Issuu

# 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

Learn more by liking us on Facebook

@RUI.PaulSpring

MUSIC THERAPY Neurosound Music Therapy September 11 and September 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM October 9 and October 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM November 13 and November 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM: Our Music Therapy sessions at Inspiritás provide residents with a joyful, engaging, and therapeutic experience through live and interactive music. Each session is designed to promote emotional expression, social connection, and cognitive stimulation. Residents participate by singing along, playing simple rhythm instruments, recalling familiar songs, and sharing memories associated with music. The program supports overall well-being by reducing anxiety, enhancing mood, and encouraging movement and communication in a warm, inclusive environment.

NeuroSound Music Therapy is a multidisciplinary creative arts therapy center offering music therapy and adaptive music lessons to individuals across all stages of life. Founded in 2015 by Kelsi Tafaro, the organization has expanded to include a variety of creative arts therapies to meet the growing needs of its clients, and is dedicated to fostering independence, supporting development and growth, and inspiring self-expression through music.

PET THERAPY Pet Therapy with People Animals Love September 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM October 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM November 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM Our Pet Therapy sessions with Therapy Dog Ranger offer residents meaningful opportunities for comfort, companionship, and joy. Ranger’s calm and friendly presence helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. Residents enjoy petting, talking to, and interacting with Ranger, which often sparks smiles, laughter, and fond memories of past pets. These visits promote emotional well-being, social engagement, and a sense of connection—making Ranger a beloved part of our Inspiritás community.

People Animals Love (PAL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing comfort, joy, and companionship to people through the healing power of animals. Since its founding in 1982, PAL has connected certified therapy animals and their volunteer handlers with communities across the Washington, D.C. area—visiting schools, hospitals, senior living communities, and more. Their mission is to ease loneliness, lift spirits, and foster humananimal bonds that improve emotional and physical well-being. Through visits from friendly therapy dogs like Ranger, PAL continues to make a meaningful difference in countless lives every day.

WILDLIFE Movie Goof Ups September 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM Taking a look at some movies/TV programs with animals and aside from the talking cartoons, are the animals portrayed with any accuracy? What do the movie/TV makers do to the animals to make them seem so bad? What interesting facts about the animals that are real that make them special?

Animal Alphabet October 6, 2026 at 10:30 AM Ever wonder where an animal’s scientific name comes from? Visit a few of our ambassadors and let us dissect their name. See which ones make sense and which ones are still baffling.

Footwear November 3, 2026 at 10:30 AM Animal feet (or lack of) are designed to help animals stay safe, travel, acquire food. We shall meet animals with different types of feet and learn how their feet help them.

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.

INSPIRITÁS SUPPORT GROUP Inspiritás Caregiver Connections Cafe September 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM October 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM November 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM The Inspiritás Caregiver Connections Café provides a welcoming space for family members and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find support. Each session offers conversation, resources, and encouragement for those caring for loved ones living with memory loss. Guided by our team, the Café promotes understanding, stress relief, and a sense of community among caregivers who face similar challenges. It’s a time to recharge, learn, and build meaningful connections in a compassionate and supportive environment.

Stacy McGraw is the Inspiritás Director, bringing a compassionate and innovative approach to supporting residents with memory loss. She is an NCCAP Certified Activities Director with hands-on experience in Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing settings. Stacy has worked in both activities and direct caregiving roles. Her work is grounded in personcentered care, meaningful engagement, and maintaining dignity and quality of life for older adults, particularly those living with cognitive impairment.

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 Taste of RUI Cooking Demonstrations September 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM October 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM November 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM The Taste of RUI cooking demonstrations offer residents an interactive and sensory-rich culinary experience. Participants watch and engage as chefs prepare delicious dishes, learning tips, techniques, and fun food facts along the way. The demonstrations encourage conversation, memory recall, and social connection while stimulating the senses of taste, smell, and sight. These sessions celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing food, fostering community, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for culinary arts.

Chef Conchi, Paul Spring Culinary Team Member

CULINARY Heirloom Recipes & Culinary Heritage September 15, 2026 at 3:00 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 20, 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 17, 2026 at 3:00 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 16, 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 15, 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 18, 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.

HEALTH Breath of Life: Lung Vitality & Calm September 18, 2026 at 1:30 PM Discover the powerful connection between breath, movement, and well-being. Breath of Life: Lung Vitality & Calm explores how healthy breathing supports energy, endurance, posture, and relaxation. Residents will learn how mindful breathing, gentle movement, and everyday habits can support lung health while using the breath as a practical tool for greater calm, focus, and vitality.

From the Ground Up: Foot & Balance Elegance October 23, 2026 at 1:30 PM Confident movement begins with a strong foundation. From the Ground Up: Foot & Balance Elegance explores the important role our feet, ankles, posture, and senses play in balance and mobility. Residents will discover practical strategies for supporting foot health, improving stability, choosing supportive footwear, and strengthening balance to promote safer, more confident movement in everyday life.

Grace in Motion: Joyful Rhythms of Dance November 20, 2026 at 1:30 PM Experience the joy of movement while discovering why dance is a powerful form of wholeperson fitness. Grace in Motion: Joyful Rhythms of Dance explores how music and rhythmic movement can support cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, memory, and emotional well-being. Residents will discover how dance—whether seated, standing, or simply moving to a favorite song—can encourage self-expression, social connection, and a joyful approach to lifelong wellness.

LIFELONG LEARNING

#FallIntoLearning

Learn more by liking us on Facebook

@RUI.PaulSpring