Current Classes

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.

During his second term, President Cleveland underwent a risky operation, then maneuvered to discredit the journalist who reported the story. Years later, the truth was finally revealed. A fascinating look at the intersection of presidency, politics, and journalism.

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.

Many individuals are surprised to learn that a Will does not avoid probate. This presentation will explain the probate process in New York, including how assets are transferred after death, the role of the Surrogate's Court, and the responsibilities of executors and beneficiaries. Participants will learn which assets pass through probate, which assets pass outside of probate, and common strategies used to simplify estate administration and avoid unnecessary court involvement. The course will also discuss probate avoidance techniques, including beneficiary designations, joint ownership, transfer-on-death arrangements, and trust planning.

The White House is an 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.

What the Heck is a Trust and Do I Need One?

Buffalo has some beautiful Mansions that were constructed in the Late 19th and Early Twentieth Centuries, a time sometimes referred to as the Gilded Age . We will examine who designed them and for whom. We look at some of the architectural features as well as the current uses of the Mansions.

When a loved one passes-or becomes incapacitated-survivors are often left scrambling for critical information. Traditional documents don't tell the whole story. That's where a LEGACY DOCUMENT comes in. It's a simple, powerful way to organize the essential details your loved ones will need most. It's not just a document. It's a gift-the Gift of Information. Learn how to gather and organize the practical, personal, and logistical information your survivors will need after a significant life event. This session does not provide legal, financial, or estate planning advice.

The NHL's Buffalo Sabres could be the team of destiny this year!!?? Want to learn more about hockey? We will cover the rules (beginners version), player positions, the basics of "Hockey Player Lingo": "The Faceoff", "Offsides", and more.

If you are the executor of a will, the trustee of a trust, or someone's power of attorney agent, you are taking on a very serious responsibility. This presentation introduces these roles and helps participants anticipate and avoid the common mistakes that people make when handling financial transactions on behalf of their loved ones.

This class traces mahjong from its roots in 19th-century China to its reinvention in the United States, showing how one game became many traditions through migration, mythmaking, commercialization, community life, and modern revival.

Buffalo's East Side Industry reviews 141 businesses that were or are still located on the East Side. The images included represent an immensely diverse industrial base when the East Side was the ethnic, cultural, and manufacturing center for Buffalo and Western New York. The author will discuss some of these businesses in detail, talk about the growth of industry in Buffalo and the process used to write industry review book. Instructor: Shane E. Stephenson, Director of Museum Collections, Buffalo Naval Park

We're designed to be connected to nature, to flow within its rhythms & cycles through the seasons as well as through life. We'll look at the four seasons, how to connect to them through our actions for vitality as well as how these ideas can help us get the most from various stages of our life. Seasonal foods is one aspect, but seasonal thinking is another, from planting ideas to harvesting them, recouping, reviewing in a winter-like season. That space to review & reap the rewards of our life's work is often forgotten, but vital on a soul level.

Do you want to enjoy the foods you love, but believe eating healthier means boring or yucky? If so, this class is for you! Tell the instructor your favorite dish and she will tell you what to do to keep the taste, but with less carbs and fat. Learn great substitutes and how to eat within the macronutrient limits you need so you can enjoy your meals and still be lean, strong, and healthy.

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 medication scams, but techniques covered can be used against many types of scams and misleading marketing. It will examine how scammers mislead those who are suffering, stealing their money and endangering their health. It will cover how to distinguish real medicine from false promises. 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

Sing (and even play!) four fun & original songs about Buffalo's presidents-Fillmore, Cleveland, McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt, and learn some history in a fun way!

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.

The White House is an 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.

Drawing on best-practice response, this class covers warning signs, emergency planning, and practical steps to take before, during and after an active shooter event so attendees feel more prepared, confident and empowered to act in a crisis. (Disclaimer: This class topic is of a sensitive nature, and while we believe it is an important topic to offer, please note it could be upsetting to attendees.)

Our mission is simple: we read books that move us, challenge our thinking, and spark great conversations. The UE Book Club is for anyone who loves reading, talking about books, or just wants to read more. Join us to share your thoughts or simply listen and learn from others. Along the way, you'll discover new perspectives, make friends, and reconnect with the joy of reading.

Step right up and join us for a fun and interactive Spin the Wheel game where you can test your knowledge, win prizes, and learn valuable services available to our older adults in our community! Whether you're a senior or a caregiver this is a great chance to explore services that are meant to keep you or a loved one healthy, safe and independent. Come spin, learn and WIN!

Join the Center for Elder Law and Justice for a tasty treat while we explore practical strategies for creating, adjusting, and maintaining a budget on a fixed income. We'll also discuss ways to save money, stretch your resources, and protect yourself when using person-to-person cash transfer apps. Participants will learn about the free services offered by the Center for Elder Law & Justice and leave with a budget template, helpful resources, and connections to community services that can support their financial well-being.

Held in March, the annual dogsled race, which began in 1973, covers almost 1,000 miles between Anchorage and Nome, Alaska. The race follows the route of a medical emergency back in 1925. What are the rules and requirements for the race? Who is Susan Butcher and what record does she hold in regard to the race? Included will be pictures taken by the presenter during a 2025 trip to Alaska.

What the Heck is a Trust and Do I Need One?