Free* and Low Cost Programs for All Ages
Fall 2025 Program Schedule
MONDAYS
- Strength Training, Treadmill Walking & Spinning (9-11am)*
- Needlecrafts Group (10am-12pm)*
- Albany Aikido (12pm)
- Bridge (Alternating Mon 1-3pm. Starts 9/15)*
- Mini Book Nook/Vignette-Crafting w/Kit (6-8pm Sept 29 & Oct 13)
- Archery (6:30-7:30pm Starting Nov 3)
TUESDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Cooking Class (10am-12pm)*
- Chair Yoga (5:30-6:15pm)
- Paint & Drip Art Café (6-8pm Alternate Tues Starting Aug 26)
WEDNESDAYS
- Strength Training, Treadmill & Spinning (9-11am)*
- Mexican Train Dominoes (10am-12pm)*
- Pickleball at Butler Park (10am-12pm)*
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support & Memory Café for People with Symptoms
(11am-12:30pm Wed Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19 & Dec 17)*
- Mahjong Club (1-3pm)*
- Parent-Child Foam Ball (5:45-6:45pm)*
THURSDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Outdoor Cycling (9 am Start)*
(Meets at Nassau Post Office/ Empire Trail)
- TOAST - Thursday Open Art Studio Time (1-4pm)*
- Story Writing (1-3pm)*
- Community Ping Pong (6:00-7:30pm)*
- Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation (6-8pm, Oct 29)
FRIDAYS
- Strength Training, Treadmill & Spinning (9-11am)*
- Foam Ball Tennis (Blue Room) (10am-11am)*
- Tablet & Smartphone Tech Help (10-12pm) (By Appointment Email: Maggie@SHACcenter.org)*
SATURDAYS
- Women's Self Defense (10am-12pm, Nov 29)
SUNDAYS
- Albany Aikido (10am)
FREE Programs & Classes at SHAC
Story Writing
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Join Karl Michael as he leads a story writing workshop for creative individuals 18 years and older. This workshop is held on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm.
A suggested Donation of$5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Volunteers Maggie and Marcia lead a tech help class for seniors on Fridays by appointment only. Instructors will help set up email accounts, provide tips for texting, and more. You may bring in any smartphones or tablets that you would like assistance with.
Contact Maggie at maggie@shaccenter.org to make an appointment.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Free and open gym sessions that allow participants to use equipment at SHAC to exercise. These self guided sessions are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-11am at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Albany Aikido Class
Outdoor Cycling/Spinning
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art from Japan that focuses on using an opponent’s energy and flowing, graceful movements to redirect the opponent into a throw or a pin to defuse a hostile situation.
Aikido is suitable for all ages, body types, and fitness levels.
Mon 12:00pm, Tue 7:30am, Thur 7:30am, Sun 10:00am
More information can be found at albanyaikido.com or by calling Nan at
518-629-5925
Cooking Class
Outdoor Cycling/Spinning
Outdoor Cycling/Spinning
Learn simple recipes and cooking basics with instructor, Candylee Budesheim. Cooking class will take place Tuesdays from 10am-12pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Outdoor Cycling/Spinning
Outdoor Cycling/Spinning
Outdoor Cycling/Spinning
Cycling coaches and instructor, John & Kathy Slyer, will be leading outdoor cycling on the Empire State Trail throughout the fall months. Classes will be held Thursdays from 9am-11am starting at the Nassau Post Office.
If weather is bad, an indoor spinning class will be offered at the SHAC Center for that day.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Pickleball
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Mah Jongg Club
Join facilitator Karl Michael for free practice/games of pickleball at the basketball court in Butler Park on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm. This group is open to anyone 16 and up. Beginners and all skill levels are welcome. Paddles can be provided by SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Mah Jongg Club
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Mah Jongg Club
Join Debi Michael at SHAC to participate in our Mah Jongg Club! This club will meet every Wednesday from 1pm-3pm starting September 8.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Our caregiver support group and memory café offers a supportive, welcoming environment for caregivers and their loved ones who are experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This group will meet at SHAC from
11am-12:30pm on the following days of each month: September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 17.
No reservation required. All are welcome to attend!
Foam Ball Tennis for Children & Guardians
Foam Ball Tennis for Children & Guardians
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
USTA Certified Tennis Coach Joe Behson will guide parents/guardians and their children through the fun of tennis, but using a foam ball. This class will be held on Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45pm. All equipment will be provided by SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Needlecrafts Group
Foam Ball Tennis for Children & Guardians
Community Ping Pong
Join facilitator Marcia Middleton as she hosts a craft time for various needlecrafts, such as knitting, quilting, sewing, crocheting, and more! This club will meet every Monday from 10am-12pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Community Ping Pong
Foam Ball Tennis for Children & Guardians
Community Ping Pong
Join Karl Michael for free games of community Ping Pong! This is a casual time for players of all experience levels to play a few rounds in a relaxed environment. Ping Pong will take place on Thursdays from 6-7:30pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Community Events
Pickleball Tournament
Pickleball Tournament
Pickleball Tournament
Date: Saturday, October 4
Times: 10:30am Novice Group & 12:30pm Intermediate Group
Participants: Ages 16+
Cost: $10 per person $20 for 2 person team
Join the SHAC Center for a fall Pickleball Tournament that is open to all skill levels. This tournament follows a Round Robin style bracket and features a Novice Group and an Intermediate Group.
Spikeball Tournament
Pickleball Tournament
Pickleball Tournament
Join us for a spikeball tournament on Sunday, October 12 from 2-5pm at SHAC. This tournament will consist of up to 20 teams of two who will compete for a cash prize. Open to all skill levels ages 14+
Cost: $5 per player, $10 per team
SHAC's Halloween Bash
Pickleball Tournament
Free Thanksgiving Dinner at SHAC
Enjoy a fright-filled weekend for all ages that includes: Music, Food, Games, Raffles, & More!
Saturday, October 24 from 5-9pm there will be a multi-room Haunted House and Tarot Card Readings.
Sunday, October 25 from 2-6pm there will be Trick-or-Treating and a Costume Contest.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner at SHAC
Free Thanksgiving Dinner at SHAC
Free Thanksgiving Dinner at SHAC
Don't have any plans for Thanksgiving? Come celebrate it with us at SHAC! Starting at 1pm on Thursday, November 27 SHAC will be hosting a free Turkey dinner for all to enjoy.
SHAC Turkey Trot 5K & Walk
Free Thanksgiving Dinner at SHAC
SHAC Turkey Trot 5K & Walk
SHAC Center will be hosting a 5K Turkey Trot and Walk on Thursday, November 27 with a start time of 9am. This event is open to all ages and abilities to attend.
Low Cost Programs & Classes at SHAC
Mini Room Book Nook/Vignette Crafting
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
Mini Room Book Nook/Vignette Crafting
Create a mini room book nook to add to your shelf. Participants will choose from 1 of 6 design themes to make their book nook room that is 4 inches by 4 inches. These mini room book nooks are perfect to display on your bookshelves or windowsills. All supplies will be provided. Open to ages 14+
Cost: $30
Paint & Drip Art Café
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
Mini Room Book Nook/Vignette Crafting
Local artist Ryan Smithson will host a Paint & Drip session every other Tuesday starting August 26 from 6-8pm. Unlike a Paint & Sip that features alcohol, Paint & Drip is family friendly - offering drip coffee, teas, and pastries while you paint. All art supplies will be provided and coffee, teas, and pastries will be available for purchase.
Cost: $35 via paintandsipstudios.com
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
Instructor Erin Walsh, a certified Master Food Preserver Cornell Cooperative Extension, will teach the basics of preserving vegetables using lacto-fermentation. Participants will take home fermented that they make. This class will be held on Wednesday, October 29 from 6-8pm.
Cost: $30
Archery
Youth Strength Training with TWT Soccer Training
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) Certified Instructors, Jeanne Bubie & John Slyer will offer introductory youth & adult archery opportunities & practice. All equipment provided. This 6 week class will be held on Mondays, November 3 - Decemver 8 from 6:30-7:30pm.
Cost: $100 for all 6 weeks or $20 per class
Youth Strength Training with TWT Soccer Training
Youth Strength Training with TWT Soccer Training
Youth Strength Training with TWT Soccer Training
TWT Soccer Training is offering a youth training program to help youth athletes build strength, improve endurance, and enhance overall performance while focusing on different muscle groups. Classes are held in the outdoor fields at SHAC on Mondays starting September 8 until October 27.
Open to youth athletes in grades 5-12.
Cost: $5 per class
Chair Yoga
Youth Strength Training with TWT Soccer Training
Youth Strength Training with TWT Soccer Training
Certified Yoga Instructor Kim Favro will lead an 8 week class where participants can enjoy the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of less strenuous Chair Yoga. All experience levels welcome. Classes will occur on Tuesdays starting October 7 from 5:30-6:15pm.
Cost: $120 for 8 weeks, $15 for walk-ins
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
The Rensselaer County Redtails is a composite youth mountain bike team in the New York Chapter of National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
The Redtails are a SHAC Center program led by volunteer parents and coaches.
The team is open to all 6-12th grade students within Rensselaer County, NY and surrounding areas.
For more information, CLICK HERE https://shaccenter.org/mountain-bike-team
Women's Self Defense Class
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
Join self defense instructor, Dan Prendergast, for an in person self defense workshop for women ages 16+. This class will help you learn and practice de-escalation techniques, situational awareness, as well as repeatable methods to protect yourself from common attacks. This one day session will be on Saturday, November 29 from 10am-12pm.
Cost: $20
CPR & First Aid Training
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
CPR & First Aid Training
Certified CPR & First Aid Instructor John Slyer will teach participants how to perform CPR using a training dummy and how to administer basic first aid in emergency situations.
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid
CPR & First Aid Training
Certified First Aid Instructor John Slyer will teach participants the basics of First Aid that can be used in situations where you are isolated in the wilderness.
Mexican Train Dominoes
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
Mexican Train Dominoes
Join instructor Maryann Francis who will be hosting a dominoes playing group (Mexican Train style) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-12pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Bridge Club
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
Mexican Train Dominoes
Come together to play Bridge hosted by Pat Mulligan. This club will meet every other Monday from 1-3pm on the following dates 9/15, 9/29, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3 , 11/17, 12/1, 12/15, & 12/29.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
USTA Certified Tennis Coach Joe Behson will guide Seniors through the fun of tennis, but using a foam ball. This class will be held on Fridays from 10-11am. All equipment will be provided by SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Fall 2025 Programs and NEW SHAC Center Programs & Classes
Sign up for SHAC Center Programs with the SportsEngine registration platform!
When you register for classes at SHAC, you will be asked to create an account with our new class registration service, SportsEngine. With this service, you can view class schedules, contact the instructors of a class, and access program/class information directly from the SportsEngine Motion mobile app!
SportsEngine Motion App for Android Devices: HERE
SportsEngine Motion App for Apple Devices: HERE
NOTE: A valid phone number and email address will be required to set up an account, contact instructors, and receive order confirmations.
If you have questions, please contact Jake by email: jake@shaccenter.org
