College for Older Adults

Cooking Up Culture Rides Again – 4-week session

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Rod Perrino

Minimum: 6

Maximum: 12

Supply Fee: $30

We are back on the road, seeking new cuisines to explore. Don’t know how to cook? Don’t worry! Everyone will have fun and learn something new as we stop off in four new places from around the globe. 

Chair Yoga - 4-week session

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

Instructor: Cynthia Cowley 

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 15

Chair yoga is an increasingly popular form of yoga that adapts traditional yoga poses for students that need a little extra support or for better balance. In this class, participants may sit on the chair while practicing or stand behind the chair for support during various yoga postures. Chair yoga can provide a gentle low-impact way to stay active and maintain muscle tone. Participants may 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.

Tom’s Time Travels: Lewis and Clark to the Pacific and Back

Monday, April 28

Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Instructor: Tom Perry

Minimum: 4

In 2022, Tom followed Lewis and Clark from Charlottesville to the Pacific Ocean and back. In this class, participants will learn more about Lewis & Clark and see all the amazing stops Tom experienced on his adventure. 

Let’s Make an Agamograph!

Mondays, May 5 and May 12

Time: 2:15 – 4:15 p.m. 

Instructor: Andrea Morrison

Minimum: 8

Maximum: 10

Supply Fee: $8.00

The class will paint two guided 9" x 6" acrylic paintings, cut them into 1" wide strips and glue them alternately to a 9" x 12" fan folded backing. The result will be an agamograph! Looking at the agamograph at eye level, participants will see one painting from the left and the other one from the right!

American Mah Jongg Strategy for the Novice Player – 4-week session

Tuesdays – 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Shelby Rhyne

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 12

Class fee: $20 for instruction

This class is for novice players who have already learned the basics of the game and are ready to up their skill and win more often. You will practice and learn how to find a hand, tips for choosing between hands, and when to change your hand. The class is based on the book by Elaine Sandberg "Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies; A Guide for the Novice Player". The book is NOT a requirement for the class. We will be using the 2024 NMJL card.

Mandatory: Each participant should have a 2024 NMJL Rule Card available from www.nationalmahjonggleague.org for $15. The class includes 1 hour of instruction followed by 2 hours of unsupervised play.

Beginners American Mah Jongg: How to play the game and win  – 4-week session

Tuesdays – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Shelby Rhyne

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 12

Class fee: $40 for instruction

This class is for players who are new to the game of American Mah Jongg or need a refresher. Shelby Rhyne will introduce participants to the tiles, the 2024 NMJL card, how to play the game and help them develop a beginning strategy over this four-class series. Each class is 2 hours long and handouts will be provided. 

MANDATORY: 2024 NMJL Rule card purchased for $15 from www.nationalmahjonggleague.org 
American Mah Jongg is a rummy-like game played with tiles instead of cards. The game is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with millions of dedicated players around the world and a variety of Internet and computer versions. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions if possible. After completing the class, participants should be able to play American Mah Jongg independently and confidently join a game wherever you live. "Have tiles, will travel."

Recess for Adults – 4-week session

Tuesdays – 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

Instructor: Elizabeth Stancescu

Minimum: 4

Come have some fun in the sun with us! Functional fitness is no good if it doesn't mimic the movements, you already do. Do you remember playing on the playground as a kid and never seeming to run out of energy? When we engage our bodies in fun movement, keeping ourselves in shape doesn't feel like work. After all, as the saying goes, "time flies when you're having fun!" Join Elizabeth every Tuesday to play in the sun and work in some strength building at the same time.

Abstract Weaving on a Simple Frame Loom - 3-week session

Tuesdays – April 29, May 6, and May 13

Time: 2:15 – 4:15 p.m.

Instructor: Janeise Harmon 

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 15

Supply Fee: $25

This class will be an exploration in playful creativity and self-expression. Participants will finish the class with a wall hanging that is ready for gifting or display. Participants are encouraged to select a memory, place, or person they wish to commemorate. They will then be guided to think creatively about how they can best use mixed materials to represent their chosen subject visually. 
Basic weaving terminology and techniques will be covered; however, the emphasis will be on fun and playful experimentation.

The Six Pillars of Brain Health

Tuesday, May 20

Time: 2:15 – 4:15 p.m.

Instructor: Leslie Pendleton

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 25

Do you think you’re too old to grow additional brain cells? Think again! In AARP Virginia’s "Six Pillars of Brain Health" program, presented by AARP Virginia Community Ambassador Leslie Pendleton, participants will learn how they can take charge of their brain health and improve their quality of life at any age. Throughout this interactive presentation, participants will be invited to share the steps they are taking to help keep their brains healthy.

Hiking with Derek 

beginning April 30 (4 week series) 

Instructor: Derek Layman 

Fee: $20 for just hikes

Instructor: Derek Layman 

(Wednesdays) 

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). 

Apr. 30 - Buffalo Mountain Trail

(Willis, VA) - 2.1 miles

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.

May 7 - Cook’s Wall Trail

(Danbury, NC) - 4.1 miles

Get to know this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail near Westfield, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but hikers can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

The Cook's Wall Trail climbs slowly along the ridge. Along the way up, there are several beautiful overlooks and striking rock outcroppings where you may stop to enjoy the expansive views. Hikers can also come across several sheer rock cliffs. From here, views extend far to the west and south, where the unique silhouettes of Pilot Mountain and Sauratown may be seen in the distance.

May 14 - Smart View Loop Trail

(Ferrum, VA) -3.0 miles

Discover this 3.0-mile loop trail near Ferrum, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 19 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

The view from this overlook is not the broad, sweeping expanse offered by most stops along the parkway. Instead, hiker’s gaze is directed to the convergence of two sloping hills creating a gunsight view of the land below. This area was named for the “right smart views” that look out from the crest of the Blue Ridge, off the escarpment into the Pigg River valley below.  

The view from this overlook has changed over time. Originally, much of the land along the parkway was cleared for farming and offered unobstructed views for miles. However, as trees grew in, some of the views have changed. Today Smart View Overlook shows a forested area over the lowland hills.

May 21 - Laurel Ridge Trail

(Henry, VA) - 5.2 miles

Get to know this 5.2-mile out-and-back trail near Henry, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 7 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are from April through November. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Line Dancing – 4-week session

Thursdays – 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.  

Strategies and Sources for Genealogy Success – 4-week session

Thursdays

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Instructors:  Rebecca Novy

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 30

Supply Fee: $25

Unlock the secrets of your family history with Rebecca Novy of Novy Genealogy in this engaging workshop series, Strategies and Sources for Genealogy Success. Whether participants are just starting or looking to deepen their research, they will explore a variety of powerful strategies and invaluable sources, including census, probate, and land records. Each session begins with an insightful lecture, guiding participants through how to access these crucial records and what details they can reveal. Then, dive into interactive, hands-on activities to put participant's newfound knowledge into practice. Don’t miss this chance to discover your ancestry like never before! (generously sponsored by Patrick County Historical Society)

Photographing Flowers for Greeting Cards

Thursday, May 1

Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Instructor: Rick Dawson

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 10

Supply Fee: $5

This hands-on class focuses on using natural light from windows or sunlight to capture beautiful images of flowers. Participants will learn how to create shadows that highlight the details of the petals while minimizing the background. Additionally, participants will use a water mister to add droplets to the blooms, enhancing their appearance. Each participant will be able to create stunning images suitable for printing and displaying or to design printed cards that can be sent to family members.

Melt & Pour Glycerin Soapmaking

Thursday, May 8

Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Instructor: Melanie Barrow

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 20

Supply Fee: $10

Participants will unleash their creativity and indulge in the soothing craft of soapmaking! Join us for an immersive and hands-on soap making class where participants will learn the secrets to crafting luxurious, handmade soaps.

The Great Depression and the Civilian Conservation Corps

Thursday, May 15 

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Danny Martin 

Minimum: 4 

The Great Depression and the Civilian Conservation Corps discusses the events leading to the Great Depression and why Civilian Conservation was created. During the program, participants will learn how the Civilian Corps impacted Patrick County and the local economy.

Book Chatter

Thursday, May 15

Time: 2:45 – 4:30 p.m.

Instructor: Melanie Gilbert

Minimum: 4

Supply Fee: $15 if you need us to order the book

Join us for a lively discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt. This novel is a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow’s unlikely connection with a Giant Pacific Octopus named Marcellus. 

Mandatory: Participants will need to purchase the book, or I can purchase it for $15 that is due upon registration. The book needs to be read in its entirety before the class date.

Tectonic Plates, Blue Ridge Mountains & Fairy Stones

Thursday, May 22

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Instructor: Danny Martin

Minimum: 4

The program discusses the formation of tectonic plates and how the Blue Ridge Mountains were formed. The discussion includes how Fairy Stones were formed and how the tectonic plate movement brought the Fairy Stones to the surface from a depth of seven miles.

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

Hahn Horticulture Garden 

Friday, May 2

Blacksburg, VA

The Hahn Horticulture Garden encompasses nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1984 by Horticulture faculty, the garden serves undergraduate students and the local community as a learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness. Join us as we have a guided tour of the gardens and grounds. 

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 14

Admission is free.

Transportation cost to ride the Reynolds Homestead bus is $15.

**Please pay the transportation cost upon registration. 

Lunch will be at the Milk Parlor in Blacksburg. Bring money for food.

Lovely Landscapes Spring Paint Party

Friday, May 9

Calliope in Stuart, VA 

Spring is blooming! Join us at Calliope in Stuart, VA as Lora Mahaffey guides participants in painting a lovely spring landscape with acrylic paints on a six-inch canvas. No experience is needed. Just come, learn and enjoy! All supplies and lunch provided. Iced tea and lemonade will be available, but feel free to bring your own special beverage of your choice. 

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 12

Admission is $40 and includes lunch. Transportation cost to ride the Reynolds Homestead bus is $15. 

**The admission price and the transportation cost are due upon registration. 

GreenHill Center for NC Art

Friday, May 16 

Greensboro, NC

Participants will enjoy a guided tour of GreenHill Center for NC Art. Participants will get to explore the new exhibit from the Paperhand Puppet Intervention “Of Wings and Feet: The World of PAPERHAND” and two additional exhibits: JeGhetto’s Moving Sculptures featuring the puppets of Tarish Pipkins and Sean Parrish’s abstract constructions and paintings. 

Minimum: 4

Maximum: 14

Admission is free.

Transportation cost to ride the Reynolds Homestead bus is $15 and is due upon registration.

Lunch will be at the Village Tavern. Please bring money for lunch.

Spikenard Farms & Honeybee Sanctuary

Friday, May 23

Floyd, VA

Spikenard Farm’s 41-acre sanctuary is located on the banks of the Little River in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Floyd, Virginia on traditional Tutelo lands.  Since arriving here in 2008, they have developed an abundantly flowering biodynamic landscape, rich with sources of nectar and pollen which enhance the nutrition and health of the honeybees and native pollinators and support the thriving of our diverse agricultural ecosystem. Join us as we have a guided tour of their work with bees and their environment. 

Minimum: 4 

Maximum: 14 

Admission is $5.00 and is paid to the farm on the day of the trip.

Transportation cost to ride the Reynolds Homestead bus is $15 and is due upon registration.

Lunch will be at Chateau Morrisette. Please bring money for lunch.