Center for Creative Retirement

Courses

• A Tour of the Pruyn House
• American Mah Jongg
• Gravestone Restoration Workshop
• Jazz Diplomacy: Cold War, Civil Rights and American Culture
• Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch
• The Current Russian-Ukrainian War
• The Mansion to Mansion Tour
• The Perimeter of Woodlawn Walking Tour
• The Saugerties Lighthouse
• Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County
• Understanding the Middle East
• Using Probate Records in Family History
• Walking Tour of Saratoga Spa State Park
• Walking Tour of Troy's Historic Washington Park and Surrounding Homes and Tea
• World War I

A Tour of the Pruyn House

On this tour, we will visit the Pruyn House, tucked away in Colonie. Built between 1825 and 1830, the historic home was the country estate of Casparus Francis Pruyn, his wife Ann Hewson, and their family. Casparus Francis Pruyn was the land and business agent for Stephen Van Rensselaer III, one of the last patroons of the Van Rensselaer Manor. The scenic grounds feature the historic home, the Buhrmaster Barn, herb and perennial gardens, and the Verdoy Schoolhouse. The Pruyn House serves as the educational, historical and cultural arts center for the Town of Colonie. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at the Pruyn House, 207 Old Niskayuna Rd, Latham,NY

Paula Johannessen, Coordinator

A Tour of the Pruyn House

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 5/1 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-766 600	0 seats left	$22	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

American Mah Jongg

Whether you are a beginner or looking for a refresher, join us in learning American Mahjong. This class includes basic instruction and the opportunity to play with people of varying skill levels. Let’s play, learn to conquer the card, and delve into strategies. If you have a Mahjong set, please bring it with you. Course includes a $15 materials fee.

Course does not meet on 3/12 & 4/2

Course will be held in Day Care Center, Room B06

Criss Macaione, Instructor

American Mah Jongg

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesdays, 2/13 - 4/30 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm	ZSPI-276 600	0 seats left	$99	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Gravestone Restoration Workshop

Do you like old cemeteries and find gravestones interesting? Have you ever wondered how to properly clean them and make simple repairs? Back by popular demand, this hands-on gravestone restoration workshop will teach you how to clean stones and use appropriate mortars and epoxy to make repairs. You will learn best practices that will do no harm to gravestones that are more than a century old. All cleaning and repair materials and tools will be provided. You will need to bring a rinse bucket or dishpan. Gloves and garden seat are optional. Refreshments and bottled water will be provided. Join us in Historic St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Avenue, Menands for a fun, informative and relaxing workshop!

Course will be held at The Living Room Art Gallery, Historic St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Ave, Menands.

Kelly Grimaldi, Instructor

Gravestone Restoration Workshop

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 5/9 10:00 am - 1:00 pm	ZCCR-488 600	0 seats left	$52	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Jazz Diplomacy: Cold War, Civil Rights and American Culture

This course looks at the use of one of America’s great cultural creations - jazz - as a diplomatic tool. Starting in the 1950s, jazz was used as a way to counter Soviet propaganda, highlighting the contribution of great musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. But how did those musicians reconcile their status as global ambassadors of American culture with the challenges of the Civil Rights movement at home? The answer is manifested in the music they played, the compositions they created in response to encountering new cultures, and the musicians they inspired around the world. The course also looks at cultural diplomacy today and the continued effectiveness of American “soft power.”

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

James Ketterer, Instructor

Jazz Diplomacy: Cold War, Civil Rights and American Culture

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/11 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-751 700	30 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15

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 to a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion. Course fee includes $30 materials fee.

Paula Johannessen, Coordinator

Directions: Take Route 40 north to Schaghticoke. At the red light as you approach the village, turn left on Route 67, travel west toward Mechanicville. Drive 3 miles west, turn right onto Knickerbocker Road. The Mansion is the first building on the right.

Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 5/8 10:30 am - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-137 600	0 seats left	$40	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

The Current Russian-Ukrainian War

This class provides an overview and military analysis of the current war in Ukraine. We will also discuss the strategies employed and the operational and tactical conduct of the fighting by each side, as well as how newer technologies are impacting the battlefield and how modern warfare is evolving.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Thad Gaebelein, Instructor

The Current Russian-Ukrainian War

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 4/29 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-772 600	2 seats left	$19	Add to Cart

The Mansion to Mansion Tour

This Saratoga Springs walking tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only). Hear the story of George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller; learn what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and the details of events of the following years. Hear about their friendship with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt, to name just a few places. The tour will then move outside as we walk down Circular Street, learning about the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors, such as the then-Vice President, who lived across the street, and the acting first lady, who lived a few more houses away. Our last stop on the tour is to go inside the mansion known as “Union Gables,” built in 1901 for a local merchant and manufacturer. Wear comfortable shoes!  Course fee includes $25 materials fee.  

Course will meet at the Batcheller Mansion, 20 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, NY

Dr. Hollis Palmer, Instructor

The Mansion to Mansion Tour

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 5/6 11:30 am - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-641 600	0 seats left	$37	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

The Perimeter of Woodlawn Walking Tour

The site of the current Skidmore campus in Saratoga Springs was, at one time, a park named Woodlawn. Believing the park would be like Central Park in New York City, some of the most successful Albany, Troy and Schenectady families built grand Gilded Age cottages on what was to be the perimeter. This tour consists of two loops. Wear comfortable shoes! Course fee includes $25 materials fee. 

Course will meet at corner of First & Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY

Dr. Hollis Palmer, Instructor

The Perimeter of Woodlawn Walking Tour

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 5/1 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-768 600	1 seats left	$37	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. 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. Course fee includes a $8 materials fee.

Michele Doodian, Coordinator

Directions: Southbound on NYS Thruway/I-87 to the RT-32 exit-(Exit 20) - toward Saugerties/Woodstock. Turn left onto NY-32, turn left onto NY-212/NY-32, which becomes Ulster Ave. Continue on Ulster Ave. for 1.0 mile, bear right at Market St., go 1 block turn left at Main St., go 1 block stay straight to US-9W/Main St. Go 0.4 miles where 9W curves to the left, turn right onto Mynderse St., go 0.3 miles turn slight left onto Lighthouse Dr. Go 0.4 miles turn right into the lighthouse parking lot after the US Coast Guard station. Follow the lighthouse trail. Go 0.5 miles.  Please wear comfortable shoes.

The Saugerties Lighthouse

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 5/9 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-337 600	0 seats left	$22	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

The ValleyCats are an independent professional baseball team, set to begin their third year as members of the Frontier League. They play home games at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, or “The Joe” as some fans call it. The stadium is located on our very own Hudson Valley Community College campus. There isn’t a bad seat in the house at The Joe! The stadium holds 4,500 people and includes 10 high-end luxury suites and four picnic areas for group outings. They play 48 home games at The Joe from May through September. Get ready to celebrate the 2024 season by touring The Joe. Take a look at their great facilities, hear what’s new for the coming year and get a look at the batting cage and locker room.

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Directions: The Joe Bruno Stadium is located on the Hudson Valley Community College’s Campus.  The meeting spot will be at the ValleyCats box office.

Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/4 10:00 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-317 700	25 seats left	$12	Opens 5/15

Understanding the Middle East

This course explores various aspects of the recent history, culture, and religions of the Middle East, seeking to put these factors into a broader context and undo many of the stereotypes and myths that pervade American views of the region. The course offers an overview of the modern Middle East and reviews populations, languages, religions, key historical events over the last several decades, and where things stand now.  Course instructor James Ketterer has lived and worked across the region and recently returned from Egypt, where he held an academic appointment at the American University in Cairo.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

James Ketterer, Instructor

Understanding the Middle East

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/18 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-752 700	30 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15

Using Probate Records in Family History

Wills and probate records are among the most basic documents used by genealogists, yet inexperience with the process and all those legal terms tend to intimidate even seasoned family historians. But probate records can provide information about an ancestor’s family not available elsewhere, especially in New York State. Instructor Lisa Dougherty will be joined at this session by Judith Harper, a professional family historian whose research credits include projects for the New England Historic Genealogical Society, who will help you navigate the process. 

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Using Probate Records in Family History

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 4/30 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-757 600	5 seats left	$15	Add to Cart

Walking Tour of Saratoga Spa State Park

Have you ever attended an event at SPAC, explored the Roosevelt Baths and Museum of Dance buildings, strolled through the paths of Gideon Putnam Hotel, played golf, swam in the Peerless Pool, tasted the many mineral springs, watched the water spout spouting, or taken your child/grandchildren to stock the stream with trout? Join us for a ranger-led walking history tour of Saratoga Spa State Park and learn how this gem of a park came to be. Hear the story of the men who realized what a treasure this area was and decided to save it from commercialism and urbanization for eternity for the enjoyment of the common folk. We will see how, over more than 100 years, things have changed in this oasis of peace, and how the initial idea evolved into what we see today. This stroll will cover up to two miles in an hour and a half to two hours on level ground with stone and dirt paths. Dress for the weather, rain or shine. 

Course will meet at the Creekside Classroom on the Picnic Loop Road, Geyser Loop Road. Saratoga Springs, NY

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Walking Tour of Saratoga Spa State Park

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 5/7 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-741 600	0 seats left	$12	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Walking Tour of Troy's Historic Washington Park and Surrounding Homes and Tea

Enjoy taking a step back in time to the mid-1800's to see and experience the genteel living of the nouveau rich of Troy’s Washington Park, surrounding neighborhoods and newly added artist enclave. You will be able to see first hand, the loving care taken to rehabilitate and update many of these one of a kind homes of the emerging upper middle class of the 19th century and visit their own private park. You will see many different types of architecture including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne. We may even see a restoration in progress at one of the area homes.

New this tour will be visiting St. John’s Episcopal Church where you will discover the many hidden Tiffany treasures from stained glass windows, intricate floor tile mosaics and the painted Baptismal alcove. while awaiting the start of the class, enjoy their Memorial Garden which has been on the Troy Hidden Garden Tour. A moderate lunch will be held in the last home we visit on the tour.

Washington Park is described in an 1840's deed as a “private ornamental park for the use and recreation of the lots fronting said park”. Own-ers would be charged for “fencing, improving, ornamentation, planting, keeping, and maintaining said park and the walks and streets around the same”. Today, surrounding homeowners still are assessed an annual maintenance fee for improvements and the upkeep of the grounds and fence.

There will be lots of walking on mostly uneven surfaces: sidewalks, grass, roads, and some home interiors with multiple flights of stairs, climbing up and down. Be mindful of your capabilities to keep up with the group as we have a tight schedule to adhere to for the 2 hour tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet for all of the tour. Dress for the outdoors, rain or shine this time of year.

Course will meet in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Parking Lot directly across from the church, 146 1st Street

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Walking Tour of Troy's Historic Washington Park and Surrounding Homes and Tea

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 4/30 9:30 am - 12:30 pm	ZCCR-329 600	0 seats left	$37	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

World War I

This class provides a military overview and analysis of the strategies and methods of the way WWI was fought, as well as an analysis of major battles and decisions on both sides that ultimately determined the Allied victory and the shaping of our world today.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Thad Gaebelein, Instructor

World War I

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 6/17 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-770 700	30 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15