New College Institute

In 2016, Ryan Orton toured 100+ National Parks during their 100th Anniversary Celebration. With his family in tow he completed the tour in 200 days. In this lecture he will cover preparation, what he learned along the way, and how he managed his life post expedition. Presented by Ryan Orton, NCI Coordinator of Business Relations & Alumni Outreach.

Turn your house into a home! The AARP Home Fit Guide was created to help people stay in the home they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable for themselves and anyone in their household. The guide offers solutions that range from simple do-it-yourself fixes to improvements that require skilled expertise.

Enjoy a tour, tasting, and discussion of the founding of Hamlet Vineyards, agritourism, and the growth of the Virginia wine industry. Group will meet at Hamlet Vineyards, located at 405 Riverside Drive, Bassett, VA 24055. Free to attend; wine may be purchased. Must be 21 to participate. Limited spots.

Tips on how to declutter your home! Are you so surrounded by the stuff in your house you don't know what to do with it, or how to find it when you need it? Maybe it's time to downsize and declutter. But where should you start? Take part in this informative lecture to find out! Presented by Glenda Clark, AARP.

Become a Dementia Friends Champion! This Information Session is an in-person experience run by a Dementia Friends Champion. It is not a formal training. The session has activities and discussion that cover the five key messages everyone should know about dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to do a dementia-friendly action as part of becoming a Dementia Friend, but the choice is yours. Presented by Glenda Clark, Dementia Friends Champion

Learn more about organ donations! Learn how organ donations not only change the life of the recipient, but the lives of all involved. Participants will hear first hand experience from a donor recipient and will be able to register to become organ donors.

Discover the history and modern applications of photography. A fascinating coverage of the history of photography, including: The care and handling of old and new photos The restoration of photos with examples The state of digital printing Digital cameras Storage of files A comparison of film to digital Discussion about Photoshop Presented by Bill Heroy, owner of Old Photo Specialists.  

Protect your virtual information. Get tips to spot and avoid scams like identity theft, investment fraud, and holiday scams, as well as ongoing updates from resources like Watchdog Alerts and a scam-tracking map that provides real-time alerts from law enforcement.

What is it all about? This assemblage / sculpture located in the Piedmont Arts Art Garden is a collection of icons that Artist Mark Wright will bring to life, explaining the meaning behind each piece that makes up this work of art. Presented by Mark Wright, Studio Artist in visual and musical arts.

Discover the heritage of your favorite music! Discuss the early days of the 20th century with the tradition and commercialization of country music in the region of the Birthplace of Country Music. Discover The Crooked Road, Virginia's Music Heritage Trail, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and The Henderson School of Traditional Appalachian Arts.

Improve your sleep habits! Sleep is not just for beauty... sleep is also vital for healing the body and achieving better health. Learn how quality sleep impacts your brain, hormones, digestive health, obesity, and more. Discover ways to revive healthy sleep patterns.

How can you improve your brain health? Join us in learning the 5 pillars of brain health. Bring your questions!

Never discount the power of your thoughts. Your thoughts have a profound effect on your health and healing. Healing your body is not purely physical. Your thoughts can hinder your healing or accelerate your healing. Learn ways to develop and keep a positive mindset.

Learn the origins of holiday traditions! Travel back in time and throughout the world to hear the stories behind some of our most beloved and time-tested Christmas songs. Presented by Peter Marshall.