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:
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 eve
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
Photography 101
June 21, July 12, August 9 at 11:00 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.
Beginner Spanish
Every Friday at 11:00 AM
Learn the basics of Spanish in a fun and supportive environment! This beginner class introduces essential vocabulary, simple grammar, and everyday conversation skills to help you start speaking and understanding Spanish with confidence. No prior experience needed.
Katie is a New Hampshire native who found a passion for Spanish beginning at age 11. Since then, she studied the language through college and graduated from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Theatre in 2023 Katie is a strong advocate for learning any second language, as it has enriched her life by allowing her to form lifelong friendships with people she would not otherwise have known. She is always excited to share her knowledge with others and strives to create a judgement free environment to make learning Spanish as fun as possible.
FINE ARTS
Paint Techniques
June 8, July 13, August 10 at 3:00 PM
Come enjoy a fun and creative art class where we’ll explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques. Whether you're a beginner or have experience, this class offers something for everyone. Each session will focus on a different medium such as acrylic painting, watercolor, ceramics, and more giving students the opportunity to experiment, express themselves, and develop new skills. Along the way, we’ll also learn about color theory, composition, and the unique properties of each material Bring your imagination and get ready to create something beautiful in a relaxed, supportive environment!
Heather Connole, a self-taught Impressionist oil painter with 17 years of experience, creates colorful and joyful works Her bold brush strokes bring movement to picturesque landscapes, portraits, animals, and flowers Represented in various galleries, Heather also shares her passion by teaching art classes and inspiring confidence in her student
HISTORY
Manassas Battlefield History
August 4 at 2:00 PM
On July 21, 1861, two armies clashed for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run. Heavy fighting swept away any notion of a quick war In August 1862, Union and Confederate armies converged for a second time on the plains of Manassas The Confederates won a solid victory bringing them to the height of their power.Learn about both of the battles fought at Manassas between July 1861 and August 1862 during the civil war. The presentation will be followed by a Q+A session.
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 318 million visitors every year. But our work doesn't stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close-to-home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
I Have My Eyes On You
June 25 at 1:00 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 31 at 2:00 PM
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 8 at 11:00 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.
BUSINESS
Common Healthcare Scams
June 13 at 11:00 AM
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
PREVENTION
Elder Crime and Abuse Prevention
June 20 at 3:00 PM
The Office of the Attorney General will provide information about how to prevent elder crimes and abuse A presentation/training session will be followed by a Q+A and resources such as pamphlets and brochures will be provided
Attorney General Miyares has made elder crimes and abuse one of his highest priorities and has dedicated his efforts to helping educate the public in order to prevent crime and abuse from continuing to affect older adults in our community.
SMART 911 cards (Electronic Safety Profile) & Most Common Scams
August 28 at 3:00 PM
Learn about SMART 911 cards (electronic safety profile) & Most Common Scams in Prince William County and best practices to protect yourself and stay safe during an emergency
The Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) is the cornerstone of the County's comprehensive public safety system The department facilitates the flow of information in a seamless and rapid manner, and provides aid, comfort and instructions to the public prior to the arrival of field resources. DPSC operates a 24-hour consolidated call processing and dispatch center for all 911 and non-emergency requests for the Police and Fire & Rescue services within PWC and the incorporated towns
PREPARDNESS
Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
July 24 at 3:00 PM
Learn best practices to avoid preventable fires, become better aquainted with the procedures of our community, and interact with local firefighters!
Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue System is comprised of the Department of Fire and Rescue and eight volunteer fire and rescue departments These organizations collectively work together to provide high quality and efficient firefighting and emergency medical services to Prince William County. The County’s Department of Fire and Rescue currently consists of 722 members, a combination of civilian and uniformed personnel.
PREPARDNESS
Library Services Presentation and Library Card
Sign-up
August 21 at 3:00 PM
Come learn about all the fun resources and services the library has to offer and sign-up for a library card so you can participate in the mobile library program beginning in the fall!
Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) brings people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community in a welcoming, inclusive environment With 12 libraries throughout the County, a vast digital online catalog, and a rich history of educational programs and community outreach services, PWPL is the hub connecting residents to the power of information.
CURRENT EVENTS
Navigating the News
June 4 & 18, July 2 & 23, August 6 & 20 at 10:30 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
Art of Street Food: Global Flavors on the Go
June 4 at 3:00 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 2 at 3:00 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 6 at 3:00 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 25 at 3:00 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 30 at 3:00 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 27 at 3:00 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.
LIFE LONG LEARNING
