West Side Community Services offers a wide variety of programming for older adults under the umbrella of “West Side Seniors.” All programs listed below take place at West Side Community Services (161 Vermont Street) unless stated otherwise.
Current Schedule
Bi-weekly get-together
Wednesdays and Fridays – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
West Side Seniors bi-weekly program includes coffee and conversation, bingo, and lunch. Van transportation is provided for those who live on the West Side. You must call in advance to be added to the van service.
Yoga with Candace
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.
Wednesdays – 9:15-10:30 a.m. (mat yoga)
Wednesdays – 10:45-11:45 a.m. (seated and standing yoga)
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 (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.
Friday, October 20 – The Brainstormers (Power Up)
We are a group of “seasoned” actors who have been performing voluntarily for seniors in Western NY for nearly two decades. We perform various short skits of 20-30 minutes dealing with issues within the senior community. The skit is followed by a Q&A session.
“Power Up” synopsis: Living in a retirement community named Sunful Acres, Bruce Wayne (aka Batman), Clark Kent (aka Superman), and Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) try to figure out what’s happened to their superpowers and how to live without them.
Instructor: Philip Knoerzer, artistic coordinator for The Brainstormers
Friday, October 27 – Western New York Firsts (and a couple of seconds)
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
Friday, November 17 – Cooking with the Commish – Holiday Style!
Join our favorite commissioner—Senior Services’ own Angela Marinucci—as she shares some of her favorite holiday recipes that will have all your guests asking for seconds. She will even bring some samples to share. This is one class you won’t want to miss! * Feel free to bring your own holiday recipe to share.
Instructor: Angela Marinucci, Esq., commissioner, Erie County Department of Senior Services
Wednesday, November 22 – Explore Buffalo presents Kleinhans Music Hall
Get an in-depth look at Buffalo’s world-famous music hall! Learn about Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark designed by renowned architects Eliel & Eero Saarinen, with assistance from designer Charles Eames. It is a modern masterpiece, home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for more than 75 years.
Instructor: Explore Buffalo
Friday, December 1 – On the Horizon in Buffalo & Erie County
We’ve been energizing the entire city by restoring our historic architecture, expanding our cultural attractions, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and diversifying our culinary scene. And when it comes to sports, Buffalo’s got a serious game! There’s never been a better time to see Buffalo. Join us to learn more!
Instructor: Patrick Kaler, president & CEO, Visit Buffalo Niagara, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, and the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission
Wednesday, December 6 – Balance is Key: A Guide to Fall Prevention
Learn ways to help prevent yourself from falling with these tips and tricks!
Instructor: Eric Weisansal, health and wellness coordinator with Erie County Department of Senior Services
Wednesday, December 20 – Influential Buffalo Women
A review of historic and influential women from Buffalo and WNY who influenced area society and culture, while working in education, law, social welfare, entertainment, business, manufacturing, and philanthropy from the early 1800s until current day.
Instructor: Rick Falkowski, author, lecturer, founder of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and coordinator of Tonawanda Gateway Harbor Concerts & Events
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. You can meet us there or request to be picked up by the van service.
2023-2024 Saturday Academies
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023: Turkey Buzz (includes annual Thanksgiving turkey and food package giveaway)
Saturday, December 16, 2023
NO SATURDAY ACADEMY IN JANUARY
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Income Assistance
We offer one-on-one assistance with social service issues, such as HEAP, SNAP, and STAR applications, Medicare and Medicaid recertification, and other needs. Simply call us to make an appointment!
