Current Classes

Step back to 1943 and imagine yourself reporting for your first shift at Bell Aircraft - overalls on, rivet gun in hand. During WW2 thousands of women took on rolls once reserved for men, drilling, riveting, and inspecting aircraft that would take flight overseas. In this session we'll explore their groundbreaking contributions through photos, stories, and even a hands-on look at the tools they used so that you can feel the weight of their work. Beyond the factory floor, we'll also consider what it meant for women to step into this world of heavy industry, and the lasting legacy they left behind when peace returned.

This course walks you through the steps of transitioning from traditional cable TV to modern streaming services and over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting. Whether you're looking to save money, gain more control over your viewing choices, or simply modernize your entertainment setup, you'll learn practical strategies to make the switch confidently and successfully. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge to form your own cord-cutting plan and resources to optimize your viewing experience.

More than 86,000 women participated in World War II by joining the WAVES program. This program, while not the first in America's military history, ushered the discussion of bringing women into service full time.

Every day, Americans are losing millions of dollars to scammers. Older adults are particularly targeted, and the effects of scams can be catastrophic, both financially and emotionally. Technology is making it easier for scammers to target more people and it makes their schemes harder to detect. But there are things we can do to stay safe. This course will focus on grandparent scams, but techniques covered can be used against any impersonation scam. It will examine how scammers select their targets, the techniques they use to manipulate us, and what we can do to protect ourselves. The interactive format allows participants to practice protective behaviors and begin to develop habits that will keep them safe from scams. Participants will also have access to supplemental online resources to continue to refine their scam-safety skills.

Long before movie ratings, Hollywood produced films that openly explored crime, romance, politics, corruption, independent women, and the hardships of the Great Depression. This class introduces the world of pre-Code cinema (1930-1934) and uses these films to explore American life during one of the nation's most turbulent decades. Participants will discover why these movies were so different from those that followed and what they reveal about a changing America.

We will examine the origin of the Ice Boom, what it is made of , and whether other Communities have similar installations. We will also discuss environmental evidence of the effect of the Boom on our local weather

Vaccines have dramatically reduced the burden of infectious diseases and continue to play a vital role in protecting health, especially as we age. This lecture explains how vaccines work, reviews their history and impact, and discusses current recommendations for influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and others. Common questions and misconceptions will also be addressed to help participants make informed decisions about vaccination.

This class is a lecture on the creation of the Statler Hotel at 107 Delaware Avenue. To understand the hotel, you have to understand the man and the family curse. This topic has many dark undertones such as homicide, suicide, and strange deaths.

The name Ellicott is found in buildings, creeks, squares, towns and roads all over WNY. 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of Ellicott's death. This presentation will bring Ellicott back to life in a first person, costumed portrayal set in 1824 as he relates the details of his life and impact on our area including bringing the Erie Canal to WNY. History will be brought to life in this living depiction of one of WNY's founding fathers.

This class introduces seniors of all income levels to programs that can meaningfully reduce household energy costs. An Energy Affordability Specialist will explain federal, state, and local programs including HEAP, EAP, EEAP, ECLIPSE, and EmPower+. These programs can collectively provide hundreds to thousands of dollars in heating assistance, electric bill discounts, and home energy-efficiency improvements at little or no cost. After the class, attend an Erie County Energy Affordability Outreach event for personalized assistance completing and submitting applications for multiple programs in one visit. Check your senior center or local library schedule for an upcoming Energy Affordability Outreach event.

Join two long-time friends and veteran sports reporters from Western New York, Budd Bailey & Stu Boyar, as they answer all your questions about local sports - past and present. No subject is off-limits, and Budd and Stu have many stories to tell about their careers in journalism. Since there is no set lecture, every program is different. You're guaranteed to be learning & laughing during this session.

Haitians today live in a violent, gang-ruled society. They find some comfort in their national religion, Vodou. This complex religious system has been widely misunderstood and sensationalized, largely due to false popular beliefs created about it during its suppression under the terrible century-long Code Noir of King Louis XIV, issued in 1685. In fact, Vodou is the premiere Afro-Caribbean religious system, offering comfort and protection to believers, which likely began among the African slaves transported to Hispaniola as early as 1505. It developed as a blending of various African beliefs with French Catholic and indigenous Taino beliefs. The port of New Orleans had been closed by its own code noir; the need for labor generated by the Louisiana Purchase of 1804 re-opened the port to the importation of slaves, and Vodou morphed into "Voodoo." This is the story of Haitian Vodou, and its role in that nation's exemplary and tragic history.

Step back to 1943 and imagine yourself reporting for your first shift at Bell Aircraft - overalls on, rivet gun in hand. During WW2 thousands of women took on rolls once reserved for men, drilling, riveting, and inspecting aircraft that would take flight overseas. In this session we'll explore their groundbreaking contributions through photos, stories, and even a hands-on look at the tools they used so that you can feel the weight of their work. Beyond the factory floor, we'll also consider what it meant for women to step into this world of heavy industry, and the lasting legacy they left behind when peace returned.

This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to help you feel more confident and in control of your finances. Using clear language and real-life examples, we'll walk through the essentials of managing your money in retirement. You'll learn how to understand your monthly cash flow with a simple budgeting approach, explore practical strategies to help your money last, and gain a basic understanding of investing and protecting your savings. Whether you're newly retired or simply looking to strengthen your financial habits, this session offers straightforward guidance to support your financial well-being.

Get ready for game day like never before with Bucket Hat Chef Robb Poloncarz! In this high-energy tailgate experience, Chef Robb will share crowd-winning favorites that are perfect for any football gathering-from bold, flavorful bites to classic comfort foods with a chef-inspired twist. Whether you are hosting at home, cheering from a watch party, or heading to the stadium, you'll leave with fresh recipes, helpful techniques, and plenty of inspiration to elevate your next tailgate spread. A tailgate recipe card featuring Chef Robb's recipes will be available for participants to take home.

Then, keep the fun going with a Bills Bracelet Craft! Join Cindy Solly, University Express's own Master Crafter, along with Jennifer Chowdhury, Health & Wellness Coordinator for the Department for the Aging, to create a spirited Buffalo Bills-inspired bracelet. Show off your team colors, make something fun to wear on game day, and enjoy a little extra time with fellow fans (and your favorite UE team!) Please wear your favorite football gear-jerseys, hats, team colors, or anything that shows your football spirit (A prize will be given for the fan that shows the most team spirit!) This event is limited to 100 guests.

Location: Como Lake Park James Depczynski Casino Pavilion, Quincy Ave, Lancaster, NY 14086, located inside Como Lake Park.

Discover the basics of winter storm development, including lake effect snow, nor'easters, and snow squalls, and the preparedness actions you should take when faced with harsh winter weather conditions.

Whole fresh food, connecting to nature, sunshine, water, thoughts, daily energy cleansing. Diving into each of these topics with why they're important for our vitality. Also touching upon the importance of understanding we are spiritual & soulful beings, and their roles in our healing.

The White House is aLearn 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. (2 hour class)n enduring symbol of the United States. For more than 225 years, it has served U.S. presidents as a home, office, and stage. Learn about the history and roles of the White House and explore how the building has changed over time.

Have you ever wondered what to do with different items that no longer work or you can't use anymore. What can be recycled and what can't. We will answer all your questions about the weirdest types of waste you can think of.

Staying safe online is not as hard as you might think - This workshop includes understanding what a Patient Portal is, how to set one up and keep it secure, and how to use it to help manage your health. Learn how to make or modify appointments through the portal, understand how to access a virtual appointment, learn how to ask questions of your healthcare provider, and learn how to troubleshoot common problems. (2 hour class)

A review of the musicians, bands, DJ's, clubs, concert halls and personalities that brought rock music to WNY by the founder of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Join Tim Shaw for a Halloween-season evening of strange tales, unexplained encounters, unusual history, and wonderfully weird stories drawn from his life and work-and from his forthcoming book, Strange and Unusual Stories I Tell My Friends. As a paranormal investigator, author, filmmaker, and collector of the unusual, Tim brings a lifetime of curiosity and storytelling to an entertaining program that may leave you intrigued, amused, and just a little unsettled.
Attendees are encouraged to join the Halloween fun by wearing a costume. A costume contest will be held during the program, with prizes awarded for first, second, and third place.

This talk revives the exciting history of the entertainment community in Buffalo. Are you a movie buff? We will talk about the variety of theatres that would have shown everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Cary Grant to the original Star Wars. Is music more your speed? We will help you imagine where you would have sat to listen to the likes of Sinatra, Elvis, the Stones, and the Goo Goo Dolls. From vaudeville to live stage productions, Buffalo has been home to wondrous theatres and other venues which are no longer physically with us but, through this talk, can once again be part of our collective memory.

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.