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Recorded Classes

Interview with David Shenk

Hear Commissioner Shenk talk about his leadership roles and his presentations this spring. You will also learn what record he held back in middle school!

Interview with Angela Keppel

Listen as Angela explains what an Urban Planner does and how she began researching street names in Buffalo. You are sure to learn and laugh a lot!

Interview with Rob Kubiak

Hear Rob talk about what gets his creative juices flowing and what he hopes to accomplish in the future. You'll learn two fun facts about him too!

Interview with Rick Falkowski

Listen as Rick talks about playing gigs as a teenager and how he became an author.

Interview with Jill Bronsky

Learn about Jill's passion for exercise and what type of music pumps her up!

Interview with Chelsea O'Hara

Learn what inspired Chelsea to work with people living with Dementia and how you can access services or volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association.

Interview with Jennifer Johnson

Join us for an interview with Jennifer Johnson! We'll find out how she is staying active during these times and what her favorite show is.

Interview with Dr. Phil Stevens

Join us for an interview with Dr. Phil Stevens! You'll learn about his time in Nigeria, his favorite classes to teach at UB, and what he is currently working on.

Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Orphan Trains

"By the end of the Civil War, an estimated 30,000 homeless and orphaned children roamed the streets of New York City. In response to this crisis, the age of orphan asylums began, culminating in one of the most improbable and audacious episodes in American history. Called the Orphan Train Movement, it endeavored to save these children lost to the streets by heroes who fought for their liberation. Instructor: Michael T. Keene, Author and Historian

Eating for Mental Health and Wellbeing Part II

In this part we will learn more about how our gut health impacts our brain health. Instructor: Leanne Chung, MS, RD, CDN, Dietitian Consultant, Erie County Department of Senior Services

Eating for Mental Health and Wellbeing Part I

Join for a brief lesson about how our mental and physical health can be impacted by what we eat. You will learn what role nutrients can play and how to strike the right balance. Instructor: Leanne Chung, MS, RD, CDN, Dietitian Consultant, Erie County Department of Senior Services

Click here for the handout.

Football 102: Ready for the Playoffs

In preparation for the upcoming NFL Playoffs, we'll discuss offensive and defensive positions, formations, and types of penalties. Come get your questions answered ahead of the first game! Instructor: Ryan Gadzo, Research Analyst, Erie County Department of Senior Services *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on January 8, 2021.

MADHOUSE

Drawing upon confidential hospital archives, private patient letters and newspaper accounts of the day, we are taken on a remarkable journey inside a world of madness. What terrible secrets were uncovered at Rolling Hills? Who was the grave digger Lawrence and what was found buried behind the Rochester Insane Asylum? -what happened to the beautiful Nellie Bly inside The Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell Island? -what was the notorious device "The Utica Crib" used for? Who haunts Buffalo State Hospital even to this day? Shocking tales of neglect, abuse and even torture are revealed here for the first time, but also remarkable stories of inspiration, hope and healing. Welcome to Mad~House. Instructor: Michael T. Keene, Author and Historian

Influential People from Buffalo During the 1800s

We'll discuss residents of Western New York who contributed to local, regional, and national history, commerce, and culture. Instructor: Rick Falkowski, author, founder, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 10, 2020.

Getting Started with Irish Genealogy Records

Learn about Ireland's genealogical records, key Irish genealogy concepts, and what's accessible online.

Instructor: Rhonda Hoffman, genealogy specialist, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 9, 2020.

Click here for the handout.

Behind the Curtain: The Technicians of Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Shakespeare in Delaware Park is joined by professional costume designer Jenna Damberger (Road Less Traveled Productions, Shea's 710 Theater, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra) to discuss her design process of our 2019 production, Love's Labour's Lost. Join us for an exclusive look at Jenna's original renderings, handmade costume pieces, and to hear behind-the-scenes stories about bringing her ideas to life. This Q&A style interview presentation will conclude with audience members asking their own questions about Jenna's process. Instructors: Grace Aroune & Jenna Damberger, Shakespeare in Delaware Park *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 8, 2020.

Awesome Omegas

Learn about omega-3 fats and their role in keeping you healthy. Discover potential food sources and learn how much of this nutrient you need.

Instructor: Jenny Ferrentino, MS, RDN, Wegmans nutritionist

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 8, 2020.

Click here for the handout.

Should I Turn Things Over: Joint Accounts, Life Estates, and Powers of Attorney

We'll discuss advantages of these tools for estate and financial planning, as well as potential problems that can arise.

Instructor: Valerie Stanek, Esq., certified financial planner, attorney at law

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on Dembcer 7, 2020.

Secrets of Voodoo, Revealed!

Vodou is the premiere Afro-Caribbean religious system, which likely began among the African slaves as early as 1505, offering comfort and protection.

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 December 3, 2020.

Breaking the Sugar Habit

We'll discuss why sugar hooks us and tips for overcoming sugar dependency.

Instructor: Jennifer Johnson, health promotion coordinator, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 2, 2020.

The Human Experience of Trauma

Explore the types of trauma, its global prevalence, and its physical and psychological effects.

Instructor: Thane Schulz, LMSW, ACHP-SW, CMC, palliative care social worker, Erie County Medical Center

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 1, 2020.

What's Going on with That Project? Recent Buffalo Construction Updates

Get an update on major projects completed in the last decade and a glimpse of projects currently under construction.

Instructor: Angela M. Keppel, AICP, project planner, Buffalo Place

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 1, 2020.

Food Is Medicine

From air we breathe to meals we eat, it all affects our energy, health, and bodies. Explore interesting foods for their medicinal effects.

Instructor: Riffat Sadiq, MD, president and CEO of WNY Medical, PC

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 30, 2020.

A Judge's Journey

Judge Wolfgang will discuss her journey to the bench and some of her most memorable cases.

Instructor: Penny Wolfgang, retired State Supreme Court Judge; radio host

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 30, 2020.

Social Welfare and the Larkin Company

Known for its tenets of purpose, effort, achievement, and blending the gospel of work and life, the Larkin Company created many progressive initiatives for its employees.

Instructor: Shane E. Stephenson, director of museum collections, Buffalo Naval Park

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 23, 2020.