LIFELONG LEARNING
#NotYourAvergeSummerSchool
Dear Residents, Family, and Guests,
Welcome to the #NotYourAverageSummerSchool at RUI University! As we step into the vibrant season of summer, we are excited to offer a range of interactive classes and engaging monthly events that will make this summer one to remember This summer, RUI University is focused on blending fun, learning, and community connection. This summer, we’re offering:
Interactive Summer Classes: Dive into unique, hands-on courses that blend education with creativity. From culinary classes to outdoor fitness challenges, these interactive sessions are designed to ignite your passion for learning while fostering a sense of community
Monthly Events to Look Forward To:
June - Juneteenth Outing: Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth with a special outing to a local Black-owned restaurant. This is an opportunity to experience the culture, history, and delicious flavors that shape our shared heritage
July - History of Ice Cream: Cool off this summer with a deliciously sweet history lesson on the origins of ice cream. Taste different varieties, learn about its cultural significance, and explore the evolution of everyone’s favorite summer treat!
August - Bistro Trivia Tournament: Get your trivia hats on and join us for the Bistro Trivia Tournament! Test your knowledge, enjoy great food, and compete for exciting prizes in this lively and fun-filled event
We encourage all residents, family members, and guests to take part in these exciting activities. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, connect with others, or simply enjoy something new and exciting, #NotYourAverageSummerSchool at RUI University is designed to offer something for everyone
FINE ARTS
Music in the Arts
June 25 at 10:45 AM
Musicians served gods and kings, and since music sets the atmosphere for romance, musicians and musical instruments are often seen in paintings. Let’s explore the history of musical instruments through paintings. So many we know today are descended of musical instruments as recorded pictorially in the past Wherever possible, images from the Met Museum’s Musical Instruments collection, will be included, so you can expect to see pictures of precious stringed instruments and the world’s oldest surviving piano
American Art in the Wild West
July 23 at 10:45 AM
Americans on the prairie and plain See action-packed paintings by George Caitlin, Charles Marion Russell, and others in glorious scenes against the backdrop of mountain and pain
Wife, Mistress, Model, Muse
August 27 at 10:45 AM
Wealthy patrons commissioning portraits of their fiancees or wives in the Renaissance era was a standard request. However, patrons often also requested artists to paint their secret lovers. This presentation explores patron/painter-and-subject relationships, sometimes revealing surprising connections
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.
Visual Learning Lab
Road Scholar - June 12 at 2:00 PM , July 21, August 25 at 1:00 PM
Learn from Road Scholar’s expert instructors around the world as they discuss fascinating topics like art history, world cultures, archaeology, geology and more!
FINE ARTS
Photography 101
June 7, July 9, August 13 at 10:30 AM
Embark on a journey through the captivating history and technological advancements of photography, while exploring its diverse applications in art, journalism, advertising, and beyond. Delve into the evolution of photographic techniques and the nuanced roles they play in shaping visual narratives and commercial endeavors.
Tim Trueheart is a visual and performing artist and educator Tim makes mixed media drawings, paintings and collages in a pop-surrealist style often using humor, irony, and social messages. He earned his Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Studio Art from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Kinesthetic Learning Lab
Picture This!- June 24, July 29, August 26 at 10:00 AM
Put your skills into focus! Join us for monthly outings designed to help you practice what you’ve learned in our photography class From scenic parks to historic landmarks, we’ll explore new places through the lens of a photographer
FINE ARTS
Nightingales Practice
June 28, July 26, August 30 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
June 5, July 10, August 7 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
The Indianapolis 500
June 23 at 10:30 AM
History, Tradition and the Greatest Spectacle in Racing - the Indianapolis 500 is a famous annual Memorial Day tradition However, there is rich history, tragedy, triumph, personalities and traditions that for more than 100 years have made it an American cultural icon; learn the back story of what is called The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
PT Boats
July 28 at 2:30 PM
The Weapon That Saved a General, Made a President and Helped Win World War II – this covers the development and use of these boats but also includes links to famous people, television and movies
Behind the Headstones
August 25 at 2:30 PM
Amazing stories of the heroes at Arlington National Cemetery - this topic profiles people who achieved remarkable things during their military career and in some cases, equally impressive accomplishments in civilian life; most names are not well known but a few people will be recognized by most listeners; this presentation has two parts which can be presented separately.
Blane Ampthor is a retired federal employee with more than 36 years of service
He has had a lifelong interest in history and has read extensively on World War II, the American Revolution and ocean liners. He has taught with several Lifelong Learning Institutes and has instructed with various organizations such as the Loudoun County Public Library system in Virginia, AARP and seniors’ communities
He enjoys visiting sites related to his interests so he can gain a fuller understanding of events
HISTORY
AI Literacy Workshop
June 18, July 9, August 13 at 10:30 AM
Discover how tools like ChatGPT can help with everyday tasks—from writing and research to decision-making and planning This interactive course is designed for older adults who are comfortable using smartphones or computers and want to explore how AI can simplify their lives.
No tech background needed just curiosity and a willingness to learn! You’ll learn how to:
• Write emails, letters, or summaries
• Find personalized information fast
• Make informed decisions with AI support
• Understand AI’s limits and how to use it wisely
Join us to gain confidence and discover what’s possible with AI at your fingertips.
Lauren is an educator passionate about the intersection of technology and well-being A former National Science Foundation fellow and awardwinning soil science researcher, she brings a scientific mindset to harnessing generative AI curious, evidence-based, and grounded in experimentation. As an early adopter of tools like ChatGPT, Lauren developed methods for achieving reliable, impactful results in everyday life, which she now shares through her workshops. Her focus is on helping people use AI for greater ease, independence, and emotional well-being
Reading/Writing Learning Lab
Required Reading- June 6, July 4, August 1 at 3:00 PM
Dive deeper into the topics we explore together through curated readings from thoughtprovoking articles and journal excerpts to selections from books. Each session helping to expand our understanding and spark new ideas.
BUSINESS
Common Healthcare Scams
June 23 at 2:00 PM
This informative session offers a comprehensive review of the three most common types of healthcare scams that disproportionately affect older adults and drain valuable resources from the Medicare system Participants will learn how fraudsters exploit vulnerabilities through deceptive billing practices, identity theft, and phony medical services or equipment. The class will delve into real-world examples, explore how these scams operate, and highlight the warning signs that can help protect individuals and families. Attendees will also gain practical tips on how to report suspicious activity and safeguard personal and financial information Whether you're a senior, a caregiver, or a healthcare professional, this session provides essential knowledge to help prevent fraud and promote a more secure healthcare environment
Shawn Smith is the State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol program. He leads a team of over 100 paid and volunteer staff that educate seniors on fraud prevention Shawn is also the author of “101 Fraud Tips”, a guide to help seniors protect their money and identify from scammers His presentation will be about "Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams”. In it, he will cover the most common types of scams affecting seniors and he will share ways to prevent, detect, and report those scams. In addition to being an author and speaker, Shawn is a life coach, ordained minister, and the father of two young men, Shawn & Vaughn Shawn resides in Richmond, VA
I Have My Eyes On You
June 18 at 2:30 PM
Who uses their eyes to stay safe? Or to find food? Let meet a few of these extraordinary visual animals and see how they do it
Animal Incognito
July 7 at 10:30 AM
Many animals are masters of disguises. People are pretty good at it too, but we learned it from the animals by watching and learning about them Let’s explore the world of color warning, camouflage and chemical defense and meet a few of these masters
Amazing Adaptations
August 18 at 10:30 AM
What helps an animal climb, fly, live in the water or live on land? Will those adaptations help that animal in a different habitat? Learn how amazing adaptations help an animal survive! Join us as we learn about some animal ambassadors’ amazing adaptations and transform some of our audience.
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
June 5, July 3, August 7 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
Auditory Learning Lab
You Be the Judge - June 20, July 18, August 15 at 3:00 PM
Sharpen your skills in this interactive discussion series. Each session will feature specific topic, from current events to historical debates, where participants can share their perspectives in a structured setting
CULINARY
Art of Street Food: Global Flavors on the Go
June 24 at 2:00 PM
Take your taste buds on a world tour in this dynamic culinary class celebrating the bold, vibrant world of street food. From the sizzling stalls of Southeast Asia to the bustling carts of Latin America and the savory snacks of the Mediterranean, you’ll explore the cultural roots and creative flair behind some of the world’s most beloved on-the-go dishes This class includes a live cooking demonstration, where you'll watch and learn how to recreate authentic street food favorites using accessible ingredients and techniques you can try at home. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the history, regional variations, and global influence of street cuisine.
Food & Family Traditions
July 29 at 2:00 PM
Discover how food connects us to our heritage, our memories, and one another in this heartwarming and flavorful culinary class. Food & Family Traditions invites you to explore the rich stories behind treasured family recipes and the cultural traditions they represent. Through a live cooking demonstration, you'll experience how everyday ingredients can become powerful symbols of love, celebration, and identity Learn about the origins of classic comfort foods, the role of food in family rituals, and how culinary traditions are passed down and reinvented through generations.
Food in Literature & Film
August 26 at 2:00 PM
Explore the powerful role food plays in storytelling through this engaging and thoughtprovoking class that blends culinary culture with the arts Food in Literature & Film takes you on a sensory journey through iconic scenes, characters, and narratives where meals do more than nourish they reveal emotion, identity, and connection. From classic novels to contemporary films, we’ll examine how food shapes character development, symbolizes deeper themes, and brings stories to life. Through lively discussion and select video clips or readings, you’ll gain new insight into how writers and filmmakers use food as a narrative device
CULINARY
Summer Sips: Rosés Around the World
June 9 at 2:30 PM
Raise a glass to summer with this refreshing and educational journey through the world of rosé wines Summer Sips: Rosés Around the World is a guided wine tasting experience that explores the diverse styles, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions behind this beloved pink-hued wine. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence to the crisp, fruity bottles of California and the unexpected rosés of South America and beyond, you'll discover how geography, climate, and technique shape flavor and character Led by a wine educator, this class offers tips on how to taste like a pro, pair rosé with seasonal fare, and choose the right bottle for any occasion
The Heat is On: Spicy & Bold Reds
July 14 at 2:30 PM
Warm up your palate with a tasting experience that celebrates the rich, robust world of spicy and bold red wines. The Heat is On explores varietals known for their depth, intensity, and signature kick from peppery Syrahs and smoky Zinfandels to bold Malbecs and spicy Grenache blends Guided by a knowledgeable wine educator, you’ll learn how climate, soil, and winemaking techniques influence flavor profiles, tannin structure, and spice notes in red wine. Through a curated tasting, you’ll discover how to identify key characteristics, pair these powerful wines with food, and select bottles that bring the heat in just the right way.
Global Terroir: Wines by Region
August 11 at 2:30 PM
Discover how place shapes taste in this immersive exploration of wine through the lens of terroir the unique combination of soil, climate, geography, and tradition that gives wine its distinct character. Global Terroir: Wines by Region takes you on a guided tasting tour across some of the world’s most iconic wine regions, from the rolling hills of Tuscany and the river valleys of France to the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina and the coastal terroirs of New Zealand Learn how to recognize regional styles, interpret wine labels, and understand what makes a Pinot Noir from Oregon different from one in Burgundy.
HEALTH
National Men’s Health Month
June 16 at 2:30 PM
In honor of National Men’s Health Month, this informative and empowering class focuses on the unique health challenges and preventive care strategies that impact men at every stage of life. Designed to raise awareness and encourage proactive wellness, this session will explore key topics such as heart health, prostate health, mental well-being, nutrition, fitness, and routine screenings Participants will learn practical tips for reducing risk factors, improving lifestyle habits, and navigating conversations with healthcare providers. Whether you're looking to take charge of your health or support the well-being of the men in your life, this class offers valuable insights and tools to help build a stronger, healthier future—one step at a time.
Using Physical Activity to Fight Chronic Diseases
July 21 at 2:30 PM
Discover how movement can be one of the most powerful tools in preventing and managing chronic diseases In this evidence-based health and wellness class, you’ll learn how regular physical activity can help combat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and more. We'll explore the science behind how exercise supports the body’s systems, improves energy levels, reduces inflammation, and enhances overall quality of life Participants will also gain practical guidance on choosing the right types of activity for their health goals, physical abilities, and daily routines
Vision & Hearing Care
August 18 at 2:30 PM
Our eyes and ears play a vital role in how we connect with the world yet vision and hearing are often overlooked in everyday health routines In this informative and accessible class, Vision & Hearing Care explores the changes that naturally occur with age, the early signs of common conditions, and steps you can take to maintain sensory health and quality of life. Topics include age-related vision issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as hearing loss, tinnitus, and the latest in assistive technologies Participants will learn about routine screenings, preventive habits, and when to seek professional care
LIFE LONG LEARNING
