Free* and Low Cost Programs for All Ages
Winter 2026 Program Schedule
MONDAYS
- Strength Training, Treadmill (9-11am)
- Needlecrafts Group (10am-12pm)*
- Albany Aikido (12pm)
- Bridge (Alternating Mon 1-3pm Starts Jan5)*
- Archery (6:30-7:30pm)
TUESDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Cooking Class (10am-12pm)*
- Chair Yoga (5:30-6:15pm, Starts March 3rd)
- Indoor Cycling/Spin (Start Dec 6:30pm)
WEDNESDAYS
- Strength Training, Treadmill (9-11am)
- Mexican Train Dominoes (10am-12pm)*
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support & Memory Cafe for People with Symptoms (11am-12:30pm Dec 17, Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18)*
- Mah Jongg Club (1-3pm)*
- Paint & Drip Art Cafe
(6-8pm, Alternate Wed Starting Jan 7) - Youth Strength Training (5-6pm) TBA
THURSDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- OWL Homeschool Co-Op (9:am)
- TOAST: Thur. Open Art Studio Time (1-4pm)*
- Story Writing (1-3pm)*
- Community Ping Pong (6-7:30pm)*
- Indoor Cycling/Spin (Start Dec 6:30pm)
- Yoga with Jen (5:30pm Starts Jan 8)
FRIDAYS
- Strength Training, Treadmill (9-11am)
- Senior Foam Ball Tennis (10am-11am)*
- Community Ping Pong (6:30-8pm)*
SATURDAYS
- Indoor Cycling/Spin (Start Dec 10am)
- Women’s Self Defense
(11am-1pm, Mar 17) - Snowshoe Walking at SHAC*
(10am When we have snow!)
SUNDAYS
- Albany Aikido (10am)
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Jewelry Faire
Whiskers Feline Rescue
Sat. Dec 6, 10am-6pm
Festival of Trees
@ SHAC
Entries Accepted Nov 1-30th
Voting Starts Dec 1
Voting Ends Dec 21
Tablet & Phone Tech Help
By Appointment Email: Maggie@SHACcenter.org*
Mom Starts Here
Diaper Supply Program
By Appointment: Call/Text Lori 518-461-1439*
American Red Cross
CPR & First Aid
Daytime CPR Hybrid Option
9-11am Tue, Jan 6
Evening CPR Hybrid Option
6-8pm Tue, Jan 13
Wilderness First Aid/CPR
9am-4pm Sat & Sun, Feb 7 & 8-12pm)
Winter Break Camp
The SHAC Center is happy to offer our fourth annual Winter Break fun, activity, and learning drop-in event that will take place from February 17-20, 2026. This program is open to children ages 7 to 12 years old. Children may be dropped off at SHAC between 8:00 and 8:45am.
Winter Break Camp Pricing:
$160 for all 4 Days
$200 for Early Arrival (8am) all 4 Days
*financial assistance available upon request*
Community Events
Jewelry Fundraiser for Whiskers
Jewelry Fundraiser for Whiskers
Jewelry Fundraiser for Whiskers
December 6th, 10:00am-6:00pm
Whiskers Presents: “Just Jewelry” Faire Fundraiser
$5 donation at the door (with easy parking)
Save the date for Whiskers’ “Just Jewelry” Faire — a fundraiser featuring hundreds of donated, stylish pieces for every occasion. From casual to dressy, workday to weekend, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect:
• A wide selection of unique and affordable jewelry
• Perfect finds for gifts or to treat yourself
• Great prices and a fun shopping atmosphere
Bring your friends and help Whiskers raise funds to support homeless cats in the Capital District.
All proceeds benefit Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, a 501(c)(3) cat rescue and sanctuary.
Festival of Trees
Jewelry Fundraiser for Whiskers
Jewelry Fundraiser for Whiskers
Non-profits, businesses, families, friends, and individuals were invited to decorate a tree (not real) to display in the primary hallways of the SHAC Community Center.
Anyone who comes to SHAC during December can vote on their favorite tree (there is no charge to vote). The tree that garners the most votes gets 50% of all entry fees. Winner will be announced at our Santa Day December 21.
Questions? Contact Holli Boyd-White, 518-281-4398 or holliboyd@gmail.com
Santa Day!
Mom Starts Here - Baby Supplies for Families in Need
Mom Starts Here - Baby Supplies for Families in Need
Free entry - crafts, cookies, cocoa and raffles! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite tree in our Festival of Trees!
December 21st, noon-4pm
Santa presented by Way 2 Clean - an Eco Friendly Cleaning Company you can trust!
At WAY 2 CLEAN, we are committed to providing high-quality cleaning services while taking care of the environment. We understand the impact that traditional cleaning methods can have on our planet, which is why we have adopted eco-friendly practices and products.
Mom Starts Here - Baby Supplies for Families in Need
Mom Starts Here - Baby Supplies for Families in Need
Mom Starts Here - Baby Supplies for Families in Need
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.
Low Cost Programs & Classes at SHAC
Paint & Drip Art Café
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen Glasser
Paint & Drip Art Café
Local artist Ryan Smithson will host a Paint & Drip session every other Tuesday from 6-8pm. In January Ryan will be coming EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY 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
Register for the December 2 Class Here
Register for the December 16 Class Here
Archery
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen Glasser
Paint & Drip Art Café
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 - December 8 from 6:30-7:30pm.
Cost: $20 per class
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen Glasser
Wholehearted Yoga with Jen Glasser
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
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. (attendees have the option to use a chair for easier stretching) Classes will occur on Thursdays starting January 8 from 5:30-6:15pm.
Cost: $20 per class
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
Women's Self Defense Class
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, March 7 from 10am-12pm.
Cost: $20
Zumba Gold
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
Women's Self Defense Class
Licensed Zumba instructor Concetta Snyder will be leading Zumba Gold classes at the SHAC Center. Zumba Gold is an interactive and fun way for older adults to participate in a full body workout. This class recreates moves in normal Zumba workouts but at a lower intensity that it suitable for all while listening to music and rhythms from around the world!
Registration Coming Soon!
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
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.
This will be a new membership option with professional training on these activities.
American Red Cross CPR/First Aid
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
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.
American Red Cross
CPR & First Aid
Daytime CPR Hybrid Option
9-11am Tue, Jan 6
Evening CPR Hybrid Option
6-8pm Tue, Jan 13
Wilderness First Aid/CPR
9am-4pm Sat & Sun, Feb 7 & 8-12pm)
Winter Break Camp
Strength Training, Treadmill Walking, & Spinning
Winter Break Camp
The SHAC Center is happy to offer our fourth annual Winter Break fun, activity, and learning drop-in event that will take place from February 17-20, 2026. This program is open to children ages 7 to 12 years old. Children may be dropped off at SHAC between 8:00 and 8:45am.
Winter Break Camp Pricing:
$160 for all 4 Days
$200 for Early Arrival (8am) all 4 Days
*financial assistance available upon request*
FREE Programs & Classes at SHAC
Story Writing
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
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
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.
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
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
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 starting December 9.
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 starting December 3.
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: December 17, January 21, February 18, and March 18.
No reservation required. All are welcome to attend!
Needlecrafts Group
Mexican Train Dominoes
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
Mexican Train Dominoes
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 Fridays from 6:30-8pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes
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
Bridge Club
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
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
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Snowshoe Walking at SHAC
SHAC Seniors Foam Ball Tennis
Join outdoor enthusiast Andy Jacob on snow covered Saturdays January through March from 10-11:30am. Open to all ages, group size max is 20.
Cost: Free - donations to SHAC suggested and appreciated.
Join us and have fun exploring the trails up and around the SHAC Center on snowshoes. Bring your own equipment.
Winter 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.
