Classes, Events & Services
Honest Weight offers free and low-cost community classes, events, and services as part of our mission. We are committed to helping our community learn more about growing, choosing, preparing, and using natural foods and to teaching about alternative ways of living that are healthy for ourselves, our community, and our planet.
Please note, all events require registration, unless stated otherwise!!
Please note that classes often fill up. Registration is required for many classes, events, and services, as indicated below next to each event. Please let us know if your plans change and you are no longer able to make it. Contact Anastasia with any questions at education@honestweight.coop.
All classes are free of charge unless otherwise noted!
Acupuncture with Paul
FREE ACUPUNCTURE SESSIONS!
Every Monday starting at 9am in the Community Room
PLEASE, ONE ONE SESSION PER PERSON PER MONTH! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!
Acupuncture can be used to help with a variety of conditions such as pain, anxiety, stress, digestive issues or just to maintain a healthy balance. A 30-minute session will allow time for a targeted one-sided acupuncture treatment. These sessions are open to ALL (you don’t have to be a member!). Sign up for ONE 30-minute spot and make sure to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled time. Due to the incredible response to this offering, we are limiting sessions to ONE PER PERSON, PER MONTH.
Paul Marks L.Ac. MSTOM is a NYS licensed Acupuncturist with over 12 years of experience. He has spent extensive time studying classical acupuncture and moxa therapy as well as being a Ph.D. candidate at Liaoning University of TCM in China. He specializes in orthopaedic acupuncture and pain management.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) is a gentle, hand-on healing methodology that helps to settle the client's nervous system and help your body's inherent healing wisdom to surface and express itself. It helps to release stuck patterns and reduce tension, pain, and inflammation. Clients often find the treatments deeply relaxing and supportive of other healing approaches they are pursuing. Treatments are conducted fully clothed, and all touch is negotiated with the client.
A $5 NONREFUNDABLE Deposit is required to register, you will receive a $5 HWFC Gift Card upon attendance to your appointment, please email education@honestweight.coop for a fee waiver!
Evelyn Wright is an Albany area native, ecological economist, and longtime Honest Weight member. She is studying BCST at the School of Inner Health in Denver, CO. She is offering these BCST sessions as part of her mentorship towards becoming a certified practitioner.
Reiki w Dee!!
JULY Registration!!
FREE REIKI SESSIONS! Registration required.
Reiki is an energy system developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in the 1920s which helps to balance the body and allow its natural self healing capabilities to work more effectively. Elegant and intelligent, it works according to the needs of the person and is known for relieving pain promoting relaxation and well-being as well as aiding the healing processes of the body and is widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etc. as a complement to allopathic medicine. These 30-minute sessions will include a quick consultation to discover how to best serve your needs, scanning and full body treatment to support you in your wholeness.
Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment please consult a medical provider as Reiki practitioners do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication.
Dee Mclaughlin is a sixth generation Reiki master in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition. She received all of her training at the John Harvey gray Center for Reiki Healing under Reiki Master Teacher Lourdes Gray.
Tarot Readings with Erin
FREE Tarot SESSIONS! Registration required.
Tarot is an ancient source of divining wisdom and guidance. If you have never had a tarot reading before, or if you have had many readings, this is an opportunity for you to ask the cards a particular question or simply get a check-in about what the cards have to say about what have going on in your life right now. Erin's readings help her clients boost positive energy and are a great way to gain clarity and insight into your life and the direction you may be headed. Tarot readings are for entertainment purposes only. Erin Sheehan is an intuitive tarot and oracle card reader. Erin has been reading tarot for several years for friends and professionally, and uses the cards as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. She is passionate about helping others uncover their own inner wisdom and gain a deeper understanding of their lives and their path.
Hand Reflexology & Massage w Teresa
Massage is not a replacement for medical treatment; please consult a medical provider because massage therapists do not diagnose medical conditions.
Theresa is a Licensed Massage Therapist and has been practicing massage for the past 15 years in her business, Harmony Massage. She has also studied Healing Touch Levels 1-4, Energy Medicine with Donna Eden, and is a Reiki Master with the Usui method. She is also currently working with massage students at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy.Her massage work is infused with her understanding of the impact of energy work and brings a deeper experience for her clients.
Acupuncture with Sally
Wednesdays in Conference Room!!
PLEASE, ONE ONE SESSION PER PERSON PER MONTH! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!
Free acupuncture with Sally Rappeport, L.Ac. Sally primarily practices Saam acupuncture which is a Korean style that usually uses only 4 needles per treatment. She has found that it has quite profound results for many different types of issues including all types of pain, asthma and allergies, gynecological conditions, anxiety and depression, digestive conditions, urination and prostate conditions, insomnia, migraines, etc. Sessions will last around 30”-45". PLEASE wear comfortable, loose clothing as this style of acupuncture uses primarily points from the knees and elbows to the feet and hands. We will chat for a few minutes and then I’ll insert the needles. You can expect to feel very relaxed once the needles are in. This style of acupuncture gives the body a very clear message by supplementing the weakest channel in the wheel of 12 channels. When that weakness in the wheel gets tonified, all 12 channels come into a better relationship with one another and the wheel of life turns more effectively. Sometimes, I may use other modalities, such as cupping or gua sha.
Sally Rappeport, Licensed Acupuncturist, has been practicing for over 25 years, first in Brooklyn and now in Philmont, NY. Her love for East Asian Medicine has led her to teach herbal medicine online to practitioners and do telemedicine herb consults, treating people all over the US and in Europe. In addition, she was instrumental in bringing practitioners together for an annual conference from 2016- 2023, as founder of the Shen Nong Society. She serves on the ASA (American Society of Acupuncturists) Herb Committee. She attended the Pacific College of Health Sciences graduating in 1997. Previously, Sally was a dancer/performance artist and Early Chilhood/Elementary School Teacher. She is a foodie and loves to garden and knit. Her website is https://sallyrappeport.com
Custom Qigong w Silvia!
July Sign Ups!
FREE SESSIONS! Registration required.
Chinese Astrology is one of the arts of Chinese Metaphysics. Just like other astrology systems, it says that we are born with a certain energtic blueprint which determines our personality, talents, and atitudes in life. In additon, it has very precise tools to understand what specific energies come our way every decade, and how our own energies interact with those that everyone experiences: the energies of the year, month, day, and hour. In this system, everyone is subject to some energic imbalances, which show up as various sensitvities and health challenges.
Food and exercise are two great ways to balance these energies and achieve a state of wellness. They can prevent, manage, and even reverse these problems. Qigong is a combination of gentle movements, intention, and breath. It is intrinsically linked to Chinese Medicine, as all the movements deliberately activate acupuncture meridians and points. Both also belong to Chinese Metaphysics.
In this 45-minute session, Silvia uses your Chinese Astrology chart to understand potential health problems, and then teach you specific Qigong movements to help you restore balance and prevent illness. To participate in the session, the location and date of birth need to be provided. If the time of birth is known, the analysis will be most accurate – but a lot can be derived even without that.
Folk Guitar & Ukelele.
First Monday in the Community Room 6pm
A learning/sharing session open to all who are interested, this low-stress instructional workshop is tailored to equip, inspire and encourage participants to competently make and talk the language of music. Come learn to play and sing hundreds of traditional and contemporary folk, pop, and country songs, and meet other musicians – whether aspiring or accomplished - in this all-level class that meets on the second Monday of every month. No need to sign up--just drop by!
Knit & Stitch, drop in!
Every Friday from 1-3pm Community Room
We welcome knitters and crocheters, beginners or advanced. Come share your skills or learn new ones in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. No need to sign up; just drop by!
Traditional Music Jam, drop in!
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month from 1-3pm Community Room
A round Robin format will accommodate people at all levels of ability as each person gets to choose a tune and its tempo. People of all ages and experiences are encouraged to fully participate as musicians and/or listeners.
All styles of traditional music and instruments are welcome. This is a participatory group with no expectations of performance. If anyone wants to try a particular tune, they need to bring sheet music to share and they should be able to lead.
Join us as a listener! We love an audience, the more the merrier!!
Please email Patricia Kernan at kernan.pat@gmail.com with any questions.
Conversational Spanish Online with Melanie Pores!
Weekly on Fridays, 10am-12pm
Beginning to advanced students are welcome to join this extraordinary community class led by the wonderful Melanie Pores. Please email education@honestweight.coop for the Zoom link.
Gentle Yoga w. Carrie
Fridays at 4pm Community Room
July 5th August 2nd,16th & 30th
FREE! Drop-in No Registration Required!
This class will be gentle in nature with plenty of cues to modify. Perfect for beginners, seasoned yoga practitioners, and everyone in between. The yoga practice led will require little to no weight bearing on hands and knees making it perfect for sensitive joints. Classes are created based on who shows up and what is requested and they will always include a centering, breathing exercises, warm-ups, yoga forms, and relaxation. Chairs can be used as yoga props if needed. All are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat (we will have some available) and any props that you require for a yoga experience that will best support you.
Community Yoga with Mary!
Sundays July 28th August 11th & 25th September 8th
9:30-10:30 AM in The Community Room
FREE! Drop-in No Registration Required!
Make time in your week to yoke together mind, body, & spirit through intentional movement in this hour-long vinyasa class. With a focus on conscious breath, you will move through a series of poses (asanas), creating space in your body as well as your heart. Connect to yourself, while practicing yoga in community. All levels class, beginners welcome. Mary Rosch, an Albany native, has been practicing yoga for over a decade, and loves to now share yoga through teaching. Come as you are to this Sunday morning class and help cultivate extra special energy in the HWFC Community Room!
yoga with scrap
FREE! Drop-in No Registration Required!
NO LATE ARRIVALS! Please make sure you're ready to go at 9am sharp! Upcoming Dates; 8/3,9/14,10/26
Yoga with scrap is a challenging mat class for practitioners seeking a moderately rigorous practice – great for beginners with some familiarity with yoga.
This class will begin with tuning into the breath through guided somatic awareness. Moving into movement with modified sun salutations for warm-up, each class proceeds through vinyasa sequences of standing and floor asanas crafted to encourage students to discover a deepened relationship with their bodies, sensation, strength, flexibility, energy, and inner life.
Scrap Wrenn (RYT-200, R-CYT) draws upon a decade of experience with many teachers for her vinyasa flow and restorative yoga practices. Her dedication to meditation includes participation with the Mountains and River Order sangha and regular Zen Mountain Monastery residencies. Scrap also teaches mindfulness practices, and visual art courses, at Marist College (2014-2022), and received a 2014 grant from the Hemera Foundation that empowered her contemplative studies at various Buddhist practice centers. Also a registered children's yoga teacher emphasizing simple joy, Scrap lives in profound gratitude and appreciation for mantra, breath work, and the miracles of aliveness available in yoga. She teaches to offer her experience to others for energetically tuning into subtle bodies toward release, healing, and insight.
Website: www.scrapworm.info
Instagram: @scrapworm
Italian for Beginners with Federico!
Sundays 5-6:30 in Community Room
In this beginner Italian class, you will learn the basics of contemporary Italian language, from a correct pronunciation to how "Italian culture" shapes the language and vice-versa, to slang and new linguistic challenges. You will learn the fundamentals of Italian grammar in comparison to the English language, tips and tricks on how to advance on your own and much more. Each lesson will explain new grammar concepts, introduce new vocabulary and exercise your listening and speaking skills. Furthermore, we will touch other related topics such as Linguistics, Philology and regional variations. Come join a warm and welcoming setting and learn the language of Dante!
Federico Zwirner (Fred, he/they) is a native Italian speaker from Venice with a degree in Japanese Language Culture and Society. His multicultural upbringing set him on the path of learning lots of different languages and cultures, and passionately trying to share his love for the beauty of why and how humans describe themselves and the world around them. Fred is currently studying Linguistics and Gaelic on their own and working in the Coop's kitchen as a Cook, learning about and preparing lots of different dishes from many different cultures.
Italian for Beginners with Federico!
Sundays 5-6:30 in Community Room
In this beginner Italian class, you will learn the basics of contemporary Italian language, from a correct pronunciation to how "Italian culture" shapes the language and vice-versa, to slang and new linguistic challenges. You will learn the fundamentals of Italian grammar in comparison to the English language, tips and tricks on how to advance on your own and much more. Each lesson will explain new grammar concepts, introduce new vocabulary and exercise your listening and speaking skills. Furthermore, we will touch other related topics such as Linguistics, Philology and regional variations. Come join a warm and welcoming setting and learn the language of Dante!
Federico Zwirner (Fred, he/they) is a native Italian speaker from Venice with a degree in Japanese Language Culture and Society. His multicultural upbringing set him on the path of learning lots of different languages and cultures, and passionately trying to share his love for the beauty of why and how humans describe themselves and the world around them. Fred is currently studying Linguistics and Gaelic on their own and working in the Coop's kitchen as a Cook, learning about and preparing lots of different dishes from many different cultures.
Yoga & Sound Bath
Enjoy the restorative benefits of a Yoga & Sound journey, that combines active release and relaxation to encourage uplifted energy and balance between your body's heaven, earth, and heart energy.
- Meditation to find and release energetic tension in the body.
- Gentle Yoga Movements to free locked emotions and ground.
- Reiki Moving meditation
Extra-long savasana with a 24-inch singing bowl, that you will have the opportunity to stand in.
Time to connect & answer any questions.
What to bring:
Bring a closed water bottle to stay hydrated.
Wear comfy warm clothes.
Bring a blanket, body temperature can drop when you relax.
How to Reach & Follow Teresa
Teresa is available for private sessions in Albany, NY at Healing Ki Connections.
Email us at teresa@healingkiconnections.com
Follow IG FB @healingkiconnections
Website: Healingkiconnections.com
Registration Required!!
Medicare 101
Wednesday July 24th 1pm Community Room
Come to this educational program to remove the confusion surrounding Medicare! Whether you already are on Medicare or will be in the next year or so, this program will give you a grasp of the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C,D), what you can expect to pay for each part, the difference between Original Medicare and supplemental/advantage plans and how to avoid Medicare scams.
Sandra Kahlon is an Occupational Therapist who has been working with and advocating for seniors for 30 years. Her favorite position was a 17 year tenure as the Director of Rehabilitation Services at a skilled nursing facility and Rehabilitation center in the Capital District. There it was her role to be the liasion between the Facility and the insurance companies. That is where Sandra’s passion for advocating was ignited as it was up to her and her team of therapists to ensure that the patients at the center were granted enough days of therapy to return home strong, safe and confident.
Indian Cooking with Sam & Mike
Saturday August 3rd 6pm Teaching Kitchen
Join Sam & Mike for their monthly cooking class!
You'll leave with a full belly after spending the evening in great company. What could be better?! Entertaining and incredibly knowledgeable, Sam & Mike create a fun, festive atmosphere in which to learn these Raj family recipes.
A $5 deposit reserves your spot. Upon attendance to class you will receive a $5 gift card to the store. Gift cards will not be issued to those not in attendance on the day of the event and no refunds will be issued for attendee cancelations.
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds, email education@honestweight.coop for a fee waiver!
Open Mic Night!
Monday August 19th 6:30pm Coop Cafe
Join us for community music, poetry, and storytelling!
All are welcome to perform at this community event, or just grab a latte and listen to talented members of the HWFC community!
Beverages and great snacks, goodies, and food can be purchased at HWFC. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not permitted. Outside food and beverages of any kind are not permitted.
Interested in performing? Sign up and check in starting at 6:30pm in the Co-op Cafe. Time slots will be assigned in order of performer check-in. Contact Cynthia and Roger at SchodackSessions@gmail.com. for more information.
Member-Owners will not receive time investment hours for performing or as audience members
Learning to Listen;
Let's End White Supremacy.
Third Thursdays at 6:30pm via ZOOM
Next Date:August 15th 6pm
Parlez-Vous?;Let's Speak French!!
Saturdays at 9am in Conference Room
Brush up on your high school French or start a brand- new language from scratch. We will learn by movement, song, storytelling, videos, drawing, games and conversing with each other. The curriculum will start with the customary "must-haves" such as; greetings, food, health, asking for directions, weather, numbers, shopping. A typical class would begin with new vocabulary, reinforcing it with games, repetition, drawings, and acting it out IF you are comfortable doing so. It's a fun and creative process.I look forward to meeting you! Bienvenue a notre classe de francais!
About your instructor, Susan!
"I have been a French teacher for 25 years from Pre-K to twelfth grade. It has been one of my lifelong passions since I started studying it in high school.
Although recently retired, I still love teaching French."
Kid's Gardening & Nature Club!!
Sunday July 21st 11am Community Room
Welcoming youth ages 5-12+ for our monthly Kids Gardening & Nature Club!
These workshops will include a Nature inspired lesson, and also hands-on
activities either in the garden or in the community room. There will be
music, movement, and gardening fun for all. Kids are welcome to bring
their own pair of gardening gloves, but gloves will also be available to
borrow. We will meet on the 3rd Sunday, every month!
Please only register your child. Caregivers/Parent(s) + one child = one
registration. Thank you!
Meditation for ALL! with Dave
This all-levels class is designed to break meditation down into its fundamental components so that even first-time practitioners can leave with tools to jump start an independent meditation practice. During this group, participants will be given instructions to help them connect to their breath, acknowledge their senses, and embrace conscious reflection. Dave strives to pace this group so that each stage allows all participants to feel a deep sense of rest and intrapersonal connection, while minimizing the risk of excess distraction. Guided meditation will run for approximately 35 minutes with an additional 15 minutes allowed for Q&A.
Dave is a licensed mental health counselor and certified yoga teacher (CYT200) who owns and operates a psychotherapy practice out of Albany, NY. Though his current work entails counseling, he enjoys opportunities to share his love and knowledge of meditation
August Death Cafe
Next Session August 7th 7pm Community Room
No registration required; Just Show Up!!
Hosted by member-owner, Michelle Polacinski, this cafe will provide a safe space to discuss death in all aspects. The objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. While this is not a bereavement or grief support resource, we will happily refer you to places where you can receive this kind of support.
This offering is Free. Beverages and a sweet treat will be provided.
Michelle Polacinski is an experienced herbalist and trained end-of-life doula. After struggling with physical health issues throughout her childhood and teenage years, Michelle discovered plant medicine. Growing up in the rural Lebanon Valley, she was no stranger to foraging and yet continues to learn about new plants and their healing properties every day. She has been working with plants for over 12 years.
Bring Your Own Sewing Machine Class w. Becky!
Do you have a sewing machine, but need some help learning how it functions?
Join Becky for a Bring-your-Own Sewing Machine Class!
Students must bring their own sewing machines, scissors and pins. Becky will give individualized support on how to use your sewing machine, as we collectively work on a project. We will provide fabric, and you'll go home with your project & new sewing skills! Please note this class is only intended for those who can bring their own machine! You'll learn how to work with patterns, cutting/sewing techniques, and more!
$5 NONREFUNDABLE RESERVATION FEE; Upon arrival students will receive a $5 HWFC gift card. No-shows or cancellations will not get a gift card. Please email education@honestweight.coop for info on fee waivers! Registration Required!!
CO-OP Special Ops; Kids Can Compost Too
Kiddos ages 5-8 years old are invited to join Selena for this fun and exciting class!
Join Selena for a read-aloud story time, activity, and investigation of the Produce Department!
Registration Preferred!
FREE!! Auriculotherapy with Revive Ear Seeds and Acupuncture
Wednesday August 21st 9:30-12:30pm
Join Collen from Revive Ear Seeds and Acupuncture for a wellness event featuring a powerful combination of ear seeding and LED/Infrared light therapy. Book an appointment for free- and experience the benefits of auriculotherapy. Light therapy and ear seeds are non invasive ways to stimulate the nerve endings on the ear to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Ear seeds are tiny pellets that take only minutes to apply and last for up to five days, continuing to provide wellness benefits. LED/Infrared light provides additional stimulation to the ear points, maximizing treatment benefits in minimum time
By registering for and participating in this free service you are indicating that you understand and consent to the following terms:
-Ear seeds are not a replacement for conventional medical care, and there is no guaranteed outcome from ear seeds application
-Occasionally there are side effects to ear seeds including but not limited to tenderness and redness at the site of application.
-Share any health conditions, concerns, and allergies with Colleen.
-Follow Colleen's aftercare instructions both written and verbal.
Colleen Conroy is a licensed acupuncturist and ear seeds specialist. She owns and operates Revive Ear Seeds and Acupuncture, a mobile wellness business that serves upstate NY. You can find her helping clients with a variety of health concerns, including stress relief and pain relief, at pop ups, events, and workshops throughout the Capital Region and beyond. www.nyrevive.com
Registration Required, Appropriate for persons 18 & up Please register for a time slot and arrive on time! During each time slot Colleen will be seeing approximately 3 clients and will accommodate late arrivals as the schedule allows. Please register for just one session per month and contact education@honestweight.coop if you need to cancel your appointment
Energy Boosting, Thyroid Balancing Workshop
WALK IN SPACE AVAILABLE!!
Are you tired of being tired all the time? Could it be your thyroid?
In this workshop you will learn the 7 secrets to overcome constant fatigue, stubborn weight, and crippling stress & anxiety. Even if you’ve been struggling with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's for years, this workshop is going to be a game changer for you. Join us for the Energy Boosting, Thyroid Balancing Workshop and discover the strategies to achieve sustained energy, confidence, and weight loss with Hashimoto's!
As a former Biomedical Engineer and someone who spent years with debilitating fatigue, rashes, and stubborn weight from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Grace knows firsthand the struggle to regain her health, energy, and confidence. She was finally able to break free from her symptoms naturally, and is now a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who loves helping other women with Hashimoto's lose weight, reboot their energy, overcome stress and revive passion in their career and life.
Can't join us in person? Join via ZOOM!
Financial Wellness Workshop: Investing and Retiring with The Tengu Center
WALK IN SPACE AVAILABLE!!
Join the Tengu Center for Community Wellness in their first financial wellness series on retirement and investing! Led by First New York Federal Credit Union, this session is aimed to provide you with helpful tips, information, and best practices to kickstart or progress your investing and retirement journey. We hope to see you there!
Plastics Recycling in the Capital Region & Beyond: Myths vs. Markets, Webinar, February 2022 with Honest Weight's Environment Committee and NYSAR3 (New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling)
Our Community Impact Team travels all around the Capital District to offer Honest Weight education at schools, libraries, and community spaces. Come see us out in the community!
For more information or to get involved, contact Amy at amy@honestweight.coop.