Special Events
LRU Update & Fall Kickoff Picnic with Interim President Dr. Howard Ishiyama
Wednesday, Aug. 23
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join Interim President Dr. Howard Ishiyama as he shares updates and plans for La Roche University. Topics will include future programs and opportunities, challenges, and the role of the Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning, especially the Adventures in Lifelong Learning program, in La Roche’s future.
Following the talk, we will have a picnic to kick off the Fall Term. Meet new and old friends, take care of the membership logistics such as key cards for Plus members and parking passes, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
This free event is for new and existing members; however, we may have guest appearances from some of our instructors. Registration is required to ensure we have enough food and supplies.
Talk Saves Lives: A Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention & Lunch in the Dining Hall
Friday, Sept. 8
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Suicide can be prevented. This presentation will cover what we know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention and what we can all do to fight suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors for suicide in older adults, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe.
We will begin the event in the Private Dining Room of the Dining Hall. Lunch will be included as part of the event at no cost and will be the first 30-45 minutes (so you can arrive a few minutes late from another class). This event is open to ALL members and guests.
Adult CPR/AED Training
Friday, Sept. 29
12:30-4:30 p.m.
The American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED program is designed to help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person when minutes matter, and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed.
This class will be a hands-on program resulting in a certification in Adult CPR and AED. The cost of the course is $35 for members, and if space permits, $40 for guests. The cost includes the certification fee, materials to keep, materials to use during class and a light snack.
Pathways to Wellness: Reflexology Massage
Wednesday, Oct. 4
10 a.m. – noon
Joan Gennari, LMT and Owner of Rekindled Spirits - Therapeutic Massage, will discuss and demonstrate basic Reflexology Massage for your feet and hands. Foot massage has been around for centuries, existing in many cultures around the world.
Reflexology Massage is based on science and focuses on reflex points on the feet and hands that corresponds to zones, organs, glands and skeletal structures within the body. Reflexology is a technique that uses thumbs and fingers to work reflex points, thus affecting the entire body to bring it into balance.
Italy Pre-trip Information Session
Tuesday, Oct. 10
Noon-3 p.m.
Gather to discuss the upcoming trip, hear about any final details, ask questions and socialize with the other members and guests going to Italy in November. Lunch will be provided, and we will end with a wine tasting of some of the regions of Italy we will enjoy!
This event is free but open only to those attending the trip to Italy with the Adventures in Lifelong Learning program in November 2023. Please contact the office to register.
Highlights, Candle Lights & Church Lights
Thursday, Oct. 12
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Join us for our fall local day trip. We’ll start at Mix Candle Company in Lawrenceville, where we’ll each get to select several scents from hundreds shown, mix them and pour into a wax mold of our choosing. Your candle will be ready once we return to La Roche. Our next stop will give us a chance to enjoy lunch at the Abbey, followed by a tour of the beautiful Heinz Chapel on the University of Pittsburgh campus. We’ll finish our day with a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Art to enjoy a docent-led tour of the new Japanese printmaking exhibition, “Imprinting in Their Time: Japanese Printmakers”.
The cost of the trip is $65 (tentative). This trip will be for members only unless space is available after Sept. 1. The cost includes transportation, lunch, admission to all events and a wax candle to take home. Space is limited due to the sizes of the tours, vehicles and space at Mix Candle Company.
Pizza & Wine Tasting
Thursday, Oct. 19
6-8 p.m.
This event will start with a tour of a wine cellar, The Tank Room, with an in-depth explanation of the wine-making process. We will then continue in The Library room (above the Tasting Bar), where we will dive into the extensive tasting of five wines. We will describe the grape varieties, the vinification process and the most effective way to learn about wine, following the five steps of a proper tasting.
Each wine will be paired with fabulous gourmet pizza tastings made by Chef Mullen. You will be amazed to see how the pizzas pair with the wine and amplify the perception of flavors and aromatics of the wine, and vice versa!
This event will take place at 4578 Gibsonia Rd, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Transportation is on your own. The cost is $50 per person, and guests are permitted. Space is limited.
Global Problems, Global Solutions: Pathways to Environmental Justice
Friday, Oct. 27
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join LRU students, faculty, staff and community members on La Roche’s campus for an annual conference focusing on global issues.
The keynote address is “Coping Effectively with Climate Change: Grieving What is Lost, Preserving What Can be Saved,” presented Patty DeMarco, Executive Director of the Rachel
Carson Homestead Association. The conference will include panel discussions and lunch. You may attend the entire day or a portion. More details will be provided closer to the event.
Martha & Mary: Finding Balance in Our Lives Retreat
Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. – Saturday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m.
Explore the story of Martha and Mary from found in chapter 10 of Luke’s Gospel. We will take time to reflect on both the characters, looking at their strengths, their growing edges and their relationship with Jesus. Private time for prayer, rest, creative artwork and walking the labyrinth will be included.
This event is open to the public. Space is limited. There is a commuter rate and an overnight rate. There is a $25 non-refundable deposit that is part of the listed fee.
- Overnight - $250. Includes three meals and overnight accommodations.
- Commuter - $175. Includes three meals and commuter fees.