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.

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Courses

American Cider

Cider was among Colonial America’s most consumed beverages and is an art form still practiced today. We’ll learn about and sample ciders from Maine to Virginia, and a few from the west, as we delve into the history of apple growing and cider making. We’ll study and sample cider, applejack, apple brandy and pommeau. 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

American Cider
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 9/17 - 9/24
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-397 500 32 seats left $79Opens 8/26

Be Your Best Self

This “hero building” course is for anyone interested in self-improvement or personal development who is excited about becoming the best version of themselves and thus a hero to the people around them. This world needs heroes today more than ever! This course is designed to help you reach your full potential and will follow a step-by-step process to help you determine who you want to be and help you build a protocol to achieve what you find most important in your life. 

Course on will meet at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, NY

Rick Spiezio, Instructor

Be Your Best Self
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/14
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
ZSPI-400 500 20 seats left $34Opens 8/26

Complete Paranormal Research

Developed by nationally renowned paranormal investigator Jack Kenna, this course will provide comprehensive information and knowledge on the methods, tools, and approach to become a successful, knowledgeable, and professional paranormal team member, investigator or researcher. Topics include spiritual protection, equipment use, techniques for spirit communication, using divining rods, smudging or cleansing a home or person, connecting with your five senses, working with clients, and much more. Required reading for this class is “Paranormal Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Strong Team” ISBN-13:  978-0764355264.

Course will be held in  Daycare Center, Room 138

Jack Kenna, Instructor

Complete Paranormal Research
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesdays, 9/16 - 11/11
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
ZSPI-399 500 16 seats left $74Opens 8/26

Digging Deeper into Cemeteries

In this class, get a behind-the-scenes look at how cemeteries operate and explore the many options available for final disposition, including cremation and various types of final resting choices. Participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions, plan thoughtfully, and clearly communicate their wishes, easing the burden and uncertainty for loved ones.

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05

Lisa Dooley & Kerry McGovern from NYS Division of Cemeteries, Instructors

Digging Deeper into Cemeteries
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/27
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-371 500 15 seats left $15Opens 8/26

Drink Like a Pirate

In this class, learn about Madeira, rum, wine, beer, cider, grog, planter’s punch, and more, and hear tales of Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd, Blackbeard (Edward Teach), Black Bart Roberts, Calico Jack (John Rackman), Charles Vane, and Mary Read and Anne Bonny. Sample pirate-inspired cocktails 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

Drink Like a Pirate
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 10/1 - 10/8
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-362 500 32 seats left $79Opens 8/26

Gemstone Divination

Did you know that you can use gemstones like tarot cards to give insight into your past, present, and future? Participants in this workshop will learn about the divination properties of gemstones, observe a sample reading, and practice stone castings in pairs or small groups. Everyone will go home with a complete kit of 11 large polished stones, directions, and a casting board. Students who have to withdraw must do so at least one week prior to the start of the course for a full refund.

Course will be held in  Daycare Center, Room B06

Alyssa Yeager, Instructor

Gemstone Divination
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/22
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-369 500 15 seats left $42Opens 8/26

Introduction to Canva

Get comfortable with Canva in this four-part beginner series designed to turn “where do I click?” into “look what I made.” You’ll learn the essentials step by step: navigating the platform, working with text, colors, and effects, understanding free vs. paid features, and using graphics, elements, and layers. We’ll cover photos, frames, and templates, plus how to choose between personal and commercial use. In the final class, you’ll create a simple flyer (think garage sale) using guided constraints to build confidence. By the end, you’ll have the skills to design clean, eye-catching visuals for everyday projects. Students will need to bring their own laptops to class; tablets are not allowed for this class. Students need to set up a free Canva account prior to the start of the class.

Course will be held in  Daycare Center, Room 137

Julie Ann Price, Instructor

Introduction to Canva
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Mondays, 9/21 - 10/19
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
ZSPI-381 500 12 seats left $79Opens 8/26

Introduction to Off-Roading

So, you’ve just picked up your first full size 4x4 – congratulations! Whether it’s fresh off the dealership lot or a project you’ve been bringing back to life, you’re probably eager to see what it can really do. If you’re ready to get off the pavement and explore the outdoors with confidence, this course is the perfect place to start. Off-roading is more than just driving on the dirt – it requires technical understanding, preparation, and responsible decision-making. It’s about understanding your vehicle, reading the terrain, and being prepared for whatever comes next. This course is designed for budding enthusiasts seeking to build foundational skills while learning how to operate their vehicle safely and effectively.

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06

Scott Pignatelli, Instructor

Introduction to Off-Roading
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Saturday, 10/3
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
ZSPI-385 500 20 seats left $39Opens 8/26

Learn the Tarot

The goal of this class is for you to learn about tarot cards. We will look at the metaphors, symbols, and archetypes to help you better understand the tarot and how the tarot can help you understand yourself and tap into your inner resources with more confidence. We will utilize an interactive workshop format with short weekly “work” activities to help you connect to your cards and their meanings. This class is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. You are welcome to borrow a deck during class if you don’t have one for class.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Melody Kearney, Instructor

Learn the Tarot
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Saturdays, 9/19 - 10/24
9:00 am - 11:00 am
ZSPI-121 500 12 seats left $79Opens 8/26

Paranormal Research: Psychic Abilities

This course goes in depth into connecting with your latent psychic abilities, enhancing the abilities you may already have, understanding the different types of psychic abilities, identifying what abilities you may have, using these abilities to connect with spirit, assisting with paranormal investigations, and identifying positive and negative energies. The course also covers spiritual protection and cleansing techniques and tools, how to detect and close spirit portals, the signs of spirit attachment, and in-class exercises to help develop psychic abilities. 

Course will be held in  Daycare Center, Room 138

Jack Kenna, Instructor

Paranormal Research: Psychic Abilities
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesdays, 9/15 - 11/10
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
ZSPI-319 500 16 seats left $74Opens 8/26

Solar Power at Your House

This class will answer all the questions about putting solar on your house that solar companies won’t tell you. Is there any truth to the ridiculous ads you see online about everything being free? Do you still have power when the power goes out? Does New York pay you to go solar? Cut through the nonsense with this informative class geared towards homeowners who are curious about solar power but don’t know who to trust.

Course will be held in  Daycare Center, Room B05

Jesse Ryan, Instructor 

Solar Power at Your House
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 10/19
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-326 500 20 seats left $27Opens 8/26

Tales In Our Bones

Welcome to the fascinating world of forensic anthropology! This introductory course explores how forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to solve crimes, identify disaster victims, and uncover mysteries of the past. Through case studies, virtual 3D models, and practical exercises with replica specimens, you’ll learn the basics of bone identification, how forensic anthropologists determine age, sex, and cause of death, the critical role they play in criminal investigations, and some of the challenges facing the field. Perfect for true crime enthusiasts, aspiring forensic scientists, or anyone curious about the science behind identifying the dead. No science background required – just bring your curiosity!

Course will be held in WILL, Room 113 

Myeashea Alexander, Instructor

Tales In Our Bones
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 9/15
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-366 500 20 seats left $36Opens 8/26

Thanksgiving Wines

This class will cover all your wine needs for the upcoming great American holiday and give you the skills and knowledge to impress friends and family alike. From fizzy starters like sparkling wine and cider to delicious whites, tasty reds, and sumptuous dessert wines, learn the pairings that will make your holiday dinner complete. 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

Thanksgiving Wines
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursdays, 10/22 - 10/29
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZSPI-398 500 15 seats left $79Opens 8/26

The Interesting World of Mocktails

Join us for a lesson on mixing modern seasonal mocktails that will elevate your next party or family brunch. In this interactive workshop, learn the art of crafting refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and explore the basics of mixology, including how to balance sweet, sour, bitter, and bubbly elements to build complex, satisfying mocktails. We will offer ideas on how to craft unique and exciting concoctions and guide everyone step-by-step through making three signature recipes, sharing tips on shaking, stirring, muddling, garnishing and presentation along the way. We will employ fresh juices, herbs, syrups, and spice-forward ingredients to demonstrate and create drinks that feel festive and intentional rather than sugary or simple. The class is designed for all levels – no prior bar experience needed – and is a welcoming option for sober-curious guests, designated drivers, and anyone who wants the fun of a cocktail class without alcohol. You will enjoy a tasting of our creations and leave with recipes. Students who need to withdraw must do so at least one week prior to the start of the class for a refund.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Gayatri Hingwala, Instructor

The Interesting World of Mocktails
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 11/17
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
ZSPI-370 500 32 seats left $55Opens 8/26

Get in Touch

Office of Workforce Development and Community Education

Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 334

Fax: (518) 629-8103

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding college holidays and vacations)