Recorded Classes

Learn how sewer systems are critical for protection of public health and environment. We’ll also cover how they support our economy. 

Instructor: Joe Fiegl, PE, BCEE, Deputy Commissioner, Erie County Department of Environment & Planning, Division of Sewerage Management

*This is a recording of the livestreaming class that took place at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

What separates an IPA from a Lager? How is a Sour Ale made? Learn what makes each beer style unique, and the beer culture/country that made it popular. 

Instructor: Tim Herzog, Retired Brewer, Owner, Manager, Lobbyist, Community Activist

*This is a recording of the livestreaming class that took place at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on May 28, 2024. 

Join us for a guide to fall prevention. 

Instructor: Eric Weisansal, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Erie County Senior Services

*This is a recording of the livestreaming session that took place at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on June 11, 2024. 

Ever wonder where the Buffalo Bills got their name? There were never American bison in our area, so where did the name come from? Join Erie County Historian Douglas Kohler for a look at the myth & legend of “Buffalo Bill” Cody & how his exploits gave us the name of our beloved Bills! 

Instructor: Douglas Kohler, Erie County Historian

*This is a recording of the livestreaming class that took place at the Akron Newstead Senior Center on May 28, 2024. 

In simple terms, the cloud is a place to store and access data and programs over the internet instead of using your computer’s hard drive. Join us to learn more about “The Cloud” and how it can help you. 

Instructor: Brendan Chella, Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

*This is a recording of the livestreaming class that took place on December 12, 2023. 

This presentation will provide the basics regarding MHL 81, how it works, and what is required of a person who is appointed as an Article 81 Guardian Instructor: 

Dan Piersa, ESQ., Attorney; Director of the Family Guardian Support Project, Center for Elder Law & Justice 

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on December 6, 2023. Please excuse the echoing of Alisa's audio at the end during the Q&A section.

This is for anyone interested in learning more about cholesterol and lipid profiles and how they affect our health. We’ll learn about HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, how they work in the body, and management options. 

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, ANP-BC, Daemen University

*This is a recording of the livestreaming class that took place on November 11, 2023. 

Google Photos is the cloud-based storage service that allows users to save their photos online rather than on their devices. Learn about how this service works, the positives and negatives, and other useful features such as their mobile app.

 Instructor: Brendan Chella, Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

*This is a recording from the livestreaming class on December 5, 2023. 

Take this fun journey through Western New York history with various facts and stories about the people, inventions and accomplishments that were first done in our area. 

Instructor: Alan Nowicki, Director of Programming, Roycroft Campus 

*This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on November 29, 2023.

Close to Canada, Niagara Falls and Buffalo were perfect avenues through which to transport booze, and Magaddino and his Mafiosi maintained a stranglehold on the city until his death in 1974. Michael F. Rizzo will take us on a virtual tour of Buffalo’s mafia exploits, everything from these brutal gangsters’ favorite hangouts to secret underground tunnels to murder. 

Instructor: Michael F. Rizzo, Author

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 1, 2023. 

We’ll journey from the First Golden Age to the current Platinum Age.

 Instructor: Tim Herzog, Retired Brewer, Full-Time “Beer Evaluator” 

*This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

Learn about what congestive heart failure is and how it affects other organs in the body. We’ll discuss signs and symptoms, when to call your healthcare provider and ways to manage the condition.

 Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, ANP-BC, Daemen University

*This is a recording of a livestreaming class that took place on November 20, 2023. 

Considering Buffalo’s rich and perhaps unique Presidential history, you will be surprised at how many unusual, unknown, and even weird stories abound. Some may be controversial; others “believe-it-or-not.”

Instructor: Bren Price, Retired Educator; Trustee, Buffalo Presidential Center; Master Docent, Explore Buffalo

*This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on November 9, 2023.

Join for a discussion on all the services that Erie County Adult Protective Services can provide, and what the limitations are.

Instructor: Michele Pfeffer, Administrative Director-Services, Adult Protective Services, Erie County Department of Social Services

* This is a recording of the livestreaming class that took place on November 1, 2023.

We’ll trace the roots of the founding of Mercy Hospital and how the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Buffalo.

Instructor: Sr. Peggy Gorman, RSM; Sister of Mercy for 63 years

*This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Tosh Collins Senior Center on October 27, 2023. Please excuse the abrupt start, as we were muted in the beginning.

Enjoy your healthy brain for a lifetime! In this seminar, you’ll learn tips for maintaining your brain health, including foods, supplements, and physical and mental exercise.

Instructor: Jennifer Johnson, RYT-200, Owner, New Sky Coaching This class was live streamed from the Town of Aurora Senior Center.

*This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Town of Aurora Senior Center on October 24, 2023. 

Silo City Buffalo was once known as the grain milling and malting capital of the world. Learn about this time in history and what is happening now to transform some of Buffalo’s flour mills and grain storage silos.

Instructor: Harry Meyer, Docent & Lecturer of WNY History

* This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Cheektowaga Senior center on October 19, 2023.

We’ll focus on strategies to preserve and protect assets in the event that there is a need for Medicaid, skilled nursing home care or care in your home. We’ll discuss how to protect your assets and ensure that you are provided with good care for the rest of your life—even if you are unable to get through the five-year “look back” period.

Instructor: Jean Harris, Esq., Attorney

*This class was livestreamed and recorded at the Cheektowaga Senior Center on October 18th, 2023. 

Discover how fictitious and hyperbolic mythologies have developed around Edison and Tesla with the advent of the Internet. Uncover the distinction between reality and contrivance about scientific contributions that have impacted the entire world.

Instructor: Francis S. Lestingi, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Physics & History of Science, University at Buffalo

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on June 21, 2023. 

Join us to explore the diversity of amphibians on Earth today, as well as their Devonian period origins.

Instructor: Robin Sanecki, Educator, Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 11, 2023. 

We’ll discuss how the kidneys work and how chronic kidney disease is diagnosed. You’ll learn about the signs and symptoms of the disease, the stages and management and treatment options.

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, MSN, ANP-BC

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on June 22, 2023. 

We'll introduce the topic of vector-borne diseases and the related implications for public health. Specific vector-borne diseases of importance, including Lyme disease and West Nile virus will be examined. Our discussion will focus on disease description and treatment, risk factors, and personal preventive measures.

Instructor: Shauna Zorich, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Health, University at Buffalo

* This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 6, 2023. 

Learn about Deaf Culture and the history of the Deaf Community. You'll also learn some basic ASL letters and phrases. Instructor: David Wantuck, Community Engagement Specialist/ASL Coordinator, Deaf Access Services

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on May 31, 2023. 

Veteran local sports media members Budd Bailey and Stu Boyer are ready to give opinions, answer questions, and tell stories about local professional sports. You'll learn a lot and laugh a lot during their presentation.

*This is a recording of a live streaming class that took places at the Clemmon H. Hodges Community Center on May 23, 2023. This is one of our first recordings using this technology, so please forgive any sound or visual issues!

We’ll discuss how a revocable trust can be used to avoid a probate proceeding upon death, and how it can be used to protect assets from Medicaid and long-term care costs.

Instructor: Daniel J. Schuller, Esq., Attorney at Law

* This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on May 23, 2023. 

This class will include information about Retirement, Disability, and Survivors benefits as well as Medicare.

Instructor: Ben Stump, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on May 17, 2023.

Grief is a universal experience we all come to understand in different ways. Join us in exploring how different kinds of loss can cause grief, and how best to cope, or help others cope, through the most difficult of times.

Instructor: Anna VanDien, LCSW, Coordinator, Wilson Support Center & Hospice Bereavement Services

*this is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on May 10, 2023. 

Learn why this vitamin is necessary for our bodies and ways to increase our levels. Instructor: Darcie Hanson, RN, clinical coach, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on May 5, 2021.

In this workshop, you will learn about the health impacts associated with chemicals in some cleaning products, how to find out what’s in the products you may be using, and how to find safer products. We’ll also introduce a recipe booklet you can download with recipes to make your own cleaning supplies!

Instructor: Donna Wysokenski, Environment and Health Education Coordinator Environmental Health Study for WNY, University at Buffalo

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 27, 2021. 

Access the Green and Clean Recipe Booklet here. 

Journey through one of the “Crimes of the Century” in Buffalo which many lifelong Western New Yorkers have never heard of. Uncover a love triangle, hear messages from the other side, and see landmarks from right here in our backyard.

Instructor: Ryan Gadzo, MPA, Research Analyst, Erie County Department of Senior Services

"Let's Talk Buffalo Bills Playoffs!" hosted by two of Buffalo's most-loved sports media legends: Stu Boyar & Budd Bailey! This online chat focused on the Bills' season, playoffs, and the team's potential Super Bowl run!

*This is a recording of a live streaming session that took place on January 12, 2023.

This is for anyone interested in learning more about cholesterol and lipid profiles and how they affect our health. We’ll learn about HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, how they work in the body, and management options.

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, MSN, ANP

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 6, 2022. 

We’ll cover the signs and symptoms of depression and what treatment can look like. We’ll also discuss the risk factors for suicide and where to get help.

Instructor: Mark O’Brien, LCSW-R, Commissioner, Erie County Department of Mental Health

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on Thursday, December 1, 2022. 

We'll discuss moderation during the holidays and set a plan for getting back to a healthy pattern when the season ends.

Instructor: Jennifer Johnson, New Sky Coaching, LLC

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 17, 2022. 

Learn about what congestive heart failure is and how it affects other organs in the body. We’ll discuss signs and symptoms, when to call your healthcare provider and ways to manage the condition.

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, MSN, ANP

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 29, 2022. 

Learn about the health impacts associated with chemicals in some cleaning products, how to find out what’s in the products you may be using, and how to find safer products.

Instructor: Donna Wysokenski, MS, MA, Grant Coordinator, Growing Places

Access the Green and Clean Recipe Booklet here. 

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 2, 2022. 

Journey through one of the “Crimes of the Century” in Buffalo which many lifelong Western New Yorkers have never heard of. Uncover a love triangle, hear messages from the other side, and see landmarks from right here in our backyard.

Instructor: Ryan Gadzo, MPA, Research Analyst, Erie County Department of Senior Services

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 31, 2022. 

Join us for a short history of wool making in Bruges, Belgium and how it relates to Buffalo and our experiences here. We'll also look at how natural dyes like indigo and the plants that create them (like Woad) are woven into our community.

Instructor: Mary Ann Kedron, MBA, PhD, BOD BRRAlliance Inc.

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 20, 2022. 

This presentation will provide the basics regarding Mental Hygiene Law #81 (MHL 81,) how it works, and what's required of a person who is appointed as an Article 81 Guardian.

Instructors: Brad Loliger, Esq. & Christopher Phillips, Esq., Staff Attorneys, Center for Elder Law & Justice

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on October 13, 2022. 

We’ll discuss the types of visual impairment and available programs and services to assist.

Instructor: Amanda Cleesattel, MS, OTR/L, Vice President of Vision Rehabilitation Services, VIA

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on October 11, 2022. 

Hear a brief history of the Tulip, including varieties and take a trip to Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands.

Instructor: Mary Ann Kedron, MBA, PhD, BOD BRRAlliance Inc.

* This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on October 6, 2022. 

Learn about GOLD! Its cosmological origin, its physics, its utilization in art, religion, industry, finance, jewelry, awards, warfare, and astronomy in this informative, illuminating, compelling, forthright, and enjoyable lecture.

Instructor: Francis S. Lestingi, PhD, Professor Emeritus of History of Science & Physics, SUNY Buffalo State; President & Co-Founder, Buffalo Niagara Nikola Tesla Council, Inc.

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on October 5, 2022. 

Join us to unpack the history of diagnosing grief, the controversy surrounding “Prolonged Grief Disorder,” and the various ways our world is already responding.

Instructor: Anna VanDien, LCSW, Coordinator, Wilson Support Center and Hospice Bereavement Services

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on October 4, 2022. 

Learn the basics of the game so you can enjoy watching your favorite team this season. Bring your questions!

Instructor: Ryan Gadzo, MPA, Research Analyst, Erie County Department of Senior Services

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on October 3, 2022. 

A class about global geology and how we’ve come to understand it during the past two centuries based on stratigraphy and plate tectonics.

Instructor: Philip J. Stokes, PhD, Executive Director, Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 12, 2022. 

Fitness trackers are great, but how do you make sense of all the numbers they give you? Join for a discussion on the different data your fitness tracker captures and how to make it work for you.

Instructor: Jennifer Johnson, Health Promotion Coordinator, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 13, 2022. 

This is for anyone interested in learning more about cholesterol and lipid profiles and how they affect our health. We’ll learn about HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, how they work in the body, and management options.

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, MSN, ANP

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 7, 2022. 

Most superstitions are examples of basic patterns of thinking found in all cultures and periods of history, and even prehistory.

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 2, 2022. 

Let’s go all the way back to chemistry class! We’ll learn or relearn about atoms, molecules, and the pH scale. We’ll relate the information to everyday things like gardening, cooking, and our bodies so it all makes sense this time around.

Instructor: Donna Wysokenski, MS, MA, Grant Coordinator, Growing Places

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 28, 2022. 

The mansion in this novel is based on the extravagant estates of Long Island’s famed Gold Coast. Mother and son will paint a picture of what inspired Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.

Instructors: Linda Drajem, PhD, Retired English Teacher; Current Memoirist; Christopher Drajem, Writer & Educator

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 23, 2022.