Lew-Port Community Education opens Feb. 14

Winter-spring program features 125 class programs

√ Lew-Port: Community education includes programs for both teens and parents

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

As we move along into 2022, good things continue to happen throughout the River Region and beyond. We are moving ahead on COVID-19, the masks are off (hopefully for good), and a number of neat things are on the horizon – the approach of spring, the thoughts of nicer weather, and a whole slew of exciting things to look forward to this summer.

Lewiston-Porter has some good news – right now. Its much-anticipated community education program returns Tuesday, Feb. 14, with expanded course offerings and programs to suit just about every taste. What’s more, community education’s return to in-person classes on the Lew-Port campus continues to grow.

“This fall, we were able to return to in-person classes, and we were beyond pleased with the response and support,” said Paul Casseri, Lewiston-Porter superintendent. “Community support for the Lewiston-Porter Community Education has grown significantly. We are excited to be fully back with face-to-face classes. We will look to grow our program even further over the next few years.”

Coordinator Anita Muzzi reports the winter-spring community education catalog is jam-packed with 125 class sessions to choose from. Topics run the gamut from exercise to health and wellness; music, arts and crafts; certification courses; college prep; cooking; finance; gardening; learning and leisure programs, tech and more.

She credits the program’s growth to the popularity of Lew-Port’s offerings – available to county residents beyond Lew-Port’s borders and with appeal to literally all interests.

“After going through online-only classes due to COVID-19 last spring, our fall program rebounded stronger than ever, surpassing our expectations,” Muzzi said. “It was apparent that the community was ready to participate in fun educational classes once again. It was heartwarming to see classes sellout multiple times over.

Of the 125 programs listed, 71 of are classes offered for both teens and parents. What’s more, there are more than 50 new class topics this semester with such interests as sewing, an exploring beyond series, face yoga, and homesteading.

Of particular interest is Lew-Port’s offering of 21 classes that school-aged children can take with their parents. Among the “what’s new for spring” programs, there’s one that’s called “Munchkins, Music and Me.”

“This class is a specially designed music program for children 6 months to 2 years,” Muzzi said. “We are also hosting a ‘Snow Sisters Frozen Fun,’ one-day interactive event where each child (aged 3 and up), parent or guardian will meet their favorite Snow Sisters and have an opportunity to take photos. The Snow Sisters will lead the guests in singing, dancing, games and story time.”

Muzzi said much of the course scheduling in the winter/spring program is purposely tailored for the convenience of residents.

“New to our program are ‘Early Bird’ classes,” she said. “They’re specifically designed for those who have their daytime hours free and would like to get their day off to a great start.”

Speaking of getting things in order, Muzzi pointed to a number of helpful financial programs offered – all intended to better steer residents in their dealing of oftentimes-difficult challenges. “We continue to offer a wide selection of free financial classes to the community. These classes include estate planning, Medicare, and personal finance just to name a few.”

Muzzi noted many of these programs continue to be taught by “the experts” in their field – a feature that makes Lew-Port’s community education offerings stand out in the area.

“As in years past, the district has partnered with local businesses that have opened their doors and expertise to us. The Brickyard Brewing Company is one such business,” Muzzi said. “The smoking class they provide is second to none. Where else would you get a morning with their pit master going over the basics and then some?

“Partnerships like these are a win-win for the community and the district.

“Our program has been building over the years into one of WNY’s largest community education programs. We have opened our doors to the entire region. This has allowed us to attract instructors from all over WNY, thus giving us the ability to offer unique class topics to the community.”

Muzzi said the door remains open for more community interest in the future. “We are currently recruiting instructors for our fall 2022 session.”

Hobbyists, instructors and experts in their field can contact Muzzi at [email protected] for more information on becoming part of the team.

In the meantime, she invites residents to check out the vast number of program listings and explore community education this semester. To view or register for course offerings, visit lew-port.coursestorm.com.

“If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 286-7265,” Muzzi said.