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.
HEALTH
Awaken & Align
September 21 November 9 at 3:00 PM
Awaken & Align is a multi-sensory wellness series thoughtfully designed for seniors in independent living communities. This program offers a dynamic blend of breath-centered mindfulness, gentle chair-based yoga, guided meditations, sound healing, tactile sensory engagement, and expressive art activities. Each session introduces a unique sensory theme that promotes calm, creativity, self-awareness, and inner connection. Participants are guided through supportive, low-impact experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit Participants will explore chair-based yoga, breathwork, rotating styles of meditation (gratitude, letting go, body awareness, guided imagery, and contentment), sound baths using vibrational instruments, creative mandala art, tactile engagement with sound tools, and reflective community discussions. From resonant sound baths to interactive instrument play, mandala and stone art to affirmations, each session invites joyful discovery while remaining safe, inclusive, and engaging for aging bodies and minds Whether exploring gratitude through movement, releasing stress through sound, or connecting with others in shared reflection, this program fosters holistic well-being in a safe, soothing, and uplifting environment.
Tanvi Patil is a holistic wellness educator, yogi and sound healing practitioner, and founder of Soukhyam Yoga With over a decade of experience rooted in both ancient yogic traditions and modern healthcare, Tanvi offers a multidimensional approach to mindfulness, movement, and healing. Her work draws on her background as a classically trained dancer, cardiology pharmacist, and lifelong student of integrative wellness Raised in India and immersed in the healing wisdom of Ayurveda and nature-based practices, Tanvi blends breathwork, sound therapy, guided meditation, and creative expression to support emotional well-being and cognitive vitality especially in aging populations. Her approach is gentle, inclusive, and deeply sensory, inviting participants to reconnect with stillness, joy, and self-awareness through accessible, enriching experiences Through programs like Awaken & Align, she weaves together movement, vibrational sound baths, visual arts, and storytelling to engage the senses and foster social connection, purpose, and resilience in seniors. Tanvi’s work is both heartcentered and evidence-informed, offering a space where participants can explore presence, creativity, and community.
HEALTH
Understanding Depression in Older Adults
September 17 at 2:00 PM
Depression doesn’t always look the same in later life. In this class, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of depression in older adults, how it can affect physical and emotional well-being, and why it is often overlooked Participants will learn about risk factors, coping strategies, and the importance of reaching out for support whether for themselves, a friend, or a loved one.
Communication Skills for Life’s Difficult
Conversations
October 15 at 2:00 PM
Some conversations are harder than others whether about health, loss, or family concerns. This class focuses on building confidence and practical skills for approaching sensitive topics with clarity, empathy, and respect. Together, we’ll discuss techniques for listening deeply, expressing yourself thoughtfully, and fostering open dialogue that strengthens relationships and builds understanding.
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
November 19 at 2:00 PM
The holiday season can be bittersweet, especially when we’re missing loved ones. This class offers compassionate strategies for navigating grief during this time of year while still finding moments of comfort and joy. We’ll explore ways to honor memories, manage expectations, and create new traditions that bring peace and connection
Hospice care is not only about end-of-life care, but it's so much more than that Hospice helps people with life-limiting illnesses, along with their loved ones, make the most of every moment. Come learn how the hospice team works together to attend to the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those cared for!
LITERARY ARTS
The Research Journey of a Non-Fiction Book: My Mother’s Role in the French Underground
October 6 at 3:00 PM
Professor Moriarty walks us through the research process for her book, which will be published in August 2026, about her mother and her mother’s role in the French Underground during the WWII German occupation of France. She will also speak on the history of women’s involvement in the resistance movement.
Professor Marilyn Moriarty received her doctorate from the University of California, Irvine, with a dissertation on Shakespeare and a second emphasis in literary theory. She compiled the text of two Shakespeare plays for drama anthologies and co-edited a collection of essays on postmodern architecture She is the author of Writing Science through Critical Thinking, a scientific writing textbook, and Moses Unchained, which won the Associated Writing Programs Creative Nonfiction Award. Her essays have been published in The Antioch Review, The Chattahoochee Review, Creative Nonfiction, The Kenyon Review, Raritan, River Teeth, and others. Three have been named “Notable” by editors of the Best American Essays series Professor Moriarty is a member of the English and Creative Writing Faculty at Hollins University.
HISTORY
Franklin County History
September 6 at 2:30 PM
Our primary area of interest is, of course, Franklin County, Virginia However, we recognize that families’ and a county's history do not end at boundary lines For this reason, we extend our work into surrounding areas - and have collections from counties that formerly embraced the area that became Franklin County, Virginia, in 1786. And our collection of information from other states is growing. FCoHS membership covers all of the United States of America plus the District of Columbia, some Canadian provinces and other foreign locales We welcome members from anywhere who have an interest in Franklin County and her history
Linda Stanley is the Managing Director of the Franklin County Historical Society. Stanley is a devoted history enthusiast and captivating storyteller, who brings to life the exhilarating history of this famed county in Southwestern Virginia.
A Family Tradition: Making Moonshine in the “Moonshine Captial of the World,” Franklin County, Virginia
September 3 at 2:30 PM
The men in the Law family found themselves in and out of jails throughout the year in an effort to feed their families and for the thrill of moonshining. - Henry Lee Law Moonshining was more than a tradition in Henry Law’s family it was a multigenerational way of life. Henry’s father, Amos Law, began his moonshining career in 1952 at the age of sixteen in Franklin County, Virginia. By the 1970s, Amos had become a key figure in the modern-day moonshine industry, operating a distribution network that spanned the East Coast
Henry Law will share his and family’s moonshining history, as well as his transition from traditional moonshining to a regulated distillation business In 2016, he published 100 PROOF: The Untold Stories of Notorious Franklin County Moonshiner Amos Law, which documents federal investigations, court cases, and the operational practices of his family across several decades. This marked a shift toward legal production and led to the establishment of Law’s Choice Distillery, owned and operated by Henry Law
FINE ARTS
The History and Legacy of the Piedmont Blues
October 21 at 3:00 PM
Join Thor Hanes for an exploration of the Piedmont blues a rich musical tradition born in the American South We’ll trace its history and signature styles, hear how it influenced generations of musicians, and discuss its place in today’s music scene and beyond. From front-porch pickers to modern interpretations, discover how the Piedmont sound continues to shape American music.
Thor Hanes is a multi-instumental music educator who specializes in harmonica He is influenced by local music as well as fom the places he has lived, including Atlanta, Chicago, Louisiana, Texas, and Maine. Hanes is co-founder of the Blues Initiative which has distributed more than 400 harmonicas, along with harmonica lessons to young people throughout the Roanoke and New River Valleys, thanks to the generous support of the New River Blues Society Hanes has a degree in musical performance from Northwestern University He is a member of the popular local blues band, Bunco.
FINE ARTS
Making American Artists: Taubman Museum's Fall Exhibition
November 6 at 2:30 PM
Making American Artists presents the Pennsylvania Academy for the Fine Arts’ formidable collection of iconic historic works alongside stellar pieces by traditionally underrepresented artists. By exploring PAFA’s impressive collection with a critical eye, this exhibition catalogs changes in our national artistic identity, weighing what it meant to be an “American” artist from when the institution was founded to the late twentieth century
Katie McCampbell Hirsch is the Deputy Director of Exhibitions at the Taubman Museum of Art. Prior to this role, Hirsch was the Director and Chief Curator of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art in Charleston, SC from 2021-2024 and Curator and Director of Strategic Partnerships at the same institution from 2016-2021 At the Halsey Institute, she organized exhibitions by such notable artists as Dyani White Hawk, Demond Melancon, La Vaughn Belle, and Kukuli Velarde. She has also served as Senior Curator at island6 Arts Center in Shanghai, China and has taught courses in Art History and Arts Management at the College of Charleston and Florida State University. She earned a BA in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MA in Art History, Visual Cultures of the Americas from The Florida State University.
FINE ARTS
Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner, Oh My!
September 11 at 3:00 PM
Step into the world of three towering figures of German classical music Though their names are familiar, their stories and legacies often hide in plain sight In this class, we’ll explore the lives, passions, and rivalries of Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner, while listening to the music that made them unforgettable. Discover how their works shaped the Romantic era and continue to inspire audiences today.
Tchaikovsky & The Russian School
October 9 at 3:00 PM
Discover the brilliance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the first great master of the Russian school of music This class explores the stunning beauty of the Romantic era through his life, influences, and unforgettable works From sweeping ballets to stirring symphonies, we’ll uncover how Tchaikovsky and his contemporaries shaped a uniquely Russian voice in classical music that still captivates audiences 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
Harvest Time: Late Harvest and Dessert Wines
September 26 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
See Calendar
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-Owened Wineries
See Calendar
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 Fusion: Blending cultures
September 26 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
See Calendar
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
See Calendar
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tea and coffee, two of the most influential beverages in history. This class explores their 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.
HEALTH
World Alzheimers Day
September 2 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 Loose it
See Calendar
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
See Calendar
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.
