AAR RUI University Catalog

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LIFELONG LEARNING

#BackToSchoolWithRUIU

Dear Residents, Family, and Guests,

Welcome to #BackToSchoolWithRUIU at RUI University! As we step into the crisp and colorful season of fall, we are excited to share a new lineup of lifelong learning classes and festive monthly events designed to inspire curiosity, celebrate traditions, and foster community connections. This fall, RUI University is focused on embracing knowledge, culture, and togetherness.

Interactive Fall Classes:

Discover hands-on courses and engaging discussions that make learning exciting and relevant From history and cultural exploration to creative workshops, our fall classes are designed to spark joy while encouraging connection among residents, families, and friends.

Monthly Events to Look Forward To:

September – National Assisted Living Week: Join us as we celebrate this special week honoring the vibrant lives of our residents Expect a variety of themed events, social gatherings, and opportunities to share stories that highlight the spirit of community.

October – Sports History Film Festival: Step back in time through the lens of sports history. We’ll feature classic films and documentaries that showcase legendary athletes, pivotal moments, and the cultural impact of sports throughout history

November – Día de los Muertos Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop: Celebrate the traditions of Día de los Muertos with a hands-on workshop where participants can design and decorate sugar skulls. This colorful cultural experience honors heritage, remembrance, and creativity.

We warmly encourage all residents, family members, and guests to join in these events and classes. Whether you are looking to learn something new, connect with others, or celebrate the season in meaningful ways, #BackToSchoolWithRUIU at RUI University offers something for everyone.

FINE ARTS

Art from Ancient Greece and Rome

September 24 at 10:45 AM

In this lecture you may expect to see a fine array of artwork from the pre-Christian era: marble sculptures of gods and goddesses, busts of emperors and warriors, intricately decorated mosaic panels, and fantastic examples of architecture that have survived for millennia.

Women at Work

October 22 at 10:45 AM

Let’s trace the professions of women in art over time Art work shows a range of livelihoods from peasant women working as farm hands and midwives to poets, writers, suffragettes, and policy makers.

Food in French Art

November 26 at 10:45 AM

Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving by looking at Food in French Art. In this lecture we look at food in French art starting with the source of food: animals, birds, fish and seafood. We will also see Still life paintings from the oeuvres of Chardin, Manet, Fantin-Latour, Monet, Renoir, and Vallotton Finally, we will see paintings dealing with prepared food on the table, either at home or at fine-dining establishments

Roshna Kapadia has a BA from Tufts University, an MA in South Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MA in Art History from George Mason University. She has lived in the Washington DC area for 25 years.

FINE ARTS

Nightingales Practice

September 13, October 25, November 29 at 10:30 AM

Join professional vocalist Dianna Povolotskaya for an uplifting and engaging beginner choir experience! Designed for all skill levels, this class focuses on building vocal confidence, improving technique, and exploring the joy of group singing With expert guidance, participants will learn warm-ups, breathing exercises, and harmonization while singing a variety of songs in a supportive and fun environment No prior experience is needed just bring your enthusiasm and love for music!

Diana Povolotskaya grew up in Moscow, Russia where she learned to be a professional classical singer Diana traveled the world, singing in many countries, including South America, China and Japan In 1992 Diana immigrated to the United States with her parents where she continued her career as professional classical singer. After living 20 years in Tucson, Arizona where Diana raised her three children, she and her husband George Hanson moved to Virginia in 2019. Diana is a very passionate artists and loves working with the seniors. “Music is a very powerful tool It’s so good for the memory, heart and soul Making music together brings so much love, smiles and joy!

Watercolor for Beginners

September 4, October 2, November 6 at 2:00 PM

Join professional artist Marni Maree for a beginner-friendly watercolor class! Learn essential techniques like color mixing, brush control, and layering while gaining confidence in your creativity. No experience needed just bring your enthusiasm!

Marni Maree, a Strauss Fellowship recipient for Visual Arts, creates vibrant watercolors inspired by flowers, travel, and the joyful spirit of Haitian children She teaches workshops worldwide, exhibits regularly, and has earned numerous awards. A member of Potomac Valley Watercolorists, Marni lives in Springfield, VA, with her husband, Ron.

HISTORY ALIVE

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

September 25 at 10:30 AM

Step back in time with dynamic portrayals of trailblazing women who shaped history. Through powerful storytelling and audience participation, these programs bring to life the courage, wit, and determination of extraordinary figures whose legacies still inspire us today. Elizabeth Cady Stanton – Journey into the fight for equality with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a witty and determined leader of the Women’s Rights Movement. Balancing family life with tireless advocacy, Stanton’s powerful words and bold vision for change helped shape the suffrage movement and secure lasting reforms for women’s rights in America.

Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low

October 10 at 10:30 AM

Step back in time with dynamic portrayals of trailblazing women who shaped history. Through powerful storytelling and audience participation, these programs bring to life the courage, wit, and determination of extraordinary figures whose legacies still inspire us today. Juliette Gordon Low – Meet Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the spirited founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. From her Southern roots to world travels, Juliette’s dream was to empower young women through leadership and creativity. Her lively story highlights the movement that continues to inspire girls worldwide. Interactive moments invite the audience to share in her vision

HISTORY ALIVE

Margaret Brent

November 14 at 10:30 AM

Step back in time with dynamic portrayals of trailblazing women who shaped history. Through powerful storytelling and audience participation, these programs bring to life the courage, wit, and determination of extraordinary figures whose legacies still inspire us today. Margaret Brent – In 1638, British Catholic Margaret Brent fled persecution and arrived in Maryland, the first colony founded on religious freedom. She became the first woman in America to own land, serve as a lawyer, and demand the right to vote. Through her vivid storytelling, Brent recounts her struggles and triumphs in the wilderness. Audience members join the action as settlers, Governor Calvert, and local tribes

Mary Ann Jung is an award-winning actress and Smithsonian scholar. You have probably already seen this performer, scholar, writer, and director, but not in modern clothing! Ms Jung researches and writes her own scripts, and performs in the authentic costumes, accents, and attitudes for her characters’ eras. Mary Ann has appeared on CNN, the Today Show, Good Morning America, and in newspapers around the world as famous women from history. She has been a lead actress and Director of Renaissance History and Shakespearean Language at the Maryland Renaissance Festival for over 30 years She performed as queen and was a Director with the Florida Renaissance Festival from 1994-2006. She was Director of Street Theater and Family Performances for ArtScape (the USA's largest arts festival) for ten years; in 1998 Mary Ann was awarded a citation from the Mayor of Baltimore for her work at that event.

HISTORY

Strange Stories of Familiar Monuments

September 22, October 13, November 24 at 10:30 AM

We look at the Statue of Liberty and the monuments on the National Mall in Washington and they seem to be part of our nation’s history However, the story behind some of these monuments shows how difficult they were to erect and how controversial they once were.

1. Washington Monument

2. Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

3. Why the Statue of Liberty was Supposed to be in Egypt

Dr. James Baer is an emeritus professor of history at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College He received his Ph D in Latin American History from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey He was awarded a Fellowship for College Teachers from the National Endowment for the Humanities and served as the Virginia Chancellor’s Commonwealth Professor from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Baer is the author of several articles on Argentine social history and Cuban Protestants His book, Anarchist Immigrants in Spain and Argentina, is a transnational study of anarchists and their impact on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean Dr Baer’s latest book, A Social History of Cuba’s Protestants: God and the Nation, is published by Lexington Books.

Native American Animal Stories

September 15 at 10:30 AM

Step into the rich storytelling traditions of Native American cultures as we explore captivating animal tales passed down through generations These stories often hold lessons about nature, community, and respect for all living beings. Meet some of the animals featured in these legends and learn how they have inspired cultural beliefs and values.

Creepy Crawlies – Friend or Foe?

October 6 at 10:30 AM

What animals give you the chills? From spiders and snakes to bats and bugs, some creatures often get an undeserved bad reputation In this program, we’ll uncover the fascinating truth about these misunderstood animals, explore why they’ve been labeled as “scary,” and reveal how many of them play vital roles in our ecosystems.

Endangered & Threatened Species

November 6 at 10:30 AM

Discover the stories of animals from around the world that face challenges to their survival

Through our animal ambassadors, we’ll learn what it means for a species to be endangered or threatened, understand the human and environmental impacts that put them at risk, and discuss how conservation efforts are making a difference.

Echoes Of Nature (EON) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to environmental education to help people of all ages better understand, appreciate, and care for wildlife and the natural environment Through multisensory teaching techniques, EON aims to connect communities to nature and to give individuals of all ages the information and skills needed to become better stewards of natural resources

CURRENT EVENTS

Navigating the News

September 4, October 9, November 6 at 10:00 AM

In this interactive discussion, we dive into the overwhelming flood of information we face every day. It’s exhausting to stay up-to-date with the constant stream of news coming at us from all directions – whether it's through newspapers, television broadcasts, radio programs, online articles, or the endless flood of social media posts With so many different perspectives and sources, it can quickly feel like we’re being bombarded For many of us, it becomes incredibly difficult to sort through the noise and discern what’s truly important. With various biases, agendas, and agendas shaping the way information is presented, how do we filter through the noise and separate the wheat from the chaff? How can we confidently distinguish between what’s real, credible, and trustworthy, and what’s exaggerated, misleading, or outright false?

This conversation will provide an opportunity to explore these questions in-depth, and together we’ll work to develop strategies for identifying reliable sources of information and understanding how factors such as media bias and misinformation can shape our views. The discussion will be guided by the input and experiences of the participants, helping us build better media literacy in an increasingly complex world

Pam Benson spent more than 33 years of her four-decade journalism career as a producer at CNN. She was one of the network's original employees. While there, Pam produced a one-hour news show; ran news coverage for the entire DC bureau; reported from the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon; and traveled to more than 50 countries

CULINARY

Culinary Fusion: Blending Cultures

September 23 at 2:00 PM

Explore the creativity that emerges when culinary traditions from different parts of the world come together This class highlights dishes that blend flavors and techniques, such as Tex-Mex or Asian-inspired street foods, while examining the cultural history behind them. Participants will enjoy a live cooking demonstration that showcases how fusion cuisine celebrates diversity through food.

Comfort Foods & Their Stories

October 21 at 2:00 PM

Discover the rich cultural and personal histories behind some of the world’s most beloved comfort foods. This class dives into the traditions, memories, and meanings that make these dishes timeless favorites across generations. A cooking demo will bring one of these comforting classics to life, allowing participants to experience how food connects us to home and heritage

The Art of Tea and Coffee

November 25 at 2:00 PM

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tea and coffee, two of the most influential beverages in history. This class explores the origins, global traditions, and the artistry behind preparing them with care. A guided demonstration will showcase brewing techniques and flavor exploration, offering participants a sensory appreciation of these everyday rituals.

CULINARY

Harvest Time: Late Harvest and Dessert Wines

September 8 at 2:30 PM

Discover the artistry behind late harvest and dessert wines, from luscious ice wines to rich port-style selections This class explores the unique production methods that create their concentrated sweetness and depth of flavor Participants will enjoy guided tastings while learning about the traditions behind these indulgent wines.

The Dark Side: Unusual & Unique Varietals

October 13 at 2:30 PM

Step off the beaten path and explore lesser-known grape varietals that offer surprising aromas, textures, and stories This session introduces participants to wines that rarely appear on traditional menus, encouraging adventurous palates and conversation Learn how these unique wines are grown, crafted, and enjoyed around the world

Thankful of Tradition: Family-Owned Wineries

November 11 at 2:30 PM

Celebrate the legacy of family-owned wineries and the generations of dedication behind each bottle. In this class, participants will taste wines that reflect personal history, heritage, and the values of small-scale winemaking. Through stories and tastings, discover how tradition and passion shape the character of these remarkable wines

HEALTH

World Alzheimer’s Day

September 15 at 2:30 PM

This class raises awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, exploring its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Participants will learn about current research, risk factors, and ways lifestyle choices can support brain health. The session encourages open discussion and shared experiences, fostering knowledge, connection, and empowerment

Aging & Sarcopenia- Move it or Lose it

October 20 at 2:30 PM

Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, is a common but often overlooked part of aging In this class, participants will discover how strength, balance, and movement can slow its progression and improve quality of life. Practical strategies and exercises will be discussed, offering tools to stay active, strong, and independent.

Osteoporosis

November 17 at 2:30 PM

This class explores osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures as we age Participants will gain a clear understanding of risk factors, prevention, and treatment options The discussion will also highlight everyday strategies to protect bone health and maintain mobility and independence.

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