College for Older Adults

Melanie's Favorite Foods – 4-week session
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Instructor:  Melanie Gilbert and Terri Leviner
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply Fee: $30

Get ready to stir, mix, and savor your way through Melanie’s all-time favorite recipes! This hands-on cooking class features a mouthwatering lineup of comforting, flavorful dishes that bring bold flavors with easy cleanup, and end on a sweet note with Melanie’s favorite desserts. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, these recipes are simple, satisfying, and full of heart. Come hungry and leave inspired! 

Yoga - 4-week session
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Cynthia Cowley 
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 15

This class is for the student that wishes to move at a slower pace. Great for the beginner student or someone wishing to start moving. Focus will be on safety and alignment to ensure each student feels comfortable and familiar with common yoga postures. The teacher will demonstrate the posture and then guide you through the pose. Sanskrit terms as well as the English translations will be offered when calling out the poses. Modifications are offered for all poses if needed. Instruction will include learning about body alignment and use of props and other modifications for maximum benefit and adaptability. 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.

How to Photograph Butterflies
Monday, Oct. 6
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor:  Ricky Dawson
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply Fee: $8

Have you ever tried to photograph a butterfly on a flower, only to find its wings in the wrong position or to have it fly away before you can focus? Ricky will teach students how to photograph a taxidermy butterfly. He will demonstrate how to use LED lights to illuminate the butterfly while darkening the background for better contrast.

Collages with Beautiful Art Papers
Mondays, Oct. 13 and 20
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Instructor:  Andrea Morrison
Minimum: 8
Maximum: 10
Supply Fee: $8

A variety of colorful, textured art papers, backing boards, cutting equipment and adhesive supplies will be provided to inspire you. You are welcome to bring your own pictures and decorative items to include in your spontaneous designs. No previous art experience is needed.

Carla's Creative Cards - FULL
Monday, Oct. 27
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Instructor:  Carla Krietsch
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 10
Supply Fee: $5

Send someone something special with your own signature creation! It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion or a memorable message “just because!” Supplies are included so all you need is your imagination.

Our Un-civil ‘War Between the States’ Continued... – 4-week session
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Instructor: Darryl Holland
Minimum: 10

This four-week course continues our in-depth look at the American Civil War, highlighting pivotal strategies, leadership, and the aftermath of the conflict. Each week will focus on a different theme, blending military history with human stories to shed light on how the war shaped the nation. New and returning students are welcome. Weekly topics included: Winfield Scott’s Anaconda Plan and the Naval War, the Confederate High Command, the Union High Command and Lee after Appomattox.

Battleground at Home: A Local Lens on the Civil War  – 4-week session
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Tom Perry
Minimum: 4

This four-week course examines the Civil War through the unique lens of Patrick and Henry Counties. This series blends local history with broader Civil War narratives, offering insights into the people, battles, and stories that shaped our region. Weekly topics include: The Free State of Patrick: Patrick County in the Civil War, J.E.B. Stuart and the Battle of Yellow Tavern, William Jackson Palmer and the Battle of Martinsville and Tom’s favorite books on the Civil War.

Fit for Fun – 4-week session
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Elizabeth Stancescu
Minimum: 4

Come hang out and have fun while gaining strength and mobility! Elizabeth is a dedicated fitness and health coach with a passion for making access to health and fitness easy for everyone. Join the class to find fun new ways to play your way strong and feel better in your body. Class is open to any and all fitness levels. All activities are modifiable to include bodies of all abilities. Bring water and a towel if you sweat easily.

Rooted and Resilient: Rural Perspectives from Doctoral Candidates
Tuesday, Oct. 7
2:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Instructors: Annie Shaba and Jon Dance
Minimum: 4

Two doctoral students from the Center for Rural Education will present their recent research studies. Annie Shaba will share findings from observing gifted rural students at a summer camp. How students naturally brought what they valued about their communities into their classwork making learning more engaging and meaningful. Jon Dance will share his work on recovery as relational care, highlighting how community, belonging, and shared regulation are essential for healing from trauma and addiction. He will also introduce the Community Resiliency Model as a practical tool to support self- and co-regulation, especially in rural areas where behavioral health resources may be limited, but community strength runs deep.

A Clayful Christmas
Tuesday, Oct. 14
2:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Instructor: Rebecca Flippen
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply fee: $15

Students will be provided a 12” x 14” sheet of prepped clay they can use to make Christmas themed ornaments and/or trinket trays. Once made, underglazes will be provided if they wish to paint them. All pieces will be bisque fired only. The number of pieces a student can make will be determined by what sizes of cutters students choose. (Example: 4 ornaments & 3 trinket trays; 6-10 ornaments)

Make and Take Felted Christmas Trees
Tuesday, Oct. 21
2:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Instructor: Terri Alt
Minimum: 3
Maximum: 10
Supply fee: $10

Spend a festive afternoon creating your very own tabletop Christmas tree! Using precut felt in a variety of colors, you’ll design and assemble a cheerful holiday decoration to brighten your home for the season. No experience needed—all supplies provided.

Seeking Justice: The Extraordinary Freedom Suits of an Enslaved Virginia Family
Tuesday, Oct. 28
2:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Instructor: Dan Thorp
Minimum: 4

In antebellum Virginia, enslaved individuals could sue for their freedom if they believed they were being held in violation of the state’s laws defining slavery. Unis v. Charlton, the longest running freedom suit in Virginia history, began in Christiansburg two hundred years ago this September. This lecture will describe both the general process of freedom suits and the specific case brought by Unis Lewis and her family in 1825.

Hiking with Derek 
beginning Oct. 8 (4 week series) 
Instructor: Derek Layman 
Fee: $20 for just hikes

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 (and parts of NC)! The following trails are on the agenda but are subject to change (descriptions are from the ALLTrails website). 

Oct. 8 - Farris Memorial Park Trail
(Mayodan, NC) - 3.1 miles

This trail is a great one to start the fall session! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 6 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and running, and it's unlikely hikers will encounter many other people while exploring.

Oct. 15 - Fall Creek Falls
(Stoneville, NC) - 3+ miles

Another hike rated as easy! Fall Creek Falls are sometimes referred to as "Deshazo Mill Falls"; the trailhead is just over the one-lane bridge and marked by wooden boundary poles. The waterfall is just a short distance into the hike, but the trail continues down to the Mayo River where hikers are greeted with more lovely views before returning the way they came.

Oct. 22 - Little Mountain Falls Trail
(Stuart, VA) - 4.3 miles

This hike is a moderate rating. The Little Mountain Falls Trail consists of both rocky and dirt trails. Care must be taken when walking on some of the rough steps. Hikers will hike through hardwood forests covered in ferns and moss. They will pass across a brook and follow it along the trail. They will cross another creek after going around the ridge's shoulder to arrive at the Blue Ridge Overlook. There is a bench at the Blue Ridge Overlook where hikers may enjoy expansive views of the surroundings.

Oct. 29 - Read Mountain Preserve Loop
(Bonsack, VA) - 4.1 miles

The last hike is also rated as moderate. It is back by popular demand! This hike requires additional driving but is well worth it!

A scenic ridge hike with great views! Start on Buzzard Rock Trail (blue), turn left on Rocky Way (yellow) for 1.45 mi, then follow the CCC Trail (red) for 0.82 mi to rejoin Buzzard Rock Trail. Optional detour to Buzzard Rock Overlook. Return via Buzzard Rock and Crossover Trail to the parking area.

Line Dancing – 4-week session
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Instructor: Don Richardson

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. Wear loose, season-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Don has been line dancing since 2010 and is part owner of Palmetto theater restoration project. He loves to collect vintage jukeboxes and record players from the 50s and 60s.

Living With Black Bears in Virginia
Thursday, Oct. 9
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Danny Martin

The black bear population in Virginia is increasing at an incredible rate. "Living With Black Bears in Virginia" discusses the characteristics and habits of this amazing animal. In addition, techniques on how to avoid conflicts with black bears will be presented.

Monarch Waystations
Thursday, Oct. 9
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Regina Flora
Minimum: 10

Join us on a journey to save the endangered Monarch butterfly! In this interactive class, students will discover the unique characteristics of Monarchs, explore their incredible migration patterns, and learn about the critical role of native plants in their survival. We’ll also guide students through the steps to create and certify their own Monarch-friendly garden. Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, and families eager to make a difference in pollinator conservation!

Invasive Plant Species
Thursday, Oct. 16
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Danny Martin

"Invasive Plant Species" will define what is meant by "invasive" and will present examples of local invasive plants. The harmful effects of invasive plant species will be discussed, emphasizing environmental impacts on native plant species and wildlife. Control methods will also be discussed.

Broken Glass Resin Art
Thursdays, Oct. 16 and 23
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Linda Wilson
Minimum: 6
Maximum: 15
Supply Fee: $30

Capture the beauty of the shoreline in this creative workshop! Students will design a stunning beach scene using resin and sparkling faux “broken glass,” arranged in a clear glass frame for a beautiful, light-catching effect. No experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and love of the coast. Each participant will leave with a one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the colors and textures of the sea.

Beginners Pen and Ink Drawing
Thursday, Oct. 23
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Karen Sigmon
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 15
Supply Fee: $10

Students will be shown how to begin a drawing using Micron pens and the fundamentals of creating shadows and values using only a black pen. The instructor will provide two sizes of pen and paper as well as worksheets for practice.

Stained Glass Suncatcher
Thursday, Oct. 30
11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Instructor: Aleen Wilson
Mimimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply fee: $30

Students will create a stained glass suncatcher using four pieces of glass that have been precut to be foiled and soldered.

Introduction to Creating With Alcohol Inks
Thursday, Oct. 30
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Instructor: Ginnie Conaway
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 10
Supply fee: $7

Discover how to make small paintings and jewelry with alcohol inks. These inks are brilliant and versatile. This is a make and take class, with inks available for students to continue projects at home.

NOTE: All Friday Fun Trips will have a $15 transportation fee due at registration.

Saturday Shenanigans to Mill Mountain Theatre
Saturday, Oct. 11
Roanoke, VA
Admission ticket is $54 payable with registration
$15 transportation fee
Total: $69 payable with registration

Join us for our first adventure of the season! We’ll head to Roanoke, VA for a day filled with food, fun, and fantastic music as we relive the legendary night that made rock 'n' roll history with "Million Dollar Quartet," the electrifying musical by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, featuring the iconic hits of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins! Performance is at 2 p.m. and participants will have lunch at 11 a.m. at Billy’s in downtown Roanoke. This show is a MUST SEE! Get your tickets today!

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 14

Reynolda ‘Camel City’ Exhibition
Friday, Oct. 17
Winston-salem, NC
Admission $20 payable at registration
$15 transportation fee
Total: $35 payable with registration

Our second trip takes us to Reynolda in Winston-Salem to experience the brand-new Camel City Exhibit. Presented in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Camel City explores how innovation and industry transformed Winston-Salem into a thriving commercial powerhouse. Tour will begin at 10:30 and lunch afterwards at Village Tavern.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12

Armstrong Artisan Farm
Friday, Oct. 24
Walnut Cove, NC
Admission is $15 payable at registration
$15 transportation fee
Total: $30 payable with registration

We will travel to Walnut Cove, NC to visit the Armstrong Artisan Farm for a day of educational fun on the farm. Participants will also get a guided tour of the Palmetto Theatre after lunch. Lunch will be at the Milk Bar.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 14

Halloween Spooky Splatter and Clay Creations at Heart to Art
Friday, Oct. 31
Martinsville, VA
Admission is $35 payable at registration
$15 transportation fee
Total: $50 payable with registration

Celebrate Halloween as we wrap up COA with a day of spooky creativity at Heart to Art Studio in Martinsville, VA. Your admission includes one splatter canvas artwork and one clay creation. Brunch will be at 10 a.m. at Be Wiched restaurant prior to studio visit. Don’t be tricked and register today for a day of treats!