Center for Creative Retirement

We offer more educational and fun classes, trips and workshops to keep you actively engaged.

How to Register

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Courses

Aging Made Easy

This is a class for all adults. We’ll all grow older, and some of us are currently or may soon become caregivers of family members or friends. We will hear from Director of the New York State Office of Aging Greg Olsen, who will discuss what aging is and what it is not and the value that the older population brings to family and community – economically and socially. He will touch on a snapshot of the services New York provides and why and share the technology innovations improving health and wellness while combatting social isolation and loneliness. He will also address caregiver issues. 

This course will be held at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, NY

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Aging Made Easy
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 11/13
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm		 ZCCR-840 500 88 seats left $15

Do You Have a Civil War Veteran in Your Family?

Join us on Veterans Day for a special session on how to determine if one of your ancestors fought in the war between the states. You don’t have to be a military records expert to use the clues hiding in plain sight!  Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will provide examples and a case study to start you off on the path to discovery.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Do You Have a Civil War Veteran in Your Family?
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 11/11
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-830 500 26 seats left $18

Eleanor: First Lady of the World

One hardly has to include Eleanor Roosevelt’s last name to know who President Truman was referring to when he called her “The First Lady of the World.” Her life story and achievements are both astounding and inspiring. Her marriage to Franklin D. Roosevelt, a distant cousin, promised a bright future but was rocked by his infidelity and later, the fact that he contracted polio at 37 and became paralyzed from the waist down, but both he and Eleanor persevered. In supporting his political aspirations during his illness, Eleanor found she had the aptitude and passion to become a skilled politician herself. Focusing on helping the poor, the disadvantaged, minorities and people of color, and young people, she and Franklin partnered in successfully steering the country through some of its most trying times - the Great Depression and World War II. Following the war, and Franklin’s death, Elanor became a worldwide advocate for peace and human rights.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, 12180, Room 248

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor

Eleanor: First Lady of the World
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/21
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-799 501 0 seats left $28Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Flowers of the Fall: Design, Color and Texture

Take the opportunity to spend a morning with a versatile floral artist who can design a classical look but make it follow a modern trend. Instructor Michele has more than 30 years of experience and is ready to show you how to put creativity and energy into designs and events. If you have been with us before, you know she brings a passion for what she does and many return because they know she always brings new ideas and demonstrates what is “hot” in the flower world.  Come join us and you may be one of the lucky students who carries one of her creations home! Course fee includes a $18 materials fee.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Michele Peters AIFD, owner of Ambiance Florals and Events, Instructor

Flowers of the Fall: Design, Color and Texture
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/29
9:30 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-338 500 0 seats left $33Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

German Meal with Christ Kindle Presentation

Is your mouth watering for an authentic German meal? If so, join us at the German American Club, where our class will begin with a delicious home-cooked, authentic German meal of wurst, sauerkraut, spätzle, dessert and beverage. This fantastic meal will be followed by a virtual tour of the spectacular German Christmas markets, highlighting the most famous ones and showing what they offer tourists and locals alike. We’ll finish by singing a famous German song. Course includes $22 materials fee.

Course will meet at German American Club, 32 Cherry St., Albany, NY 12205. 

Melinda Burns, German American Club Board Member, Instructor

Jean Chenette, Instructor  

German Meal with Christ Kindle Presentation
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 11/5
11:30 am - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-823 500 0 seats left $40Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

History of Crown Point

2 CLASSES IN 1!

History of Crown Point: The Colonial Fur Trade and A Clash of Empires in the New York Borderlands

This presentation looks at the role of the fur trade in the colonial history of New York.  From the 17th century onward, Dutch, English, and French colonizers aimed to control the trade and steer profits towards their respective nations. These European powers allied and fought with indigenous nations and one another in their efforts to control this lucrative commodity. This presentation examines how those conflicts, rooted in trade and empire, shaped New York’s colonial development and settlement patterns. 

Champ: History and Legend of the Lake Champlain Sea Monster

This presentation recounts the lore and tales of Champ, a sea monster that purportedly resides in the waters of Lake Champlain. The legend has roots in various traditions and historical accounts, and sightings continue today. Part lore and part history, this presentation will recount and revisit some of the Champ sightings in the 18th and 19th centuries, placing those accounts in the context of the development and settlement of the Champlain Valley. (Disclaimer: This presentation will NOT offer any conclusive evidence that proves or disproves the existence of Champ.)

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Sam Huntington, Instructor

History of Crown Point
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/17
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-782 500 0 seats left $19Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Ice Harvesting History

The ice trade, also known as the frozen water trade, was a nineteenth-century industry, centering on the east coast of the United States, involving the large-scale harvesting, transport and sale of natural ice for domestic consumption and commercial purposes. This class will provide a brief history of the industry’s development on the Hudson River and detail the process for harvesting, storing, and delivering ice. Tools of the trade will be on display. Instructor Tom Ragosta is the president of the Watervliet Historical Society, curator of the Watervliet Museum, and the Watervliet city historian.

Course will be held in  Williams Hall, Room 113

Tom Ragosta, Instructor

Ice Harvesting History
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Monday, 11/3
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZCCR-647 500 9 seats left $25

Josephine Bonaparte Changed American Fashion and Decor

Born Marie Joseph Rose Tascher on a sugar plantation in Martinique, the woman who would become Empress Josephine was from a once aristocratic family that had fallen into hard times. Near the end of the French Revolution’s “reign of terror,” she caught the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte. Josephine and Napoleon married and shared a profound determination to succeed and a love of the ancient Roman Empire. 

Napoleon wanted to pattern his military leadership after Emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus. Josephine became a patron of the arts and studied the art works of ancient Greece and Rome. After becoming the rulers of France in 1804, Josephine discarded the heavy, uncomfortable and restricting fashion of the 18th century and presented herself as a wealthy aristocrat of ancient Rome in both fashion and decor.

Since the young country of America copied all the arts popular in Europe, Josephine’s sense of style and interior design were introduced after the American Revolution. Many of her original gowns, accessories and furnishings will be illustrated in the presentation. 

Course will be held in  Williams Hall, Room 113

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor 

Josephine Bonaparte Changed American Fashion and Decor
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/9
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-824 500 1 seats left $22

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

Michele Doodian, Coordinator

Knickerbocker Family Mansion: Ghosts, Tour and Lunch
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/8
10:30 am - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-137 500 2 seats left $45

Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment

A rifle shot, a scream, and the Cherry Hill household erupts into chaos! The dramatic tour relives the experiences of those who were at Cherry Hill on the evening of May 7, 1827, when a farmhand murdered a member of the Van Rensselaer household We will investigate the scene of the crime and the differing perspectives of those who witnessed the events of that fateful night. An actor will appear as murderer Jesse Strang, bringing to life his violent act, and divulging his motives, including a romantic attachment to his victim’s wife. The notorious murder resulted in two sensational trials and Albany’s last public hanging. Cherry Hill is a historic house museum in Albany, NY, and was the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family from 1787-1963. Please dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear comfortable shoes. Inside, the tour will take us up and down two flights of stairs; outside, we’ll walk over some uneven ground. Course includes $15 materials fee.

Course will meet at Historic Cherry Hill, 523 ½ South Pearl St. Albany; located between First and McCarty Avenues. 

Fri., 10/24 - Michelle Doodian, Coordinator

Sat., 10/25 - Cherry Hill Staff, Coordinator

Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 10/24
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm		 ZCCR-736 500 0 seats left $30Section Full

Call to be added to wait list
Saturday, 10/25
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm		 ZCCR-736 501 0 seats left $30Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Notorious! Shady Ladies of 19th Century America

Some people would rather be infamous than famous – and 19th century American women were no different! Scandal and gossip can be so delicious, and these ladies tasted their fair share of both. Phyllis Chapman appears in costume as Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States, to delight not only with her own scandalous escapades, but also those of other unconventional 19th century ladies. Victoria, Calamity Jane, Belle Starr, Lizzie Borden, Lydia Pinkham, and Carry A. Nation did as they pleased and didn’t worry about propriety. In the days when a lady’s name only appeared in the newspapers three times in her life, these gals were frequent headliners. If you like gun-swinging, bone-crackling, axe-whacking, free-loving women, this is a must see for you! 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor 

Notorious! Shady Ladies of 19th Century America
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/8
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-505 500 0 seats left $28Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Only in NY: The Rare Hybrid House

Early Dutch settlers who populated much of the Hudson Valley in the 17th and 18th century created a hybrid style of home that, while echoing the houses of their homelands with their gable end entrances, combined the comfort and size of some of the homes being built by their fellow New World settlers from England. 

Sometimes referred to as Dutch Colonial, these homes could include a story and a half of living space, and a center hall under a gambrel roof. Since nothing remains of the original Dutch homes in Albany or New York City, the only remaining examples are very few and far between. The majority still standing are in Columbia County, with one in the Schenectady Stockade and several others on the outskirts of both Schenectady and Kinderhook. These homes are true hybrids of both English and Dutch building traditions and are amazingly alike. We will closely compare two of these homes, with details of their exteriors and interior construction. 

The presentation will include the history of how the Neoclassical style began in 16th century Italy, spread to England and gained favor across Europe before being constructed in America. 

Course will be held in  Williams Hall, Room 113

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor 

Only in NY: The Rare Hybrid House
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 10/16
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-826 500 2 seats left $22

Preserving Your Family History

It’s time to get organized!  Join professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty for an informative session on how to efficiently organize your hours of family history research. You’ll hear tips on what software to choose, how to make a keepsake to share with family that won’t be boring, and what to do with it all when planning for your estate. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Preserving Your Family History
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/14
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-829 500 11 seats left $18

Senior Exercise Class

Over the course of an hour, students in this class for seniors will work on 18 exercises grouped in three modalities in ascending order of difficulty. Students will be provided with a sheet listing the exercises to use at home

as part of a daily routine and will need to bring their own mat and one- or two-pound hand weights to class.

Course will be held in Brahan Hall, Room 114

Ihor Evanick, Instructor

Senior Exercise Class
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesdays, 9/30 - 11/4
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm		 ZREC-133 500 1 seats left $25

The Beauty of Zen Gardening

The Beauty of Zen Gardening

In this class, we’ll explore the history and evolution of Songni Yuan (Pine Mud’s Garden) Zen garden, an Asian-inspired garden built by instructor David Besozzi in his backyard. Enjoy conversation about, and images of, the Zen, viewing, and stroll gardens, as well as the courtyard, bonsai gallery and “dragon spine” garden bed, and learn tips on how to build your own Asian-inspired garden. We’ll also discuss the characteristics of authentic and well-established gardens from Japan and North America that have been incorporated into Songni Yuan.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

David Besozzi, Instructor

The Beauty of Zen Gardening
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/15
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-831 500 20 seats left $15

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, 10/16
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm		 ZCCR-337 500 1 seats left $25

Topics in Weather and Forecasting

This class will cover a wide range of topics related to weather and forecasting, taught by the recently-retired science and training officer at the National Weather Service in Albany. Topics include a short review of basic meteorology related to how the weather works, radar and observations, severe weather, computer models, weather forecasting, and local Capital District weather effects.

This course will be held at400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Michael Evans, Instructor

Topics in Weather and Forecasting
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesday, 10/28
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZSPI-352 500 0 seats left $15Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Urban Renewal: Rensselaer County 1960 -1980

Rensselaer County saw a great deal of changes to both its urban and rural landscapes in the 1960s and 70s. The building of I-90 and 787, the widening of Hoosick Street in Troy and Routes 9 & 20 in East Greenbush, and the removal of more than 150 buildings in downtown Troy changed the landscape dramatically in this twenty-year period. Join Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian and Executive Director of the Hart Cluett Museum Kathryn Sheehan for an illustrated talk about the history of this extraordinary time in our county’s history.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Kathryn Sheehan, Instructor 

Urban Renewal: Rensselaer County 1960 -1980
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Friday, 11/7
9:30 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-834 500 0 seats left $25Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Visit 1890's Bookbindery

During this tour, we will print on an iron hand press, trim the edges of a book on a 14th-century-style cutting machine, witness printer’s type being made by hand, and learn about the creation of books in both industrial and preindustrial styles. Course includes $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at Renascent Bookbindery, 1227 Fifth Ave, Troy, NY

Tim James, Instructor

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Visit 1890's Bookbindery
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 10/22
10:00 am - 11:30 am		 ZCCR-812 500 0 seats left $25Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Visit to Burden Iron Works Museum

The Burden Iron Works Museum highlights the industrial heritage of the Hudson-Mohawk region. The museum features exhibits and artifacts representing major local industries such as iron, bell casting, textiles and precision instruments, among others. A stationary steam engine and several bells are the largest displays inside the museum, while a number of artifacts are arranged on the museum grounds. The museum’s executive director will begin the program with an overview of the region’s industrial history, with a special focus on the contributions of Henry Burden. Participants will then have the opportunity to experience the museum’s displays at their own pace, with docents available to answer questions. Course includes $10 materials fee. 

1 Session, Meet at Burden Iron Works Museum, 1 East Industrial Parkway, Troy, NY

Paula Johannessen, Coordinator

Visit to Burden Iron Works Museum
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 11/6
10:00 am - 12:00 pm		 ZCCR-530 500 0 seats left $25Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

Get in Touch

Office of Workforce Development and Community Education

Join our Mailing List
Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 334
(518) 629-7339

Fax: (518) 629-8103

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