Center for Creative Retirement

Courses

• American Mah Jongg - Intermediate Level
• Come Smell the Roses
• Flip Side of History
• From Horse Rail to Mobility Hub
• George Washington's Travels
• Know Your Car
• Learn to Play Mah Jongg
• Mrs. JJ Brown Survivor of the Titanic
• Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment
• Norman Rockwell Presentation
• Notorious! Shady Ladies of 19th Century America
• Parker Dunn: A Boy, His Bravery & a Bridge
• Senior Exercise Class
• The Dick Van Dyke Show
• The Saugerties Lighthouse
• Visit to Burden Iron Works Museum
• Who was Benedict Arnold?

American Mah Jongg - Intermediate Level

Learn American Mahjong strategy in this advanced beginner class. We will focus on how to choose a hand, what tiles to select during the Charleston, and when to pivot and what hand to pivot to, along with other playing strategies. We will also spend time playing Siamese (two-person) Mahjong. Students should already know the basics of how to play American Mahjong and have their own 2026 playing card.

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06

Julie Ann Price, Instructor

American Mah Jongg - Intermediate Level

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Fridays, 9/18 - 11/13 10:30 am - 12:30 pm	ZSPI-170 500	0 seats left	$85	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Come Smell the Roses

Instructor Michele Peters, a certified floral designer and member of AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers), brings energy and her passion for flowers to this floral design class with a seasonal spin. Join us for a holiday-themed flower arrangement demonstration and lesson, with a little hands-on project at the end. You may be one of the lucky students who carries one of her creations home! Students who need to withdraw from class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund.

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

Michele Peters, Instructor

Come Smell the Roses

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 10/29 9:30 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-859 500	0 seats left	$35	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Flip Side of History

Flip Side of History - Part II

This repeat presentation revisits some of the most incredible true stories ever told. Learn about why author Robert Louis Stevenson gave his birthday away, the three men who set sail for Africa to make a fortune in the illegal diamond trade, a man who lived like a millionaire for one day, and more! For more than thirty years, author and retired teacher Steve Silverman – host of the delightfully odd Useless Information Podcast – has been on a mission to dig up the strange, silly, and downright unbelievable stories that history has swept under the rug. Come join Steve as he brings some of his all-time favorites to life in a talk that’s guaranteed to entertain.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Steve Silverman, Instructor

Flip Side of History

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 10/16 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	ZCCR-745 500	2 seats left	$15	Add to Cart

From Horse Rail to Mobility Hub

Join Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian and Director of the Hart Cluett Museum Kathy Sheehan for a journey through our county’s rich transportation history. Kathy’s illustrated discussion on the history of public transportation in Rensselaer County and the Capital Region will evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. 

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

Kathy Sheehan, Instructor 

From Horse Rail to Mobility Hub

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 11/12 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-865 500	0 seats left	$25	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

George Washington's Travels

George Washington might have traveled the country more than any of our early leaders besides Adams and Jefferson. No automobiles, trains, or airplanes were available to him, just horses on bad roads and boats in all kinds of weather. Where did he go, when did he go, and why did he go? These are some of the questions we will explore as we follow his trips on maps provided in class.

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

Jim Sefcik, Instructor

George Washington's Travels

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 10/16 11:00 am - 1:00 pm	ZCCR-856 500	0 seats left	$15	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Know Your Car

Join us for a “Know Your Car” seminar designed specifically for retired adults, where you’ll gain confidence and practical knowledge about your vehicle in a friendly, low-pressure environment. This informative session covers essential topics such as understanding dashboard warning lights, checking fluids, proper tire maintenance, and basic troubleshooting tips to help keep you safe and independent on the road. Our experienced instructor will also answer common questions and can address new vehicle technologies, including hybrid/electric cars and advanced driver assist systems. Whether you drive every day or just occasionally, this seminar is a great opportunity to refresh your skills and stay road-ready.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 153 

Christopher McNally, Instructor

Know Your Car

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 11/6 11:30 am - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-825 500	7 seats left	$15	Add to Cart

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Whether you are a complete beginner or just need a refresher, join us in learning to play Mahjong. This fun mental exercise includes basic instruction and the opportunity to play with people of varying skill levels. 

Thursday class will not meet on 10/1

Friday class will not meet on 11/6

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06

Julie Ann Price, Instructor

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursdays, 9/17 - 11/12 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	ZSPI-119 500	0 seats left	$85	Section Full Call to be added to wait list
Fridays, 9/18 - 11/13 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZSPI-119 501	0 seats left	$85	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Mrs. JJ Brown Survivor of the Titanic

Margaret Brown, or “Mrs. JJ Brown,” as she preferred to be addressed, has been described as a feisty Westerner, a rather “common” woman who survived the Titanic disaster, but there was much more to this remarkable and adventurous lady. Tales of her flamboyant lifestyle and world travels have superseded her participation in numerous public causes and in addressing social issues, including juvenile delinquency, public appreciation for the arts, and women’s suffrage. During the disaster, she remained calm and resourceful, urging others to act swiftly and remain positive. Long afterward, she chaired a Titanic Survivors Committee for the rest of her busy life. Instructor Phyllis Chapman leads the audience on an in-depth tour of the “Ship of Dreams,” its passengers and its crew as Mrs. JJ Brown in this class.

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

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor

Mrs. JJ Brown Survivor of the Titanic

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 10/20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-264 500	2 seats left	$30	Add to Cart

Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment

Historic Cherry Hill is a historic house museum in Albany, NY, and the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family from 1787-1963. In 1827, a murder occurred at the Cherry Hill farm, home of the well-known Van Rensselaer family. The crime aroused tremendous public interest, and the subsequent trial culminated in the last public hanging in Albany. Although it appeared to be a crime of passion, it uncovered some simmering issues of the day, including women’s roles and legal rights, social class, punishment and the law, as well as slavery in New York. Hear the words of those involved in the crime and decide who you think was guilty or innocent. 

 Please dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear comfortable shoes. Inside, the tour will take participants up and down two flights of stairs; outside, participants will walk over some uneven ground. Course fee includes a $15 materials fee.

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

Cherry Hill Staff, Coordinator

Murder at Historic Cherry Hill: Re-enactment

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 10/23 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm	ZCCR-736 500	0 seats left	$30	Section Full Call to be added to wait list
Saturday, 10/24 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm	ZCCR-736 501	0 seats left	$30	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Norman Rockwell Presentation

If you remember the Saturday Evening Post, then you don’t want to miss this class. Come and learn about Norman Rockwell‘s life and art during this presentation, which will explore the background and history of the artist, his family, his schooling, his teachers, mentors and illustrators, his painting approaches, his most iconic works, his personal life, and the way his work ties into American culture, as well as the history of the Norman Rockwell Museum. We’ll also learn about the people who appeared on his famous Saturday Evening Post covers and explain how and why he chose his models. 

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

Dan Carubia, Instructor

Norman Rockwell Presentation

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 11/4 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-684 500	0 seats left	$15	Section 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, 10/28 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-505 500	0 seats left	$30	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Parker Dunn: A Boy, His Bravery & a Bridge

More than 35,000 motorists drive over the Dunn Memorial Bridge each weekday, heading to their jobs in Albany or home to the suburbs beyond the City of Rensselaer. It’s a safe bet that few, if any, of the commuters who cross the bridge know anything about the person for whom it is named. Who was Parker Francis Dunn? Where was this young man from? Why is this span over the Hudson River named for him? This presentation includes many photos of Parker Dunn, from a toddler to a young man, and images of the bridge before, during and after construction. Presenter Mark Bodnar will enlighten you on local history that’s been lost to today’s world and will reveal the life and bravery of a young hero who most only know today for the bridge that bears his name.

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

Mark Bodner, Instructor

Parker Dunn: A Boy, His Bravery & a Bridge

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 10/21 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-862 500	0 seats left	$25	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

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 homeas 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, 10/6 - 11/24 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZREC-133 500	0 seats left	$35	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

The Dick Van Dyke Show

October 2026 will mark the 65th anniversary of the debut of The Dick Van Dyke Show. Come join us and step back in time to the 1960s for a visit to New Rochelle with Rob and Laura Petrie as we celebrate the endurance of this classic television sitcom. Created and produced by comedy legend Carl Reiner, this series continues to entertain generations of fans due to its brilliant writing and the stellar casting of Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Larry Mathews, and Richard Deacon. The class presentation will commemorate this anniversary milestone by recalling and discussing some favorite moments from the show through the lens of local Dick Van Dyke Show historian and archivist David Van Deusen. Van Deusen will share video clips, rare photographs, and behind-the-scenes stories regarding the production of the show, as well as recount his personal experiences meeting and becoming friends with the various cast members.

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

David Van Deusen, Instructor 

The Dick Van Dyke Show

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 10/15 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-860 500	0 seats left	$15	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

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, 10/15 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-337 500	0 seats left	$25	Section 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

Michele Doodian, Coordinator

Visit to Burden Iron Works Museum

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 11/5 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-530 500	0 seats left	$25	Section Full Call to be added to wait list

Who was Benedict Arnold?

Do you really know the backstory of America’s infamous traitor? Almost all of us have in one way or another heard various stories about what kind of general Benedict Arnold was in Washington’s army and how he chose to go over to the British, but did you know that there are many who feel that his country betrayed him before he betrayed America? This presentation will discuss his early family years, his foray into the military, and those individuals who had significant influence on the disastrous decision that sealed his fate. The narrative of the general’s life unfolds like a poignant tapestry, interwoven with the threads of his early family years that shaped his character and aspirations. His military journey, marked by a series of bold decisions and pivotal moments, reflects both his dedication to service and the weight of responsibility he felt towards his nation. Influential figures along the way played crucial roles in guiding his path, reinforcing his commitment to duty while simultaneously instilling a sense of loyalty that would later be tested. Ultimately, the profound feelings of betrayal he experienced serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in loyalty and sacrifice, illustrating how even those who serve with honor can find themselves at odds with the very ideals they once upheld. This multifaceted exploration not only deepens our understanding of one man’s journey but also invites reflection on broader themes of allegiance, trust, and the sometimes-painful realities of serving one’s country.

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

Bill Remia, Instructor

Who was Benedict Arnold?

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 11/19 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-848 500	0 seats left	$15	Section Full Call to be added to wait list