College for Older Adults

Cooking For One – 4 week series 

Mondays – 10am – 1pm  FULL

CLASS FULL

Instructor: Rod Perrino 

Minimum: 4 

Maximum: 12 

Supply Fee: $20 

Cooking for one seems like too much trouble? Don't resort to take-out or frozen dinners every night.  A few strategies and tips can make it easy and fun to make wonderful, healthy meals in less time than waiting for that pizza guy. Join us for a tasty, fun class!

Nature Journaling 

Monday, September 23 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm 

Instructor: Carla Krietsch 

Minimum:none 

Maximum: 12 

Supply Fee: $5 

Spark your curiosity and creativity by spending an afternoon observing nature and documenting your experience. We will look for inspiration outside and explore different techniques to display our thoughts and observations on paper. This class is meant to prompt a mindful connection with nature that can last a lifetime. Please wear comfortable clothing for a stroll outdoors. Nature journaling kits to be provided by instructor.

Making Simple Watercolor Books – 2-week series

Monday, September 30 & October 7 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm 

Instructor: Andrea Morrison 

Minimum: 6

Maximum: 10 

Supply Fee: $5 

We will paint a variety of art papers with watercolor and other items and create charming booklets with fun binding styles. Andrea will provide paints, palettes, brushes, masking fluid and applicators, art papers, backing boards, tape, water containers, spray bottles, paper towels, pencils, pens, oil pastels, watercolor pencils, ribbons, etc.

Fused Glass Suncatchers  

Monday, October 14 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm  

Instructor: Aleen Wilson

Minimum: 4 

Maximum: 12 

Supply Fee: $15

In this engaging workshop, you will learn step by step how to create a breathtaking Suncatcher. Whether you choose to hang it in your garden, display it in your home, or gift it to a dear friend, this Suncatcher will add a touch of sparkle to any space. You will be given a 4 x 6 in. clear glass to decorate with pieces of colored glass. Aleen will take it back to Gallery 22 to fire and will fix it to hang.

Strength for Life -4 week series 

Tuesdays from 10am – 11am 

Instructor: Elizabeth Stancescu (Dragon’s Beard Farm) 

Minimum/Maximum: none

Join Elizabeth, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and health & wellness coach of over 10 years, as she hosts a weekly class to help you build the strength, balance, mobility and stamina that you need to continue to live your life the way you choose. We will focus on learning how exercises translate to everyday movements and perfecting our ability to perform them. Build more muscle, improve your balance, expand your mobility and increase your stamina with body weight and light equipment exercises you can do anywhere you please. This class is for all fitness levels and will highlight adaptable movement that can be adjusted to fit the needs of anyone who wishes to participate. Please bring water, a towel or mat to place on the floor, and a sweat towel if you are prone to sweating, as we will be spending most of the class time moving and practicing our movements. We will be moving and having fun learning what our bodies can accomplish!

Murder in a Rear View Mirror - 4-week series 

Tuesdays from 11:30am - 12:30pm

Instructor: Tom Perry 

Minimum/Maximum: none

In his book Murder in A Rear View Mirror, Historian Tom Perry tells a story in each chapter about murder and mayhem along the Virginia/North Carolina border. He will bring four of these stories to the Reynolds Homestead starting with Lynch Hollow from 1897 murder of Sadie Cook in Ararat, Virginia, and the subsequent vigilante murder of Henry Walls, the man accused of killing Cook. Perry will continue with the case Ex Parte Virginia, which involves the sons of Kittie Reynolds, Burwell and Lee Reynolds, who in 1878 were accused of the murder of Aaron Shelton in Stuart, Virginia. Perry will continue with the case of the Martinsville Seven, who were accused of the rape of Ruby Floyd in 1949 and lost their lives by the hands of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Finally, Perry will conclude with 1912 of the Hillsville, Virginia shootout, which became famous nationwide until the sinking of the Titanic knocked it off the front pages.

Yoga - 4-week series 

Tuesdays from 3pm - 4pm

Instructor: Cynthia Cowley

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 15

Each class will focus on a specific part of the body such as hips, shoulders, back, etc.  Students will need their own mat and blankets (beach towels) if they have them. Reynolds Homestead will provide other props such as chairs, belts, blocks, and blankets.

Estate Planning Basics

Tuesday, September 24 – 1:00pm – 2:30pm 

Instructor: Graves Anthony III 

Minimum: 8 

Come join Graves Anthony III and our sponsor Estate & Elder Law Center to learn more about legal documents everyone should have in place! Charles Graves Anthony, III, is Associate Attorney of the Estate & Elder Law Center of Southside Virginia, PLLC. A graduate of Bassett High School, Class of 2012, He attended Hampden-Sydney College, graduating in 2016. From there, he received his Juris doctorate in Law from Charleston School of Law, in 2020. Being a Bassett native, he is pleased to have the opportunity to return and practice law in his hometown. He is a member of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. In addition, he has also received his certification as a Guardian Ad Litem, serving as an advocate on behalf of incapacitated adults facing Guardianship proceedings. Mr. Anthony is one of the attorneys in our Bassett office that you meet with to discuss your Estate Planning needs, concerns and questions. He assists Mr. Haley and staff in the management of the firm's overall caseload. In his off-hours, he stays active in the community and his local church and when not serving others, considers himself a pit master when it comes to barbecuing, as well as being a massive sports and music fan. When it comes to community involvement, he is Vice President of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, a Highway 57 Cruise-In Sponsor Representative, and is an active member of the Bassett Kiwanis. He is a long-standing member of the Greater Bassett Area Community and is heavily active in his church as an acting Deacon, and active member of several committees.

Feelings in Color: Creative Expression Workshop

Tuesday, October 1 – 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Instructor: Kate Bye

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 12

This workshop will combine artistic activities with discussions on emotional awareness, providing participants with practical tools to understand and express their emotions creatively and constructively.   

Winter Holiday Snowman Wreath Making

Tuesday, October 8 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Instructor: Melanie Barrow

Minimum: 6

Maximum: 20

Supply Fee: $30 

This workshop will give participants the opportunity to be fully engaged in the making and decorating of a deco mesh Winter Holiday Snowman Wreath. Perfect for the Christmas holiday but can be displayed throughout the entire winter season.

Death & Tea with a Death Midwife

Tuesday, October 15 – 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Instructor: Cricket Haley

Minimum: 4

Grab a cup of your favorite brew and settle in for a real conversation about death and dying. What is a death (midwife) doula, and do you need one? Join Cricket and explore the profound, the curious, and the sometimes whimsical aspects of our existence and what might come next. Whether it's through personal stories or philosophical debates, we delve into the mysteries that surround death and celebrate the beauty of life. Cricket is a Law Firm Administrator for the Estate & Elder Law Center, Certified Elder Care Coordinator, and Death Midwife. She has a certification in Brain Longevity Training and 200 RYT in Senior Yoga and Death Cafe Facilitator.

Hiking with Derek 

September 25 - October 16 (4 week series) 

Instructor: Derek Layman 

Fee: $20 for just hikes

Instructor: Derek Layman 

(Wednesdays Starting September 25, 2024) 

 Four easy to moderate hikes of 2-6 miles each located within one hour's drive or 55 miles of Stuart. Participants should carefully consider the following: sturdy/comfortable shoes, weather appropriate clothing, hiking stick, hiking backpack, bug spray, plenty of liquid for hydration (preferably water or Gatorade), and snacks as desired. Leashed pets are welcome at most hike locations. Join us as we explore the natural beauty of Southwest VA!

The following trails are on the agenda but are subject to change: 

Wednesday, September 25 - Shot Tower to Foster Falls Trail (Lead Mines District, VA) – Head out on this 3.1-mile out-and-back trail near Austinville, Virginia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 3 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and road biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Wednesday, October 2 - Buffalo Mountain Trail (Willis, VA) – Experience this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Willis, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 12 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are from April through November. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.  

Wednesday, October 9 - Stiles Falls (Shawsville, VA) – Experience this 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Shawsville, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 15 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Wednesday, October 16 - Jamison Mill Park Loop (Henry, VA) – Head out on this 3.9-mile loop trail near Henry, Virginia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 36 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.If you have any questions or concerns, Derek can be reached at dhlayman@gmail.com or (540) 420-6836. 

Line Dancing 

Every Thursday from 10am - 11am 

Instructor: Don Richardson

Minimum: 4 

Line dancing is a fun way to elevate your heart rate, burn calories, strengthen back and core muscles and enjoy some great music, too! Don joins us from Walnut Cove to lead this great class. 

Decorative Clay Pumpkins

Thursday, September from 11:15am – 1:45pm 

Instructor: Rebecca Flippen

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 8

Supply Fee: $15

Participants will use a cutting form to create a clay pattern. Participants will then be able to apply selected textures and shape into a decorative pumpkin. Since red clay will be used, very little glazing will be required. Using the kiln, projects will be bisque fired only so participants can, if they choose, apply a few drops of their preferred essential oil, adding to the fall feel.

Understanding Your Camera & Phone Settings

Thursday, September 26 – 2:00pm – 4:00pm 

Instructor: Rick Dawson

Minimum: 4

Are you confused by your camera or phone camera settings? This class will help demystify why the images you capture on your digital file may not match what you see. We will cover everything from holding your camera or phone to correcting errors and capturing the perfect photo that you'll be happy with.

Personal Elder Finance - 3-week series

Thursday, October 3, 10, & 17 from 11:15am - 1:00pm

Instructor: Austin Joyce with Edward Jones Financial

Minimum: 4

This class ranges from basic finance such as budgeting and class flow to more advanced topics such as tax loss harvesting to advanced investing strategies. After these classes you will have a firm grip on personal finance.

Fall Fabric Sunflowers

Thursday, October 3 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Instructor: Kathy Shelton

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 12

Supply Fee: $5

Participants will make decorative sunflowers using fat quarter material tied around a circle to make the flower petals. Materials are provided, and each participant will make 2 flowers.

Upholstery Tote Bags

Thursday, October 10 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Instructor: Kathy Shelton

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 10

Supply Fee: $10

Use upholstery fabric to make a lined tote bag with Kathy Shelton! Participants will need basic knowledge of sewing machine use for straight line stitching.

Ride on our 14 passenger bus or meet us at the destination! For bus riders there is a $15 transportation fee per trip; limited space is available. We’ll stop for lunch on each trip and we’ll each take care of our own tab. 

All Friday Fun Trips will have a $15 transportation fee due at registration. All other expenses are paid by you, the participant, on the day of the trip. 

9/27 Villa Appalaccia Winery in Floyd, VA

Villa Appalaccia Winery is a taste of Tuscany in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway between milepost #170 & #171, it is one of the more unique wineries in the state of Virginia. Villa Appalaccia is a Virginia farm winery, producing wine in a local vineyard established in 1989. The Italian villa that is home to the winery is straight out of a postcard from Tuscany.  

Wine tastings are $12 and currently they have 8 wines on the tasting menu. Their food menu will be available for lunch. Please bring money for a tasting if you want to try their wines and food if you want to purchase lunch. If you are an artist and would like to paint or draw while we are there, please feel free to bring your art supplies. 

10/4 Craftsman Fall Classic Art & Craft Festival

The Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA

Join us for the 37th Annual of Roanoke’s favorite Fall event, and one of the country’s most highly acclaimed, award-winning series of indoor fine art and craft festivals.  There are many new exhibitors, as well as familiar favorites.  All items are made by the participating artists and craftsmen. Many exhibitors welcome custom work, and love to show visitors just how creative they truly are. Contemporary, traditional, functional, whimsical and decorative treatments of pottery, fine art, glass, jewelry, baskets, weaving, clothing, furniture, sculpture, photography, wood & much more, including specialty foods.  Thousands of unique choices for every style, taste and budget! Admission is FREE with a can of food donation to Feeding Southwest Virginia!

Please bring money for lunch at Mission BBQ. 

10/11 Autumn Leaves Festival

Every year in October, Mayberry is the place to be for the Autumn Leaves Festival™, an historic festival in the heart of Mount Airy, NC. This nationally recognized event is unique with its mix of music, arts, crafts, and delicious food. There is something for everyone. 

Admission is free.

Please bring money for lunch. 

10/18 Old Salem

Old Salem is a 250-year-old Moravian settlement. This is a self-guided walking tour that takes about two and a half to three hours to complete. They have about 9-10 interpreting buildings/homes available to tour with purchase of ticket. In these buildings, costumed interpreters guide visitors through and share the history or perform the trade that took place. In addition to the facilitated tour stops, the village has non-interpreting free stops including Muddy Creek Cafe (soups, salads and sandwiches) and the Winkler Bakery, (sugar cake, cookies and baked goods) with a gift shop on the second floor.

You may purchase a ticket for $30 plus tax once you arrive and includes the following:

• A self-guided tour of all open venues in the Historic Town of Salem with hands-on learning experience of living history and historic trades demonstrations!
• Access to the Self-Guided Galleries in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center (including the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts).
• Access to the Gardens of Old Salem.

There is plenty to enjoy, shop, and eat without the paid ticket, but visitors cannot gain entry to any of the above without a tour ticket.

Bring money for lunch at Muddy Creek Cafe.