conquer any pinball machine. Each machine has its own rules, and learning to identify them is the key to scoring the most points. We will learn those techniques and use them on four different pinball machines spanning from the 1970s to today. The only prerequisite is the desire to have fun!
Course will meet at Mean Max Brewery, 251 River St, Troy, NY
Jesse Ryan, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Tuesday, 6/18 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
ZSPI-300 700 | 12 seats left | $27 | Opens 5/15 |
Power Tools 101
In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of hand power tools every DIY enthusiast and handy person should know! We’ll dive into the essential tools of the trade, including the drill, impact driver, jig saw, multi-tool, and circular saw. We will explore the revolutionary technology behind brushless tools and how they outperform their regular counterparts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your toolset, join us as we demystify battery-powered hand tools, learn the best practices, and discover the advantages of investing in brushless technology.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Monday, 6/24 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-303 700 | 24 seats left | $27 | Opens 5/15 |
Sustainable Landscaping & Ecological Design
This workshop will dive into designing and developing outdoor space in a beyond sustainable, environmentally friendly way by utilizing ecological design. The primary focus will be on landscaping at the home scale in a way that focuses on soil health, native and beneficial plants, biodiversity, water-efficiency, and conserving resources. You can design landscapes that not only reflect your unique vision, but also contribute positively to the health of the planet!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Monday, 6/17 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
ZSPI-289 700 | 24 seats left | $27 | Opens 5/15 |
Travel Planning Made Easy
This condensed, yet comprehensive, three-hour course is designed to demystify the process of planning your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway or a months-long expedition, this course will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to plan your trip efficiently and effectively. From destination selection to budgeting and packing, each module is packed with practical tips and actionable advice to streamline your travel planning experience. Come to class with a future trip ready to plan or just a dream of where you may want to go!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Abigail Cavazos, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Monday, 6/17 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-301 700 | 15 seats left | $19 | Opens 5/15 |
Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science
Introduction to learn how to identify trees and other woody plants on campus and in forest. Basics introduction in tree science such as how they grow, reproduce and the benefits to trees. Join ISA Certified Arborist in a lecture and walk around campus learning basic tree id and basic tree science. Dress for the weather and unpaved trail walking.
Course will be held in Administration Building, Room 106
Brian Smith, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Friday, 5/3 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
ZSPI-290 600 | 0 seats left | $24 | Section Full Call to be added to wait list |
Thursday, 6/13 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
ZSPI-290 700 | 15 seats left | $24 | Opens 5/15 |
Whiskies of Scotland
When was the first single malt Scotch available on the market? Not until 1964! Yet Scotland is the home to some of the most fabled and interesting whiskies in the world. From the Highlands to the Lowlands, Speyside, and Islay, Scotland produces some of the most sought-after spirits ever created. Learn about the famous progenitors, from the moonshiners (yes, moonshining began in Scotland!) to Johnny Walker himself, to the story the Belvenie and the history of peat! Students will be sampling at least two single malts from each region as well as blends and other potent potables. We’ll explore the history of the region and industry sip by sip. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Thursdays, 6/6 - 6/13 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-305 700 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 5/15 |
Wine Appreciation
In this course, we will cover the basics of wine appreciation. Identifying flavors. Acidity. Tannins. We will discuss white wines: Chardonnay; Sauvignon Blanc; and Riesling. Red wines: Cabernet Savignon, Pino Noir, and Merlot. There will be a section of ports and sherries. And on sparkling wines. There will be tasting and notes involved. The course will teach about how each wine is made, and where the best regions are for each type. Other styles and varietals will be explored as well. Differences between California, Europe, Southern Hemisphere, and East Coast will be discussed as well. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thursdays, 5/2 - 5/9 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-263 600 | 3 seats left | $69 |
Wines of Italy
Ciao! There’s nothing like beautiful Italy, with its glimmering sunshine, fantastic foods, and terrific wines. But Italian wine is so complex! It doesn’t have to be – join us and discover the whites and reds of Italy, region by region. From pinot grigio to tocai friulano, from sangiovese to nebbiolo to dolcetto to brachetto and muscato, from prosecco to Amarone to vin santo, you will learn about the regions, the winemakers’ secrets, the grapes, and the wines of the lands that date back to Roman times. Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, and Sicily are all yours! Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Thursdays, 6/20 - 6/27 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-307 700 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 5/15 |
Course Categories
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Alternative Dental Assisting Program (ADAP)
- Arts & Crafts
- Aviation and Aerial Vehicle (Drone)
- Biotech and Health Sciences
- Building Technology
- Business & Financial Planning
- Center for Creative Retirement
- Certificate Programs
- Clean Energy and Sustainability
- Communication
- Computers
Additional Resources
Here you will find forms for all of our courses and programs, including kids on campus, related to registration, consent and release, scholarship requests and more.
Cancellation and refund policies vary depending on the type and length of course. Find out about course cancellations, requesting a refund and more.
The Office of Community, Professional and Workforce Development is interested in new and innovative instructors and course ideas that will be of interest to community members.
Get in Touch
Community, Professional and Workforce Development
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Regular Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer 2023 Hours (May 22 - July 28): Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, Closed
(excluding college holidays and vacations)