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 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!
Pop-up Kitten Cafe with Kitten Angels!
Saturday June 3rd 12pm Community Room
Kitten Angels is pleased to announce their first adoption event at HWFC!
This very special event will include merchandise sales, raffles, an adoption clinic, and free refreshments supplied by HWFC. Joining us will be many of our fosters with cats and kittens available for adoption at the time of the event. Kitten season is in full swing! Kitten Angels have many mama cats and their kittens looking for a furever home. More mama cats are expecting their kittens throughout May & June. So if you're looking for a feline friend to add to your family be sure to get pre-approved for adoption before the event!
Application pre-approval required for adoption. Please Email paula@kittenangels.org for adoption information & application!
Kitten Angels is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned and orphaned kittens, pregnant cats, and mama cats in the New York Capital Region and surrounding areas. All of our Kitten Angels are in foster homes, or at one of our Pet Partner locations!
Register to let us know you'll be coming! Two ticket options; one is free and one has a donation option! Donation is not required, first 10 donations over $30 recieve a $10 HWFC Gift Card as a thank you!
We are now offering online Eventbrite sign-ups for many one-on-one services, simply click the link near the event below! Please only sign up for one service each month to allow space for others.
Acupuncture
FREE ACUPUNCTURE SESSIONS! June Registration
Every Monday starting at 9am in the Community Room
PLEASE, ONE ONE SESSION PER PERSON PER MONTH! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!
Next Dates: June 5th,12th,19th & 26th
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.
Reiki with Dee
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 and is currently in training to become a Reiki master teacher.
Registration Required; only one per person, per month please! Please respect the time of our fellow cooperators, space is limited so only register if you are able to attend
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
No Sessions in June
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.
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 free BCST sessions as part of her mentorship towards becoming a certified practitioner.
Reiki with Shenedor
Wednesdays starting at 10:30am Conference Room
"Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things.”
Offered by Usai Master/Teacher Shenedor, this half-hour experience features the wonderful healing energy of Reiki along with advanced work on the chakras using Reiki chakra tuning forks. The session is a very calm, caring, and loving environment conducive to re-alignment and balancing. All that’s required is that you sit, close your eyes, relax, and receive.
Registration Required; please respect the time of our fellow cooperators, space is limited so only register if you are able to attend
Tarot Readings with Lori Register Here!
Join Lori for a free 30 minute Tarot Reading Session; One per Person per Month!
Lori Johnson has been a coop member for decades. Her first coop experience in Unity, Maine.She performs tarot card readings at psychic fairs throughout the area. And delights in the stories that the cards unfold for us.She is also skilled in the healing arts Reiki, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, and Raindrop Treatments using essential oils. Lori has been a nurse for many decades, calling on her intuition and skill for healing and card readings.
Angel Card or Natal Chart Readings Sign-up!
May 5th&19th in The Conference Room Starting at 2pm
Join Jenn for a free 45 minute Session; One per Person per Month!
Jenn finds that curiosity is continuously nudging her toward deeper and greater exploration of the unseen world. The interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated elements of life, is where the magic of our experience as creators exists. We can choose where to set boundaries, how to receive information, and impeccably understand why a cycle is both ending and beginning anew. And since there is a vast universe of information from which we decide our world view, there are many tools to assist in dialing in on what is right in a moment, or even as an archetype. She offers two options of divination to help you clarify your truth. One is through an Angel Card Reading, where you can gain confirmation on the messages your guardian angel(s) or guides have been bring up for you lately. Second is a natal chart reading where you can address where planetary transits are lighting up your life.
Jenn is a part of Kyle Gray’s Angel Team and have completed Level-II Certification with National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR).
Career Support Sign-up!
Every Sunday 4-7pm in Coop Cafe;Walk-in Space may be Available!
Need some help prepping for an upcoming interview? Want a professional to look over your resume with you? Uncertain how to proceed with your next venture?
Elaine of Resumes Written is offering one on one career support. Sign up for an hour session and meet with her in the Co-op Cafe! Pick your topic of interest – how to look for a job properly, how to match you to a job, learn about assessments, how to job network, how to research a company, learn about community resources, how to interview.
Elaine Doremus has her own business – Resumes Written – since 2003. She is a career consultant and resume writer, and was trained by the National Resume Writers’ Association.
Participants are encouraged to bring along their resume, laptop and or a list of questions they have surrounding their career support needs!
NEW!! Intuition Circle with Ka & Jenn
Thursday June 1st 7pm Community Room
Intuition Circle is a group setting, intended to curate a safe space for people to explore avenues of self-reflection, intuition building/strengthening, and collaborative communications that embrace the natural psychic abilities of being human. Ka and Jenn have joined forces to foster this supportive network for highly sensitive people.
Cupcake Decorating for In Our Own Voices
Friday June 9th 4pm Teaching Kitchen
Learn the art of buttercream decorating for a great cause!
In this exciting class Anastasia will teach different buttercream techniques; color swirls, flowers & more! You'll go home with 6 pack of yummy cupcakes and new decorating skills!
All ticket sales will go to In Our Own Voices! The Mission of In Our Own Voices is to work for and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic survival and growth of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of color communities.
Ticket sales are final and nonrefundable. Tickets are $30 each, no one will be turned away for lack of funds email education@honestweight.coop for a fee waiver or discount. Space is very limited, registration required!!
Kids Mini Greenhouse Workshop w Rich
Sunday June 4th 1pm Community Room
Inviting all kids to come and make mini greenhouses!
Kids will learn all about seeds and germination, create a mini greenhouse from compostable materials, plant seeds, do fun hands-on activities, and explore our new kids' gardening area!Parents/Adults/Guardians ; just register the kiddos, you don't need a ticket to join us!
Sugegested for kids Ages 4-12
NEW!!Food & Education Workshops for Teens
Edible Geometry; Sunday June 11th 4pm Teaching Kitchen
Financial Literacy; Saturday June 24th 10am Teaching Kitchen
Dr. Zhou is excited to offer these new classes for teens. Teaching practical skills using everyday items and applications, Dr.Zhou offers fun and engaging workshops for ages 12-17!
Queer Family Support Group
Monday June 5th 4pm Community Room
Thursday June 15th 4pm Community Room
This group is dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and family members of the LGBTQ+ community. Many family members want to start supporting their loved ones but are unsure how. This is your gateway to being a supporter!
Topics include: gender, sexuality, education, LGBTQ+ trauma, history, and more.
Hamad Alghareeb is a queer educator who served as a teacher, counselor, and educational leader. Hamad works as an education consultant that specializes in working with inclusive educational environments.
A Journey to Quantum Health
Saturday June 10th 2pm Community Room
Join quantum researcher and Wellness coach Laurel PC in learning the basic scientific explanation behind nature’s healing capacities. We will cover the foundations of metabolism and relate the biomechanisms to quantum physics. This completely revolutionary knowledge will aid you in taking complete control of your physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual health to further your life of limitless wellness. No background in science necessary- feel free to bring your notebooks & pens for these timeless lessons!
Laurel is offering this class at a special reduced rate to our community. This class has a $15 nonrefundable fee. Refunds will only be issued if instructor or HWFC cancels. Upon attendance to class you will alse recieve a $10 HWFC Gift Card to help off set cost to you! No one will be turned away due to lack of funds, please email education@honestweight.coop for fee waiver
Laurel Parker-Chan is a student researcher at RPI, founder of Limitless Wellness, and dog mom to the cutest husky pup, Zuko! I love expanding my understanding of this beautiful world we are gifted and sharing the power of knowledge with everyone I meet. Currently working on research in the field of Quantum Biology while developing light technology to heal us while we work to help others. In my free time, you’ll find me enjoying cold plunges deep in the Catskills, sun bathing in my hammock, or reading on a ledge.
Bach Flower Remedies for Job Stress!!
Tuesday June 6th 6:30pm Community Room
Tuesday July 11th 6:30pm Community Room
How’s your job going? Are you irritable, grumbling or overwhelmed? Perhaps impatient with your co-workers? Maybe you need a new career direction? Discuss these and other common job stress issues with a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and learn about the gentle remedies that can ease your day so time flies and you can enjoy yourself, even at work! Bach Flowers are a simple system of 38 remedies derived from Nature that ease tension and reduce stress in many ordinary situations. Bring your water bottle. Samples and coupons are available!
Paint with Pride! Guided Painting Class
We are excited to announce, local queer artist Jamie Shields will be joining us for a very special guided painting event to celebrate Pride month!
We'll have tasty snacks to enjoy while you paint, and all materials will be provided. Each participant will go home with their own 16x20 canvas painting! So grab a buddy, wear something you don't mind getting a little paint on, and join us for this creative celebration of queer joy!
There is a nonrefundable $25 fee for this class. Included in the ticket price are all the supplies needed to create your next masterpiece! To help offset the cost of this workshop to our community you will also receive a $10 HWFC Gift Card upon attendance.
Please email education@honestweight.coop if you are in need of a discount or fee waiver, no one turned away to lack of funds!
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 June 23rd & July 7th,14th at 4pm Community Room
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.
Yoga with scrap
Saturday June 17th 9am Community Room
FREE! Drop-in No Registration Required!
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.
NO LATE ARRIVALS! Please make sure you're ready to go at 9am sharp!
Community Yoga with Mary!
Sunday May 14th &28th 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!
Vinyasa for Kids!
Join Eliza for this special edition of Vinyasa Flow, for kids! Parents/Guardians may join their kiddos or drop them off while they shop, or enjoy some alone time in our cafe seating area!
This hour-long vinyasa class will pair movement with breath, building heat and allowing students to find flow through their asanas (poses). Balance the body and mind while enjoying a fun, faster-paced yoga flow that works on flexibility, balance, and strength. This is an all-levels class; modifications will offered.
Eliza is an RYT, Co-Op Member, and a lover of movement, living in Clifton Park.
Please bring your own mat, we have some spares if you do not have one!
Registration is preferred. Drop-ins if space allows.Indian Cooking with Sam & Mike
Saturday June 17th 6pm Community Room
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!
Around the World Cuisine for Kids;Tahiti!
Saturday June 24th 12pm Teaching Kitchen
The next stop for this super fun class is Tahiti!! We will explore some fantastic food, and learn all about this interesting culture. Of course, we'll also get another stamp on our passports!
This monthly class at Honest Weight will explore countries around the world and introduce our youngest cooperators to some classic cultural examples of food. Each child will be given a "passport" to bring each time they attend. Appropriate for ages 4-10, parents are welcome to stay if they wish.
Homeschool Parents Group
Every Third Monday in Community Room
Monday June 19th
FREE! Drop-in No Registration Required!
Homeschooling parents gather each month without their children to talk about what's working in their routines. It is a positive space to be inspired and lift each other up as we move through our homeschooling year. Welcome to all seasoned and new homeschooling parents.
Coffee & Sustainability Workshops w Virgo Rising
June 9th 6pm DIY Coffee Syrups
Sustainable Cold Brew June 30th 6:00pm
Join Jackie of Virgo Rising for this month's coffee & sustainability workshops!
This is the last call for DIY Cold Brew! To make way for new & exciting coffee classes, this will be Virgo Rising's last Cold Brew Class for now! In this very special session we will be infusing flavors and spices into our Cold Brew Concentrates, you won't want to miss it!
There is a $5 nonrefundable reservation fee. Upon attendance to class you will recieve a $5 HWFC Gift card student no-shows or cancellation will not be refunded or recieve a gift card.
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds, email education@honestweight.coop for a fee waiver!
Open Mic Night!
Monday June 19th 6pm 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 the Membership Committee at Membershipcomm@honestweight.coop for more information.
Member-Owners will not receive time investment hours for performing or as audience members.
Adult Art Class w. Selena!
June 18th 12:30pm Community Room
Join Selena for her monthly Adult Art Class series!
This month we will be creating beautiful lithograph prints and stamps! As always this class is free & all materials provided!
See you there!
June Death Cafe
June 26th 6pm 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.
Learning to Listen;
Let's End White Supremacy.
Third Thursdays at 6:30pm via ZOOM
Next Date: June 15th
Mending Clinic with Stitching Exchange
Sunday June 25th 11am Community Room
Stitching Exchange participants will offer simple clothing repairs while patrons shop.
Repairs include: buttons replaced, small tears mended, hemming, and simple tailoring. Modest donations happily accepted and will go directly to the immigrant woman who completes the repairs.
Stitching Exchange is an ongoing artist project for immigrants learning English. We focus on learning new sewing skills and exchanging sewing traditions from around the world, while practicing speaking English. Through our informal “sewing bees,” we foster creativity, build community, and cultivate friendships. For more info: melissasarris2@gmail.com
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)
Breathwork to Reduce Anxiety
with Deanna Beyer, Education Coordinator
Inside the Co-op Kitchen: Cooking with What You Have
with Dan Hurlbut, Food Service Department Manager
Homemade Window Paint for Kids of All Ages
with Deanna Beyer, Education Coordinator
The 8 Movements of the Spine to Maintain a Healthy Back and Feel Good
with Deanna Beyer, Education Coordinator
Inside the Co-op Kitchen: What To Do with All That Pasta and Canned Tomatoes
with our Food Service Department
Inside the Co-op Bakery: Making and Decorating Using Rainbow Frosting
with Anastasia, Baker and Decorator Extraordinaire.
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.