Free* and Low Cost Programs for All Ages
Fall 2026 Program Schedule
MONDAYS
- Strength & Fitness (9-11am)*
- Baby & Me: Music & Move (Starts Sept 14, 10-11am)*
- Bridge (1-3pm Starts Sept 14, Alt Wks)*
- Beginner Guitar Lessons (6pm Oct 5 -Dec 14)*
- Evening Tai Chi (6:30pm)*
TUESDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Road Bike / eBike Ride (SHAC 9am 20+ mi)*
- Cooking Class (10am-12pm Starts Sept 8, Alt Weeks)*
- Chair Yoga (5:30-6:15pm Nov 3-Dec 22)
- Romantasy Book Club (6pm Last Tues Monthly)*
WEDNESDAYS
- Strength & Fitness (9-11am)*
- Mexican Train Dominoes (10am-12pm)*
- Pickleball Clinic/Practice (11am-1pm Butler Park, weather permits)*
- Mah Jongg Club (1-3pm)*
THURSDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Morning Tai Chi (9am)*
- Toddler Foam Ball Fun (10am 6 sessions, starts Sept 24-Oct 29)
- Toddler Open Gym Time (10am 4 sessions, starts Nov 5-Dec 10)
- Story Writing (1-3pm)*
- Open Art Studio (1-4pm starts 9/10)*
- Wholehearted Yoga w/ Jen (5:30pm Sept 10-Oct 29)
FRIDAYS
- Bike & eBike Bikepath Ride (Nassau Post Office 9am 5-20 mi easy)*
- Strength & Fitness (9-11am)*
- Foam Ball Adv Skills (Starts Oct 2 9:30-10:30am)*
- Foam Ball Beginner (Starts Oct 2 10:30am-11:30am)*
- Community Ping Pong & Family Game Nights (6:30-8pm)*
SATURDAYS
- Wellness Day (11am Sept 19)*
- Golf 4 SHAC (11am, BLCC, Sept 20)
- Pickleball Tournament (8:30am Oct 3)
- Halloween Bash, Haunted House & Family Fun Day (11am Oct 24)*
- Pet Appreciation Day w/ Out of the Pits (11am-5pm Nov 14)*
- Last Minute Shopping with Santa (11am Dec 19)*
SUNDAYS
- Road Bike & eBike Ride (SHAC 9am 10-20 mi mod. pace)*
- Albany Aikido (10am)
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
- Girl Scouts Music for All (6-7pm, Wed Sept 9, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9)*
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support & Memory Cafe for Folks with Symptoms (11am-12pm, Wed Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16)*
- Lactation Peer Support Circle (10am-12pm, Sept 11, Sept 26, Oct 9, Nov 13)*
OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS
- Mini Room DIY w/ Holli (6pm Fri Sept 18)
- Dolly Parton 9-2-5 Celebration Day (5pm Fri Sept 25)
- Spooky Terrarium DIY w/ Ryan (6pm Fri Sept 25)
- Baby Cafe (11am-1pm Tue Sept 29)*
- DIY Halloween Costumes with the CRC (11am-1pm Oct 3)*
- Cookie Decorating (Thur Oct 22, 6-7:30pm)
- DIY Crazy Sweater with the CRC (11am-1pm Dec 5)*
Thanksgiving Day -
SHAC/Sand Lake Turkey Trot
5K Start 8:00AM
FREE Kid’s Turkey Run 9:00AM*
FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER Open to Everyone 1-3:00PM*
Festival of Trees - Setup begins Nov 2 and winner is announced on Dec 19
Tablet & Phone Tech Help
By Appointment Email: Maggie@SHACcenter.org*
Mom Starts Here
Diaper Supply Program
By Appointment: Call/Text Lori 518-461-1439*
Community Events
Wellness Day - Sept 19th
Dolly Parton - Potluck Dinner, Food Swap, and more!
Wellness Day - Sept 19th
The SHAC Community Center is all about wellness for mind, body and soul! Join us as we celebrate all the wonderful things you can do for self-care. We will have vendors, demonstrations, and samples. These will include those that celebrate mindfulness, movement and healthy nourishment.
It's FREE to attend and only $30 for a vending space (inside 6x3 or outside 10x10).
Golf 4 SHAC - Sept 20th
Dolly Parton - Potluck Dinner, Food Swap, and more!
Wellness Day - Sept 19th
Golf-4-SHAC 2026
Burden Lake Country Club
Join us for the 3rd Annual Golf-4-SHAC Tournament on Sept 20! It will be a fall fun fundraiser at Burden Lake Country Club for a day of competition and community.
As many of you know, the SHAC (Sky High Adventure Center) has become a vital hub in the Averill Park area - hosting everything from senior citizen services, our own Turkey Trot, yoga, and archery to camps, the Girl Scouts and Hudson Taconic Lands. Your participation helps us continue essential facility upgrades so we can expand into daycare, counseling, and more.
Dolly Parton - Potluck Dinner, Food Swap, and more!
Dolly Parton - Potluck Dinner, Food Swap, and more!
Join us to celebrate community just like Dolly would want us to! On Sept 25th (9-2-5) we will be hosting a pot luck dinner, food swap and distributing information about Dolly's Imagination Library!
Bring a favorite dish to share (please mark ingredients clearly on an index card!) and bring any food items to swap. Do you have extra herbs, seeds, baked goods, eggs or vegetables? Bring them to share with others - or offer them for cash. If you don't have anything to swap bring cash.
Stay after the swap for Ryan's Spooky Terrarium Class!
Pickleball Tournament - Oct 3rd
Round Robin, 2-person teams, 8 teams in each of 2 levels.
Intermediate starts at 8:30. Novice starts at 11:00.
Teams can be any age (16+) or gender combo. Arrive 20 minutes before start for sign-in.
You can also register as an individual and be matched with another single, if possible.
$30/team or $15/person. Pay at tournament.
Fun and friendly, sponsored by the SHAC Community Center.
To register: Send email or text with team contact info to coordinator Karl Michael at sherwood216@gmail.com or 518-265-4446
Halloween Fall Fun Day - Oct 24th
Halloween Fall Fun Day - Oct 24th
Join us for our annual Fall Fun and Halloween Bash! Costume contest, spooky fun with the Scouts, crafts and more. Free to attend.
There are several ways people can sponsor or vend at the event:
Host a Trick-or-Treating Pit Stop for $20. From 2 to 4pm, children will stop by for treats and smiles. You’ll provide the candy—and in return, you’ll have a unique opportunity to promote your organization, program, or business to families and neighbors in our community. Feel free to decorate your station with your branding, hand out flyers, or showcase what you do in a fun, engaging way.
Set up as a Vendor for $40 to help bring the spirit of the season to life! Vendors will be outside (weather permitting). Please plan on bringing tents, weights, and tables. If weather does not agree you will be inside in the hallway.
Donate a raffle basket ($30 minimum) filled with goodies, treats, or themed surprises to help raise funds and spread joy throughout our community.
Become a Sponsor. Your sponsorship empowers SHAC to grow its programming and enhance our facilities, creating more welcoming, year-round spaces for youth and senior citizens to connect, learn, and thrive.
Festival Of Trees
Halloween Fall Fun Day - Oct 24th
We are doing it again for 2026! Last year was such a great success and really made the center stunning. We loved how each tree was unique to the decorator. This year we are hoping to have 20 trees! Form will be released soon.
Pet Appreciation Day - Nov 14th
Pet Appreciation Day - Nov 14th
Pet Appreciation Day - Nov 14th
Adopt a love-a-bull dog from Out of the Pits!
Shop Local Pet Vendors! Great holiday gifts!
Support Area Rescues and Animal Related Non-profits!
Although other rescue organizations are free to join us to sell merchandise and fundraise please do not bring animals available for adoption.
Please do not bring pets to this event.
Interested in vending? All spaces are 6x3 inside. Please bring your own table. Non-profits can vend for free (just make note on application).
SHAC Turkey Trot
Pet Appreciation Day - Nov 14th
Pet Appreciation Day - Nov 14th
After a super succesfull 2025 Inaugural Turkey Trot we will be back again. More information including links to register will be available soon.
SHAC Turkey Dinner
Pet Appreciation Day - Nov 14th
We will be hosting our FREE community dinner on Thanksgiving Day again this year. We will be looking for volunteers to help with cooking, set-up, serving and clean up. Watch this space!
Santa Day and Last Minute Shopping - Dec 19th
Santa Day and Last Minute Shopping - Dec 19th
Join us and get any last minute shopping done!
Bring the kids and get free pictures with Santa (donations appreciated!) Kids crafts and cookies will be available as well.
Low Cost Programs & Classes at SHAC
Fall Cookie Decorating Class with Cindy
Fall Cookie Decorating Class with Cindy
Enjoy an evening of cookie decorating while raising money for SHAC - Oct 22nd at 6pm.
Join artist Cindy Burek and decorate multiple cookies!
Thank you for your interest in learning the use of royal icing to decorate cookies. If you’ve never worked with royal icing, or have dabbled just a little, this class will help get the ball rolling. We will work step by step on decorating 3 Halloween themed cookies to learn hands on the various decorating techniques used with royal icing, specifically piping/outlining, flooding and wet on wet techniques. A projector screen will be used so that each participant has a good view. Bakery boxes will be provided to transport your cookies home. All supplies for class are provided (perhaps bring your eye glasses if you find they will be helpful). Looking forward to teaching you the art of cookie decorating! Buttercup Cookie will donate 15% of the ticket sales to The SHAC Center, Averill Park. Ages 8 and up.
DIY Crafts with Ryan
Fall Cookie Decorating Class with Cindy
Local artist Ryan Smithson will host DIY crafting events throughout the fall and winter of 2026.
Our first offering is this fun spooky DIY terrarium - Sept 25 at 6pm
Join us for a spooky terrarium class, with guided DIY to make your own Halloween keepsake.
Everlasting faux plants and moss mean you can save it for decoration every year!
Mini Room or Museum with Holli
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
Pick out one of our room vignettes or make a mini museum to sit on your shelf (bring wallet size photos). All supplies will be provided. Minis are a great way to express yourself and have fun, This class is for ages 14 and up and limited to 10 people.
Sept 18th at 6pm
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 5-12th grade students within Rensselaer County, NY and surrounding areas.
Wilderness First Aid
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen G
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. To register, contact John Slyer by email or text: 518-281-6480
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen G
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen G
Gentle to moderate yoga sequences and breathwork. No yoga experience is necessary. This series will focus on connecting breath and movement so that you can feel good on and off the mat. This course is offered in a safe, non-competitive environment. Mats, chairs, and props provided. Please bring comfortable clothes and water. Jen is a certified Yoga Teacher.
Program Dates: 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Program Length: 8 sessions
Day/Time: Thursdays, 5:30p-6:15p
Age Group: Adults
Class Size: 20
Class Type: Gentle to Moderate
Cost: $120 for all 8 sessions ($20 drop in)
Toddler and Me Foam Ball Fun with Coach Joe
Toddler and Me Foam Ball Fun with Coach Joe
Toddler and Me Foam Ball Fun with Coach Joe
Program Dates: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Program Length: 6 sessions
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10-10:30am
Age Group: Toddlers ages 2-4 with parent/guardians
Class Size: 6 toddlers with guardians
Class Type: Interactive play
Cost: $30 for all 6 sessions ($10 for drop-ins)
Overview: Interactive fun while developing toddler eye-hand-motor coordination and cooperation skills
Instructor: SHAC’s Activities Coach Joe Behson, “The Tennis Coach”, a USTA Certified Play Safe Instructor
Toddler Open Gym Time
Toddler and Me Foam Ball Fun with Coach Joe
Toddler and Me Foam Ball Fun with Coach Joe
New for 2026 - toddler gym time! After our toddler foam ball class session ends keep the fun going by signing your child up for open gym!
Toddler sized equipment for their gross motor skill development will be shared and confidence and skills will be developed.
Program Dates: 11/5, 11/12, 12/3, 12/10
Program Length: 4 sessions
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10-10:45am
Age Group: Toddlers ages 0-4 with parent/guardians
Class Size: 10 babies/toddlers with guardians
Class Type: Interactive play
Cost: $30 for all 4 sessions ($10 for drop-ins)
Chair Yoga with Kim F
Toddler and Me Foam Ball Fun with Coach Joe
Chair Yoga with Kim F
Want to get back into Yoga or try Yoga for the first time? Join our group led by experienced Yoga instructor, Kim Favro, and enjoy the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of less strenuous Chair Yoga.
Wear comfortable clothing to move freely and bring water to hydrate. Each class will conclude with poses to calm the mind and body embracing our spiritual side.
This 8 week class will take place on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm from Nov 3rd - Dec 22nd. Each class will last for 45 minutes and will end at 6:15pm.
Cost: $120 for all 8 weeks or $15 per class
FREE Programs & Classes at SHAC
Strength Training & Fitness
Strength Training & Fitness
Join instructor John Slyer in gym sessions that allow participants to use equipment at SHAC to exercise. These sessions are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-11am at SHAC and open to all 18+. A donation of $5 is suggested for each class attended.
Story Writing
Strength Training & Fitness
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
SHAC Foam Ball Tennis for All
USTA Certified Tennis Coach Joe Behson will guide adults through the fun of tennis, but using a foam ball. This class will be held on Fridays. Intermediate skill level class is 9:30-10:30, basic skill level class is 10:30-11:30. Classes start Oct 1st and end Dec 12th.
All equipment will be provided by SHAC.
No class Thanksgiving week.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
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
Albany Aikido Class
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Albany Aikido Class
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.
Tue 7:30am, Thur 7:30am, Sun 10:00am
More information about registration can be found at albanyaikido.com or by calling Nan at
518-629-5925
Cooking Class
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Albany Aikido Class
Learn simple recipes and cooking basics with instructor, Candylee Budesheim. Cooking class will take place every other Tuesday from 10am-12pm at SHAC. No classes will take place in August and the fall 2026 session will start on Sept 8th and then take place every other Tuesday until winter.
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
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Join Debi Michael at SHAC to participate in our Mah Jongg Club! This club will meet every Wednesday from 1pm-3pm.
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: Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16.
No reservation required. All are welcome to attend!
Community Ping Pong. Outdoor Games and Family Board Game Night
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Community Ping Pong. Outdoor Games and Family Board Game Night
Join Karl Michael for free community games! This is a casual time for players of all experience levels to play in a relaxed environment. Ping Pong and Outdoor Games will take place on Fridays from 6:30-8pm at SHAC.
We will also be offering a sporadic family board game night on Friday nights.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Mexican Train Dominoes
Community Ping Pong. Outdoor Games and Family Board Game Night
Join instructor Maryann Francis who will be hosting a dominoes playing group (Mexican Train style) on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Girl Scouts Music for All
Girl Scouts Music for All
Join our Girl Scout troops at the SHAC for their monthly Music for All programs - learn and make instruments. Programs are led by the Girl Scouts but open to all elementary aged children in the area - and it's FREE.
The Music for Kids Club plans to meet once a month in the Fall and may increase in the winter. Our dates will be Wednesdays September 9th, October 14th, November 11th & December 9th. 6-7pm in Room 5.
TOAST Art Program
Girl Scouts Music for All
TOAST (Thursday open art studio time) is a fantastic place for folks to share their creativity with each other! Join artist Debi Michael as she facilitates open studio time on Thursdays from 1pm-4pm. Program is not meeting in August but will restart on Sept 10.
Bridge Club
Come together to play Bridge hosted by Pat Mulligan. This club will meet every other Monday from 1-3pm starting June 8, 2026.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Pickleball Practice
SHAC Pickleball lessons and practice sessions will be held Wednesdays 11:00 to 1:00 at Butler Park. Beginners, First-Timers, Novice and any level are welcome. Paddles are available if you just want to figure out if you like pickleball. Come once, once in a while, or every week! Will be cancelled when it rains. Program will end when weather no longer cooperates for outside activities.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
We are so excited to have a Tai Chi offering!
Thomas has more than ten years of experience as a ski instructor, and in recent years has gotten into tai chi as a way to help his golf game. He is happy to share his passion with us at SHAC! The group will meet on Thursdays from 9-10am and Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30.
Please note: there will be no Tai Chi classes in the month of September.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Guitar Class for Beginners (16+)
Have you ever thought about learning to play the guitar? Beg, borrow, or steal a 6 string guitar (ok, maybe don't steal one) and sign up for this 10 week hands-on course. You will learn how to tune the guitar, play simple chords, read very basic music, and given guidance in finding resources on the internet.
This free course is designed to let you explore playing the guitar and find out if it's something you enjoy and wish to continue.
The instructor, Robyn Sheldon, is an Averill Park resident and has 36 years experience teaching instrumental and choral music plus a few years experience teaching guitar to squirmy elementary students.
No class Oct 26
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Romantasy Book Club
SHAC is hosting a brand new monthly Romantasy Book Club! Last Tuesday of every month at 6pm.
We'll be meeting in the SHAC library room on comfy couches surrounded by books! Feel free to bring a thermos of tea or coffee and make yourself at home. We'll be having an organic chat about our favorite parts, plot holes, sequel theories, and whatever else people are interested in. If you have any book suggestions within the Romantasy genre please bring them (including a title and short description). At the end of the meeting we'll vote on what we should read next!
Due to suggestive themes, this club is for anyone and everyone age 18+.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Lactation Peer Support Group
SHAC is hosting a monthly Lactation Peer Support Group in our Lobby.
Please join if you are pregnant, nursing a newborn, nursing a toddler, or have completed your nursing journey. Support people are also encouraged to join!
Dates are Sept 11, Sept 26, Oct 9, and Nov 13. All events take place from 10am-12pm.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Baby and Me Music and Movement
Bring your children (ages 0-5) to share the joy of music and movement. This group will meet every Monday from 10-11am starting Sept 14, 2026. No reservation required. Just show up!
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Baby Cafe
Baby Cafés are FREE resources for pregnant and breastfeeding families, offering;
• Support from specifically-trained staff
• Opportunities to share experiences and make friends
• Refreshments, comfortable seating, and open-forum discussions
Funded through a Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding, and Lactation Friendly New York (BFFNY) grant from the New York State Department of Health, St. Peter’s Health Partners Community Health Programs currently facilitates three Baby Cafes in the Capital Region and partners with Schenectady County Public Health Services run two in Schenectady County.
Baby Cafés are free, drop-in sites that provide ongoing, professional lactation care in a welcoming, informal setting.
Most Baby Cafés are open for two hours at least once a week and do not require appointments or referrals. Families can stop by as often as needed to get breastfeeding support, ask questions, and receive guidance to help them meet their individual breastfeeding goals.
Sept 29th, 11am-1pm
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Fall 2026 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.
Mom Starts Here - Baby Support Program for Families in Need
About Mom Starts Here
Mom Starts Here is a Capital Region nonprofit organization that walks with families along their parenting journey, providing support for their internal and external needs and enabling parents to show up their best for themselves and their children.
Starting November 1, 2025, the SHAC Center joins the Mom Starts Here network around the Capital Region. Once registered as a member of Mom Starts Here, families in need can arrange a scheduled appointment to pick up baby supplies right here at SHAC.