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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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CURRENT EVENTS Navigating the News with Pam Benson September 3 and September 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM October 8 October 22, 2026 at 1:30 PM November 5 and November 19, 2026 at 1:30 PM It’s utterly exhausting. We’re bombarded with news from so many directions - in the newspaper, on TV, radio, the Internet and social media. With the elections rapidly approaching, there’s so much to sift through. It’s tough to separate the wheat from the chaff. How do we know what’s real and what’s fake?

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.

FINE ARTS Painting with Heather Second Mondays of Every Month at 3:00 PM Come enjoy an art class where we will engage with a variety of mediums from acrylics, to ceramics, to water colors and so much more!

September: Rustic Pumpkin Still Life Classic orange and heirloom pumpkins grouped next to a vintage glass jar filled with fall leaves.

October: Mystical Forest Path A winding dirt trail covered in crimson and orange maple leaves, disappearing into a soft, misty wood.

November: First Frost Pinecones Close-up pine branches and pinecones dusted with delicate touches of white and soft blue frost.

Heather Connole is a skilled Impressionist oil painter with a remarkable 16-year journey in her craft. Her vibrant artworks exude a sense of joy and tranquility, skillfully brought to life through bold brushwork and a distinctive personal style. Heather's talent has garnered recognition, with memberships in art guilds such as the Baton Rouge and Manassas Art Guilds

SCIENCE Discover Your NeuroCreative Mind Explore the remarkable ways your brain can continue to grow, adapt, and create throughout life. In this engaging three-part series, Thomas C. Keller combines practical brain science with storytelling, humor, movement, and audience participation. Participants will discover approachable ways to break familiar patterns, remain mentally active, strengthen connections, and bring greater curiosity and creativity into everyday life.

Wake Up Your NeuroCreative Mind September 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Break the Loop October 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Creativity, Connection, and Your Next Chapter November 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Thomas C. Keller is a speaker, author, and professional artist who presents interactive programs on creativity, brain health, and lifelong learning. After more than 25 years as a professional artist, Thomas became interested in how creativity, movement, curiosity, and meaningful engagement help people stay mentally active, flexible, and connected at every age. He is the author of Your NeuroCreative Mind: Stay Sharp, Inspired, and Engaged, and his presentations combine practical neuroscience, storytelling, humor, movement, and audience participation. His programs are designed to be uplifting, accessible, and immediately useful for older adults.

LIBRARY SCIENCE Prince William County Mobile Library Engagement Second Thursday of Every Month at 10:30 AM The library will provide a rotating schedule of enrichment activities for our residents, including arts and crafts, trivia, bingo, and other engaging programs designed to support creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. 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.

BUSINESS Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams September 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM 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.

HISTORY Changing Borders, Changing Communities September 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM As the border between the United States and Mexico shifted southward, the Rio Grande became the boundary that united and divided the two nations. Border cities grew together with much intermixing of populations, while both nations developed policies over the years to meet the needs of security and economics.

Border Cities October 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM United and Divided History of the US Southern Border: As the border between the United States and Mexico shifted southward, the Rio Grande became the boundary that united and divided the two nations. Border cities grew together with much intermixing of populations, while both nations developed policies over the years to meet the needs of security and economics.

Great US Generals of WWII: George Patton November 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM The Great War produced some great generals. Patton grew up rich and boasted of servants and a driver in his Army home near Washington. He drove himself and his men hard but was the most feared American general by the Germans.

Dr. James Baer is an emeritus professor of history at Northern Virginia Community College. Holding a Ph.D. in Latin American History from Rutgers, he has published extensively on Argentine social history and Cuban Protestants. His books include Anarchist Immigrants in Spain and Argentina and A Social History of Cuba’s Protestants: God and the Nation.

HISTORY Battlefield History with Steve September 7, 2026 at 2:30 PM October 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM November 2, 2026 at 2:30 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.

LANGUAGE Beginners Spanish with Katie September 4 and September 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM October 2 and October 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM November 6 and November 20, 2026 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.

WILDLIFE Animals in Space October 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM AWhat animals have been in space? Why did they go and how did they help us learn more about space? Meet some of the types of animals that have traveled beyond our world.

Animals Around the World November 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM “Travel” around the world and see up close animals from different continents. Where have you traveled for fun or work? Let’s take a look at some ambassadors from different continents.

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.

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 9, 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 14, 2026 at 3:00 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 18, 2026 at 3:00 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 23, 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 28, 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 25, 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 1:30 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 20, 2026 at 1:30 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 17, 2026 at 1:30 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.

LIFELONG LEARNING

#FallIntoLearning

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