Fall Personal Enrichment

Fall 2024 Community Education Personal Enrichment Courses

Introduction to American Sign Language

Thursdays
August 29 – October 17
5:30-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 90697  
CFP 748-51
Fee: $125

With no previous experience necessary, this course will introduce you to the world of visual-gestural communication by introducing the following topics: the building blocks of American Sign Language, a plethora of vocabulary words, and lessons on grammatical sentence structuring. The course will also explore the entities of deaf culture. Register for Intro to American Sign Language.

Advanced Paranormal Research

Thursdays
September 12 – October 31
7:30-9:30 p.m.
CRN# 90701  
CFP 752-51
Fee: $150

Join paranormal investigator Jack Kenna from TV’s “Paranormal Survivor,” “Haunted Case Files,” and “Haunted Hospitals” as he builds on the knowledge taught in the course Paranormal 101. This course will provide advanced information and knowledge of the methods, tools, and approach to create a successful, knowledgeable, and professional paranormal team/investigator/researcher. This course goes in-depth into all things that are necessary to prepare yourself and/or your team to conduct a professional paranormal investigation. Topics include practicing spiritual protection, practicing physical and verbal techniques for communicating, diving rods, how to properly sage/cleanse a home or person, techniques for connecting with your five senses, working with clients, and much more. Students will participate in two off site paranormal investigations: October 7 and October 21 from 7-11 p.m. on both days. Students will also need the required coursebook “Paranormal Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Strong Team.”  Pre-requisite: CFP 747 Paranormal 101. Register for Advanced Paranormal Research.

Aikido for Adults and Teens

Thursdays
September 19 – October 31
7-8:15 p.m. 
CRN# 90557
CFP 800-51
Fee: $75 

This course will be taught at the YWCA, 44 Washington Ave., Schenectady, N.Y. 12305. Students, ages 14 and older, will practice Hombu style Aikido, which strengthens the body, mind, and spirit. Aikido uses blending and redirecting techniques, Jujutsu joint locks and boxing elements that keep this martial art applicable for all individuals. Aikido promotes self-defense, flexibility, strength building and coordination. Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Register for Aikido for Adults and Teens.

Intro to Watercolor Painting

Mondays
September 23 – October 28
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 91031  
CFP 155-51
Fee: $165

Students will learn watercolor techniques and material use basics while creating a still life, a portrait, and a landscape.  Topics include color mixing, adding texture, shading, and more. Materials needed: watercolor paper, large brush, medium brush, small brush, pencil, eraser, sharpener and the following paints: cool and warm yellow, cool and warm red, and warm and cool blue. Register for Intro to Watercolor Painting.

Intro to Ballet and Modern Dance for Teens/Adults 

Section #1:

Tuesdays
October 1 – 22
7-8 p.m.
CRN# 90555  
CFP 742-52  
Fee: $60

Section #2:

Tuesdays
October 29 – November 19
7-8 p.m.
CRN# 91001  
CFP 742-53  
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students will learn elements of classical ballet, classical modern dance (Horton, Lemon, Graham…) with a healthy dose of post-modern dance (generally a mix of theater and dance) and jazz. Please wear stretchy clothing, have long hair pulled up in a pony tail, and be prepared to dance in socks or bare foot. Register for Intro to Ballet and Modern Dance.

Beginning Line Dance for Teens/Adults 

Section #1:

Wednesdays
October 2 – 23
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 91003  
CFP 830-51  
Fee: $60

Section #2:

Wednesdays
October 30 – November 20
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 91004  
CFP 830-52  
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Come join us and learn how to Line Dance, the All-American classic, using many popular music styles you’ve heard since the early 1970s, then head out to local dance venues to join the fun. No experience needed. Register for Beginning Line Dance.

Experimental Dance Theater 

Section #1:

Thursdays
October 3 – 24
5-6 p.m. 
CRN# 90707  
CFP 883-51  
Fee: $60

Section #2:

Thursdays
November 7 – December 5
5-6 p.m. 
CRN# 90992  
CFP 883-52  
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students will develop strength, dance technique, rhythm and body awareness. This class is an excellent way for young dancers to gain self-confidence and prepare them for the next step in their dance training. They will learn elements of classical ballet, modern dance (generally a mix of theater and dance), and jazz. Please wear stretchy clothing, have long hair pulled up in a ponytail and be prepared to dance in socks or barefoot. Register for Experimental Dance Theater.

Latin Dance Club for Teens/Adults 

Section #1:

Thursdays
October 3 – 24
7-8 p.m. 
CRN# 90706  
CFP 882-51
Fee: $60

Section #2:

Thursdays
November 7 – December 5
7-8 p.m. 
CRN# 90991  
CFP 882-52
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students 16 years and older will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and Cha. No partner or experience necessary. Register for Latin Dance Club.

Ballroom Dance for Teens/Adults 

Section #1:

Thursdays
October 3 – 24
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 90705  
CFP 881-51
Fee: $60

Section #2:

Thursdays
November 7 – December 5
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 90990
CFP 881-52
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students ages 16 years and older will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of the Waltz, Rumba, Swing and Foxtrot. No partner or experience is necessary. Register for Ballroom Dance for Teens/Adults.

New! How Money Works - Online Course

Monday, October 21
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91008
CFP 759-71  
Fee: $35

In this online course, students will learn more about personal finance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your financial skills, this program will provide information that will help you make sound financial decisions. Topics include saving money for short-term and long-term goals, investing wisely, the three “Ds” of investing, paying off debt, tax deferred saving, and more. Register for How Money Works.

Getting Paid to Talk: Intro to Voice-Overs

Wednesday, October 23
6:30-9 p.m.
CRN# 90553
CFP 725-51  
Fee: $35

This course will be held at Voice Coaches, 26 Vly Road, Colonie, N.Y., 12205. From audio books, training material, animation, gaming, and commercials to socially relevant content, television, and more, today’s voice-over field has become a great way to leverage your individual interests, voice qualities, and communication skills in a whole new way. Learn about how the industry really works today, trends in opportunity in the community, and areas of future growth, and hear about the top traits casting professionals look for when hiring voice professionals. Students will also hear samples from working voice-over artists. Because this class is small, students will have the opportunity to record a sample professional voice-over under the direction of our instructor, who can offer feedback and advice. If you’ve ever wondered how to begin in voice-over part-time, full-time, or for supplemental or retirement income, this workshop is a great, upbeat, and realistic first step. Register for Getting Paid to Talk.

American Sign Language - Part 2

Thursdays
October 24 – December 12
5:30-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91002
CFP 750-51  
Fee: $125

If you’ve taken Introduction to American Sign Language with us and want to expand on your vocabulary skills, then this is the class for you. Students will solidify confidence and fluency of already obtained vocabulary and grammatical structure, explore new vocabulary, and further explore entities of Deaf Culture. Pre-requisite: CFP 748 Introduction to American Sign Language. Register for American Sign Language, part 2.

Adoption Conversation: A Guide to History, Insight and Mindset - Online Course

Tuesdays
November 5 – 26
6-7:30 p.m.
CRN# 90995
CFP 890-71
Fee: $100

Students in this online course will explore the evolution of adoption and begin to understand key concepts such as types of adoption, essential terms, processes, and dispel common misconceptions and stereotypes. Topics also include the emotional and psychological dynamics of adoption, the trend of open adoptions, and strategies to make adoption a mainstream topic at home and in the community. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to contribute positively to the adoption conversation and support those involved in the adoption process. Register for Adoption Conversation.

New! Investing at Retirement - Online Course

Thursday, November 14
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91009
CFP 757-71  
Fee: $35

Whether you are nearing retirement, you’ve already entered this phase of life, or you’re just interested in learning about investment strategies for retirement income, this online course will help you make the most of your financial resources. Students will learn about retirement incoming planning, investment fundamentals, tax advantaged investing, investment strategies, and more. Register for Investing at Retirement.

Floral Embroidery 

Thursday, November 14
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 90996
CFP 148-51
 Fee: $75
Create your own colorful, textured, embroidered garden during this three-hour workshop. You will learn a variety of embroidery stitches that can be used to create everything from stems and leaves to hydrangeas, roses, daisies, and even fringe moss. Students will leave with a 6” hoop, assorted embroidery threads, and embroidery needles. Materials fee: $10 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Floral Embroidery.

New! Needle Felted Animals

Tuesday, November 19
5:30-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91005  
CFP 182-51  
Fee: $75
Learn how to sculpt with wool through the art of needle felting. Students will gain skills in shaping and sculpting wool with the felting tools, blending colors, and creating facial features and other forms such as wings and ears. Animal design can range from realistic to animated. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary. Materials fee: $10 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Needle Felted Animals.

New! Needle Felted Painting

Tuesday and Thursday 
December 10 – 12
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91006  
CFP 183-51  
Fee: $125

Learn how to paint with wool fibers during this workshop. Students will learn how to create an image using only wool fibers and a felting needle on 5 X 7 piece of wool felt. Topics include painting techniques such as color theory, atmospheric perspective, light and shadow, and more. Everyone will create their own unique and wooly image by the end of class. Materials fee: $10 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Needle Felted Painting.

New! Needle Bird Yurt

Tuesday and Thursday
December 17 – 19
6-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91007
CFP 181-51  
Fee: $125

Learn the ancient and awesome art of wet felting. Using wool, water, olive oil soap and your own two hands, students will learn how to sculpt wool into a durable, three dimensional form that will become your bird house. Felted wool is insulating, dirt resistant, repels water and is a breathable fabric, making it the perfect material to create a cozy home for your backyard birds. Materials fee: $15 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Needle Bird Yurt.