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.

 

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.

Mondays – Bingo, puzzles, and seasonal arts and crafts

Tuesdays – Bingo, puzzles, cognitive exercises, tai chi (details below), and creative writing (details below)

Wednesdays – Bingo, puzzles, mobility exercises, and yoga (details below)

Thursdays – Bingo, puzzles, seasonal arts and crafts, and tai chi (details below)

Fridays – Bingo, puzzles, and mobility exercises

 

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

 

Yoga with Candace

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.

 

Community Tai Chi

Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practiced primarily for its health benefits.  Featuring slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation.

The tai chi group is open to all adults and is free. Drop in if you would like to practice with the group, no pre-registration necessary.

This is a community group of tai chi practitioners who like to practice together. There is no instructor, but group members are happy to help guide new members. In nice weather, the group usually meets at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park.

 

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 (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.

Instacart - Friday, May 17 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Brendan Chella, librarian for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library system
Have you ever wanted to learn how to grocery shop on your phone while watching television? We have the class for you! This class will teach you how to set up Instacart on your device and also how to use the app. Please allow two hours for this class.
Easy Acrylic Painting - Friday, June 7 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Lisa Saunders, senior account clerk for Erie County Department of Senior Services
Unleash your creativity and embark on a colorful journey! This class provides a fun and accessible introduction to the versatile medium of acrylics. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore a new hobby, or simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art, this class is designed for you. No prior painting experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll provide the rest.
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.
Cooking with Mom, Puerto Rican Style! - Wednesday, July 17 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: NYS Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera
Information on this class is coming soon.

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.

 

2023-2024 Saturday Academies

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Saturday, May 18, 2024