Recorded Classes

It is a misconception that trusts are complicated, expensive, and only for the wealthy. This simple exploration will be free of legalese and will include a Q&A session. Instructor: Valerie Stanek, Esq., certified financial planner, attorney at law *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 30, 2021. 

Rather than jumping onto the newest fad diet train, learn three foundational habits that can help you be successful long-term, no matter your health goals. Instructor: Jenny Ferrentino, MS, RDN, Wegmans nutritionist *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 1, 2021. 

What we think of today as the Erie Canal bears almost no resemblance to the first Erie Canal. We'll focus on the story of the original canal, which was built between 1817 and 1825. That story includes both its construction and its importance to American history. We will also look briefly at how that original canal changed through two centuries to become today's Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Instructor: Mary Durlak, Writer/Editor, Docent & Volunteer, Explore Buffalo; Erie Canal Enthusiast *This is a recording of the live streamign session that took place on June 30, 2021. 

Learn about the ranges for high blood pressure, the risk factors, and treatment paths. Instructor: Darcie Hanson, R.N., clinical coach, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 29, 2021. 

Learn the answers to the health insurance and long-term care insurance questions you have always had but were afraid to ask. Instructor: Bill Daniels, Coordinator of Insurance Outreach, Erie County Department of Senior Services *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 28, 2021. 

Learn the answers to commonly asked questions about residential communities and downsizing. Instructor: Michael Olear, MSW, Lead Broker, The Olear Team at MJ Peterson *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 25, 2021. 

Immune responses can effectively control some human cancers; therapeutically harnessing these responses can fundamentally impact the lives of those who have cancer or are at risk of developing it. Roswell Park is a national leader in the development of immunotherapies offered at only a few select comprehensive cancer centers nationally as well as in contributing to the efforts to diagnose, treat and prevent COVID infections. Instructor: Sharon Evans, PhD, Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 25, 2021. 

Service to others has been a critical piece of the American national identity since the founding of this country. Whether reflecting on national service through the military, Peace Corps, or AmeriCorps programs or on volunteering with community nonprofits or religious organizations, it's clear that the idea of volunteering is part of our American identity. We'll explore The Great Awakening and the foundation of the first charity organizations in the United States, learn why Tennessee is called the Volunteer State, and examine what the needs are in our community while specifically focusing on the future of volunteering and the substantial impact volunteers age 55+ can make. Instructor: Alex Lauer, Coordinator of Senior Volunteers-Aged, Erie County Department of Senior Services *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 24, 2021. 

Learn how cow's milk and milk alternatives compare nutritionally and dispel some common myths about traditional dairy products. Instructor: Jenny Ferrentino, MS, RDN, Wegmans nutritionist *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 24, 2021. 

The White House is an enduring symbol of the United States. For over 220 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. Instructor: Courtney Speckmann, Board Trustee, Buffalo Presidential Center; Director of Education, Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 22, 2021. 

This course will serve as an introduction to the science, history and impact of vaccination. Specific vaccines recommended for older adults will also be discussed, including vaccines for influenza, pneumonia and shingles. Finally, this course will address the COVID-19 vaccine(s) available, including safety and efficacy, and any emerging information regarding the vaccine(s). Instructor: Shauna Zorich, Clinical Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 22, 2021. 

Exclusive, focused social groups with aberrant or theological ideologies are common throughout history. Why do people join such organizations?

Instructor: Phillips Stevens, PhD, associate professor of Anthropology emeritus, University at Buffalo

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 21, 2021.

It seems like everything is made of plastic nowadays. Learn about the kinds of plastics are really recyclable and the best ways to responsibly reuse or dispose of them. Instructors: Gary Carrel, solid waste recycling specialist; Amy Alduino, recycling coordinator, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Division of Environmental Compliance Services *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 18, 2021. 

Resiliency is defined as the ability to overcome challenges of all kinds and bounce back stronger, wiser, and more personally powerful. How does this relate to the ability to think critically? Critical thinking is needed to solve problems and overcome challenges. Critical thinking is a disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing and evaluating information gathered from many sources including observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication. If we close our minds to alternatives, how can we reach common ground and solve problems? Instructor: Marian Deutschman, PhD, professor emerita of communications, Buffalo State College *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 10, 2021. 

In this interactive class, you'll learn how to overcome obstacles by using unique creative problem solving techniques that will help you set goals and keep you accountable. Please have a writing utensil and 2-3 sheets of paper available for this session. Instructor: Rob Kubiak, creative problem-solving strategist *This is a recording of the session that took place on June 18, 2021. 

We'll cover how the location technology we rely on works and how it can fail. Instructor: Lisa Matthies-Wiza, director of geographic information services, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 15, 2021. 

Discover picturesque locations around the world while you learn how to take better travel photos. Instructor: John Harrigan, Ph.D., professor of Communication and Media Arts, SUNY Erie *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 17, 2021. 

For 101 years Crystal Beach Park was a magical place for generations of Western New Yorkers. Return to Crystal Beach Park through a slideshow collection of photographs and postcards from the park's beginning in 1888 to its final year in 1989. Dip your toes in Lake Erie. Scream on the Comet and Giant roller coasters. Shiver in fright in the Laff in the Dark. Ride a painted pony. Walk the wacky halls of the Magic Carpet. Remember the fun one more time. Instructor: Rose Ann Hirsch, Amusement Park Historian, Carousel Restorer *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 16, 2021. 

Transferring property is a familiar estate planning strategy. One of the assets people tend to be eager to transfer in order to pass it on to the next generation is real estate. We will look at the advantages and pitfalls involved in the various strategies for passing a house, cottage or rental property to your heirs. Instructor: Valerie Stanek, Esq., certified financial planner, attorney at law *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 16, 2021. 

Join for a review of the musicians, bands, DJs, and clubs that ushered rock music into the Buffalo area. Instructor: Rick Falkowski, author, founder, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 15, 2021. 

At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the focus on Survivorship and Wellness begins at the time of diagnosis and is designed to provide support through patient and family-oriented care before, during and after treatment. As a survivor, or caregiver of a survivor, regular follow-up care is important. Every cancer patient should have a personalized care plan including necessary cancer screenings and healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and proper nutrition. At Roswell Park, we believe that patients and their caregivers will lead a healthy, active life after cancer, but we recognize that problems can develop as a result of treatment. Therefore, in addition to watching for cancer recurrence, we focus on identifying, preventing, and controlling any late or long-term effects of cancer. Mental and physical health are an essential component of recovery and Quality of Life. Thus, our personalized plans also include a range of complementary medicine approaches such as acupuncture, fertility counseling, massage therapy, mindfulness meditation and yoga to ensure that our patients and their caregivers travel the journey of Survivorship with a wide range of resources at their disposal. Instructors: Mary Reid, MSPH, PhD, Professor of Oncology, Chief and Director, Cancer Screening, Survivorship and Faculty Mentoring, Department of Medicine; Tessa Faye Flores, MD, Medical Director of Cancer Screening and Survivorship, Assistant Professor of Oncology *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 14, 2021. 

Learn about the hidden stories of three pioneering women from WNY and how they will be honored by monuments in the community. Instructor: Karen King, PhD, Commissioner of Public Advocacy; Executive Director, Erie County Commission on the Status of Women *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 11, 2021. 

Jai Alai, Badminton, Cricket, European Handball, Rugby? Where do we start? This class looks at sports from around the globe that you may have heard of, but do not know much about. This class covers the basics of the sports and what equipment you may need to participate! Instructor: Ryan Gadzo, research analyst, Erie County Department of Senior Services *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 11, 2021. 

Join us for an engaging interview with Richard Derwald AKA Mr. Fitness! You'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll feel inspired to live life to fullest.

From the identification of mumps as an epidemic by Hippocrates in ancient Greece to social distancing and hand washing promoted during the COVID-19 pandemic, public health has been prevalent in society for thousands of years. Even with its presence in modern day society, it's not uncommon for people to ask the question, "What is public health?" Here you will learn about public health and its roots, including where it came from and what it is now. Instructor: Julia Gruspier, Public Health Educator, Erie County Department of Health *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 8, 2021.