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.
CURRENT EVENTS
Navigating the News
September 3, October 8 & 22 November 5 & 19 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
HISTORY
War on the Home Front: Ration Books and Victory Bonds
September 17, October 15, November 12 at 2:00 PM
After witnessing WWII as a neutral country for two years, the United States entered the war in December 1941. For the next three and one-half years war was part of daily life, from ration books and recycling to German subs along the east coast as Americans experienced the war that reshaped the world.
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
HISTORY
Battlefield History
September 2, October 6, November 3 at 2:00 PM
Dive into the rich Civil War history of our region by exploring the stories, strategies, and significance of nearby battlefields This course offers an engaging look at key events, local landmarks, and the people who shaped our nation’s past right in our own backyard.
Steve Herholtz, CEO of B&S Inc , is a native of Central New York who has called Virginia home since 1986 Following a successful 38-year career as a Program Manager with Lockheed Martin, Steve retired and shifted his focus to community engagement and storytelling. A resident of Warrenton with his wife, Beth, he has been a dedicated Volunteer in Park (VIP) at Manassas National Battlefield Park since 2013, where he is known as the “Swiss Army Knife” of volunteers for his versatility and engaging battlefield talks In 2017, he expanded his passion for history and storytelling by sharing presentations on local history, world travel, and craft breweries with senior communities across Northern Virginia. He also currently leads the Brand Ambassador team at Old Bust Head Brewery in Vint Hill, combining his love of history, communication, and community connection
FINE ARTS
Improv Comedy
September 13, October 11, November 8 at 11:00 AM
Ready to have some laughs and try something new? This three-part workshop is designed for seniors who are curious about improv but might be a little nervous. We’ll start with fun, low-pressure games to get comfortable with each other and learn the basic rules of improv, like "yes, and...". Over three sessions, you'll discover how to create scenes on the spot, build confidence, and, most importantly, have a great time making things up together No experience is needed just a willingness to play! Come laugh with us and find out how much fun it is to say "yes."
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
September 14, October 12, November 9 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
WILDLIFE
Native American Animal Stories
September 24 at 1:00 PM
Step into the rich storytelling traditions of Native American cultures as we explore captivating animal tales passed down through generations These stories often hold lessons about nature, community, and respect for all living beings. Meet some of the animals featured in these legends and learn how they have inspired cultural beliefs and values.
Creepy Crawlies – Friend or Foe?
October 22 at 1:00 PM
What animals give you the chills? From spiders and snakes to bats and bugs, some creatures often get an undeserved bad reputation In this program, we’ll uncover the fascinating truth about these misunderstood animals, explore why they’ve been labeled as “scary,” and reveal how many of them play vital roles in our ecosystems.
Endangered & Threatened Species
November 17 at 1:00 PM
Discover the stories of animals from around the world that face challenges to their survival
Through our animal ambassadors, we’ll learn what it means for a species to be endangered or threatened, understand the human and environmental impacts that put them at risk, and discuss how conservation efforts are making a difference.
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
CULINARY
Culinary Fusion: Blending Cultures
September 3 at 3:00 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 8 at 3:00 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 12 at 3:00 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.
CULINARY
Harvest Time: Late Harvest and Dessert Wines
September 24 at 3:00 PM
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 29 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 26 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
HEALTH
World Alzheimer’s Day
September 16 at 2:00 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 21 at 2:00 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
November 18 at 2:00 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.
