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# F A L L I N T O L E A R N I N G

LIFELONG LEARNING

Fall Semester 2026

#FallIntoLearning Dear Residents, Family, and Guests, At RUI University, Fall is a season to reconnect, rediscover, and learn something new. This semester, Fall into Learning invites residents, families, friends, and members of the greater community to experience thought-provoking classes, cultural traditions, and signature events designed to inspire curiosity and connection. Our Fall curriculum brings lifelong learning to life through engaging discussions, expert perspectives, history, science, and shared experiences. Whether exploring a new subject, exchanging ideas, or simply enjoying the experience of learning together, RUI University offers something for every curious mind. In September, we celebrate National Assisted Living Week (NALW), honoring the vibrant lives, stories, and connections that make our communities special. October explores Forensics & Justice: Science, Society & Truth, examining cuttingedge forensic technologies and the evolving intersection of science and justice, alongside our signature Oktoberfest celebration. In November, Legacy of Service explores the history, impact, and stories of our nation’s veterans as we commemorate Veterans Day, gather for our signature Fall Festival, and celebrate the gratitude and togetherness of Thanksgiving. We warmly invite residents, families, friends, and members of the greater community to #FallIntoLearning with RUI University. Come for a class, discover a new perspective, and experience the connection that makes lifelong learning meaningful at every stage of life. Warmest regards, The RUI University Team

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CURRENT EVENTS Navigating the News September 1, 2026 & September 15, 2026 at 1:30 PM It’s utterly exhausting. We’re bombarded with news from so many directions - in the newspaper, on the TV, on the radio, on the Internet, and on social media. It’s tough to separate the wheat from the chaff. How do we know what’s real and what’s fake? 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.

ART HISTORY National Gallery of Art Tour- American Art October 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM The American collection spans works from the colonial era through the 20th century. See portraits of early U.S. Presidents and dignitaries, paintings depicting scenes from various Native American tribes, works depicting historic battles, and large canvases showing vast unsettled territories, as America continued to expand westward beyond the original thirteen colonies.

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 Create in Color September 21, 2026 at 1:30 PM October 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM November 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM This paint class is a fun and creative class where students learn how to use different painting techniques, colors, and materials to create artwork. It helps improve creativity, artistic skills, and self-expression.

Heather's dedication to her students shines through in the art shows we host, providing a platform for budding artists to showcase their work. Her commitment to excellence is demonstrated by her representation in several galleries across Baton Rouge, North Carolina, and Virginia, as well as her recent plein air workshop in France, where she shared her expertise with a global audience.

Laurel Garden Group Flower Workshop September 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM Join the Laurel Garden Group and choose from a vibrant selection of seasonal stems, focal flowers, and lush greenery while you learn simple steps to arrange, balance, and wrap your bouquet. Attendees will be instructed with step-by-step guidance and walk away with their own custom floral masterpiece. Laurel Garden Group is a creative community of flower enthusiasts who come together to design and create beautiful handmade bouquets. The group brings people together through a shared appreciation for flowers, gardening, and floral artistry. Members work collaboratively to select blooms, arrange colors and textures, and craft unique bouquets for special occasions, events, gifts, or personal enjoyment.

FINE ARTS Crafts with Shirley Every other Thursday in September, October, and November at 11:00 AM Join Shirley for a fun and creative crafting session! Residents will enjoy making simple, seasonal crafts while socializing, sharing ideas, and expressing their creativity. No prior crafting experience is needed—just come ready to have fun and create something special.

Watercolor Techniques September 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM October 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM November 18, 2026 at 3:00 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, creates vibrant watercolors inspired by her travels and love for beauty. With a background in Fashion Illustration, she teaches workshops worldwide and online. Her award-winning work is regularly exhibited.

SCIENCE Wake Up Your NeuroCreative Mind September 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM October 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM November 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM The Quiet Fear No One Talks About: At some point, people begin to wonder: Why does my thinking feel slower than it used to? Why do I feel less sharp, less curious, less engaged? Most assume it’s just part of aging, but it isn’t. What’s really happening is simpler—and fixable: The brain has slipped into automatic mode. This engaging class introduces residents to the idea that creativity is not just for artists; it is a practical brain skill that can help support attention, curiosity, flexibility, and lifelong engagement. Through storytelling, humor, light movement, and audience participation, residents will explore simple ways to activate the mind and stay more mentally engaged in everyday life.

Thomas C. Keller is a speaker, author, and professional artist who presents interactive programs on creativity, brain health, and lifelong learning. After more than 25 years as a professional artist, Thomas became interested in how creativity, movement, curiosity, and meaningful engagement help people stay mentally active, flexible, and connected at every age. He is the author of Your NeuroCreative Mind: Stay Sharp, Inspired, and Engaged, and his presentations combine practical neuroscience, storytelling, humor, movement, and audience participation. His programs are designed to be uplifting, accessible, and immediately useful for older adults.

HISTORY Strange Stories of Familiar Monuments: 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.

Washington Monument September 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM Barely begun in the 1840s, work stopped due to political bickering and the Civil War and the monument was not complete until later in the century.

Vietnam Memorial October 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM The Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. was once called a “Black Gash of Shame,” and the proposal by a young Asian American was ridiculed. Now, it is the most visited monument in Washington.

Why the Statue of Liberty was Supposed to be in Egypt November 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM Bartoldi’s statue of an Asian woman was to be placed at the opening of the Suez Canal. Instead, it became Lady Liberty in New York, but not dedicated to immigrants.

Dr. James Baer is an emeritus professor of history at Northern Virginia Community College. Holding a Ph.D. in Latin American History from Rutgers, he has published extensively on Argentine social history and Cuban Protestants. His books include Anarchist Immigrants in Spain and Argentina and A Social History of Cuba’s Protestants: God and the Nation.

HISTORY History with Blane: The Titanic October 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM The Story of What Took Place After the Sinking of the Famous Ship. The story of the Titanic’s sinking on its maiden voyage is well known. However, much that happened afterwards, often not told or little known, forms an important part of the tragedy. Learn about these events, how they shaped our understanding of the disaster, and how the Titanic’s legend continues to evolve.

History with Blane: Arlington National Cemetery November 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM Discover the fascinating stories of interesting but little-known people buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This engaging presentation will uncover the lives, accomplishments, sacrifices, and surprising stories of individuals whose contributions to American history deserve to be remembered.

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 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.

HUMANITIES American Road Trip October 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM Tea tastings will feature classic fruit and spice flavors with accompanying scones and cookies. You will learn fun facts about the history of Route 66 plus some stories of quirky tourist attractions you could visit.

Tea in Melodies November 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM Full bodied black and white teas will be served along with home baked scones and cookies, plus stories of the origins of songs that prominently feature tea!

Annamarie Mariani-Huehn is a senior living executive and engaging presenter known for bringing warmth, storytelling, and connection into every room. With 20+ years in senior living leadership, she also shares interactive tea experiences as a Tea Guide and Storyteller—blending culture, legends, and specialty teas into a memorable program.

WELLNESS Movement Confidence & The Protection Pathway September 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM Residents will learn the foundations of fall protection, including balance awareness, safer movement strategies, and how confidence shapes our daily navigation. This class will focus on and body awareness and safe movement habits while incorporating stances and posturesto reduce fear and stay active and independent. Ukemi Health is movement education with purpose—building resilience, confidence, and peace of mind through safe, thoughtful practice. Bryan DePhillip is the founder of Ukemi Health Partners, a movement education company focused on helping individuals build confidence, reduce their fear of falling, and learn practical fall-protection skills. Bryan combines his background as a USA Judo Black Belt (Shodan), NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and NASM Senior Fitness Specialist, with CDC Heads Up Concussion Safety certification, to bring martial arts-inspired movement concepts into safe, accessible programs for everyday life.

BUSINESS Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams September 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM This class will cover the most common types of scams affecting seniors and will share ways to prevent, detect, and report those scams before it’s too late. Shawn Smith is the State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol program. He leads a team of over 100 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. In addition to being an author and speaker, Shawn is a life coach, ordained minister, and father, living in Richmond, VA. Register for RUI University classes online at HeatherwoodByRUI.com/rui-university or by calling 703.425.1698 8

LIVE MUSIC Live Music with Lalo Garcia September 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM October 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM November 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eduardo “ Lalo” Garcia is a bass player and singer from Mexico City and has played bass since he was thirteen years old. A very experienced and versatile musician, Lalo can handle multiple styles of music with authenticity. Lalo has played in the US with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Wanda Jackson, Ron Holloway, and Daryl Davis, with whom he toured Europe and South America.

Live Music with Adam Melia September 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM October 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM November 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Adam Melia Music with Nashville Standard Presents provides quality and uplifting vintage style musical entertainment.

Live Music with Vince Borelli September 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM October 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM November 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM Vince can pack up all the energy of his band into a one-man show. With a guitar and a good crowd, Vince can be the heart of any happy hour, cocktail hour, or any other event you have for him. With a HUGE book of songs available, the SOLO PERFORMER show is a winner every time!

LIVE MUSIC Live Music with Ed Schafer September 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM October 23, 2026 at 1:30 PM November 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM Powerful vocalist and guitar player performing acoustic and as a one-man band. Ed Schafer is a dynamic and versatile performer whose professional experience spans more than five decades. A powerful vocalist and accomplished musician, he has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Whether he is performing a driving dance tune or an upclose and personal ballad, his performance is rich and energetic.

History of Jazz September 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM October 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM Pianist Quentin Walston will take listeners through a musical history of jazz. Performing a selection of works and styles from James P. Johnson to Dave Brubeck, Quentin will share the nuances of ragtime and stride piano, bebop and contemporary jazz. Learn about each style and artist in jazz’s vibrant history and engage in a Q&A with Quentin afterward. Quentin Walston is a pianist, composer, and music educator from Loudoun County, Virginia. He performs as a solo jazz artist as well as with his trio in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area. Although a pianist now, Quentin started his music career as a folk singer and guitarist. While studying piano at James Madison University, he switched to performing jazz, seeking to blend it with his earlier influences. Quentin released his first full-length album, Play, in June of 2019, which highlights his compositional style and musical influences. He continues to lead his own groups, performing originals, jazz standards, and arrangements of folk songs. Quentin is also an active composer and arranger, writing for students and ensembles in Northern Virginia.

RUINFORMED Calling All Weather Geeks Age Well Series September 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM Explore the fascinating science behind the weather that shapes our everyday lives. Calling All Weather Geeks features Nicholas Fillo and Amanda Sava of NOAA’s National Weather Service, who will take residents and families behind the forecast to discover how weather is observed, predicted, and communicated. From changing conditions to severe-weather awareness, this engaging conversation offers a closer look at the science, technology, and expertise that help us better understand the atmosphere around us.

The Art of Science and Culinary Cuisine Age Well Series October 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM Discover where creativity, chemistry, and cuisine meet in The Art of Science and Culinary Cuisine, featuring Matthew Deacon, RUI Corporate Director of Culinary Operations. This engaging session explores the science behind the foods we enjoy—from how ingredients interact and cooking techniques transform flavor and texture to the artistry that turns a meal into an experience. Residents and families will gain a fresh perspective on the fascinating relationship between culinary innovation, science, and the senses.

Resilience and Renewal Age Well Series November 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM What helps us remain strong, adaptable, and engaged as we age? Resilience and Renewal, featuring Mark Cifarelli, PT, Director of Clinical Practice for Legacy Healthcare Services, explores the connection between physical resilience, movement, recovery, and maintaining independence throughout the aging journey. Residents and families will discover practical insights for supporting mobility, confidence, and overall well-being while embracing renewal as an important part of aging well.

CULINARY Heirloom Recipes & Culinary Heritage September 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM Celebrate the stories, traditions, and memories preserved through food. Residents will explore how treasured family recipes connect generations, reflect cultural heritage, and strengthen identity while sharing personal recipes and contributing to a community cookbook.

Soups, Stews & Seasonal Roots October 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM Explore the comforting flavors of autumn through Butternut Squash Soup, Hungarian Goulash, and Braised Leeks. Residents will discover how seasonal ingredients, slow-cooking traditions, and warming foods support nourishment and wellness while sharing memories of favorite fall dishes.

Gratitude & Gathering: Celebrating Together November 27, 2026 at 2:30 PM Discover how food, gratitude, and tradition bring people together around the table. Featuring elevated holiday classics such as Sage Stuffing and Cranberry Chutney, residents will explore the connection between shared meals, emotional wellness, and meaningful traditions while reflecting on the foods and gatherings they cherish most.

CULINARY:UNCORKED Lobsters, Wineries & Foods of New England: Coastal Wines & Harvest Stories September 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM Journey through New England’s emerging wine country, where cool coastal climates, local agriculture, and harvest traditions shape distinctive wines. Residents will explore cold-climate winemaking, discover regional grape varieties, and consider how seafood, seasonal foods, and storytelling connect wine to a sense of place.

Germany & Austria: Rieslings and Fall Gold — Harvest Traditions & Noble Grapes October 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM Travel through the celebrated vineyards of Germany and Austria to discover the remarkable range of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Residents will explore how cool climates, vineyard slopes, acidity, and harvest timing influence wines from crisp and dry to beautifully balanced sweet styles while discovering the autumn traditions that surround the European wine harvest.

France: Burgundy & Beaujolais — Gratitude in the Glass November 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM Experience two distinctive expressions of French wine culture through Burgundy and neighboring Beaujolais. Residents will compare elegant Pinot Noir and expressive Gamay while exploring terroir, centuries-old winemaking traditions, and the connection between wine, food, and place. A seasonal focus on gratitude invites reflection on the people, traditions, and shared experiences behind every glass.

LIFELONG LEARNING

#FallIntoLearning

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