Center for Creative Retirement

Courses

• Digging Deeper into Cemeteries
• Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch
• The Interesting World of Mocktails
• The Saugerties Lighthouse
• Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

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 B06

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

Digging Deeper into Cemeteries

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/23 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZSPI-371 700	8 seats left	$15	Add to Cart

Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch

The Knickerbocker Historical Society will be our hosts as they tell us about the history and ghosts of the Knickerbocker Mansion, which dates from about 1770. They will arrange for historical “ghosts” to give moving firsthand accounts of their lives and experiences, and they will explain the renovations – the not-for-profit Society rescued the mansion from certain demolition and has continued to restore it. Our visit concludes with a chance to tour the mansion and a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion. Course fee includes $30 materials fee.

Course will meet at Knickerbocker Family Mansion, 132 Knickerbocker Rd., Schaghticoke, NY

Liz Haworth, Coordinator

Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 5/20 10:30 am - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-137 600	1 seats left	$50	Add to Cart

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. Course fee includes $25 materials fee.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 102

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

The Interesting World of Mocktails

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 6/24 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZSPI-370 700	21 seats left	$40	Add to Cart

The Saugerties Lighthouse

Join us at the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 landmark on the Hudson River that now stands proudly as a living museum and a renowned bed and breakfast. Step back in time more than a hundred years to experience the charm and rustic simplicity of life in the middle of the river. The Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of the public. The restored red-brick lighthouse offers overnight bed and breakfast accommodations, public tours, and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen,  keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light tower offers a panoramic view of the 

Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains. Because of its location on the river, tours must be scheduled with tide schedules in mind. The lighthouse can be reached via a half-mile nature trail of dirt and rock paths with wooden bridges and boardwalks and sandy trails. It is at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties, New York. Suitable, comfortable shoes are recommended as it is a short walk to the lighthouse. Course fee includes $10 materials fee

Course will meet at the 168 Lighthouse Road, Saugerties, NY

Saugerties Lighthouse Staff, Coordinator

The Saugerties Lighthouse

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 6/4 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-337 700	0 seats left	$25	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

The Tri-City ValleyCats are the Capital Region’s professional baseball team and are preparing to begin their sixth year in the Frontier League and 24th season overall at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. The ballpark, affectionately known as “The Joe,” is located on the Hudson Valley Community College campus. Last year, the ValleyCats welcomed more than 170,000 fans for games and special events. The stadium features seating for 4,500 fans, 10 luxury suites, and four picnic areas, making it an ideal venue for group outings.

The ’Cats will host 51 home games from May through August, three more than the 2025 season. Opening night is set for Friday, May 15 with a 6:30 p.m. start time and the first of 15 postgame fireworks shows. Help us celebrate the 2026 campaign by touring the stadium, exploring the team’s top-notch facilities, and learning what’s new for the upcoming season. At the end of the tour, we will have two drawings for two premium seat tickets.

Course will meet at The Joe Bruno Stadium is located on the Hudson Valley Community College's Campus.  The meeting spot with be at the ValleyCats box office.

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/16 10:00 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-317 700	14 seats left	$15	Add to Cart