What we like best about the AIL Semester Series is the friendly people. We enjoy their company each week. It’s also an excellent educational experience, and the presenters are world-class experts.
—AIL Semester Participant
What Is the AIL Semester Series?
Classes, workshops, seminars, and discussion groups provide educational experiences covering a wide range of interests. T’ai chi, world affairs and a health series are ongoing classes. Previous topics have included Literature, History, Music, Creative Arts/Crafts, Travel, Financial and Security Issues, Spirituality, and Computer Skills. Our first AIL semester was conducted in the fall of 1998 and has now grown to over 125 participants each semester.
Who Can Join?
The Adventures in Learning (AIL) Semester Series offers adults age 50 or older a weekly program that combines a diversity of content with the opportunity to engage with their peers. Participants are welcome to attend one class or stay all day. We normally hold three 8-week semesters each year. Each semester has a somewhat different curriculum, and many participants sign up each semester.
One semester tuition payment entitles you to attend any or all classes during the semester. Create your own schedule – you may stay all day or attend only one class, and you can vary your week by week.
Following is the schedule and offerings for the Spring 2022 semester or download AIL Schedule 2022 SPRING.
Spring 2022 Semester
Thursdays: April 21-June 9, 2022 9:00am – 2:00pm. Registration runs April 4-19, 2022.
Tuition for the 8-week series is $55 – one payment allows you to attend any number of the sessions for the entire semester. Register for the semester in any of the following ways: (1) Pay securely online by buying a ticket at the bottom of this page, (2) call the office (703) 281-0601) to register using your credit card, or (3) by check, first download AIL 2022 Spring Schedule , print it, complete it and send it with your check to the office.
Each session will be hybrid – held both in person and virtually on Zoom. Locations are:
(1) Unitarian Universalist Church (2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124). Attendees must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask.
(2) By Zoom: once registered and payment received, registrants will receive a Zoom link by email. If you do not receive a link, please contact the office at 703.281.0601.
Classes will be held every Thursday (April 21-June 9, 2022) as follows. Please check the SCNOVA Events Calendar for any time changes. The planned Thursday schedule is:
9:00-9:45 Ta’i Chi (Rob Gehring). This ancient art promotes body flexibility, strength, and balance. The class is ongoing and welcomes newcomers at any time. Additional class is offered weekly at Emmanuel Lutheran Church each Monday from 9:00–9:45. Your semester payment entitles you to attend the Monday and Thursday classes. Also, T’ai Chi is available year-round except during holidays and August. Click here for more information.
10:00-10:45 Health and Wellness (Casey Tarr).
• April 21 “Overview of Adult Protective Services – Alison Banks
• April 28 “Sorting Fact from Fiction Online” – Larry Lipman, AARP
• May 5 “Brain Health as you Age” – Shruti Goel, Insight Memory Center
• May 12 “Personal Safety” – Reanna Jacobson, Fairfax County
• May 19 “Positive Aging Resources” – Steve Gurney
• May 26 “The Later Stages of Life” – Jane Euler, MS, Owner/Founder Transition with Tranquility
• June 2 “Genetic Counseling and Testing for Hereditary Cancer” – Tiffani Demarco, MS, CGC
• June 9 “Chronic Health Conditions Managed with Exercise – Katie England, PT, DPT, Fox Rehab
11:00-11:55 Arts, Entertainment & Travel
• April 21 “Windows of the Heaven” (Murder Mystery based on Environmental Factors) – Henry Brinton, Book Author
• April 28 “Fairfax County Library Services” – Ginger Hawkins, Fairfax County
• May 5 “Monarch Butterflies – Life Cycle and Migration” – Scott Schroth
• May 12 “Musical Treasures – Songs, Dances and Performances Discovered on the Internet” –Mark Sierakowski
• May 19 “Whale Watching in Baja” – Paul Wormeli
• May 26 “Boost Your Immunity through Plant Based Nutrition” – Gwyn Whittaker
• June 2 “Raphael – An Angel from Urbino – Betsy Solomon
• June 9 “A Senior’s Guide to Growing Older with Grace and Humor: You Can have all the Avocados you want” – Nancy Kredel, Local Author
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break (on your own)
1:00-2:00 World Affairs: Past & Present
• April 21 “Fairfax County Commission on Aging – Programs and Priorities – Cathy Muha
• April 28 “Military Logistics” – Colonel Deane Stanley
May 5 “While America is Pivoting from the Middle East and U.S. Relationships Change – Fundamentals Remain” – Major General Paul Schwartz
• May 12 “The History of Arlington House, Fort Myer and Arlington National Cemetery” – Cici Williamson
• May 19 “Order of the Knights of the Hospital of St. John” – John Capps
• May 26 “Vienna African American Trailblazers and Liberty Amendments” – Gloria Runyon/Sylvia DeeDee
• June 2 “U.S. Submarines as Deterrents” – Michael Breslin
• June 9 “Civil War Battle of Ox Hill/Chantilly” – Chuck Mauro
Inclement weather policy: If Fairfax County Schools are CLOSED due to bad weather, our classes for that day are cancelled. If Fairfax County Schools are on a TWO HOUR delay, we will still have classes but starting at 10:00 instead of 9:00.