West Side Community Services offers a wide variety of programming for older adults under the umbrella of “West Side Seniors.” Programs meet at several locations throughout the City of Buffalo.

 

Weekly Schedule

Weekdays – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Coffee and toast is provided each morning. A hot lunch is offered every weekday through the Erie County Department of Senior Services’ Stay Fit Dining Program. To register for the lunch program, please contact our older adult programs manager, Aileen Gonzalez-Marti, at 716-884-6616 x101.

 

*NEW* West Side Seniors is at Santa Maria Towers (255 Connecticut Street, Buffalo, NY 14213) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays! Only registered members of our program and residents of the Towers may attend. Please contact us to register.

 

Mondays – Bingo, puzzles, and seasonal arts and crafts at Santa Maria Towers

Tuesdays – Bingo, puzzles, and cognitive exercises at Santa Maria Towers; creative writing at Baptist Manor (details below)

Wednesdays – Bingo, puzzles, mobility exercises, and yoga (details below) at West Side Community Services

Thursdays – Bingo, puzzles, and seasonal arts and crafts at Santa Maria Towers

Fridays – Bingo, puzzles, and mobility exercises at West Side Community Services

 

At this time, we are not able to provide transportation.

Yoga with Candace at West Side Community Services

Wednesdays – 9:15-10:30 a.m. (mat yoga)

Wednesdays – 10:45-11:45 a.m. (seated and standing yoga)

Yoga classes are open to all adults. Drop in if you would like to try a class, no pre-registration necessary. Yoga with Candace is pay-what-you-can. To make a payment, please see yoga instructor Candace Caprow during class.

 

The Scribblers Creative Writing Group at Baptist Manor

Tuesdays – 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Baptist Manor (276 Linwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209)

The Scribblers is a weekly creative writing group for seniors that is open to the public. Attendees work on and share all kinds of writing projects, including poetry, novels, short stories, memoirs, and more. Lunch is provided at each meeting.

 

Upcoming Special Events & Programs

In addition to our weekly programs, West Side Seniors also hosts guest lectures, holiday parties, and other special activities.

 

University Express classes at West Side Community Services (please call to register)

University Express classes are offered through Erie County Senior Services. All classes start at 10:30 a.m. and include lunch (optional). You must be registered at least 48 hours in advance to sign up for the accompanying lunch.

To register for a University Express class, please call Aileen Gonzalez-Marti at 716-884-6616 x101.

Spanish 101 - Friday, June 14 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Esmeralda Sierra, Vice President of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc.
Here we’ll learn the basic fundamentals of the Spanish language. This will include basic greetings in Spanish, greeting others, and introducing yourself so you can be prepared for everyday interactions and travel!
Mindfulness - Wednesday, June 26 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Betsy Vazquez-Aradio, Public Health Educator at the Erie County Department of Health
Want to learn about mindfulness but don’t know where to start? This program will teach you what it means to be mindful, the purpose and benefits of mindfulness, and how to incorporate this practice into your daily routine. You will also participate in several mindful relaxation exercises.
The Brainstormers present: Spirits of Aging - Wednesday, July 10 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Betty Accordino and the Brainstormers Acting Group
The Brainstormers are a group of “seasoned” actors who volunteer their time and talent in creating and performing well-rehearsed staged readings of vignettes that dramatize issues of concern for older adults and a variety of moral dilemmas.
Immediately after each staged reading, the actors engage audience members in a discussion of the issue or dilemma dramatized in a way that encourages them to share their thinking with each other.
“Spirits of Aging” vignette synopsis: A woman is visited by Five Spirits: Acceptance, Gratitude, Imagination, Now, and Growth.
A Puerto Rican Cooking Fiesta! - Wednesday, July 17 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. - CLASS FULL (call to join waiting list)
Instructor: NYS Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera and his mother, Esther Rivera
Embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant culinary traditions of Puerto Rico in a cooking class led by a dynamic duo—Assemblymember Rivera and his beloved mom, Esther Rivera! With hands-on guidance and heartwarming anecdotes, you will be transported to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, to learn the soulful essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. Get ready to savor the spices, sizzle with excitement, and create unforgettable recipes in this delicious celebration of food, family, and culture. ¡Buen provecho!

Saturday Academies at PS 30 (21 Lowell Pl, Buffalo 14213)

During the school year, join us at PS 30’s Saturday Academies for bingo and other activities! Each event runs from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

The 2023-2024 Saturday Academy schedule has concluded. Please check back in the fall for the 2024-2025 calendar.