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# F A L L I N T O L E A R N I N G

LIFELONG LEARNING

Fall Semester 2026

WHAT IS RUI UNIVERSITY? RUI University is a multifaceted curriculum that promotes purposeful living. The program supports intellectual wellness by allowing residents to critically think and examine topics from a variety of disciplines. Residents engage with peers and visitors in discourse and work through questions collaboratively.

CLASSES Taught by RUI University Fellows and tailored to our residents’ interests. Class subjects include history, music, ﬁne arts, culinary, wine, horticulture, environmental sustainability, and more.

LEARNING LABS Activities that build upon class subjects. Learning labs engage all different types of learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading, and writing.

OUR CLASSES ARE FREE + OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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#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

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FINE ARTS Writing and Appreciating Poetry: Billy Collins Masterclass November 9 and November 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM Former Poet Laureate, Billy Collins teaches you how to find joy, humor, and humanity in reading and writing poetry. Billy Collins is the author of twelve collections of poetry including Whale Day, The Rain in Portugal, Aimless Love, Horoscopes for the Dead, Ballistics, The Trouble with Poetry, Nine Horses, Sailing Alone Around the Room, Questions About Angels, The Art of Drowning, and Picnic, Lightning. He is also the editor of Poetry 180: A Turning Back to Poetry, 180 More: Extraordinary Poems for Every Day, and Bright Wings: An Illustrated Anthology of Poems About Birds. A former Distinguished Professor at Lehman College of the City University of New York, Collins served as Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003 and as New York State Poet from 2004 to 2006. In 2016 he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters

Photography November 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM Ted Chang, Resident Fellow, shares his insights and tips for making great photos.

Ted Chang, Roanoke VA

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT The American Sound 2 Join us for this exciting, interactive series on the music of the 1960's, hosted by Josh Urban.

The Rat Pack September 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and the rest of the gang were the sound of suave. Explore the music and lives of the pack who helped shaped the idea of cool.

The Country Twang October 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM Johnny, Merle, Buck, George, and more. Put on your boots, it's time to go 60's country.

The Swingin' Sixties November 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM Can you dig the sounds of Miles, John, and Herbie? Jazz goes crazy in the 1960's, and Josh Urban has the scoop.

Josh Urban is a speaker, author, host, and syndicated columnist, and ultimately, a storyteller. Sometimes he uses words, written and spoken. Sometimes it's a guitar, or a telescope on a starry night, voyaging across the light years. A lifelong student of natural history and trained as a rock musician, Josh aims to bring Life to his audiences, and his listeners to life.

WELLNESS Heart Health and the American Heart Association October 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM The American Heart Association is making an impact in our community and how residents and staff can be a part of this life-saving mission by supporting the Heart Walk! Elizabeth is a Roanoke native and loves living in our beautiful region. She is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and the University of Richmond. After school she worked in Richmond for Ferguson Enterprises and the United Way before returning to Roanoke to work for the American Heart Association. This year she celebrates her 35th Anniversary w/ AHA helping to heal hearts and saving lives. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, singing and handbells.

Obstacle Course for Balance September 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM Balance and situational awareness skills-building to safely navigate common and new spaces. Legacy Healthcare Services utilizes evidence-based clinical care to transform the lives of residents and to empower them to live a life full of purpose, safety, and dignity. Their world-class therapists are available onsite within each community, improving the health of residents so they may live life the way they want to.

SCIENCE Science Specimens to Discover: Fossils! September 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM In this class we are visited by Kate Gilbreath from the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Participants will be able to handle fossil casts and real fossilized specimens to be passed around and discussed.

Kate Gilbreath studied environmental science and geology at the University of Texas at Austin. Her love for the mountains drew her to Appalachia, where she took care of the animals housed at the Science Museum of Western Virginia and eventually worked her way to leading the education department of the museum. When she is not writing and teaching programming for local schools and organizations, she enjoys being outside, looking for cool rocks and bugs, and learning about the history of the valley she now calls home!

Genetic Fingerprints October 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM Calling all detectives! This class features real crime scene investigation in the laboratory. Joine by molecular biologist Dr Harald Schneider, we’ll extract DNA from very small traces - even 0.5 square millimetres are enough to uniquely identify genetic material.

Dr. Harald Schneider, Forensics: The Science of Crime

HISTORY Appalachian Traditions: The Dulcimer October 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM A dulcimer is a unique percussion instrument with an ancient history, dating back to the Middle Ages in many parts of Europe. The word “dulcimer” is derived from the Latin word dulcis (“sweet”) and the Greek word melos (“song”) and produces what many describe as “sweet sounds.” Ronda formed the Star City Dulcimer players group, and she and fellow players will entertain us with this traditional instrument and recount the history of dulcimer in the Appalachian region.

Rhonda Vanover, Roanoke VA

The American Flag Through History November 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM Lee Kennedy is a life long American Flag collector. His extensive collection was gifted to a museum in Oklahoma City. Lee, a resident fellow will guide us through the many variaions of the flag since the late 1600s.

Lee Kennedy, RUI University Resident Fellow

HISTORY Medal of Honor: PBS Docuseries November 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM The story of the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. award for valor in combat, is told through personal accounts of bravery and daring. The medal is presented to individuals for service above and beyond the call of duty. Most have been awarded posthumously, yet in this film 13 living recipients tell their stories.

BUSINESS Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams September 28, 2026 at 2:30 PM This class will cover the most common types of scams affecting seniors and will share ways to prevent, detect, and report those scams before it’s too late. Shawn Smith is the State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol program. He leads a team of over 100 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. In addition to being an author and speaker, Shawn is a life coach, ordained minister, and father, living in Richmond, VA.

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 Heirloom Recipes & Culinary Heritage September 18, 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 23, 2026 at 4:00 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 26, 2026 at 12:00 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 25, 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 30, 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 20, 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 15, 2026 at 2:00 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 29, 2026 at 3:00 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 24, 2026 at 3:00 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.

SIT BACK, RELAX, + TUNE-IN to our monthly educational webinars where we bring in new subject-matter experts each month to share their insight on a variety of topics. Scan the QR code below to register today!

RESOURCE CENTER W W W . R U I . N E T / R E S O U R C E - C E N T E R

Go online to stay up-to-date with our monthly webinars, book recommendations, online resources, and more!

LIFELONG LEARNING

#FallIntoLearning

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@RUI.WoodlandHills