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? Sign up to get updates and news about upcoming classes.
Courses
- Drink Like a Pirate
- Drinking with the Founding Fathers
- Embracing Career Pivots
- Master Blending Class
- New York State Safe Boating
- Organic Sustainable Gardening
- Power Tools 101
- Solar Power at Your House
- Tales In Our Bones
- Travel Planning Made Easy
- Your Life in Music - Introduction to Songwriting
Drink Like a Pirate
In this class, learn about Madeira, rum, wine, beer, cider, grog, planter’s punch, and more, and hear tales of Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd, Blackbeard (Edward Teach), Black Bart Roberts, Calico Jack (John Rackman), Charles Vane, and Mary Read and Anne Bonny. Sample pirate-inspired cocktails as well. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays, 3/26 - 4/2 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-362 600 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/21 |
Drinking with the Founding Fathers
Washington loved porter, whiskey, cherry bounce, and a punch called “flip.” John Adams loved hard cider, rum, and Madeira. Franklin and Jefferson were both partial to French wines; Franklin also loved spruce beer and milk punch (a gin recipe). Madison liked whiskey, champagne, and Madeira, while Hamilton liked whiskey, Madeira, and applejack. This class will include brief bios of each man and samples of their preferences. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays, 4/23 - 4/30 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-364 600 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/21 |
Embracing Career Pivots
Are you ready for a career change? Are you facing uncertainty in your career? This course is for you. Over the years, we have each gained a tremendous number of skills, whether through work, volunteer involvement or lived experiences. This course will introduce students to leadership and individual contributor positions available in the serving professions and include discussion on gaining hands-on experiences now and embracing the ability to pivot for passion, purpose, and necessity.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B05
Keshana Owens-Cody, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 4/13 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-361 600 | 15 seats left | $34 | Opens 1/21 |
Master Blending Class
This class will teach you to make blended wine, starting with a white, a rose, and a red. Components will come from the classic grapes, and students will get to see the use of various oaks, tannins, and other additives to understand their impact and how large winemakers use them to create their own blends. Please bring your own measuring cup (one to two cup size) with US and metric measurements and a container to bring your blend home in. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays, 4/9 - 4/16 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-363 600 | 30 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/21 |
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 Williams Hall, Room 113
Michael Cannistraci, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays, 3/2 - 3/9 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-019 600 | 20 seats left | $69 | Opens 1/21 |
Organic Sustainable Gardening
Discover the power of nurturing soil to create thriving, eco-friendly gardens that give back to the Earth. This workshop will focus on enriching soil health, fostering vibrant ecosystems, and ensuring your garden is beyond sustainable, and environmentally conscious. Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking for a new perspective, or just starting out in the gardening world, this workshop will be helpful on your gardening journey.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley of Sunray Sustainability, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 4/21 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-288 600 | 15 seats left | $34 | Opens 1/21 |
Power Tools 101
In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of hand power tools every DIY enthusiast and handy person should know! We’ll dive into the essential tools of the trade, including the drill, impact driver, jig saw, multi-tool, and circular saw. We will explore the revolutionary technology behind brushless tools and how they outperform their regular counterparts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your toolset, join us as we demystify battery-powered hand tools, learn the best practices, and discover the advantages of investing in brushless technology.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Rich Daley of Sunray Sustainability, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 3/24 5:45 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-303 600 | 20 seats left | $34 | Opens 1/21 |
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, 3/30 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-326 600 | 15 seats left | $27 | Opens 1/21 |
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, 4/15 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-366 600 | 15 seats left | $34 | Opens 1/21 |
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, 3/3 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-301 600 | 20 seats left | $27 | Opens 1/21 |
Your Life in Music - Introduction to Songwriting
Workshop participants will learn how to tell personal stories in a universal way, using lyrics and melody to capture and hold the listener’s attention. They will take pages from their diary and be instructed on how to pull emotions and physical descriptions from their writings to develop into song lyrics. Those who do not have a diary will receive guidance on activating their memories of key experiences in their lives to note emotions and physical descriptions related to those experiences. We will discuss the difference between poetry and song, and participants will begin to craft their own songs. Students should bring paper, pen, and laptop or phone to type their lyrics and record their song drafts. For students who play an instrument, feel free to bring it class.
Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06
Eileen Bernstein, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 4/11 11:00 am - 1:00 pm |
ZSPI-365 600 | 20 seats left | $94 | Opens 1/21 |
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)