Special Events, Activities and Trips - Fall 2019
Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield
Not an LLI member? Join here now. It's easy! 
in Chesterfield
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1090
Midlothian, VA 23113
13801 Westfield Road
Midlothian, VA 23113
8:00am - 4:00pm
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Session
Jan 6 - May 1
You may register
ONLINE
at any time!
Open Registration
onsite:
December 9-11
9:00am - 3:00pm
•
are available for
LLI membership!
Email info@llichesterfield.org
for details or call the office
at 804-378-2527.
inclement weather closings. If schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, LLI is also closed. If the schools have a delayed opening of any kind,
LLI will open at 10AM.
Discovering Paint Bank Tour
Tuesday
October 8
7:30AM-7:00PM
$140
Course: SE193138
SignaTours
Tucked in the Virginia-West Virginia border of the Allegheny Mountains you’ll find the hidden treasure of Paint Bank, Virginia. The drive getting there is one of the most scenic in Virginia. Once arriving you’ll find the inviting and unique Swinging Bridge Restaurant and, yes, there is a swinging bridge inside! After lunch, the general manager of the restaurant will take you on a tour of this historic, old railroad town which will take you back to an era-gone-by. First on the agenda is The Swinging Bridge Restaurant for a delicious lunch consisting of a selection of their most popular sandwiches, including their famous buffalo burger, as well as a homemade dessert. The restaurant is located inside The Paint Bank General Store, an authentic, small-town general store with old wooden floors and tin ceilings of yesteryear where you will find “a little bit of everything”. Upstairs you will find many gift items and their year 'round Christmas shop. Feel free to take a stroll across the real swinging bridge and enjoy their realistic wildlife displays and carvings. After lunch, you’ll take a short walking tour of the “one stop sign” town. Learn the history of Paint Bank and visit the Train Depot which dates back to 1909, when Paint Bank was the final stop of the Potts Valley Branch line of the Norfolk & Western Railway. This expansion was part of the mining boom of the early 1900's. The Depot and the other historic buildings have been renovated and converted into a charming lodge, while maintaining much of the original architecture. One of the rooms is an actual train caboose! Tingler’s Grist Mill is a decorative fixture of Paint Bank - its presence makes a grand statement about revitalization and historic preservation. In the past, however, it was an important element of everyday life in the town of Paint Bank, serving area farmers and residents as a source of grain and flour by grinding corn and wheat. The Mill was built in 1863, in 2004 the entire exterior was restored, and the big wheel is once again turning! The mill pond has been revitalized and is now stocked with trout. Last on the agenda - you’ll take a guided, riding tour by the 6000-acre Buffalo Farm - something you don’t often see in Virginia! Trip Fee includes: Round-trip Motorcoach, Transportation, Lunch at Paint Bank General Store, Guided Tour of Paint Bank, Refreshment Served aboard the Motorcoach, Tax and Gratuity on Inclusions, and Driver Gratuity.
Full refunds will be given with written cancellation prior to the 30‐day cutoff. If you are not confirmed for a trip at the time of its departure, you will be given a refund in full.
All seats are reserved for the individual registered, regardless of who made the payment, and will be filled with the next registrant from the waiting list upon cancellation. In order to be fair to all registered, transfer of the reservation to another individual is not permitted. Trips are only open to guests if seats remain available after open registration. All trips have minimum and maximum capacities.
Information Sessions
Thursday, September 5
Instructor: Rachel Ramirez
Orientation for New Members
Course: IA193999
Are you a new member and want to know some inside tips on how to make the most of your membership? Or are you a current member but have never attended an orientation? Join us for our New Member Orientation and tour of the building. If you can't make it to Orientation, just stop in the office anytime with your questions!
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Q&A for Current Members
2:00-3:00PM
Course: IA193997
Do you have questions or just want a better understanding of how things work at LLI? Have you been curious about how the chair lift works? Join us for this question and answer session to get the latest update on the Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield. We will also do a demonstration of the chair lift, provide step-by-step instructions and give everyone a chance to take a ride!
Mount Vernon Tour
Friday
March 27
7:30-6:30
$135
Come discover two of Virginia’s most historic homes – one home to the “Father of Our Country,” George Washington and one home to Virginia’s Declaration of Rights author, George Mason. Enjoy guided tours of these homes as you travel back in time to the birth of our great nation. Gunston Hall, constructed 1755-59, was the home of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights (on which the United States Bill of Rights was based) and a framer of the United States Constitution. The life and times of this American patriot are vividly evoked by his magnificent house and 550 acres of grounds overlooking the Potomac River. The mansion is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. The elaborate carvings in the interior serve as an impressive backdrop for guided tours discussing the 18th century Chesapeake household. Upon arriving at Mount Vernon, enjoy a buffet lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn, followed by time in The Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. With its dramatic 18-minute film and many exhibitions, the centers give visitors an overview of the Mount Vernon experience. By exploring numerous galleries and theater spaces, visitors will learn about Washington’s exceptional life and accomplishments through interactive displays, exhibits and short films. The centerpiece of a visit to this 500-acre estate is a guided tour through 14 rooms of the mansion, whose oldest part dates from the 1740s. Mount Vernon is filled with memories of George and Martha as they have both left an indelible stamp of personality and private tastes throughout the home and grounds. Washington himself designed the landscape on the property which includes 13 trees that stand today as the last living witnesses of Washington’s lifetime. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased Mount Vernon from the Washington family in 1858 and opened the estate to the public in 1860. Since that time, more than 80 million visitors have toured Washington's home. There are also many outbuildings to tour including a kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house and stables. Please wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking on this tour. Trip fee includes: round-trip motorcoach transportation, admission to Gunston Hall and Mount Vernon, lunch at Mount Vernon Inn, tax and gratuity on inclusions, refreshments on coach en route home, and driver gratuity.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Friday IA193018
10:00-11:30
Sept 6
Instructor(s): Dr. John Lemza and the LLI Board of Directors
All members are invited to join the LLI Board of Directors and local dignitaries at this Groundbreaking Ceremony where the Expansion Project will be celebrated. As we enter the final stage of fundraising for construction of the new parking lot, this will be a great opportunity to hear an update, see the design and celebrate all that we will be able to accomplish together as we see this project through to completion. Remarks will be given by board members, county officials, and leaders from our partner organizations. The ceremony will conclude with refreshments and a meet and greet with the Board of Directors. Register now, so we can plan adequately. Please join us!
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September Luncheon
Tuesday IA193009 $3
11:30-1:00
Sept 17
Instructor(s):
This month's luncheon will help kick off our Fall session! Entertainment will be provided by our very own Wind Ensemble. Sign-up in the office in order to participate. Sponsored by Mission BBQ!
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Monthly Member Birthday Celebration
Tuesday IA193100
12:00-12:30
Sept 24, Oct 29, Nov 19, Dec 10
Instructor(s): LLI Office
The monthly member birthday celebration will be the last Tuesday of each month and is designed to CELEBRATE the life of each member! If it's your birth month, plan to come and invite any family and friends you'd like to share in your birthday celebration. If it's not your birth month, plan to come celebrate with your LLI family! Cake will be provided. No need to register. Just put it on your calendar!
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Breakfast Out
Thursday IA193020
8:30-9:30
Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 21, Dec 19
Instructor(s): Barbara Gauker and Betsy Michael
Join other LLI members for an enjoyable “breakfast out” the fourth Thursday of each month at 8:30AM. Please note dates for November and December are the third Thursday due to holidays. A sign-up sheet will be on the shelf prior to each outing. Locations are subject to change, and members provide their own transportation to the restaurant or make arrangements to carpool. Sept 26 - Brick House Diner: 13520 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113; Oct 24 – Cracker Barrel: 4720 Craig Rath Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23112; Nov 21 - Route 60 Grill: 11001 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235; Dec 19 - The Egg & I: 6121 Harbourside Centre Loop, Midlothian, VA 23112.
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Annual State of the LLI Meeting
Wednesday IA193016
10:30-12:00
Oct 2
Instructor(s): Dr. John Lemza and the LLI Board of Directors
All members are invited to join the LLI Board of Directors at the Annual State of the LLI Meeting where the past year will be reviewed and goals for the next year will be introduced. Presentations will be given by several board members, accomplishments will be celebrated and feedback will be welcomed. Members will also enjoy a short performance by one of the LLI musical groups. The meeting will conclude with refreshments and a meet and greet with the Board of Directors. Register now, so we can plan adequately. Please join us!
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October Luncheon
Tuesday IA193010 $3
11:30-1:00
Oct 15
Instructor(s):
This month's luncheon will be a little bit spooky! Entertainment will be provided by our very own Lifelong Musicians. Sign-up in the office to participate. Sponsored by Spring Arbor of Salisbury.
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Game Day
Friday IA193013 $15
9:00-3:00
Oct 25
Instructor(s): Fundraising Committee
Hand & Foot, Mah Jongg, Bridge, Spades, lunch and MORE! Register today and mark your calendars now for our annual fundraising GAME DAY! This is an opportunity to gather with your friends, LLI members and guests, for a day of fun, food and prizes that also benefits LLI. Register now to reserve your spot, and keep an eye out on the shelf outside the office for additional information and game sign-ups! Fee covers $5 for lunch and prizes and $10 for the fundraiser.
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November Luncheon
Tuesday IA193011 $3
11:00-1:00
Nov 26
Instructor(s):
This month's luncheon will be a special Thanksgiving celebration! Entertainment will be a special performance by our very own Readers Theater. Sign-up in the office to participate. Sponsored by The Crossings at Bon Air.
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December Luncheon
Tuesday IA193012 $3
11:00-1:00
Dec 3
Instructor(s):
This month's luncheon will be a special Holiday celebration! Entertainment will be provided by the Tomahawk Creek Middle School Choral Group. Sign-up in the office to participate. Sponsored by Morningside of Bellgrade.
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Amazon Fulfillment Center in Chester Tour A
Thursday SE193074
10:00-11:15
Sept 26
Instructor(s): Linda Tyler
Did you know there's an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Chester? Come see the magic that happens after someone clicks buy on Amazon.com. Amazon’s slogan is, "Work hard. Have fun. Make History." We hear that in many ways, the operation looks like a real-life version of the Chutes and Ladders board game. Find out what a slam line and ship sorter have to do with an Amazon order being processed. See how each item is carefully received, scanned, sorted, shelved, picked and shipped! See what all the hype is about in this 60-minute tour for LLI members and guests! Members wishing to carpool should meet inside LLI at 9:00AM. Members can choose to drive directly to 1901 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester, VA 23836. Amazon is not affiliated with the Lifelong Learning Institute and does not collect any fees or funds for providing a tour. Tour starts at 10:00AM and will conclude by 11:15AM. Carpools should arrive back to LLI by 12PM.
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Amazon Fulfillment Center in Chester Tour B
Thursday SE193075
1:00-2:15
Sept 26
Instructor(s): Linda Tyler
Did you know there's an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Chester? Come see the magic that happens after someone clicks buy on Amazon.com. Amazon’s slogan is, "Work hard. Have fun. Make History." We hear that in many ways, the operation looks like a real-life version of the Chutes and Ladders board game. Find out what a slam line and ship sorter have to do with an Amazon order being processed. See how each item is carefully received, scanned, sorted, shelved, picked and shipped! See what all the hype is about in this 60-minute tour for LLI members and guests! Members wishing to carpool should meet inside LLI at 12:00PM. Members can choose to drive directly to 1901 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester, VA 23836. Amazon is not affiliated with the Lifelong Learning Institute and does not collect any fees or funds for providing a tour. Tour starts at 1:00PM and will conclude by 2:15PM. Carpools should arrive back to LLI by 3PM.
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Fashion Forward: Looking and Being Our Best…from the Inside Out!
Friday SE193123
1:00-3:00
Sept 27
Instructor(s): Linda Rubin
This course provides students with an innovative, hands-on experience inspired by Family Feud! It is engaging, entertaining, and imparts a lot of information that can be used right away to fashion yourself forward from the inside out. From a discussion of the Law of Attraction to how to dress for individual body shapes, this is a powerful experience. Four students are arranged into two teams of two players in the game with the remainder of students as the audience. Topics are presented as lessons via PowerPoint and many are followed by a question for teams to respond, reinforcing the lesson. The team that answers a question correctly is rewarded play money, and the challenge continues, gaining momentum. The audience also participates. The team that answers the most correct answers chooses one person to receive a complete makeover and color draping for all to witness.
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Art and Craft Show and Fundraiser - CLICK HERE for the flier!
Saturday SE193039
10:00-4:00
Oct 12
Instructor(s): Brian Austin and the Art Show Committee
Join other LLI members, friends and the community as we see some of the amazing artwork and crafts that our members have created right here within our walls, during classes, in their homes or around the world. Plan to come and invite your friends, families and neighbors for this special event that will be sure to delight everyone who attends. You will not be disappointed! This year, there will be a raffle, bake sale and some artwork and crafts for sale to benefit the LLI Expansion Campaign. Registration is not required to attend as this event will be open to the community; however, if you would like to participate by having your artwork or crafts displayed or if you would like to volunteer to help support the event, please register so Brian and the committee can send you additional information about that process. Thank you for supporting the arts of all kinds at LLI!
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American Civil War Museum Tour
Tuesday SE193140 $10
10:00-12:00
Oct 22
Instructor(s): Waite Rawls
This tour will take place at the new American Civil War Museum in Richmond. “A People’s Contest: Struggles for Nation and Freedom in Civil War America” is an exhibit that features hundreds of original artifacts, dynamic theater experiences and compelling imagery. Political developments are interwoven with civilian experiences and military events, providing multiple perspectives in a multifaceted manner. This exhibit will be guided by Waite Rawls. Additionally, students will be able to self guide through the “Greenback America” exhibit which tells the story of how the United States’ decision on how to pay off the Civil War transformed the relationship between government, the economy, banks, and citizens. The trip fee covers admission to the museum and must be paid at the time of registration. Members who wish to carpool should meet inside LLI at 9AM. Members can choose to drive directly to 500 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219. Tour starts at 10AM and will conclude by 12PM. Carpools should arrive back to LLI by 1PM.
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African American Heroes Tour
Monday SE193141 $30
10:00-1:00
Oct 28
Instructor(s): Janice Meck
Join other LLI members and friends to experience the local African American Heroes bus tour. Students will have the opportunity to travel around Richmond and stop at several sites to hear the stories of a few black people who performed acts of courage and patriotism over the course of hundreds of years in the face of the horrors of slavery and Jim Crow in Richmond. The walking portion of this tour will be very limited and optional. Trip fee covers the cost of motorcoach transportation and driver gratuity. The bus will depart LLI at 10AM and return by 1PM.
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Virginia Holocaust Museum Guided Tour
Friday SE193113 $12
10:00-12:30
Nov 15
Instructor(s): Megan Ferenczy
Learn more about the history of the Holocaust at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. A trained docent will take you on a guided tour of the Museum's permanent exhibits. Located on the First Floor of the Museum, the core exhibits narrate the complex and sobering history of the Holocaust. As visitors progress through these exhibits—and chronologically through the events of the Holocaust—they are presented with a glimpse into the systematic destruction of European Jewry and the dangers of intolerance. Three hundred artifacts and the testimonies of local Holocaust survivors expand upon this history, representing the tangible and personal realities of this tragic event. At the center of the Virginia Holocaust Museum’s core exhibits is the story of a single family: the Ipsons. The Ipson Saga exhibition shares the experience of a family of local Holocaust survivors whose confinement in the Kovno ghetto and hurried escape to a farm in the Lithuanian countryside highlights the constant dangers Jews faced during the Holocaust. Benches are available throughout the tour. Walking shoes are suggested. The Museum is handicap accessible. The trip fee covers a boxed lunch and drink and must be paid at the time of registration. Members who wish to carpool should meet inside LLI at 9:00AM. Members can choose to drive directly to 2000 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23223. Tour starts at 10AM and will conclude by 12PM. Lunch is at 12PM. Carpools should arrive back to LLI by 1:30PM.
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Funtastics Sing-A-Long
Thursday SE193051
2:45-3:45
Dec 19
Instructor(s): Sandy Phillips and the LLI Funtastics Choral Group
Singing is good for you! Even if you think you can't sing, join your favorite LLI Choral Group, the Funtastics, as they lead you in the first ever LLI Holiday Sing-A-Long, one whole hour of your favorite holiday sing-a-long songs. Registered students will receive a request for song suggestions sometime in the fall, and the more, the merrier! Register for this special event to start a new LLI Holiday Tradition!
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