Adult Classes

Yoga with Viji

AGES 11 +

In these 90-minute classes, students will learn a range of asanas (poses) and pranayamas (breathing techniques) that Viji has learned from some of India's best yoga teachers She has included a few other easy immune system-boosting exercises that could be particularly useful in this time of a pandemic but are not a traditional part of yoga The class includes the practice of meditation and guided relaxation

Viji has been teaching yoga in the US and in India for almost 30 years She is certified in the Sivananda system but has taught other systems as well She is also an acu-yoga teacher, an acupressurist, and a Buteyko breathing technique teacher

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Sept 21-Oct 19 W 6:30-8 PM 5x $60 $70 Oct 26-Nov 23 W 6:30-8 PM 5x $60 $70 Nov 30-Dec 28 W 6:30-8 PM 5x $60 $70

Instructor: Viji Sundaram

Location: Albany Community Center, Community Hall Min: 6; Max: 20 Online Activity #: 1114YV

Morning Yoga (All Levels)

AGES 12 +

Begin your day by exploring gentle, therapeutic, and graceful movements Staying connected to our breath, we become present with every moment and every sensation in the body In this class, we will learn the traditional Yogic asanas (postures) in the style of Hatha Yoga to increase the flexibility and endurance of the body

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Aug 23-Sept 15 T/Th 10-11:15 AM 8x $120 $130 Sept 20-Oct 13 T/Th 10-11:15 AM 8x $120 $130 Oct 18-Nov 10 T/Th 10-11:15 AM 8x $120 $130 Nov 15-Dec 13* T/Th 10-11:15 AM 8x $120 $130

Instructor: Julia Alexander

Location: Albany Community Center, Community Hall Min: 10; Max: 25 *No Class on Nov 24 Online Activity #: 1116JA

Adult Ballet Beginner Level

AGES 17 +

This class is for you if you have little or have no ballet experience or it’s been years since your last ballet class We begin with gentle floor barre and warm up exercises for 15 minutes for which you may need a yoga mat, followed by exercises at the barre including the basic ballet positions, port de bras and preparation for more choreographed classical dance movements in the center (of the room) We focus on proper alignment, placement of the body from head to toe, as well as strength, flexibility, extensions, while encouraging you to work with breath, ease and of course, safely within the limits of your own physical ability Because ballet is a performing art, musicality and expressiveness is strongly encouraged as we experience the joy of dance, individually and together

Required Equipment: Ballet slippers or soft jazz shoes No socks or bare feet Wear comfortable ballet or exercise clothing for ease of movement Long hair must be tied back

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Aug 22-Oct 3* M 7-8:15 PM 6x $150 $160 Aug 26-Sept 30 F 7-8:15 PM 6x $150 $160

Instructor: Nona Refi

Location: Albany Community Center, Community Hall Min: 5; Max: 20 *No Class on Sept 5 Online Activity #: 1115NR

Quit Dieting for Good: Health Series

AGES 18 +

Have you tried calorie counting, keto, or juice fasting, and STILL not happy with your body? Then it’s time to learn about Intuitive Eating to start truly enjoying food again and feel confident in that beautiful body of yours! In this 4-part series, you will learn how to trust your food choices, love your body, and take care of yourself inside and out, all while eating delicious food! Your coach, Caitlin Ball, is a former dieter turned intuitive eater and the host of the Quit Dieting for Good podcast

More info available at www.caitlinball.com

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Oct 6-27 Th 6:30-8 PM 4x $200 $210

Instructor: Caitlin Ball

Location: Albany Community Center, Room 1 Min: 3; Max: 20 Online Activity #: 1111CB

Astrophotography

ADULT 18 +

Interested in night photography? Do you want to learn how to take pictures of the milky way or deep sky objects in the night sky? Are you thinking of buying a telescope but want some hands-on experience first? Meet others already active in the hobby and exchange tips from planning to processing while learning the basics of astronomy through astrophotography More information available at www.darkskyislands.com

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Sept 13-Oct 25 Every other 7-8:30 PM 4x $90 $100

Tuesday

Instructor: Mason Hall

Location: Albany Community Center, Rooms 1 & 2 Min: 5; Max: 20 Online Activity #: 3111AW

Beginner Sewing 1 Day Workshop – Tote Bag

AGES 15 +

In this one day workshop students will learn to sew and make a lined Tote Bag (No experience needed) A small student to instructor ratio allows each student plenty of personalized guidance and access to their own sewing machine and tool set They will learn to safely operate a sewing machine and iron, read a sewing pattern, and illustrate their designs All of the materials will be provided including high quality fabrics and threads

Instructor Julia studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been a sewing instructor for over 7 years

$40 supply fee covers fabrics, threads, patterns, embroidery, and machine/equipment maintenance

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Oct 1 Sa 12:30-5 PM 1x $120 $130 Dec 17 Sa 9 AM-1:30 PM 1x $120 $130

Instructor: Julia Husch

Location: Albany Community Center, Room 1 Min: 4; Max: 7 Online Activity #: 1151FS

Painting Workshop

ADULT 18 +

In this painting workshop, experienced artists work independently with water-based paints, drawing, collage or mixed media Participants bring their own projects and materials There is no instruction, but we strive to provide a supportive space for creative work For more information, please email the instructor: charleypaff@gmail com

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Aug 24-Oct 19 W 5:30-8:30 PM 9x $60 $70 Oct 26-Dec 21* W 5:30-8:30 PM 8x $50 $60

Instructor: Charley Paffenbarger

Location: Albany Community Center, Rooms 1 & 2 Min: 5; Max: 12 *No Class on Nov 23 Online Activity #: 1113PW

Albany Big Band Jazz Ensemble

AGES 18 +

The Albany Jazz Band, actively playing big band music for more than 15 years, is part of the City of Albany’s Recreation and Community Services program The band plays classic to modern instrumental and vocal jazz, swing, latin and other genres arranged for 18 to 20 pieces jazz big band ensemble-saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass and percussion The ensemble offers an opportunity to learn, play, and perform skillfully arranged jazz compositions, and to experience soloing and singing with a big band The playing and singing level for the band is intermediate and above; experience with jazz and swing idioms is recommended and sight-reading skills are a must Participation in the band requires a commitment to attend regular rehearsals and to participate in public performances (1-3 may be scheduled per term) A $20 material fee paid to instructor may be required on first meeting Due to limited space, enrollment is by permission of instructor only For information about how to join or other questions about enrollment, contact the instructor at instructor@albanyjazzband org For information about the band, visit the website at www albanyjazzband org

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Sept 7–Dec 7* W 6-9:30 PM 13x $85 $95

Instructor: Bob Levenson (Conductor and Musical Director), Richard Kalman (Vocal Director and Band Manager)

Location: Albany High School Band Room, Room 20 Min: 10; Max: 25 *No Class Nov 23 Online Activity #: 1615JB

Ocean View Community Organic Garden

AGES 18 +

Enjoy the spirit of community while growing delicious food and flowers No experience necessary Join us during our “Open Garden” on the 2nd & 3rd Sundays of the month from 11 am-1 pm, March through October Plot Fee: $60 00 per year (non-refundable) Location: Ocean View Park, 900 Buchanan Street (behind the tennis courts) For more information: Call (510) 524-9283 or email: recinfo@albanyca.org

Pickleball League

AGES 18 +

Join our new Pickleball Ladder League This league will test your skills and bring competition to the pickleball courts The format of play is designed so that players play mostly with others of similar skill levels Your placement or court assignment will be based upon your scoring total

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Aug 21–Oct 9 Su 4-7 PM 8x $110 $120 Oct 16–Dec 4 Su 4-7 PM 8x $110 $120

Instructor: B. Bell

Location: Albany High School Gym Min: 8; Max: 16 Online Activity #: 4516PL

Pickleball Drop-in

AGES 18 +

Join Recreation staff and play pickleball once a week at Ocean View Tennis Courts Staff sets up nets and is there to help you learn the game! Pickleball is a paddleball sport (like a racket sport) that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis Paddles are available to Rent at $2

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Year-Round Tu 4-6 PM 1x $5 $6

Instructor: B. Bell

Location: Ocean View Tennis Courts Min: 0; Max: 0

Cooking with Chat

Chat Mingkwan was classically trained in cooking in Rayon, France A native of Thailand, he began cultivating and cooking Thai food as a child, working alongside his mother and aunt in their successful restaurant and hotel He has traveled throughout Southeast Asia and mastered the local cuisines

Chat is currently a cooking teacher, author, food and restaurant consultant, and Asian antique trader

Instructor: Chat Mingkwan

Location::

Albany Community Center, Kitchen

Min: 5; Max: 12 Online Activity #: 1111CM

Ages 18+

$15 food fee payable to instructor on day of class

Dim Sum means "a little bit of heart," and these little savories and sweets surely gladden the heart and palate Dim sum can be served as an elegant and fun light appetizer, lunch, snack or as a special treat We will learn to use a variety of specialties to create popular items and learn techniques of filling and wrapping in preparing delicious Dim Sum We will make 3 popular Dim Sum recipes: Pork & Shrimp Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns, and Sesame Seed Balls Bring your sharp chef knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel, beverage, and a to-go box

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Aug 23 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Basic Thai Cooking

Let’s get into Thai cuisine Learn Thai culinary philosophy and learn to recognize Thai tastes and flavors by preparing a 3-dish Thai meal for your dinner Learn to use herbs and spices, such as Galangal and Kaffir Lime that are unique to Thai cuisine and transform fresh ingredients into delicious dishes: Tomkha Soup, Pad Thai, and Green Curry Bring your sharp chef’s knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Aug 29 M 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Basic Knife Skills

Learn to cut and dice like a pro! This basic skill will make your cooking less laborious, faster and more fun We will learn to julienne, baton, brunoise, chiffonade vegetables and break up whole chickens to make a simple meal, including tips on maintaining and sharpening knives Bring your sharp chef's knife (minimum 8"), sturdy cutting board, vegetable peeler, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Sep 13 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58 Burmese cuisine is unique with its own characteristics that stir interests in the US culinary scene Learn to cook 3 popular Burmese dishes in this hands-on class and prepare Laphet Tea Leaf Salad, Fish Curried Noodles, and Sweet and Sour Chicken Stew Bring your sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Sep 22 Th 5:30-8:30PM 1x $48 $58

Fried Rice Workshop

Leftover rice is perfect for many varieties of fried rice as it’s been utilized and transformed into a scrumptious one plate meal Chinese invention of wok cooking makes fried rice a fast and easy meal, and with a touch of local flare and ingredients create eclectic popular dishes We will cook three popular fried rice: Chinese Yangchow Fried Rice, Indonesian Fried Rice, and Thai Curry Fried Rice Bring your sharp chef’s knife or cleaver, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Sep 27 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Korean Cooking

Tasty and simple are Korean characteristics when it comes to food, not to mention the large amount of garlic being used, intense! Join us and cook up 3 popular Korean dishes Learn to make Pajong Pancakes, Chup Chae (sweet potato noodles), and BBQ ribs Bring your sharp chef’s knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Oct 6 Th 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Let's modify popular Asian dishes into vegetarian friendly meals and maintain the soul that makes Asian cuisine so uniquely popular Learn to use exotic ingredients, seasonings and herbs from Asia and prepare 3 popular Asian dishes Some dishes can be made in big batches that last for several meals Bring your sharp chef's knife or cleaver, cutting board, hand towel and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Oct 11 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Asian Soups and Salads

Let’s prepare some simple and healthy Asian soups and salads with unique and beneficial ingredients: Hot & Sour Shrimp Lemongrass Soup, Stuffed Melon in aromatic ginger broth, Beef Salad with Kaffir Lime dressing, Chicken Mungbean (cellophane) Noodle Salad Bring your sharp chef’s knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Oct 20 Th 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Asian Popular Chicken Dishes

Chicken has been selected as the most popular ingredient and every part of the chicken has been utilized to make the best and most delicious dishes We will make 3 popular chicken dishes from Asia with different cooking techniques and unique ingredients: Korean Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Thai Grilled Peppered Chicken, and Chicken Sweet Yellow Curry Bring your sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Oct 25 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Sushi and Nigiri

Learn the basics of preparing fresh sushi Learn to make sushi rice for use in Nigiri (finger roll) and Nori Maki (seaweed hand roll) Practice Japanese techniques of filling and wrapping, by preparing a variety of sushi such as Hamachi, Inari, Maguro, Unagi, Tobiko, Spicy Tuna Roll, California Roll and Philadelphia Roll Bring a sharp pointed-tip chef’s knife, large sturdy cutting board, bamboo mat, linen hand towel, beverage, and to-go box

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Nov 3 Th 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58 The Chinese invented the wok and the stir-fry cooking technique All Asian Cuisines adapted and modified this technique to call their own Stirfrying uses the freshest ingredients, taking little time to cook and employing the simplest technique Let’s make 3 delicious and popular Asian stir-fried dishes: Beef and Broccoli, Spicy Eggplant and Thai Basil and Peppered Shrimp Bring your sharp chef’s knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Nov 8 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58 Dim Sum means "a little bit of heart," and these little savories and sweets surely gladden the heart and palate During holidays, special kinds of Dim Sum are served to make Holidays more festive with auspicious meanings for the cerebrations We will make 3 popular Dim Sum for the occasion: Seafood and Vegetables Pan Fried Cakes, Chicken and Pork Buns, and Steamed Daikon Cakes Bring your sharp chef knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Dec 6 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Simple Food on Skewers

A Simple and easy way to prepare food, get ready in advance then cook and serve Easy cooking techniques of marinating, skewering, and preparing are utilized We will prepare 3 skewered dishes: Lemongrass chicken, Assorted Mushrooms and Vegetables, and Meat Unagi & Teriyaki Bring your sharp chef’s knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Nov 17 Th 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Asian Appetizers and Small Plates

Make your holiday seasons a tad different this year by adding a unique touch Easy, simple and attractive are combined to create these Asian offerings Popular appetizers from different countries will be made with Asian ingredients and techniques; Assorted Dumplings, Noodle Birdnest, Asian Pancakes, Kaffir Lime Shrimp Cakes Bring your sharp chef’s knife or cleaver, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Dec 15 Th 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Asian Seafood

An abundance of seafood gives rise to delicious recipes in Asian cuisine and we will pick popular recipes to cook for our dinner Let’s select 3 popular recipes with different ingredients and cooking techniques to prepare in the class: Korean Scallop and Shrimp Pancakes, Hot&Sour Squid Salad, Steamed Mussels with Mirin and Sweet Basil Bring your sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, hand towel, and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Nov 29 Tu 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58

Holiday Hors D’oeuvres

Holiday Seasons are here and it's time to offer your best to families, friends and loved ones Varieties of delicious morsels: easy, simple and attractive are combined to create these cocktail hors d’oeuvres and finger food offerings Ingredients and techniques of both worlds are infused in preparing one-of-a-kind snacks, appetizers, and hors d’oeuvres, such as Savory Cakes with Sweet Chili Sauce, Lemongrass Beef Patties, Coconut Pockets Some dishes can be made a lot in advance and frozen for several meals Bring your sharp chef knife or clever, cutting board, hand towel and beverage

DATE DAY TIME MEETS ALB NON RES RES

Dec 21 W 5:30-8:30 PM 1x $48 $58