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:
June - Juneteenth Outing: Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth with a special outing to a local Black-owned restaurant. This is an opportunity to experience the culture, history, and delicious flavors that shape our shared heritage
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
LANGUAGE
Spanish For Absolute Beginners
June 9 & 23, July 7 & 21, August 7 & 21 at 1:30 PM
Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Well, this is your chance! Join Senora Southhall for Spanish for Absolute Beginners during this class you will learn the language and information about the culture This is a fun and interactive workshop!
Lorie Southall is a graduate of James Madison University and the University of Valencia. She fell in love with teaching in 1976 and hasn’t stopped teaching, even while raising 4 children Over the years she has chaperoned hundreds of students as they traveled and studied in Spain and Mexico. Although she is officially retired she is having a hard time leaving and now is working part-time teaching Spanish 4 and Spanish 5. She estimates she has taught about 7,000 students. Her students say that Senora Southall is always positive and always enthusiastic She loves to create fun and meaningful lessons and activities She is passionate about her teaching and her students
TECHNOLOGY
Technology: AI And Today
July 16 & August 6 at 2:00 PM
Over the decades, our interpretation of Artificial Intelligence manifested in robots to help children on far off planets, computer systems that sparked rebellion or even a replacement for all human workers Instead, AI is creating fake images of celebrities at the Met Gala. In this talk we will discuss some of those early references to AI, understand how they became fantastical representations, and what AI looks like today.
Emily earned her MBA in Marketing, Organizational Management, and Strategy from Virginia Tech in 2012 Her focus is on market insights and product development, making sure they prioritize what really matters and support it with smart, adjacent solutions. She's worked closely with sales and marketing teams to roll out products that fit their needs and have built strong global partnerships—especially with top CRM and ERP providers It’s all about improving workflows and connecting the dots across S&P Global’s solutions
BUSINESS
Common Healthcare Scams
June 10 at 2:00 PM
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
FINE ARTS
Photography 101
June 26 & July 31 at 2:00 PM
Discover the art and evolution of photography in this engaging lifelong learning course. We'll explore a wide variety of photography styles and techniques, from classic black-and-white film to modern digital and experimental approaches Learn about the history of photography, the pioneers who shaped the medium, and the cultural impact of iconic images. Through hands-on activities, creative projects, and a few fun surprises, you'll develop your own unique perspective behind the lens. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, come enjoy photography—with a twist!
Natalie Lambert is a dedicated art educator with a passion for fostering creativity and visual storytelling She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Radford University in 2014 Following graduation, Natalie spent five impactful years teaching photography at Monacan High School, where she inspired students to explore the world through a creative lens. With a strong foundation in both traditional and digital art forms, she continues to advocate for the importance of arts in education and the transformative power of visual expression
Abundant Days Art Program
June 17, July 15 & August 12 at 2:30 PM
Celebrate creativity and self-expression in this uplifting art class designed to inspire joy and connection. Explore a variety of artistic mediums and techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning, every day is an opportunity to create something meaningful and beautiful Let your imagination flourish!
Dana holds a BS in Psychology from Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Applied Gerontology She later became a Certified Dementia Practitioner, deepening her commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults.
FINE ARTS
Summer of Classics: Josh Urban's Grand Tour
June 3, July 1 & 11 at 11:00 AM
Join Josh Urban for an engaging and interactive exploration of how music and art have captured and shaped cultural identity across time and borders From Dvořák’s vision of American musical potential and Scott Joplin’s vibrant realization of it, to the dramatic lives and works of German classical titans Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner, we’ll uncover the stories behind the sound. Then, step into the misty, dappled world of the Impressionists—where the dreamy music of Debussy and the luminous paintings of Monet reflect a world in artistic transition Through lively discussion and multimedia, this class celebrates the dawnings of musical and artistic movements that still echo today
Josh Urban is a speaker, musician, disc jockey, and musicologist. He's hosted radio and podcast programs, played and taught guitar professionally for nearly twenty years, and is an enthusiastic collector of recordings from around the world
CULINARY
Art of Street Food: Global Flavors on the Go
June 19 at 3:30 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 17 at 3:30 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 21 at 3:30 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 24 at 3:30 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 22 at 3:30 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 26 at 3:30 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
