Continuing Education

YEAR END TAXES & RETIREMENT- How the OBBBA of 2025 Will Affect You

• Instructor: Stephen Cash
• Tuesday, September 29  & Thursday, October 1
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Room 112 – Colonie Central High School 
• Fee:  $18,  Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – Free.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed in July 2025, will reshape many of our financial lives. From the Federal tax brackets, changes to SALT (state and local taxes), mortgage interest, updated child tax credits, senior deductions, to car purchase incentives. The list goes on and on. Beyond today’s taxes, “OBBBA” impacts future retirement income sources, healthcare costs (including Medicare), withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions and estate planning for future generations. Join us as to learn how to navigate potential pitfalls before they become irrevocable. Discover how to turn new challenges into planning opportunities by being proactive, not reactive. 

RUBBER STAMPING- Simple Yet Elegant Cards For Any Occasion

• Instructor: Ann Burns
• Wednesday, September 30
• 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
• Room 134 – Colonie Central High School 
• Fee:  $23, Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – $18

Yes! You can make greeting cards without all the fancy tools and gadgets. In this class you will make four simple, yet elegant cards using materials found in your home. You will make birthday, sympathy, get well and thinking of you cards to have on hand when you need them. Envelopes included. No stamping experience necessary. Please bring double sided adhesive and a small pair of scissors. Check out samples of the instructor’s work at: annburns.stampinup

PREPLANNING CEMETERY SERVICES

• Instructor: Matthew Yager & Trish Wielt
• Wednesday, October 7                                   
• 6 to 7 p.m.                 
• Room 112 - Colonie Central High School
• Fee:  $18,  Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – Free

This class offers an introduction to preplanning for your family’s cemetery needs. It is a step by step educational program including history, rules, regulations, current laws, and burial options for you and your family. Presented by Memory Gardens. 

YEAR END TAXES & RETIREMENT- How the OBBBA of 2025 Will Affect You

• Instructor: Stephen Cash
• Tuesday, October 13 & Thursday, October 15
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Room 112 – Colonie Central High School 
• Fee:  $18,  Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – Free.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed in July 2025, will reshape many of our financial lives. From the Federal tax brackets, changes to SALT (state and local taxes), mortgage interest, updated child tax credits, senior deductions, to car purchase incentives. The list goes on and on. Beyond today’s taxes, “OBBBA” impacts future retirement income sources, healthcare costs (including Medicare), withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions and estate planning for future generations. Join us as to learn how to navigate potential pitfalls before they become irrevocable. Discover how to turn new challenges into planning opportunities by being proactive, not reactive. 

CHARCUTERIE BOARD WORKSHOP

• Instructor: Gunish Gujral
• Monday, October 19
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Cafeteria – Shaker Road Elementary School
• Fee:  $25, Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – $20

Join Graze Praise, Inc. for a fun and interactive charcuterie board workshop! Participants will learn the fundamentals creating a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board, including food selection, styling techniques, balancing colors and textures as well as presentation tips. Each participant will create and take home their own handcrafted charcuterie board using a variety of premium cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, crackers and seasonal accompaniments. No experience is necessary. All materials and ingredients are provided.

YEAR END TAXES & RETIREMENT- How the OBBBA of 2025 Will Affect You

• Instructor: Stephen Cash
• Tuesday, October 20 & Thursday, October 22
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Room 112 – Colonie Central High School 
• Fee:  $18,  Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – Free.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed in July 2025, will reshape many of our financial lives. From the Federal tax brackets, changes to SALT (state and local taxes), mortgage interest, updated child tax credits, senior deductions, to car purchase incentives. The list goes on and on. Beyond today’s taxes, “OBBBA” impacts future retirement income sources, healthcare costs (including Medicare), withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions and estate planning for future generations. Join us as to learn how to navigate potential pitfalls before they become irrevocable. Discover how to turn new challenges into planning opportunities by being proactive, not reactive. 

GET PAID TO TALK / AN INTRODUCTION TO VOICE OVER

• Instructor: Voice Coaches
• Monday, October 26
• 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• White Lake Music & Post Recording Studios, 26 Vly Road, Albany 12205
• Fee:  $23, Fee: Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – $18

In this one-night class, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the voice-over industry and learn how the field really works. Discover how to develop your skills, identify your voice’s strengths, and gain insight into the voice-over
profession. Participants will also have the opportunity to record a professional voice-over sample under the guidance of the instructor.

Your instructor has more than 30 years of experience as a voice-over artist and producer and is part of the team at Voice Coaches, whose clients include major television networks, game developers, audiobook publishers, and more. Learn more at Voicecoaches.

RUBBER STAMPING - STAMP A STACK OF HOLIDAY CARDS

• Instructor: Ann Burns
• Wednesday, November 4                          
• 6:30 to 9 p.m.        
• Room 134 – Colonie Central High School
• Fee:  $23, Fee: Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – $18

Get into the holiday spirit with beautiful handmade cards. Your friends will be amazed when they receive their cards made by you! You will go home with six beautiful holiday cards (three designs, two each). Envelopes included. No prior stamping experience needed. Please bring a pair of scissors and adhesive of your choice. Check out samples of the instructor’s work at: Annburns.stampinup

HEALTHCARE AFTER RETIREMENT-PART I

• Instructor: Michael Stanton
• Tuesday, November 10 
• 6:15-8:00 p.m.
• Room 112 – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $18, Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – Free

Do you know what to expect when it comes to Medicare? Did you know Medicare is mandatory for those collecting Social Security and it will likely be your greatest expense in retirement? If you or someone you know is turning 65, ready to retire, or losing your employer plan, this course will help you discover an understanding of Medicare. From Part A to IRMAA, learn the fundamentals of how each section of Medicare works in this hands-on class aimed at making complex information easy-to-understand.

HEALTHCARE AFTER RETIREMENT- PART 2

• Instructor: Michael Stanton
• Tuesday, November 17
• 6:15-8:00 p.m.
• Room 112 – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $18, Colonie Senior Courtesy Cardholders – Free

An educational course designed to help you understand the differences between Advantage, Supplemental and Prescription drug plans. This is the second course in the Healthcare series offered by Michael Stanton.

Beginning September 28 unless otherwise noted

ZUMBA

• Instructor: Lisette Roldan-Hart
• 8 Weeks 
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Gym – Forest Park Elementary School
• Fee: $60, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $55.

Zumba fitness incorporates easy to follow dance moves from various styles including salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more. The focus is on boosting mood and reducing stress levels; improving cardiovascular endurance, toning muscles, calorie burn and increased overall fitness levels. Participants can expect a full- body workout that targets different muscle groups. The class is taught for all levels, with modifications. 

Please note: Athletic footwear with minimal tread, comfortable fitness wear, and water bottles are recommended.

GENTLE YOGA

• Instructor: Lisette Roldan-Hart
• 8 Weeks 
• 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.
• Gym – Forest Park Elementary School
• Fee: $60, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $55.

Gentle yoga is a gentler style of Hatha yoga practice and is a perfect way to wind down your busy day with a slower pace, warm up movements and mindfulness. There is a strong emphasis on stretching, seated poses and low impact movements. Modifications are provided to help people of all fitness levels enjoy the benefits without putting themselves at risk for injuries.

Please note: Comfortable fitness wear (not too loose) and water bottles are recommended. Participants are required to bringa yoga mats. 

*WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

• Instructor: Kevin Kuhne
• 6 weeks
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Room 245 – Sand Creek Middle School
• Fee: $50, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card Fee- $45

*Start Date: November 2
This 6-week course is for the student who has some familiarity and experience with basic watercolor supplies and techniques. We will study the watercolor work, style and technique of an accomplished watercolorist (yet to be determined) of the past or present. Even if you have taken this class before, it will be a different featured artist and a new experience. We will copy one of their works and then do a watercolor of your own design in their style. Or if you prefer, you may continue to work on copies of the chosen artist or similarly styled artist. There will be lots of individual guidance and instruction. Class will not meet on November 16.

Materials: For the first class, in addition with your usual watercolor supplies, please bring Arches or Fabriano 140lb cold press watercolor paper, professional grade, at least 9”x12” in size. The paper can be a cut-up full sheet, a pad or a block.

COED VOLLEYBALL - INTERMEDIATE

• Instructor: Paul DeFrancisco
• 10 weeks
• 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• New Gym – Sand Creek Middle School
• Fee: $65, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card Fee – not applicable to this course.

Competitive pickup games for veteran players. Participants are expected to have a mastery of basic volleyball skills and hands-on knowledge of offensive and defensive strategies using designated hitters, setters, blockers, etc. Play will be conducted in accordance with USA Volleyball rules and regulations. This class is NOT for beginners.

QUILTING - INTERMEDIATE

• Instructor: Donna Hyer
• 10 weeks
• 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Library Lounge – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $55, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card Fee – $50

If you have a basic knowledge of quilting or would like to brush up on your skills and learn some new techniques, this class is for you. We’ll be making a quilt or a table runner (or two) and having fun along the way.

Beginning September 29 unless otherwise noted

*ZUMBA

• Instructor: Carolyn Schirnglone
• 7 Weeks 
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Cafeteria: Veeder Elementary School
• Fee: $55, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $50.

*Start Date: October 6

A Latin-inspired dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music. The class combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. You will get a great workout while having a blast. Choreography  incorporates hip-hop, soca, salsa, merengue and mambo. Squats and lunges can also be included. Moving in sync to music will make you work hard and help you build endurance, tone muscles, and build definition. Bring water and a towel.

 QUILTING - BEGINNER

• Instructor: Donna Hyer
• 10 Weeks 
• 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Library Lounge – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $55, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $50.

Learn the basics and/or learn the proper way to put a quilt together. Have fun and make a lap quilt in the 10-week session.

Beginning September 23 unless otherwise noted

BALLROOM DANCING II FOR COUPLES

• Instructor: Janet Murphy
• 10 Weeks 
• 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
• Cafeteria – Roessleville Elementary School
• Fee: $70 per couple, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $65 per couple.

Now that you know the basic steps of the Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Rhumba and Waltz, it’s time to kick it up a notch!

JAZZ DANCING

• Instructor: Janet Murphy
• 10 Weeks 
• 7:15 to 8 p.m. 
• Cafeteria – Roessleville Elementary School
• Fee: $35, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $30 

This class introduces the fundamentals of jazz dance while focusing on core strength, walking techniques, and balance. Participants will learn basic jazz movements while dancing to a variety of music, including jazz favorites from the 1950s and 1960s, Broadway classics, and today’s popular standards.

COED VOLLEYBALL – BEGINNER LEVEL

• Instructor: Tammy Thayer
• 10 Weeks 
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Gym - Forest Park Elementary School
• Fee: $65, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $60.

Learn basic skills and knowledge of the game in a relaxed, non-competitive, non-aggressive, fun-filled atmosphere. Perfect for those who have always wanted to try it, those who love to play, but aren’t quite ready for intermediate play AND everyone in between!

COED VOLLEYBALL – INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL

• Instructor: George Ruth
• 10 Weeks 
• 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Gym – Lisha Kill Middle School (New Gym)
• Fee: $25, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card Fee not applicable for this course. 

This course is for people who have experience with volleyball. Play will be more intense with players hitting hard and playing the ball in places that will make their opponents run and dive to get it. Please be aware of the physical intensity of the play level. For the enjoyment and safety of all players, please consider your skill level and physical mobility when considering participation. 

OIL PAINTING

• Instructor: Theresa Somaio
• 10 Weeks 
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Room 132 – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $60, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card Fee – $55.

Class will NOT meet on October 28

Explore still life, landscape and portrait painting in oils.  Bring your own painting projects to work on or work with the instructor’s set ups and photos.  All levels of experience are welcome to attend this painting workshop.  Materials list will be handed out on the first night of class, but bring a small canvas and whatever materials you have. The instructor has been teaching art to adults and children for over twenty years.

QUILTING - ADVANCED

• Instructor: Donna Hyer
• 10 Weeks 
• 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Library Lounge – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $55, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card Fee – $50.

Class will NOT meet on October 28

Work on your own projects with the help and expertise of other knowledgeable quilters. Special group projects and demonstrations during the session.

Beginning October 1 unless otherwise noted

*CROCHET – BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE

• Instructor: Susan Andrews
• 10 Weeks 
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Library Lounge – Colonie Central High School
• Fee: $50, Colonie Senior Courtesy Card $45.

*Start Date: Thursday, September 24

This class is for a novice in need of the basics, or someone beyond the basics who needs assistance now and then. Beginners should bring worsted weight bright color yarn and a crochet hook no smaller than H and no larger than K. Intermediates should bring your own project or choose from a variety of my patterns.

BUS TRIP TO NYC

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Fee $50.00

• Leave: Shaker High School at 8 a.m. 
• Arrive: Bryant Park at 11:30 a.m.
• Leave: Bryant Park at 7:00 p.m.
• Arrive: Shaker High School at 10:30 p.m.

You may leave your car in the school parking lot. Reservations are completed on-line. No refunds or credits will be given. Students 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

No fee waiver for Senior Citizens on bus trips.