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
Watercolor Techniques
September 3, October 1, November 5 6 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 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.
Exploration in Mixed Media Art
September 22, October 27, November 24 at 2:00 PM
The Mixed Media Art class is designed for students to explore a broad range of artistic techniques by combining different materials and mediums. In this course, participants will experiment with the fusion of traditional and non-traditional art forms such as painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, fabric, and found objects to create dynamic and textured works of art
Paula Roman-Leon is a versatile artist who enjoys working with various mediums, from painting and crafts to stained glass mosaics and cement sculptures She has collaborated on projects like a coloring book with artist Rita Scafidi and finds art to be a great stress reliever and problem-solving tool Paula's artistic journey began at age 8, and she studied at the Portland School of Art (now MECA) in the 1980s, majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Drawing. With over 20 years of experience in graphic design, she later freelanced as an illustrator and designer, contributing to projects like the successful children’s show Olivia Now, Paula teaches drawing, painting, and crafts for all ages She lives in Springfield, VA, with her husband, Vladimir, and their six children Paula’s mantra is to continuously grow and explore new artistic experiences. Currently, she’s enjoying creating furniture pieces, which others also appreciate, and feels grateful for her artistic talent.
FINE ARTS
René Lalique
September 8 at 11:00 AM
Jewels of Enchantment- Discover the mesmerizing world of René Lalique’s enchanted jewels where nature, myth, and artistry collide in dazzling brilliance
Discovering the Etruscans: : Art, Culture, and History
October 10 at 11:00 AM
The Etruscans were one of Italy’s most influential ancient civilizations, yet their art and culture remain shrouded in mystery This lecture will guide you through their unique contributions to art, architecture, and daily life, and explore how the Etruscans’ fascinating legacy continues to influence modern understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.
Brushstrokes of Genius
November 17 at 11:00 AM
The Highlights of the Renaissance Experience the brilliance of the Renaissance through the works of legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. This lecture explores the revolutionary techniques and profound ideas that defined the Renaissance, and how these masterpieces forever altered the course of Western art, science, and culture.
Art with Tosca, founded in 2021 by French-Italian art historian Tosca Ruggieri, offers expertly curated museum tours and lectures in Washington, D.C. With advanced degrees from the Sorbonne and King’s College London, Tosca brings experience from private collections, galleries, and academia to her work She now leads engaging tours at institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, the Phillips Collection, and the Smithsonian museums, making art history accessible, thoughtprovoking, and inspiring.
FINE ARTS
History of Jazz
September 7, October 2, November 6 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. 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.
HISTORY
Discover Your Roots
November 3 at 2:00 PM
Have you ever thought about looking up an ancestor or two? Or are you a seasoned genealogist? Well, come join in on the fun! Over the next eight months, these courses will help brand new researchers start on the right foot and the seasoned pro brush up on techniques Each session will end with an assignment to work on until we meet again the next month Plus, there will be lots of hands-on activities in the course with demonstrations, examples, and plenty of time for questions. I hope you will join us!
Shannon Combs-Bennett is an award-winning author and genealogist in Northern Virginia who writes and teaches all aspects of genealogy research She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and a Master of Science in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. Currently, Shannon is a Ph.D. candidate in History with Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde studying the evolution of lineage societies in the United States
The American Revolution: What You Didn't Learn in School
September 24 at 2:00 PM
Most Americans are familiar with key events from the American Revolution such as the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence and Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River However, there are many fascinating details, personalities, and misconceptions about them that can alter our perception of these events. An examination of these aspects will enhance one’s view of events that were key to our country’s founding
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.
The American Revolution: What You Didn't Learn in School
September 24 at 2:00 PM
Most Americans are familiar with key events from the American Revolution such as the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence and Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River However, there are many fascinating details, personalities, and misconceptions about them that can alter our perception of these events. An examination of these aspects will enhance one’s view of events that were key to our country’s founding
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
Strange Stories of Familiar Monuments
September 19, October 10, November 14 at 2:00 PM
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
CURRENT EVENTS
Navigating the News
September 1 & 29, October 20, November 3 & 17 at 2:00 PM
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
Harvest Time: Late Harvest and Dessert Wines
September 22 at 3:00PM
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 20 at 3:00 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 24 at 3:00 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
CULINARY
Culinary Fusion: Blending Cultures
September 26 at 2:30 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 24 at 2:30 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 21 at 2:30 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.
WELLNESS
World Alzheimer’s Day
September 22 at 3:00 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 14 at 3:00 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
October 15 at 3:00 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.
