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.
Don’t see the course you are looking for below? Join our mailing list to get updates and news about upcoming classes.
Courses
- A Parent's Guide to Social Media
- Building Your Brand
- Confidence, Communication & Presence
- Fizzies
- Gemstone Divination
- New York State Safe Boating
- Solar Power at Your House
- Tales In Our Bones
- Tiki Cocktails
- Travel Planning Made Easy
A Parent's Guide to Social Media
This educational seminar for parents focuses on best practices for helping children and teens develop a healthy, balanced relationship with social media. Designed for parents of children and adolescents ages 9–17, the program addresses the unique challenges of social media use across upper elementary, middle school, and high school years. Parents will learn how social media can impact mood, self-esteem, attention, and relationships, and how these effects vary by developmental stage. The seminar provides practical, age-appropriate strategies for setting boundaries, discussing online behavior, and promoting emotional resilience. Guidance is offered on recognizing warning signs of problematic use, including cyberstress and sleep disruption. The session leaves parents with clear, actionable tools they can use at home.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Dr. Shannon Chanofsky, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 6/17 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm |
ZSPI-374 700 | 20 seats left | $15 | Opens 5/13 |
Building Your Brand
This three-hour course will cover speaking clearly and confidently on camera (including speaking in soundbites); crafting a compelling personal story; formulating an “elevator pitch” to generate media interest; turning your passion into profit; and social media vs. professional image. All students will write their own elevator pitch, and have it reviewed/critiqued by the instructor. This course is perfect for anyone who’s looking to grow their brand, small business, or side hustle, or make a career pivot. It’s also suitable for students looking to enter a public-facing field, maximize their confidence in job interviews, or start their own businesses. Instructor Jene Luciani Sena is a bestselling, professionally published author of three nonfiction books and, through the course of her 25-year career, has successfully branded herself as “the brand expert.” She’s appeared more than 100 times on national TV outlets, including NBC’s Today Show and Access Hollywood; has been featured in countless articles; and is a trusted source in the industry. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
Jene Luciani Sena, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 6/2 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-372 700 | 20 seats left | $79 |
Confidence, Communication & Presence
This three-hour course will cover public speaking basics, body language and voice control, handling tough questions, controlling the flow of the interview, speaking up in meetings, and acting with confidence. This course is perfect for students entering internships or careers, or anyone who wants to gain more confidence in a public-facing role. Instructor Jene Luciani Sena is a bestselling, professionally published author of three books and has appeared hundreds of times on national TV on shows and networks, including Bravo, NBC, QVC, ABC, and Lifetime. She has 25 years of experience in front of the camera. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
Jene Luciani Sena, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 6/9 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-373 700 | 20 seats left | $79 |
Fizzies
This class explores the history of sparkling wine, from the Champagne region of France to California, Upstate New York, Spain, Italy, and many others. We’ll learn about and sample all manner of sparkling wines and ciders, including champagne, sparkling rosé blanc de blanc, blanc de noirs, prosecco, piquette, cava, cider, and a slew of fun fizzy cocktails to make with them, such as classic champagne cocktails, mimosas, cranberry mimosas, French 75s, and more. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in WILL, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays, 6/23 - 6/30 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-376 700 | 32 seats left | $79 | Opens 5/13 |
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 B05
Alyssa Yeager, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 6/11 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-369 700 | 15 seats left | $42 | Opens 5/13 |
New York State Safe Boating
New York State requires certain boat operators to have a boating safety certificate. All individuals born on or after May 1, 1996 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Additionally, operators of any age (14 or older) that wish to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) are required to complete a boater education course. For more information, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room 137
Michael Cannistraci, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays, 6/8 - 6/15 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-019 700 | 20 seats left | $69 | Opens 5/13 |
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 B06
Jesse Ryan, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 6/29 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-326 700 | 20 seats left | $27 | Opens 5/13 |
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
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 6/17 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-366 700 | 16 seats left | $35 | Opens 5/13 |
Tiki Cocktails
Tiki cocktails originated in 1933 Hollywood with Donn Beach’s “Don the Beachcomber” bar, creating a post-Prohibition, Polynesian-inspired escape. The culture peaked in the 1950s-60s before reviving recently. Enjoy the classic tiki cocktail lounge experience in this class, where we will create drinks like the Mai Tai, Zombie, Jungle Bird, Navy Grog, Painkiller, Three Dots and a Dash, Saturn, Jet Pilot, Fog Cutter, Missionary’s Downfall, Hurricane, Shark’s Tooth, Scorpion, Rum Runner, Dr. Funk, Pago Pago, Blue Hawaiian, Cobra’s Fang, Nui Nui, and many more. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in WILL, Room 113
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays, 6/9 - 6/16 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-375 700 | 32 seats left | $79 | Opens 5/13 |
Travel Planning Made Easy
This condensed, yet comprehensive, three-hour course is designed to demystify the process of planning your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway or a months-long expedition, this course will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to plan your trip efficiently and effectively. From destination selection to budgeting and packing, each module is packed with practical tips and actionable advice to streamline your travel planning experience. Come to class with a future trip ready to plan or just a dream of where you may want to go!
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Abigail Cavazos, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 6/9 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-301 700 | 20 seats left | $27 | Opens 5/13 |
Get in Touch
Office of Workforce Development and Community Education
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding college holidays and vacations)