Current Classes

This beginner-friendly class will help you feel more comfortable using a Windows 11 computer. We'll go over the basics like using the Start menu, navigating the desktop, managing files and folders, connecting to the internet, and understanding common programs.

This presentation will focus on the importance of Estate Planning for purposes of avoiding probate and to protect assets from future long-term care costs, such as nursing homes, and to assist with qualifying for Medicaid.

This class will teach you the skills needed to perform hands only CPR on adults and infants. This is not a certificate course, but you will leave knowing that you can save a life.

Polish immigration to Buffalo began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The Poles came from a region divided among three empires in the 18th century. The Poland that we know of today did not exist until after WWI. Still, those who came were fierce in their tenacity to hold onto their cultural identity. One of the best examples of this is the Polish enclave that formed in the east side of Buffalo known as "Polonia". Drawn to migrate to Buffalo with the promise of Catholic parish communities, the first of which was St. Stan's, the Polish began coming in earnest in the 1870s.
The Polish culture is still going strong in Buffalo today. With the many festivals, foods, dance and singing, we can celebrate the Polish culture that has been preserved by the descendants of the original immigrants.

This class will provide practical information on hiring home improvement contractors and understanding required contract provision under New York Law. The class will also provide information regarding civil vs. criminal contractor legal issues that may arise and the applicability of New York State Penal Law offenses.

In the years after World War II, New York baseball stood at the center of American life. City teams dominated the World Series, games filled radios and early televisions, and baseball shaped everyday conversation within neighborhoods and across generations. This class explores that postwar high point in the 1940s and 1950s, and then looks ahead to the changes that followed, including the departure of the Dodgers and Giants. Using baseball as a starting point, the session opens into broader discussion about how American society and culture were changing during this period. Designed as a welcoming, discussion-based class, participants are invited to share memories, perspectives, and reflections from a formative era.

Stop the Bleed is a grassroots national awareness campaign that trains and encourages bystanders to become equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. In life, you are more likely to use "Stop the Bleed" skills than CPR skills. Come learn how to save a life!

We'll review one musical instrument each from a range of categorizations (string, woodwind, percussion etc.) and detail its history from creation to modern day. Along the way we'll see pictures of these instruments to show the forms they have taken through different time periods and from various cultures.

Polish immigration to Buffalo began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The Poles came from a region divided among three empires in the 18th century. The Poland that we know of today did not exist until after WWI. Still, those who came were fierce in their tenacity to hold onto their cultural identity. One of the best examples of this is the Polish enclave that formed in the east side of Buffalo known as "Polonia". Drawn to migrate to Buffalo with the promise of Catholic parish communities, the first of which was St. Stan's, the Polish began coming in earnest in the 1870s.
The Polish culture is still going strong in Buffalo today. With the many festivals, foods, dance and singing, we can celebrate the Polish culture that has been preserved by the descendants of the original immigrants.

Hardly a day goes by that we are not bombarded by statistics. Clever advertisers and policy advocates use them to sell us something or get us to back a policy they are pushing. This course presents a number of examples and suggests ways to detect the inappropriate use of statistics.

Hardly a day goes by that we are not bombarded by statistics. Clever advertisers and policy advocates use them to sell us something or get us to back a policy they are pushing. This course presents a number of examples and suggests ways to detect the inappropriate use of statistics.

This beginner-friendly class is designed to help seniors feel more confident using their Android smartphones or tablets. We'll cover the essentials like navigating your home screen, adjusting settings, making calls, sending texts, downloading apps, and staying safe online.

When a loved one passes or becomes incapacitated, survivors often struggle to locate essential information-details that traditional documents overlook. Creating a Legacy Document empowers survivors with the clarity they need during life's most vulnerable moments. This free presentation focuses on identifying and organizing critical personal information to ease the burden of those left behind. It does not provide legal, financial, or estate-planning advice. Instead, it provides a practical framework for preparing the most meaningful gift you can give: the gift of information.

What are some common scams? What are the red flags one should watch for to identify these scams? What tips will prevent you from becoming a victim?

Stop the Bleed is a grassroots national awareness campaign that trains and encourages bystanders to become equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. In life, you are more likely to use "Stop the Bleed" skills than CPR skills. Come learn how to save a life!

The Pan-American Exposition was intended to showcase Buffalo's prominence in 1901. Planners expected over 20 million visitors to come to the Pan-Am, but instead, the fair is largely remembered for the assassination of President McKinley. Join Erie County Historian Douglas Kohler for a look at Buffalo's world's fair as we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Pan-American Exposition.

In this class, Shane will discuss the ever-changing shipbuilding production of US Naval war vessels from the period right after World War I, through the austere interwar period, and the leadup to production for the two-ocean war known as World War II. The US Navy and associated shipyards constructed over 100,000 vessels of all types and sizes for the war. Shane will also bring shipbuilding down to our local area and highlight the Bison Shipbuilding Company, which was located on Tonawanda Island.

Hear the story of how the 4th largest steel plant in the country came to the shores of Lake Erie and explore the legacy of Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna.

In 1801, the United States had only been a country for a quarter century and was trying to find its own identity. The European influence was still great, especially when it came to art. But the 19th century would bring about a new voice, as artists in a variety of media would begin to be noticed. Come along as we explore the start of the art culture in the United States, from the first colonial painters & architects, first art school to the Hudson River School and the American Romantics.

Many wonder what the difference is between a therapy, support, or service animal; some think they're all the same. This class discusses the differences between the three areas, what training and requirements look like, and the benefits of animal companionship. Disclaimer: presentation may contain dogs.

The historic Battle of the Alamo that took place in Texas in 1836 has inspired generations of Americans. It is a story of courage and selfless dedication in the face of overwhelming odds. Did you know that a Western New York man was one of the key participants at the Alamo? John Hubbard Forsyth from Avon NY stood shoulder to shoulder with legendary figures like David Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis. Haunted by personal tragedy that transformed him, Forsyth's path led him toward an extraordinary legacy as one of the immortal defenders of the Alamo. You will hear his life story and see the battle of the Alamo through his eyes during a multi-media presentation by Thomas Schobert, author of "From Avon to the Alamo - The Saga of Captain John Hubbard Forsyth"

Buffalo's Gilded Age: The Beauty, The People In the Mansions and What is their Present Use

Buffalo's Gilded Age: The Beauty, The People In the Mansions and What is their Present Use

In this class, Shane will discuss the ever-changing shipbuilding production of US Naval war vessels from the period right after World War I, through the austere interwar period, and the leadup to production for the two-ocean war known as World War II. The US Navy and associated shipyards constructed over 100,000 vessels of all types and sizes for the war. Shane will also bring shipbuilding down to our local area and highlight the Bison Shipbuilding Company, which was located on Tonawanda Island.

Describes how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.

2026 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Ellicott. The name Ellicott is found in buildings, creeks, towns and roads all over WNY. However, few of us know much about this founding father of Buffalo, Batavia and so much more in our area. This presentation is a living portrayal (very much like a play) set in 1824. You will be enlightened and saddened at the accomplishments and struggles of Joseph Ellicott.

This downtown walking tour is a chronological walk through architectural time from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century. We'll see excellent examples of all the major architectural styles prevalent in commercial and government office construction during this period, from Beaux Arts to Art Deco to Modern. This tour focuses in particular on the evolution of the tall office building that was enabled by modern technology such as steel frame construction. Some of the buildings featured on this tour include the Guaranty Building, City Hall, One M&T Plaza, and Seneca One. This tour is approximately ninety minutes in length and about 1.5 miles of walking with a portion of slightly uphill walking from Niagara Square to Main Street.This is an exterior-only tour. This tour meets at the northeast corner of Pearl & Seneca Streets in downtown Buffalo, across from Pearl Street Grill and Brewery. Use 75 Pearl Street, Buffalo NY 14202 for GPS. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets. Please note that nearby parking lots require payment at all times. The Seneca Station of the Metro Rail is one block away on Main Street.

This course covers basic info on Alzheimer's and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA-approved treatments.

This course covers basic info on Alzheimer's and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA-approved treatments.

Many wonder what the difference is between a therapy, support, or service animal; some think they're all the same. This class discusses the differences between the three areas, what training and requirements look like, and the benefits of animal companionship. Disclaimer: presentation may contain dogs.

Buffalo's Gilded Age: The Beauty, The People In the Mansions and What is their Present Use

Learn how artificial intelligence is shaping the world and how it influences everyday life - from voice assistants to personalized recommendations. This class introduces key AI concepts in simple, practical terms to help you feel confident using and understanding this evolving technology.

This is an initiative that Preservation Buffalo Niagara has been working on for the past 2 years in response to the Buffalo Diocese Road to Renewal, which has closed countless churches in our area. Not only will we explain the process of how preservation tools can benefit these sites, but also how we have been helping congregations through this very difficult time.

Little things that I do day in day out to keep me healthy and full of energy

Catching cancer early-before symptoms arise-plays a crucial role in improving outcomes and survival rates. The Erie County Cancer Services Program (CSP) provides breast, cervical and colorectal screenings to eligible individuals that reside in Erie County, NY. Come learn more!

Learn tricks to encourage wildlife into your backyard! Do's and don'ts, best species to attract, and why they matter. Instructor: Park Rangers, Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry

Little things that I do day in day out to keep me healthy and full of energy

Harriet's father was one of thousands of Americans, Brits and Indians to assist China during WW 2 in its battle against the Japanese. President Roosevelt felt China was going to emerge from its fight to become a major power in the world. The aim was to move supplies and materiel to the Chinese across the Himalayas through Burma. An American Army Air Corps sergeant he directed the use of mules to carry the supplies. It's a story of a great adventure.

The importance of prioritizing exercise, staying safe during exercise, and benefits of exercise.

We have all heard of Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, MRSA, etc. contaminating our food. Recently, cantaloupes, peanut butter, onions, cheese, snack bars, and vegetables were recalled because of bacterial contamination. Where do these bacteria come from? Why are they in our food? What can we do to prevent them from contaminating our food? We will cover how such epidemics of food-borne illnesses have occurred and how they can be prevented. You will learn how manufacturers establish shelf life, and what terms like "best if used by" mean. We will then cover the processes that manufacturers follow that make food safe to ship, store, & eat.

This talk will discuss the prospects for peace, if any, in the ongoing conflict from February 2022 until today.

Never get lost again! Explore how to use Google Maps for directions, local business info, and even virtual tours-your new digital travel buddy.

Stop the Bleed is a grassroots national awareness campaign that trains and encourages bystanders to become equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. In life, you are more likely to use "Stop the Bleed" skills than CPR skills. Come learn how to save a life!

When a loved one passes or becomes incapacitated, survivors often struggle to locate essential information-details that traditional documents overlook. Creating a Legacy Document empowers survivors with the clarity they need during life's most vulnerable moments. This free presentation focuses on identifying and organizing critical personal information to ease the burden of those left behind. It does not provide legal, financial, or estate-planning advice. Instead, it provides a practical framework for preparing the most meaningful gift you can give: the gift of information.

Walt Disney had dreams of creating a theme park that explored many of his own dreams and wishes. Learn of his inspirations, the construction and completion of the "Happiest Place on Earth", along with many of the inventions that changed the industry.

Walt Disney had dreams of creating a theme park that explored many of his own dreams and wishes. Learn of his inspirations, the construction and completion of the "Happiest Place on Earth", along with many of the inventions that changed the industry.

Just because a plant is for sale doesn't mean it should be planted in your garden. Let's take a look at some plants that you will regret ever planting!

Just because a plant is for sale doesn't mean it should be planted in your garden. Let's take a look at some plants that you will regret ever planting!

This class offers a tour of the Statler, highlighting the hotel's significance in Buffalo's history, the details of how it was built, and the remarkable legacy of Ellsworth Statler, and the almost Kennedy_like mystery that surrounds the Statler family. This class covers some darker topics.

This class offers a tour of the Statler, highlighting the hotel's significance in Buffalo's history, the details of how it was built, and the remarkable legacy of Ellsworth Statler, and the almost Kennedy_like mystery that surrounds the Statler family. This class covers some darker topics.

Discover the basics of thunderstorm development and the hazards associated with severe storms, including strong winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.

Little things that I do day in day out to keep me healthy and full of energy

Nature holds many surprises. One surprise might not be so surprising to some. Did you know that nature is queer?! Gay penguins, fungus with thousands of sexes, and so many more make up a small part of the queer community in the natural world! In this program, we will explore 25 different queer plants, animals, and even fungi. And that is just a fraction of what there is to learn! But you got to start somewhere, right?

Buffalo's Gilded Age: The Beauty, The People In the Mansions and What is their Present Use

Learn the basics of using your iPad or iPhone in this easy-to-follow class designed for beginners. We'll cover navigating your device, adjusting settings, making calls, sending texts or emails, downloading apps, and helpful tips to make your device work better for you.

Participants will learn the basic rules and gameplay of dominoes through simple, step_by_step instruction. The session will also include a brief introduction to the origins of the domino game and how it became a beloved tradition in Hispanic and Caribbean cultures. While enjoying a small coffee tasting, attendees will explore the history of coffee and its deep cultural roots in Hispanic communities. After the demonstration, participants will have time to practice playing dominoes in small groups. No limit

Health care today shields us from the processes of death once so familiar in the parlors of our forefathers. Chronic illness is our most common challenge, and it places new emotional demands on the end of life. Patients and families can be empowered to manage their own dying experience while respecting the dignity of personhood. This seminar will describe death's patterns and expectations, though it won't stop our yearning for visiting hours in heaven.

Health care today shields us from the processes of death once so familiar in the parlors of our forefathers. Chronic illness is our most common challenge, and it places new emotional demands on the end of life. Patients and families can be empowered to manage their own dying experience while respecting the dignity of personhood. This seminar will describe death's patterns and expectations, though it won't stop our yearning for visiting hours in heaven.

In this 1.5 hr. 'Hands on' class, anyone with an interest in LIGHT and SHADOWS will enjoy dipping a paintbrush or cutting black shapes to create a realistic or abstract composition or photograph using the concept of silhouettes. Historic images and references will be included for your full ART APPRECIATION experience! Art supplies list per request. (Class size limited)

Hear the story of how the 4th largest steel plant in the country came to the shores of Lake Erie and explore the legacy of Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna.

Hear the story of how the 4th largest steel plant in the country came to the shores of Lake Erie and explore the legacy of Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna.

We all deserve a life with the healthiest brain possible. Learn science-backed strategies that support brain health and may reduce your risk for Alzheimer's and dementia.

In this class I teach awareness, prevention and simple moves to get away if someone grabs you.

Discover the basics of thunderstorm development and the hazards associated with severe storms, including strong winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.

On a warm, breezy summer day, that sweet aroma wafting over the city will tell you they're making Cheerios. But why here in Buffalo? And how did breakfast become a thing, what is the connection to health sanitariums? Hear the story of how Cheerios came to be made in Buffalo and how dry, ready to eat cereal right out of the box began in central New York, and even cereal's connection to Mar-a-Lago!

On a warm, breezy summer day, that sweet aroma wafting over the city will tell you they're making Cheerios. But why here in Buffalo? And how did breakfast become a thing, what is the connection to health sanitariums? Hear the story of how Cheerios came to be made in Buffalo and how dry, ready to eat cereal right out of the box began in central New York, and even cereal's connection to Mar-a-Lago!

Thinking of a Hip Replacement? Learn what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Thinking of a Hip Replacement? Learn what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.

Join us as we partner with Club 99 for their Senior Hiking Club! The Hiking Club is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded individuals. Summary: Join the Environmental Specialist Wendy on a summer hike of the cross-country ski trail! On this hike we will explore the forests at the park and also the adjacent forestry lot. This park is a great place to be on a hot summer day. Dogs are welcome on a leash. (*For your safety, please see online for duration, difficulty, distance, elevation, equipment and cancellation policy*)
Meeting Location: Sprague Brook Park - at the Cross Country
Ski Trail Parking Lot
Wednesday, August 5 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Grab your thinking cap and a few friends-it's time for Trivia in the Park! University Express is taking the fun outdoors with a friendly trivia challenge featuring questions about everything from Buffalo history and pop culture to movies, music, and random surprises. Don't
worry if you're not a trivia whiz-this event is all about laughs, teamwork, and a little friendly competition! Don't miss this chance to show off your smarts and soak up the sunshine with University Express. We'll see you in the park!
(You are welcome to join us for one, or both trivia events! Registration for each event is limited to 100 guests, due to space limits.). Northtowns Trivia: (Ellicott Creek Park Casino, Ellicott Creek Park
Thursday, August 6 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Fools and Foes: Get ready for mischief, mayhem, and magic with Shakespeare in Delaware Park's touring production, Fools and Foes. This fast-paced, one-hour show features Shakespeare's most unforgettable clowns and villains - from laugh out loud fools to deliciously wicked foes - in a playful, action-packed performance perfect for all ages.

UE is going on location to celebrate & explore the work of an American master. Join us for a docent-led tour at The Burchfield Penney Art Center, home to the largest public collection of works by Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), as well as an archive of more than 10,000 pages of handwritten journals, 25,000 drawings, and other ephemera-including a scale re-creation of the artist's studio. Join us to experience the genius of one of America's most original artists! Thanks to the Birchfield team for offering this wonderful opportunity!

Grab your thinking cap and a few friends-it's time for Trivia in the Park! University Express is taking the fun outdoors with a friendly trivia challenge featuring questions about everything from Buffalo history and pop culture to movies, music, and random surprises. Don't
worry if you're not a trivia whiz-this event is all about laughs, teamwork, and a little friendly competition! Don't miss this chance to show off your smarts and soak up the sunshine with University Express. We'll see you in the park!
(You are welcome to join us for one, or both trivia events! Registration for each event is limited to 100 guests, due to space limits.)

Southtowns Trivia: (James Depczynski Casino, Como Lake Park)
Thursday, September 17 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM