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
- A Brief Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Bach Flowers to the Rescue
- Bourbon and Rye
- Cannabis Plant Science & Introduction to Home Grow
- Cannapreneur: Ancillary Opportunities in Cannabis
- Drinking with Hemingway & Fitzgerald
- Finding Meaning After Loss
- Holiday Cocktails
- Home Buying 101
- Home Insulation & Energy Efficiency
- Home Maintenance Basics
- Learn the Tarot
- Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
- Paranormal Research 101
- Paranormal Research: Psychic Abilities
- Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques
- Religious & Mystical Origins of Western Music
- Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science
- Unplug & Recharge with Horses
A Brief Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
What is artificial intelligence? How does it affect our daily lives? Will it usher in a utopia or mean the end of humanity? This class will provide an introduction to what AI is and the history of its development. We will also discuss Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, and the current and potential future impacts of AI on our lives and society.
Course will be held in
Kirk Winans, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Tuesday, 9/24 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-318 500 | 19 seats left | $29 |
Bach Flowers to the Rescue
Do you feel stressed? In this workshop, you will learn about the Bach Flower Remedies, a gentle system of self-help remedies discovered in 1930 by an English physician and homeopath who intended for them to be available to everyone to use at home. Available in most health food stores, the Bach Flower Remedies are a system of 38 natural remedies taken in water to relieve common everyday stress. Come learn about and try these safe, gentle, non-habit-forming remedies made from nature. Try just two drops of a chosen remedy in water will allow you to experience them for yourself.
Course will be held in
Nini Gridley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Tuesday, 11/12 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-299 500 | 15 seats left | $19 |
Bourbon and Rye
This class provides a complete course on the history of bourbons and ryes of the United States, as well as tastings. We鈥檒l taste straight bourbon, wheated bourbon, four grain bourbon, high rye bourbon, single cask bourbon, high and low ryes, and single cask ryes. We鈥檒l also make several different classic cocktails, influenced by each spirit鈥檚 history. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Thursdays, 10/10 - 10/17 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-310 500 | 4 seats left | $69 |
Cannabis Plant Science & Introduction to Home Grow
Join the experts from the New Grow Center for a class that will unlock the secrets of successful home cannabis cultivation with practical tips, hands-on demonstrations, and expert guidance. During this comprehensive class, our expert instructors will guide you through New York State cannabis regulations, cannabis plant science, and a step-by-step process of setting up a successful home grow operation. We will cover setting up the right cultivation equipment, choosing the right strains and seeds, and understanding light cycles, humidity, and pest management. You鈥檒l gain invaluable insights into every aspect of the home growing journey.
This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
New Grow Center, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thursday, 9/26 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-314 500 | 21 seats left | $39 |
Cannapreneur: Ancillary Opportunities in Cannabis
Join the experts from the New Grow Center for a webinar presentation and live discussion designed for 鈥渁ncillary鈥 businesses, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who want to do business in the multi-billion-dollar NYS cannabis market. There is a diverse need for products and services that can support the growth of the industry and ensure cannabis license holders have all of the resources they need to be successful, from the plants鈥 seed to sale. Ancillary opportunities include: construction and contractors; packaging and labeling; delivery services; security and secure transport; website design; testing laboratories; branding and licensing; marketing and creative; media networks; compliance and payroll; financial services; real estate; and more.
This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
New Grow Center, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thursday, 9/12 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZSPI-313 500 | 22 seats left | $39 |
Drinking with Hemingway & Fitzgerald
In this class, we鈥檒l explore the wines of France, Italy and Spain, as well as martinis, bathtub gin, daquiris and rum, and more as we drink with Hemingway and Fitzgerald. We鈥檒l sample the wines and cocktails from books like 鈥淭he Sun Also Rises,鈥 鈥淎 Farewell to Arms,鈥 鈥淭he Great Gatsby鈥 and other Fitzgerald short stories and novels, and 鈥淎 Moveable Feast.鈥 Join us as we mix literary history and libation education. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Thursdays, 9/26 - 10/3 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-309 500 | 8 seats left | $69 |
Finding Meaning After Loss
Eileen Clinton, author of the book 鈥淲hat a Wonderful World: Reflections of Love, Loss, and Hope,鈥 will present an overview of her book in this class. An interactive discussion will follow, focusing on strategies for coping with loss and creative ideas for remembering and celebrating loved ones. Clinton has a diverse background as a death educator, hospice bereavement specialist, and licensed funeral director. After years of supporting the bereaved at hospice, she co-founded the Bereavement Studies Program at Maria College in Albany. A signed copy of her book will be included in the course.
Course will be held in
Eileen Clinton, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wednesday, 10/2 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-308 500 | 20 seats left | $45 |
Holiday Cocktails
Is there any better way to get a taste of the holiday spirit than with a delicious seasonal cocktail? In this class, we鈥檒l explore 12 holiday cocktails from mixologists throughout North America that are easy to make and serve. From refrigerated cocktails to easy batch cocktails, these recipes are sure to surprise and impress your guests this holiday season! Cocktails include peppermint bark shots, cranberry whiskey sours, white Christmas margaritas, and many more. Must be 21 years of age or older to register for this course.
Course will be held in
Carlo DeVito, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thursdays, 11/7 - 11/14 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-312 500 | 0 seats left | $69 | Section Full Call to be added to wait list |
Home Buying 101
This workshop will help potential homeowners and new homeowners understand the theory of general construction, the structure of a house, and how to identify common problems. Participants will learn how to check for and identify foundation cracks, identify signs of water damage or mold, learn the basics of properly insulated homes (very important in our climate), and learn how to recognize the quality and condition of materials used in the home鈥檚 construction.
Course will be held in
Rich Daley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, 9/17 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-315 500 | 13 seats left | $32 |
Home Insulation & Energy Efficiency
This workshop covers the basics of home insulation, including different types and how to upgrade insulation to improve energy efficiency. Participants will learn practical tips for sealing drafts, enhancing window insulation, and installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as engaging in DIY projects like weather-stripping and installing programmable thermostats.
Course will be held in
Rich Daley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, 10/15 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-317 500 | 21 seats left | $32 |
Home Maintenance Basics
Focusing on regular and preventive maintenance, this workshop provides a seasonal maintenance checklist, essential tools every homeowner should have, and tips for identifying and fixing small problems. Participants will also learn when to DIY versus hiring professionals and how to find and vet reliable contractors.
Course will be held in
Rich Daley, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Tuesday, 10/1 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZSPI-316 500 | 2 seats left | $32 |
Learn the Tarot
The goal of this class is for you to learn how to use Tarot cards for yourself. Tarot offers ways for you to blend your inner and outer realities so you can live your life more creatively. We will look at metaphors, symbols, and archetypes to help you better understand the Tarot. Topics include the major and minor arcana, numbers and symbols, interpreting cards, reverse cards, creating questions, deck care and selection, multiple spreads, the Celtic cross, and more. We will utilize an interactive workshop format with short weekly 鈥渨ork鈥 activities/readings to help you connect your cards and their meanings. Students must bring their deck of Rider-Waite cards to all classes.
Course will be held in
Melody Kearney, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Saturdays, 9/21 - 10/26 9:00 am - 11:00 am |
ZSPI-121 500 | 0 seats left | $79 | Section Full Call to be added to wait list |
Mushrooms, Mycelium and More
Unravel the mystery and majesty of mushrooms! Discover the possibilities of a mycelium-based future! Learn how to find and identify fungi in the wild! If any of these exclamations interest you, then this is the course for you. Suggested reading: "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Mushrooms." ISBN 978-0-394-51992-0
Course will be held in
Class on 9/30 will be held at Collar City Mushrooms, Troy
Avery Stempel of Collar City Mushrooms, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
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Mondays, 9/16 - 10/7 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
ZSPI-260 500 | 0 seats left | $37 | Section Full Call to be added to wait list |
Paranormal Research 101
Join paranormal investigator Jack Kenna from TV鈥檚 鈥淧aranormal Survivor,鈥 鈥淗aunted Case Files,鈥 and 鈥淗aunted Hospitals鈥 as he shares the steps necessary to build and grow a successful paranormal team and research/investigate haunted locations. Students will find out how to work with clients; examine
Off-site investigation on Sat. 10/12, extended class time 7 - 11 p.m.
No class 10/15
Course will meet in the
Jack Kenna, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesdays, 9/17 - 10/22 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
ZSPI-218 500 | 6 seats left | $129 |
Paranormal Research: Psychic Abilities
This new course by Jack Kenna is meant to provide advanced knowledge of psychic abilities, including the methods, tools and approach needed to connect with and use psychic abilities to conduct paranormal investigations, perform spiritual cleansings, and much more. This in-depth course connects you with your latent psychic abilities to enhance the abilities you already have; helps you understand the different types of psychic abilities and identify what ability you may have; and shows you how to use these abilities to connect with spirit, assist with paranormal investigations, and identify positive/negative energies. The course will also cover spiritual protection techniques and tools; spirit portals and how to detect and close them; the signs of spirit attachment; and cleansing techniques and tools. All students will receive a cleansing kit. Course fee includes a $55 materials fee.
Off-site investigation on Sat. 11/2, extended class time 7 - 11 p.m.
No class 11/6
Course will meet in the
Jack Kenna, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wednesdays, 9/11 - 11/13 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
ZSPI-319 500 | 0 seats left | $169 | Section Full Call to be added to wait list |
Pinball 101 - Basic Mechanics & Gameplay Techniques
This course will turn you into the pinball wizard you were always meant to be! There is a lot more to pinball than just luck. With some basic skills, you can conquer any pinball machine. Each machine has its own rules, and learning to identify them is the key to scoring the most points. We will learn those techniques and use them on several different pinball machines spanning from the 1970s to today. The only prerequisite is the desire to have fun!
Course will meet at Mean Max Brewery, 251 River St, Troy, NY
Jesse Ryan, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, 9/17 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
ZSPI-300 500 | 9 seats left | $27 |
Religious & Mystical Origins of Western Music
In this class, we will examine the impact of classical philosophy on medieval music, and how changes in spiritual practices inspired profound changes to the forms and styles of music in the Renaissance, laying the foundation for the Baroque.
This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
Avraham Levitt, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, 11/5 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
ZSPI-311 500 | 26 seats left | $19 |
Tree ID and Intro to Tree Science
Introduction to learn how to identify trees and other woody plants on campus and in forest. Basics introduction in tree science such as how they grow, reproduce and the benefits to trees. Join ISA Certified Arborist in a lecture and walk around campus learning basic tree id and basic tree science. Dress for the weather and unpaved trail walking.
Course will be held in
Brian Smith, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday, 10/4 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
ZSPI-290 500 | 10 seats left | $24 |
Unplug & Recharge with Horses
Always feeling frazzled, fatigued, and drained by the end of the day? You鈥檙e not alone! Burnout is at an all-time high and has recently been recognized as an official medical diagnosis. This class is a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature to find inner calm amid all of life鈥檚 demands. Join us in the arena for a transformative experience with horses that will leave you feeling relaxed and recharged. You鈥檒l learn strategies for minimizing stress to regain energy, purpose, and passion, at work and in life. No riding and no horse experience necessary.
Course will meet at 148 Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort, NY
Katie Navarra, Instructor
Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wednesday, 10/2 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
ZSPI-281 500 | 9 seats left | $135 |
Get in Touch
Division of Workforce Development and Community Education
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Regular Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer 2024 Hours (May 20 - July 26): Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, Closed
(excluding college holidays and vacations)