Recorded Classes

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.

"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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click here for the class handout.

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.

Click here for the class handout.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click here for the list of exercises.

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.

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.

Click here for the class handout.

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.

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.

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.

Click here for the presentation slides.

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.

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.

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.

Click here for the Healthy Eating Guidelines handout.

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.

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.

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

"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

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.

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.

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.

Click here for the bibliography.