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.
If you are interested in investing time in Education by leading a class or event, please complete this form!
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.
Reiki w Dee!!
September/October 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!!
September/October Session Sign-up
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
Cider Pressing Party!!
Register Here! Walk-ins Welcomed!
🍎 Join Us for a Fun-Filled Cider Pressing Party 🍏
Fall is in the air, and it's time to celebrate the season with a fantastic FREE event for the whole family! Gather your loved ones and join us for a Cider Pressing Party & Kids Crafts extravaganza that promises a day of laughter, creativity, and deliciousness. Member-Owner Moses and his son Niko will bring in their old-fashioned cider press to share their family tradition with the HWFC Community.
What to Expect:
👉 Cider Pressing: Experience the joy of making your very own apple cider from scratch! Our cider press will be ready for action, and you can lend a hand in turning apples into sweet, fresh cider. It's an opportunity for all ages to get involved and savor the taste of your hard work.
🍏 Family-Friendly Fun: This event is designed with families in mind, so bring your children, grandparents, and friends – everyone's invited!
🍎 Light Refreshments Provided: We'll have beloved co-op classics and some fun new snacks to try!
🍻Fun for Adults too Guests 21+ are invited to sample Session Style Ales from Wayward Lane Brewery or try the nectar of the gods with Mead samples from Bull & Bee Meadery
🐇Bunny Petting & Garden Activites with Rich; Our Kid's Club Leader
🌟 FREE Admission: This event is open to all, and there's no cost to attend. We're celebrating the season and the joy of community, so come one, come all! Please Bring your own jar if you'd like to bring cider home(while supplies last) Let's make this fall unforgettable together!
Albany Free Food Fridge Cooking Class
Thursday September 29th 4-7:30pm
Jammella Anderson + Free Food Fridge Albany will be hosting a series of interactive cooking classes with community chefs/food lovers in collaboration with the Honest Weight Food Coop. We will be using low intervention, familiar and easily accessible foods that are both healthy and delicious.
Attendees will help prepare and enjoy the meals at the end of the workshops.
All are welcome!
Folk Guitar & Ukelele.
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!
Tarot Readings with Erin
September 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.
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.
a $5 NONRefundable Deposit saves you a seat! Upon attendance; get a $5HWFC Gift Card. No one turned away due to lack of funds; email education@honestweight.coop for a fee waiver/help registering!
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
September 13th & 27th
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!
Sunday 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
Learn Japanese or Italian with Federico!!
Italian Returning September 15th
Japanese Lessons
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.
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 September 7th 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 September 16th 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:September 19th 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 September 15th 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!
MVP Cornell Cooperative Extension Dining with Diabetes
Mondays October 21st ,28th & November 4th 5:30-7pm
In collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County. Join us to learn skills for promoting good health while living with or caring for someone with type 2 diabetes. Food demonstrations, taste samples, and recipes will be shared during each class.
Classes will take place in the Teaching Kitchen towards the back of the store.
- InstructorKaren Roberts Mort, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County
- Program Code9021
- MeetsMondays, October 21, 28 and November 4, 5:30-7 pm
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
September Death Cafe
Next Session September 4th 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
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
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.
If you are interested in investing time in Education by leading a class or event, please complete this form!