Leisure and Special Interest

Courses

• Adventure Ready: Packing for Survival
• Bach Flowers to the Rescue
• Be Your Own Life Coach
• Beauty in Biology and Math
• Beers of Europe
• Composting & Worm Composting at Home
• Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
• New York Beer Appreciation
• 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

Adventure Ready: Packing for Survival

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Bach Flowers to the Rescue

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/11 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	ZSPI-299 700	20 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15

Be Your Own Life Coach

This course will help you to explore so many ways that you can become your own, best life coach!  Topics will include Self Analysis and Goal Setting, Incorporating Health and Wellness into your everyday, Stress Management, Time Management, Improving your Listening/ Communication Skills, and Motivating You!   Reflect, Refresh and learn how to be your own best coach through life!  This course is available through Brightspace D2L. You will need your Hudson Valley username and password to access the course.

This is an online course in Brightspace D2L. 

Danielle Blesi, Instructor

Be Your Own Life Coach

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Online, 4/8 - 4/26	ZSPI-291 600	0 seats left	$49	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

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

Beauty in Biology and Math

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Beers of Europe

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Composting & Worm Composting at Home

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Mushrooms, Mycelium and More

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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 Beer Appreciation

Did you know New York was the number one producer of beer in America for more than 110 years? Or that New York now has more breweries than at any other time in its history? In this course, we will cover the basics of beer appreciation. We will identify styles and flavors and discuss beers such as pilsner, Kolsch, IPA, DIPA, wheat, fruit, porters and stouts, and seasonal brews from some of the state’s best brewers, including many well-known brewers, plus possibly some locally-made homebrew. The course will teach about how each beer is made, and where and who they come from, providing a thorough history of beer in New York State. 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

New York Beer Appreciation

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursdays, 4/18 - 4/25 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	ZSPI-284 600	0 seats left	$69	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

New York State Safe Boating

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Pet CPR and First Aid

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Online, 6/10 - 7/1	ZSPI-141 700	15 seats left	$86	Add to Cart

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

Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Power Tools 101

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Sustainable Landscaping & Ecological Design

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Travel Planning Made Easy

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Whiskies of Scotland

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
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

Wine Appreciation

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursdays, 5/2 - 5/9 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	ZSPI-263 600	0 seats left	$69	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

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

Wines of Italy

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursdays, 6/20 - 6/27 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	ZSPI-307 700	30 seats left	$69	Opens 5/15