Lifelong Learning
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS
May 13, 2026 - Creating to Cope - Instructor Jean Serusa
As we did during the Pandemic and others have done in the past, creating ART provides a functional way to distract, relax or interpret the moment. A variety of ideas, techniques, and practical skills will release the ART PART of your brain and add a diversion in the days ahead! Our hour will give you a springboard towards that GOAL. Bring along your own recycled supplies or use what you find on our table. (Class size 25 Maximum). Time 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
May 20, 2026 - Sunsets and Silhouettes - Instructor Jean Serusa
In this 1.5 hr. 'Hands-on' class, anyone with an interest in LIGHT and SHADOWS will enjoy dipping a paintbrush or cutting black shapes to create a realistic or abstract composition or photograph using the concept of silhouettes. Historic images and references will be included for your full ART APPRECIATION experience! Art supplies list per request. (Class size 25 Maximum). Time 1:00 pm.m to 2:30 p.m.
May 27, 2026 - Let’s Paint with Watercolors - Instructor - Cindy Solly
Cindy took some watercolor lessons and found that watercolor is a fun and calming outlet for creativity. When asked if anyone wants to try art, they usually respond that they can't draw stick people. But you don't need to be a professional artist to try your hand at art. The classes Cindy has had in the past provided seniors with a sketch, direction, and Watercolor supplies. Time to try something new. Cindy will give you a supply list so you can get your own supplies and continue to paint on your own. Paint the flowers in your garden, paint a beautiful landscape, paint from your vacation photos. You can be artistic, you just need to try. (Class size 20 Maximum). Time 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Jun 3, 2026 - Easy International Dishes - Instructor Robb Poloncarz
Cooking international dishes is easy! Each site will have the opportunity to pick an item from a selected menu that the Bucket Hat Chef will demo. (Class size 24 Maximum). Time 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Jun 10, 2026 - Writing a Eulogy - Instructor Jim Banko
A hands-on class illustrating techniques for writing a eulogy. Time 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Jun 17, 2026 - Brain Games - Instructor Theresa Wiater
Enjoy an hour of fun games to challenge your brain and learn some strategies to think in a different way. (Class size 20 Maximum). Time 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Jun 24, 2026 - HELP! The Grands are Coming - Instructor - Marsha Mis
What Art can I do with my grandson that's cool;but not messy or expensive. This is a Hands-on and Demo class to teach you projects that are fun and frugal you can do with Elementary and Middle school age kids. No Slime! (Class size 15 Maximum). Time 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Jul 8, 2026 Hands-Only CPR & Stop the Bleed - Instructor Sara Hopseker
Hands-Only CPR - This class will teach you the skills needed to perform hands-only CPR on adults and infants. This is not a certificate course, but you will leave knowing that you can save a life. (Class size 30 Maximum). Time 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stop the Bleed - Stop the Bleed is a grassroots national awareness campaign that trains and encourages bystanders to become equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. In life, you are more likely to use “Stop the Bleed” skills than CPR skills. Come learn how to save a life! (Class size 30 Maximum). Time 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
FRIDAY LUNCH & LEARNS
May 1, 2026 - The Hat as Art- Instructor Jean Serusa
Fascinators, turbans, Stetsons, Fedoras...let's look at the complex world of head coverings from practical to fashion design. Can you identify a Hollywood role by the hat? Do you know a politician with 'lucky' hats? Which bird species went almost EXTINCT over demand for feathery toppers? Come join us and WEAR YOUR FAVORITE HAT to tell your story! Time 11:45 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
May 8, 2026 - An Introduction to Understanding Energy - Instructor Jenifer Stanek
Energy is fundamental to everything we experience. It's why our bodies need food, what we must expend to lose weight, what we feel when we walk into a room, what we sense when no one says a word. Energy is the essence of our being. We will explore the questions: What is energy? Can we see energy? How do I know if I'm seeing energy? Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
May 15, 2026 - My City Smells Like Cheerios -The History of Cereal - Instructor Cherly McDonald
On a warm, breezy summer day, that sweet aroma wafting over the city will tell you they're making Cheerios. But why here in Buffalo? And how did breakfast become a thing, what is the connection to health sanitariums? Hear the story of how Cheerios came to be made in Buffalo and how dry, ready to eat cereal right out of the box began in central New York, and even cereal's connection to Mar-a-Lago! Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
May 22, 2026 - Superstitions and Magical Thinking - Instructor Phil Stevens
Most superstitions are examples of basic patterns of thinking, which postulate mystical interconnections and causations in nature. In this talk, such patterns of thinking are explored, shown to be based on six distinct principles, and explained with reference to a number of different superstitions collected by Dr. Stevens – and provided by the audience (bring along your favorites!). Such principles are universal, found in all cultures and periods of history and prehistory, which suggests that they represent fundamental ways the brain works. Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
May 29, 2026 - Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be - Instructor Jenifer Stanek
Learn the principles necessary to maximize your efforts to achieve what you desire. Come with a goal(s) in mind. This class will walk you through creating a vision of your future self, developing a road map for your journey, and scheduling checkpoints. Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jun 26, 2026 - 7 Key Decisions for Seniors for “Rightsizing” - Instructor Michael Olear
This session will simplify this process by breaking down this significant life challenge into seven more manageable pieces. Decision making -how to know when it’s time to go/what do I need to be concerned about/how do I organize my ideas? Personal property - donate/sell/give to family? Financial and legal - who to talk to/what to talk about? Timeline for moving - what is this and how does it work best? What about repairs and municipal requirements - can I sell “as is” or is it better to do some things? Areas of worry that frequently accompany real estate will be identified, and simple solutions will be presented. Participants will walk away with tools to successfully handle all aspects of this potentially thorny real-life problem. Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jul 10, 2026 - Therapy. Service, and Support: The Range of Man’s Best Friend - Instructor Kae Savar/Marian Wojick
Many wonder what the difference is between a therapy, support, or service animal; some think they're all the same. This class discusses the differences between the three areas, what training and requirements look like, and the benefits of animal companionship. Disclaimer: presentation may contain dogs. Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jul 17, 2026 - Aging Gracefully 1 - Mind & Body - Instructor Pilar Sanchez
Little things that I do day in day out to keep me healthy and full of energy. Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.