College for Older Adults

Living with Local Fauna & Flora in SW Virginia
Mondays, April 20 – May 11
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Instructors: Southwest Piedmont Master Naturalists
Minimum: 6

Discover how to better understand and coexist with the wildlife and native plants that call Southwest Virginia home. This four-part series explores the behaviors, benefits, and ecological importance of local species while offering practical tips for living safely and respectfully alongside them. Participants will also learn how native plants and wildlife are deeply connected and how to identify invasive species that threaten our ecosystem.

Introduction to Tai Chi
Mondays, April 20 – May 11
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Instructor: Margaret Fey
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 15

Learn this ancient practice for modern times in a relaxed setting. Tai chi is called "meditation in motion" for its slow, deliberate movements combined with a focus on breathing. This low-impact activity will introduce essential elements and gentle, flowing moves you can practice at home. Research supports doing tai chi to improve balance and strengthen muscles. No equipment needed, just wear comfy clothes and low-heeled sneakers.

Rooted & Resilient: Rural Perspectives from doctoral candidates at the VT Center for Rural Education on Learning, Community, and Healing
Monday, April 20
1 – 3 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.

Painting Upside Down with Acrylics
Mondays, April 27 and May 4
1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Andrea Morrison
Minimum: 8
Maximum: 10
Supply Fee: $8

No, you won't be upside down, the subject matter will be upside down! Students will need to bring their adventuresome spirit to paint playful designs with unexpected colors. All supplies will be provided.

String Theory: Painting with String
Monday, May 11
1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Karen Sigmon
Minimum: 6
Maximum: 15
Supply Fee: $10

The class will use string or yarn dipped in craft paint, lay it between two sheets of paper and pull creating interesting effects. Students will then be shown ways to use the results for unique artwork.

Adult Recess

Tuesdays, April 21 – May 12
1 – 2 p.m.
Instructor: Elizabeth Stancescu
Minimum: 4

Come spend some time playing with us and getting stronger! Students will use strength training and fun games to help make movement more fun so they have more energy to spend doing the things they love the most, while building muscle to help support their body while they do them. Elizabeth is a passionate strength and wellness coach with only one goal: work herself out of a job. Join us and learn new ways to keep your body moving smoothly!

Creative Crafts for the Season 
Tuesdays, April 21 – May 12
2  – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Linda Wilson
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply Fee: Varies each week

Celebrate the beauty of spring with four weeks of hands-on creativity! In this engaging workshop series, participants will explore a new craft each week—perfect for adding a personal, seasonal touch to your home or garden.

• April 21: Create handmade, plantable seed paper you can gift or grow.

• April 28: Design stunning UV resin coasters that are both functional and decorative.

• May 5: Craft a beautiful Tree of Life piece symbolizing growth and renewal.

• May 12: Assemble whimsical Fairy Light Mason Jars to brighten your space.

Each class offers step-by-step guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting—no prior experience needed. Supply fees vary each week. Please see the registration form for individual class fees.

Hiking with Derek 
beginning Apr. 22 (4 week series) 
Instructor: Derek Layman 
Fee: $25 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). 

April 22 - Grassy Hill Preserve – Explore this 2.9-mile out-and-back trail near Rocky Mount, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 16 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but hikers can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are from July through November. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. (235 Technology Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151)

April 29 - Knight Brown Preserve – The Knight Brown Nature Preserve, located in southwestern Rockingham County near Carolina Marina, is the Piedmont Land Conservancy's first preserve open to the public. The Knight Brown Nature Preserve features a wooded valley, streams, ferns, spring wildflowers and the rare eastern leatherwood shrub. The Preserve has an informational kiosk at the trail head, handmade benches at various places, two bridges and picnic tables. There are four trails near the entry point on Waterfield Lane: Beechwood Bottom, Creekside, Leatherwood Loop, A Poet's Walk, and the new "Running Pines Trail" The Preserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. (221 Waterfield Ln, Stokesdale, NC 27357)

May 6 - Buffalo Mountain Preserve – Take an adventure to the summit of Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve in Floyd County, Virginia! This trail follows the Oak and Barrens Loop Trail to the top of Buffalo Mountain and leads you to the highest point in the county, where the rounded peak looks just like a buffalo’s back.

The view from the top is truly spectacular, offering a 360-degree look at the Blue Ridge Mountains. Google Maps can sometimes have difficulty locating the trailhead, stay on Moles Road until you see the preserve sign. (890 Moles Rd SW, Willis, VA 24380)

May 13 - Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve – Bottom Creek is a powerful mountain stream that forms a stair-step series of broad-basin waterfalls known as the "kettles." One of the headwater streams of the South Fork of the Roanoke River, Bottom Creek boasts a 200-foot high waterfall. Flanking Bottom Creek are forests of mixed hardwoods (tulip poplar, maple, oak, hickory) and upland meadows. Five rare species thrive in this habitat.

This route combines several trails within the Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve, including the Knight Trail (yellow blazes), Johnston Trail (red blazes), and Duval Trail (blue blazes).

The stream and waterfall may be dry, depending on seasonal weather conditions. (2031 Bottom Creek Lane, Bent Mountain, VA 24059)

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

Chair Yoga
Thursdays, April 23 – May 14
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Instructor: Cynthia Cowley
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 15

Chair Yoga Class is increasingly popular form of yoga that adopts traditional yoga poses for students that need a little extra support or for better balance. In this class we may sit on the chair while practicing or stand behind the chair for support during various yoga postures. 

The class will focus on gentle movements, breathing practices, meditation, promoting flexibility, strength, balance and stress reduction.

Mountain Moonshine
Thursday, April 23
1 – 2 p.m.
Instructor: Danny Martin

Discover the secrets of moonshining from its origination with the Scotch-Irish settlers to modern times. Learn the process and examine a real moonshine steel. Find out about the shortcuts taken by some unscrupulous moonshiners which resulted in poison moonshine. Hear about how greed brought violence to the moonshining profession.

Moonshine and Salteens
Thursday, April 23
2 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Brenda Strickland
Minimum: 4

Moonshine and Salteens is a novella of fiction based on the author's real experiences living in moonshine country and friendships with a group of "salty" ladies. These ladies go for a weekend getaway and one of them unearths a hand in the sand. They decide to solve the mystery and shenanigans ensues. The author will discuss why and how the title and book was created. It is a fun, fast read. Moonshine and Salteens is full of mayhem, mystery, mischief, and moonshine!

Enchanted Garden Teacup
Thursday, April 30
12 – 1:30 p.m.
Instructor: Terri Alt
Minimum: 6
Maximum: 12
Supply Fee: $10

Step into a world of imagination and creativity as students design their very own enchanted teacup garden. In this hands-on class, students will transform a simple teacup into a charming miniature scene complete with tiny fairies, delicate benches, and beautiful succulents. Learn simple design tips and techniques to bring your magical creation to life. Perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your home or gifting to someone special—no fairy dust required!

Moonshine Murders
Thursday, April 30
1 – 2 p.m.
Instructor: Danny Martin

The area surrounding Fairy Stone State Park has not always been the peaceful retreat we know today. Step back into the early 1900s and uncover a turbulent chapter of local history shaped by illicit moonshine, greed, and corruption. In this fascinating program, students will explore how illegal liquor operations sparked a series of violent shooting incidents that rocked the community and exposed a darker side of mountain life. Through storytelling and historical insight, discover the people, motives, and consequences behind these long-forgotten crimes.

Understanding Your Cell Phone’s Camera
Thursday, April 30 
2 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Ricky Dawson
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply Fee: $10

Ready to get more out of that camera in your pocket? Whether you use Apple or Android, this fun and practical class will help you take better photos and truly understand your phone’s camera features. Learn how to turn on the grid and level tools (through Settings on Apple and the camera icon on Android) to instantly improve your composition. Practice capturing beautiful flower photos using close-up features and simple techniques that make a big difference.

We’ll also cover what happens after you snap the picture—how to back up images to your computer, email or text them to friends, and adjust resolution for faster sending (or decide when to keep those high-quality factory settings). Discover the hidden settings and simple tricks that will help you shoot, save, and share with confidence. No photography experience needed—just bring your phone and your curiosity!

Garden Pop: Designing Your Own Garden Stake
Thursday, May 7
1 – 2 p.m.
Instructor: Kathy Shelton
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Supply Fee: $10

Add a little sparkle to your garden this season! In this fun and creative class, students will design and decorate their own eye-catching garden stake, embellished with colorful jewels and decorative accents. Whether you prefer bold and bright or soft and whimsical, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece that brings personality and charm to your flower beds, potted plants, or walkway. No experience needed—just come ready to shine and let your creativity bloom!

History and Legends from the Beach to the Blue Ridge and Across Virginia
Thursday, May 7
2 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Joe Tennis
Minimum: 6

Travel across Virginia without ever leaving your seat as we explore spine-tingling legends and fascinating history from the mountains to the coast. Featuring stories from author Joe Tennis and his popular books—The Ghostly Tales of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands and The Ghostly Tales of Haunted Coastal Virginia—this class will uncover eerie encounters, mysterious happenings, and colorful folklore from the Blue Ridge Highlands, Southern Virginia, and Tidewater.

We’ll also journey along rail trails and Route 58, drawing from the author’s broader historical works to connect the legends with the real stories that shaped the commonwealth. Expect an engaging blend of ghost tales, local lore, and rich Virginia history—perfect for anyone who loves a good story with a little chill in the air.

Books will be available for purchase and autograph at the conclusion of class.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Thursday, May 14
12 – 1 p.m.
Instructor: Sarah Bidwell
Minimum: 4
Supply Fee: $10

Emergency Preparedness Binder Workshop: Attorney Sarah Bidwell, with Wills on Wheels, will walk you through creating a binder to ensure your important information is organized in the event of an emergency or sudden incapacitation, such as a debilitating illness or injury This binder will help you and your loved ones know who to contact, where to find financial and medical information, and more in an emergency situation.

Stained Glass Treasure Box
Thursday, May 14
1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Aleen Wilson
Minimum: 3
Maximum: 8
Supply Fee: $40

Create your own colorful keepsake! Learn basic stained glass techniques as you design and assemble a beautiful treasure box to hold your special items. No experience needed—just bring your creativity!

Leaf to Legacy: The Story of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Thursday, May 14
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Madison Hilton
Minimum: 6

This course explores the rise of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from a small 19th‑century enterprise to one of the most influential tobacco companies in American history. Students will examine how the company shaped American industry while remaining deeply rooted in the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the American South.

The class considers innovation and entrepreneurship alongside the broader social and economic consequences of tobacco production. Participants will engage with questions of industrial growth, labor, regional identity, and legacy, gaining a nuanced understanding of how a single company influenced both national markets and local communities.

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

Week #1 COA Trip – Friday, April 24
Downtown Discoveries: Mt. Airy Edition

Join us for our first Fun Friday adventure of the season! Participants will head to Mt. Airy, NC, for a day filled with a tour and scavenger hunt downtown with lunch at the Angry Troll Brewery. 

• Date: Friday, April 24

• Destination: Mt. Airy, NC

• Cost: $10.00 a person

• Departure: Reynolds Homestead at 9:00 a.m.

• 10:00 AM: Arrive in Mt. Airy, NC

• 10:15 AM: Meet tour guide at the bus loading zone at 259 N. Main St. 

• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Angry Troll Brewery

• 1:30 PM: Scavenger Hunt downtown

• 3:30 PM: Depart for Home

This trip requires a minimum of 6 participants and is limited to a maximum of 14. Don’t miss your chance for this exciting outing with great company!

Week #2 COA Trip – Friday, May 1

 Our second trip takes us to Danville, VA to experience a fun Friday getaway. Participants will begin their day with a visit to the River District Artisan Center and the Main Street Art Collective followed by a step on tour of Danville, VA. They will enjoy lunch at the River District Social and then on to Caesars Virginia Hotel and Resort where participants can enjoy the property or try their luck at the gaming tables. 

• Date: Friday, May 1

• Destination: Danville, VA

• Cost: $15 per person

• Departure: Reynolds Homestead at 8:00 AM

• 8am – Depart Reynolds Homestead

• 9am – Arrive at the Visitor Center at 645 River Park Drive

• 9:30am – 10:30am – Tour the River District Artisans

• 10:30am – 11:15am – Tour the Main Street Art Collective

• 11:30am – 1:00pm – Step on tour of Danville, VA

• 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch at River District Social

• 2:00pm – 3:30pm – Caesars Virginia Hotel & Resort

• 3:30pm – Depart for Home

This trip requires a minimum of 6 participants and is limited to a maximum of 14. Join us for this exciting cultural trip highlighting history, art, and community!

Week #3 COA Trip – Friday, May 8

On Friday, May 8, participants will travel to Board & Brush Creative Studio in Roanoke, VA for a day of DIY crafts and a wonderful lunch at Billys in downtown Roanoke. 

• Date: Friday, May 8

• Destination: Board & Brush Creative Studio in Roanoke, VA

• Cost: $40 per person

• Departure: Reynolds Homestead at 9:00 AM

• 9:00am – Depart Reynolds Homestead

• 10:00am – Stroll in downtown Roanoke

• 12:00pm – Lunch at Billys

• 1:30pm – DIY Doormat Workshop at Board & Brush

• 3:30pm – Depart for Home

This trip requires a minimum of 6 participants and is limited to a maximum of 14. Join us for this exciting day on the farm!

Week #4 COA Trip – Friday, May 15

Celebrate spring and relax with a trip to the farm and winery. Participants will have a tour and hayride at Owens Farm in Danville, VA. Afterwards, they will enjoy their own picnic lunch with a wine tasting at Homeplace Winery. 

• Date: Friday, May 15

• Destination: Owens Farm, Danville, VA & Homeplace Winery

• Cost: $10 for farm tour & $10 for wine tasting

• Departure: Reynolds Homestead at 9:00 AM

• 9am – Depart Reynolds Homestead

• 10am – Arrive at Owens Farm

• 12pm – Depart Owens Farm

• 12:30pm – Arrive at Homeplace Winery

• 3:00pm – Depart for Home

This trip requires a minimum of 6 participants and is limited to a maximum of 14.