Recorded Classes

Join for an informational session about strength training and its benefits. We’ll cover how to add strength training to your routine and where to go for more information and resources.

Instructor: Miranda McCoy, Health Coach, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 22, 2022. 

We’ll be introduced to vector-borne diseases, with a specific focus on Lyme Disease and West Nile virus. Our discussion will focus on disease description and treatment, risk factors, and personal preventive measures.

Instructor: Shauna Zorich, MD, MPH, 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 8, 2022. 

What factors have shaped immigration and refugee policy in the United States? What would it take for Congress to agree to immigration reform?

Instructor: Laurie Buonanno, PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science & Public Administration, SUNY Buffalo State

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 16, 2022. 

Meet the BPO’s assistant conductor Jaman E. Dunn, and learn about his path to the podium of the BPO!

Instructor: Jaman E. Dunn, Assistant Conductor, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

*This is a recording of the live streaming class that took place on June 14, 2022.

Transitioning from a career to retirement is one of the biggest changes in most peoples’ lives. Join for a discussion on some common issues people face, how to plan, and how to make the most of your time.

Instructor: Jennifer Johnson, New Sky Coaching, LLC

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on June 10, 2022. 

Learn about the various benefits programs administered by the Social Security Administration, including Retirement, Disability, Survivors, and Medicare and what services are offered online.

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

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

Consumers gravitate towards organic products for several reasons including quality, nutrition, safety, and environmental benefits. In this workshop we'll discuss what organic means, the practices that organic farmers follow, and how you can support organic agriculture in Erie County.

Instructor: Caitlin Tucker, New York Region Organic Consultant, Rodale Institute

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

Learn about the signs and symptoms of OSA and how it is diagnosed. We'll also cover the available treatment options and the risks of untreated OSA.

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, MSN, ANP-BC

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on May 25, 2022. 

Yoga has been around for thousands of years but does it work? And do you need to twist yourself into a pretzel to get the benefits? Join us as we discuss how yoga can improve your health and practice a few gentle postures together.

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 Friday, May 20, 2022.

We'll discuss the types of anxiety, how anxiety can impact us, and ways to cope. Instructor: Mark O'Brien, LCSW-R, commissioner, Erie County Department of Mental Health *This is a recording of the livestreaming session that took place on May 3, 2021.

Understand how positive self-talk boosts confidence, builds self-esteem, and increases feelings of control over your life.

Instructor: Miranda McCoy, Health Coach, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York

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

Erie County is developing an equity-centered Community Climate Action Plan and is seeking your input to ensure the plan addresses impacts that affect your neighborhood, your backyard, and your family.

Instructor: Tracy Skalski, Sustainability Coordinator, Erie County Department of Environment & Planning

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on May 18, 2022. 

Visit Erie County's Climate Action website: https://www3.erie.gov/climateaction/ 

Learn about the ASL alphabet and how to sign some common phrases.

Instructor: Katelyn Koester, Deaf Access Services

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

What was the world of electricity that Tesla was born into? How did he change that world? How was he treated after he died? How is he being treated today?

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

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on May 9, 2022. 

Learn which seeds should be directly sown outside, how to start seeds indoors, and how to successfully prepare your seedlings for transplanting. We’ll cover soils, light requirements, watering, timing, and more!

Instructor: Caitlin Tucker, New York Region Organic Consultant, Rodale Institute

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

This is a story of connections. A short history of wool making in Bruge Belgium and how it relates to Buffalo and our experiences here. It also looks at how natural dyes indigo and the plants that create them Woad are woven into our community. It promises to be an interesting hour with lovely photos and interesting conversation!

Instructor: Mary Ann Kedron, MBA, PhD

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on March 14, 2022. 

Learn about the work being done by the Roundtable to bring equity and prosperity to our region. We'll discuss who is at our table, the specific strategies we are harnessing, and how you can help make a difference.

Instructor: Felicia Beard, Senior Director of Racial Equity Initiatives, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 18, 2021. 

As we prepare to tuck our gardens in for the season, we can rejoice in the fact that seed catalog season is upon us! In this class we'll unpack a lot of symbols and terms we see used to describe seeds - heirloom, open pollinated, hybrid, determinate, and more! We'll talk about the importance of regional adaptation and how to choose varieties that will thrive in your garden next year. Disease and insect resistance? We'll touch on that too! So, dig out your favorite catalog, or two, or three and let's geek out about seeds.

Instructor: Caitlin Tucker, Extension Assistant, Cornell Cooperative Extension – Cornell Vegetable Program

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 9, 2021. 

If you’re always reading about different foods in the news or online, it can be hard to know what to believe. Are some foods really “superfoods”? Are there some foods you should completely avoid? We’ll learn how to separate the fact from the fiction.

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

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 8, 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 December 7, 2021. 

Handouts: 

How I Can Reduce Blood Pressure

The Salty Six

What is High Blood Pressure? 

Step onto a paddle wheeler and travel along one of Europe’s storied rivers. We will float between two of the continent’s most interesting cities, with major tours along the way. See, for example, where Luther posted his 95 Theses, the restored beauties of Dresden, in addition to the fascinating capitals of Germany and the Czech Republic.

Instructor: Claude Welch, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus Department of Political Science, University of Buffalo

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on December 2, 2021. 

Eating a diet high in fiber is a big step toward improving your health - but most Americans don't consume the recommended 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day. Join us as we discuss how you can add more fiber to your diet and pick up some healthy recipes too.

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

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 30, 2021. 

Tonawanda Coke was in operation in Western NY for over 100 years. Learn more about the coking process, the corporation’s conviction under the Clean Air Act, the investigations of the Tonawanda Coke Soil Study and the Environmental Health Study for WNY into the impact of its operation, and the ongoing remediation of the Tonawanda Coke property being done by the EPA and NYS-DEC.

Instructor: Tammy Milillo, PhD, Research Scientist Health Study for WNY, Dept. of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Research Assistant Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, University at Buffalo

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 17, 2021. 

Did you know that Buffalo is home to more than a dozen urban farms and 100+ community gardens? Collectively, they have transformed more than 10 acres of vacant spaces into beautiful, bountiful spaces that feed their neighbors. In this class we’ll highlight the numerous social, economic, and ecosystem services that urban agriculture provides for our City. We’ll learn about the unique challenges that come with growing in urban environments – land access, soil quality, zoning and policies. Along the way we’ll cover key organizations that you can connect with to get started with community growing, school gardens, or establishing your own urban farm.

Instructors: Caitlin Tucker, Extension Assistant, Cornell Cooperative Extension – Cornell Vegetable Program; Allison DeHonney, CEO, Urban Fruits and Veggies LLC; Matt Kauffman, Farm Manager, 5 Loaves Farm; Tim Chen, Program Manager, Grassroots Gardens Western New York

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 10, 2021. 

The presentation is for people living with COPD and their significant others. We’ll review treatment and medication options, daily self-care tips, warning signs and when to call your doctor.

Instructor: Suzanne Stoklosa, MSN, ANP-BC

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 9th, 2021. 

We’ll discuss the muscles and bones that keep you upright. You’ll learn the importance of good posture and some tips to help you achieve it.

Instructor: Jeannethe King, PT, DPT, ATC, Excelsior Orthopaedics

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on November 4, 2021.

Click here to access the PowerPoint presentation.  

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 October 26, 2021. 

Did you know that Buffalo is home to more than a dozen urban farms and 100+ community gardens? Collectively, they have transformed more than 10 acres of vacant spaces into beautiful, bountiful spaces that feed their neighbors. In this class we’ll highlight the numerous social, economic, and ecosystem services that urban agriculture provides for our City. We’ll learn about the unique challenges that come with growing in urban environments – land access, soil quality, zoning and policies. Along the way we’ll cover key organizations that you can connect with to get started with community growing, school gardens, or establishing your own urban farm.

Instructor: Caitlin Tucker, Extension Assistant, Cornell Cooperative Extension – Cornell Vegetable Program

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 28, 2021. 

Nelson Mandela lived one of the most remarkable lives of the 20th Century. Discover how Mandela went from prison cell to presidential office.

Instructor: Claude Welch, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus Department of Political Science, University of Buffalo

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

We’ll learn why Vitamin D is necessary for our bodies and ways to increase our levels.

Instructor: Darcie Hanson, R.N., clinical coach, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 20, 2021. 

Find out about the federal, state, and local benefits for which veterans, current service members, and their families may be eligible.

Instructor: Daniel Ratka, Veterans Service officer, Erie County Veterans Service Agency

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 18, 2021. 

Supporting children as they grieve is instrumental to their understanding of life and relationships. Join us in exploring how grief looks different for children, how to approach difficult conversations, and how to support them during such confusing times. Practical strategies and useful resources will be available.

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

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 14, 2021. 

Join AAA Travel experts to learn about current travel trends, safety information, and day trip locations where you can peep the beautiful fall foliage. Get the latest travel information in this informative session.

Instructors: Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications; Kevin Bloom, Senior Travel Advisor, AAA Western and Central New York

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 13, 2021. 

Learn about the transportation options available for older adults in Erie County. We’ll discuss eligibility, registration, and scheduling.

Instructor: Scott Freudenheim, Principal Dispatcher, Erie County Department of Senior Services

*This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on October 7, 2021. 

5 times in our history a candidate for the Presidency won the popular vote but lost the Presidency because of the electoral college. This class will look at the compromise the founding fathers reached that resulted in the creation of the electoral college. Then we will consider if this system is still needed and relevant. Instructor: Len Lenihan, Political Analyst; former community and political leader *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 16, 2021. 

Historically close relations with the Middle Eastern countries have impacted the foreign policy of all countries belonging to South Asia with great economic impact on the whole world. Instructor: Faizan Haq, communication department faculty, Buffalo State College; founding president, Western New York Muslims *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 15, 2021. 

Examine the crime unit from its formation in Sicily, its emergence in Western New York, to its demise as the 20th century came to a close. Instructor: Lee Coppola, retired journalist, assistant US attorney, academic dean *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 16, 2021. 

Learn how Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center brings the soothing impact of art, music, and storytelling to patients and visitors. Instructors: Cynthia Schwartz, Director, Alliance Foundation Ambassador Program and William Vogel, Roswell Park Art Coordinator This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 14, 2021. 

We'll discuss the role of food in patient care and identify certain foods that can help in building immune systems and managing weight. Instructor: Riffat Sadiq, MD, president and CEO of WNY Medical, PC *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 15, 2021. 

Hear the advantages of physical therapy and how just a few sessions can lessen your pain and improve your quality of life. Instructor: Jeannethe King, PT, DPT, ATC, Excelsior Orthopaedics *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 13, 2021. 

Join for a tour of the Native American Gallery at the Buffalo History Museum. Instructor: Patrick F. Ryan, Education Coordinator, The Buffalo History Museum *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 9, 2021. 

Compare the origin of the modern roundabout with its predecessor, the traffic circle. Instructor: Ken Kuminski, licensed professional engineer *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 12, 2021. 

Belief in hidden forces plotting to subvert our way of life is universal and probably has its roots in the evolution of human sociality. 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 July 13, 2021. 

Join the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum for a brief history of the four North Tonawanda Amusement Companies, their products, and the legacy they left behind. Also included is the relationship between the Wurlitzer Company and the four amusement companies. The class concludes with how the museum preserves North Tonawanda's amusement history today. Instructor: Ian K. Seppala, Director, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 8, 2021. 

The Parkinson's Foundation has been addressing the needs of those affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) since 1957. Learn about the organization's research initiatives, ways we have improved care and what educational resources are available. PD is a chronic, progressive disease for which, as yet, there is no cure. The Foundation works to address the needs of those with the disease, their care partners, and loved ones who are all affected by a diagnosis. Instructor: Chris Jamele, Development Director, New York and New Jersey Chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 8, 2021. 

Have you ever wondered how that street got its name? In Part Four of Discovering Buffalo One Street at a Time, we'll continue to learn more about the people behind the names of Buffalo's streets. Meet the man who founded Juneteenth, the man with the oldest home in Parkside, the lady who dared to build her own home, and more! Instructor: Angela M. Keppel, AICP, project planner, Buffalo Place *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 7, 2021. 

Join Shakespeare in Delaware Park for another look behind the curtain! SDP Community Outreach Coordinator Grace Aroune chats with local Western New York actors as they discuss how they break down Shakespeare's text, dive into a script, and bring the Bard to life onstage each summer on Shakespeare Hill. Panel discussion to be followed by audience Q&A. *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 6, 2021. 

Have you ever been watching a hockey game and wonder why the referee is blowing the whistle? Or why players are going to the penalty box? If so and you want to learn more about the wonderful game, join me for Hockey 101. We will include hockey history, rules and we will even add in some fun facts about the Stanley Cup. Instructor: Julie Ruszala, Fitness Trainer / Media Specialist, Erie County Department of Senior Services *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 6, 2021. 

This talk will focus on key female figures in the early history of Lily Dale, their contributions to the early modern spiritualist community, and the characters they inspired in the "Orphans and Inmates" series. Instructor: Rosanne Higgins, author; adjunct professor of Anthropology, SUNY Buffalo *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 2, 2021.

These days, your computer isn't the only thing connected to the internet. Everything from phones to refrigerators to thermostats to cars are online. With so much of your personal information online, and with so much of your behavior is constantly being recorded, what's the best way to ensure privacy and security of your personal data? Instructor: Chuck Banas, Erie County, Web Services Technical Liaison *This is a recording of the live streaming session that took place on July 1, 2021.