Recorded Classes
Putting Your Affairs in Order
Consider your important documents, how to keep track of your accounts, and what to share with trusted family and friends.
Instructor: Valerie Stanek, Esq., certified financial planner, attorney at law
*This is a recording from the live streaming session on November 20, 2020.
Early History of Buffalo Music and Entertainment
Look back at the region's rich entertainment history, including early theaters, vaudeville houses, amusement parks, big band nightclubs, and radio stations.
Instructor: Rick Falkowski, author, founder, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 19, 2020.
Preventing Dehydration
We'll discuss the importance of hydration and some tips and tricks to stay healthy.
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 November 18, 2020.
Adventures in Writing a Memoir
The author will share the processes of writing and publishing, including her memoir "Wandering Close to Home: A Gay Son and His Feminist Mother's Journey to Transform Themselves and Their Family."
Instructors: Linda Drajem, retired English teacher and current memoirist; Christopher Drajem
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 17, 2020.
Erie County's Response to Climate Change
How is the county working with the community and others to reduce climate change and protect residents from extreme weather events? Learn how you can help.
Instructors: Josh Wilson, pollution prevention coordinator; Tracy Skalski, sustainability coordinator, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 17, 2020.
In the Shadow of the White Oak: Facts behind the Fiction
Hear about Seneca treaty negotiations, the University of Buffalo's medical department, and the scourge of tuberculosis.
Instructor: Rosanne L. Higgins, PhD, adjunct professor of anthropology, University at Buffalo
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 16, 2020.
History of Buffalo Roadways
Learn about the Holland Land Company through the modern expressway, including the Delaware Avenue "S" curves and the Scajaquada and Kensington Expressways.
Instructor: Ken Kuminski, licensed professional engineer
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 12, 2020.
Dr. Roswell Park 1852-1914, Renaissance Man
Learn about this brilliant man's many contributions to Buffalo and to the advancement of cancer research and treatment.
Instructor: Cynthia Schwartz, director, Alliance Foundation Ambassador Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.
Burchfield Paints the Town
Charles E. Burchfield painted scenery near his home in his watercolors. The speaker (from Burchfield's hometown) will show what she saw and what he painted.
Instructor: Nancy Barlow, retired teacher
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 6, 2020.
Balancing Bricks
Engage in simple exercises to improve strength, stability, and confidence, using body weight and resistance band exercises.
Instructor: Julie Ruszala, health and wellness coordinator, Erie County Department of Senior Services
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 5, 2020.
Step-by-Step Rightsizing:How to Simplify It
Learn the best way to reduce clutter, make your home safer, and your life simpler.
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 November 5, 2020.
Finding Your Female Ancestors
Women are often hard to research due to the laws, social norms, and record-keeping practices of times past. Learn about sources and strategies to find your female ancestors.
Instructor: Rhonda Hoffman, genealogy specialist, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 4, 2020.
Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Other Creatures of the Night
Cultures throughout history have believed dangerous beings roam in search of human victims. We'll look at examples of such beliefs and explanations for them.
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 October 30, 2020.
Overwhelmed by All Your Health Insurance Options?
Receive unbiased information on Medicare Advantage plans. Discuss supplemental plans, options to pay for prescription drugs, and low-cost care options.
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 October 29, 2020.
Inflammation: The Silent Perpetrator
Learn dietary and lifestyle factors that promote chronic inflammation in the body as well as those that help prevent it.
Instructor: Janice Nowak, MS, RD, CDN, dietitian consultant, Erie County Department of Senior
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 28, 2020.
Ditch the Negative Self Talk
Understand how positive self-talk boosts confidence, builds self-esteem, and increases feelings of control over your life.
Instructor: Miranda Zagorski, health coach, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 27, 2020.
The Road to the White House 2020
We'll discuss what it's going to take to win the election.
Instructor: Len Lenihan, political analyst, WIVB; former community and political leader
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 27, 2020.
Healthy Eating Basics and Healthy Aging
Discuss how nutritional needs change as we age and discover how to eat healthy for life.
Instructor: Jenny LeGrand, MS, RDN, Wegmans nutritionist
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 23, 2020.
Everyday Mindfulness
Explore the power of gratitude and tips for starting your own daily practice.
Instructor: Rachel Ceness, MS, RDN, certified health coach, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 22, 2020.
"We Are All in this Together" The Shared Experiences of Loss, Grief & COVID-19
Identify the numerous non-death losses that have accompanied the "new normal." Resources for self-care will be shared.
Instructor: Deborah Waldrop, PhD, Professor, University at Buffalo School of Social Work
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 21, 2020.
Life and Lifestyle
Join for a discussion of 85 years' worth of lessons learned in health, wellness, and character development.
Instructor: Richard Derwald, senior fitness coordinator, Erie County Department of Senior Services
Michael T. Keene Presents - New York City's Hart Island - A Cemetery of Strangers
"Hart Island has been used as New York City's Potters Field for the past 150 years. It is estimated that there are 1,000,000 people buried there."
Instructor: Michael T. Keene, Author and Historian
Emergency Preparedness, COVID 19, The Flu, and You
We'll discuss some tips for emergency preparedness and the status of COVID-19 and flu season. We'll cover the different symptoms and address tips for staying healthy.
Instructor: Pati Aine Guzinski, training coordinator, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Division, Erie County Department of Health
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 15, 2020.
Financial Benefits Check Up You Gave, Now Save!
The class will focus on financial benefits that older adults commonly qualify for. Come prepared with an idea of your household income and resource amounts.
Instructors: Melissa Dentice, Aging and Disability Resource Technician; Rachael Vega, Senior Case Manager, Erie County Department of Senior Services
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 15, 2020.
Systemic Racism and Its Impact on Health Disparities
Examine how systemic racism continues to be a driving factor in the social determinants of health. We'll discuss steps to bring health equity into the region.
Instructor: George F. Nicholas, senior pastor, Lincoln Memorial United Church, Chair of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity
*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 14, 2020.