Rappahannock Institute for Lifelong Learning

RILL is an exciting program of the Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. (RCC EFI) that is intended to be a life-enriching learning experience for adults and provides personal enrichment, non-credit classes in a variety of subjects and settings. 

We thank Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury for their continued support of the RILL program. Residents pay only $10 per class.

Blue Ridge Bank Golden Advantage members receive a 15% discount on tuition. RCC employees receive a 50% discount.

Check out the engaging and informative classes for Fall/Winer 2025!

Register Here for Upcoming RILL Classes!

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Beginner Pickleball ($35)
RCC Warsaw Campus, Tennis Courts
Instructor: Paul Shrieves
Mondays/Fridays, September 8, 12, 15, and 19
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

Are you ready to find out what all the hype is? You’ll have fun learning the basics of Pickleball, including the rules, terminology, primary skills, beginner court time, and more. Designed for the first-time adult player. Paddles and balls are provided. Class is limited to 10 students.

Paul Shrieves is an avid pickleball player and is excited to promote the sport in the NNK. He has worked in telecommunications for 47 years starting with C&P Telephone and moved to telecommunications manager for a healthcare provider before starting his own company, Communications International. Paul served two years in the military with 13 months overseas.

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The Ever-Changing Ocean ($35)
RCC Glenns Campus
Instructor: Carl Hobbs
Wednesdays, September 10, 17, and 24
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

The world’s oceans are dynamic and ever-changing. From the rhythmic rise and fall of tides to the sudden impact of tsunamis and storm surges, the ocean’s surface is constantly in motion. In this fascinating class, we’ll explore the forces that shape sea level across seconds, days, and decades. You’ll learn how waves, seiches, tides, surges, and long-term sea-level rise each play a role in the complex story of our changing oceans.

Carl Hobbs has a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in geology. He worked for over 40 years at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) specializing in coastal geology and the geology of the Chesapeake Bay region. Hobbs led projects studying the tidal shoreline of Virginia and the environmental consequences of mining offshore sand. His book, “The Beach Book,” utilizes research and passion to deliver a wide-ranging introduction into coastline formation and maintenance.

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Imposed Borders: The Legacy of World War I for Today's Middle East ($35)
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, Irvington
Instructor: Michael Knapp
Tuesdays, September 16, 23, and 30
1 0 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

World War I reshaped the global order—and its aftershocks are still felt today. This course traces the complex path to war, from tangled alliances and 19th-century rivalries to the fall of empires and the scramble for influence among the great powers. While covering major global theaters of the Great War, we’ll place special focus on the Middle East— examining political strategies, military campaigns, and the shifting borders that emerged in the wake of the war. Through a study of treaties, territorial deals, and enduring conflicts, we’ll uncover how decisions made over a century ago continue to reverberate across the region today.

Michael Knapp is a retired civilian U.S. Government intelligence analyst and retired US Army intelligence officer. He developed and taught six popular history courses for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Virginia; was a guest lecturer at multiple educational institutions; and instructor for U.S. Military units deploying to Iraq.

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Intermediate Pickleball ($35)
Tennis Courts, RCC Warsaw Campus
Instructor: Will Cox
Mondays/Fridays, September 26, 29, Otober 3, and 6
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

Now that you’ve completed Beginner Pickleball or have been playing for at least three months, are you ready for more? Improve different strokes with directions to include dink rally, serve/return of serve, and scoring. You will also work on understanding the fundamentals of the game, proper court positioning, and more. Paddles and balls are provided. The class is limited to 10 students.

Will Cox is a retired dentist. He has competed in tennis leagues and played racquetball and table tennis all of his adult life. Will was introduced to Pickleball in 2020 and has been playing steadily ever since. He and his pickleball partner, Bill, have competed in several pickleball tournaments. He won a gold medal in the Virginia Classic in Richmond and looks forward to helping others get better at this most enjoyable sport.

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The Works of Flannery O'Connor ($25)
RCC Warsaw Campus
Instructor: Joseph Swonk
Mondays, October 6 and 13
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Explore the writings of Flannery O’Connor, a key spiritual voice of the 20th century influenced by Thomas Aquinas. Through her short stories, we will discuss themes such as whether God punishes entire civilizations and individuals, the role of evil in revealing Divine Providence, and if human suffering stems from “The Original Sin” and Satan’s influence. This class offers a critical analysis of O’Connor’s works, deepening our understanding of her views on faith, morality, and the human condition.

Joseph Swonk graduated with a major in English from Western Michigan University. He taught composition and American Literature for 48 years, including at two community colleges, Indian River Community College in Florida and RCC, as well as two four-year colleges, Ferris State College in Michigan and Florida State University. Swonk spent three years of training in “The Ministries Formation Program” under the auspices of the Diocese of Richmond focusing on scripture study and its application to daily life.

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The Journey of Stonewall Jackson ($35)
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, Irvington
Instructor: Keith Kehlbeck
Tuesdays, October 14, 21, and 28
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

This course will explore The Sun King and his government at the height of absolute monarchy in Europe. We’ll examine the political, military, economic, social, and artistic successes of King Louis XIV’s 72-year reign, as well as the subsequent decline in these areas. The course will cover the three periods of his reign, his complex love life, and France’s tumultuous relations with its neighbors, and the lasting effects of Louis XIV’s reign on his successors, extending to the French Revolution. 

Michael Knapp is a retired civilian U.S. Government intelligence analyst and retired US Army intelligence officer. He developed and taught six popular history courses for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Virginia; was a guest lecturer at multiple educational institutions; and instructor for U.S. Military units deploying to Iraq.

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Fraud Prevention: How Bankers, Customers, and Law Enforcement Can Work Together to Protect Our Community (Free)
RCC Warsaw Campus and Zoom
Instructors: Representatives from Primis Bank and Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for Henrico County
Wednesdays, October 15 and 22
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

With fraud and cybercrime on the rise, criminals are increasingly targeting older adults. This free, in-depth community class focused on preventing scams and fraud introduces you to current tactics used by scammers, how to spot warning signs, and what steps you, your bank, and law enforcement can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Learn how to monitor your finances, use bank tools designed for extra protection, and recognize the most common types of fraud. Explore how scammers operate and the signs that you, or someone you care about, might be a target. You’ll also discover the resources available in your community and learn what to do if you fall victim to a scam.

Casie Taylor, SVP, Associate Director of In-Market Banking; Patrick Brown, VP, Fraud Prevention & Detection; and Diane Beirne, Director of CSR, at Primis Bank; with Alison Martin, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County. This unique public-private partnership has brought together experts from banking, prosecution, and law enforcement.

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The History and Preservation of the Timberneck House ($20)
Machicomoco State Park, Hayes
Instructors: Dr. Dave Brown and Thane Harpole
Thursday, October 16
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Join Dave Brown and Thane Harpole, co-directors of the Fairfield Foundation, for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the restoration of the historic c. 1793 Timberneck House at Machicomoco State Park. This class offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich layers of history embedded in the house and property. Discover more about the architectural significance of the building, and the evolving vision for its future. You’ll also learn about upcoming projects aimed at transforming Timberneck into a sustainable heritage destination— complete with public exhibits and the possibility of overnight lodging—all within the context of a modern state park. *Please note this class requires walking/standing.*

Dr. Dave Brown and Mr. Thane Harpole are co-directors of The Fairfield Foundation and co-owners of DATA Investigations LLC, a cultural resource management firm, and members of Werowocomoco Research Group.

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Sight, Sound, and Feel: A Three-Day Film Appreciation Intensive ($35)
RCC Warsaw Campus
Instructor: Colin McClung
Thursdays, October 30, November 6 and 13
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

What makes the hallway fight in Kill Bill feel like ballet? Or the final shot of 2001: A Space Odyssey stay with us for decades? In this course, we’ll explore how image, sound, and story come together to create powerful moments in film. Through curated clips, discussion, and in-class exercises, we’ll study the work of directors like Kubrick, Tarantino, Kurosawa, and the Coen Brothers. While film is often seen as a director’s medium, we’ll focus on screenwriting—how words shape what we see and hear. No scriptwriting required, but what you learn may inspire your next creative projects. 

Colin M. McClung attended RCC in Warsaw in 1987, earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt and a master’s in public administration from the University of Vermont where he studied Ecological Economics and policy analysis. McClung is a 2003 recipient of an Alaska broadcasting award for writing and producing interviews with Howard Zinn. 

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The American Civil War: The First Modern War ($25)
RCC Glenns Campus
Instructor: Paul Severance
Mondays, November 3 and 10
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Explore how the American Civil War transformed the nature of warfare. This course examines key innovations in weaponry, transportation, communication, medicine, and military organization that reshaped the battlefield and influenced future global conflicts. We’ll also connect these developments to the war’s broader political and social impact, setting the stage for modern warfare. 

Paul Severance holds an earned Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and served for 25 years as professor of strategy, professor of military strategy and warfare, and professor of military science at the National Defense University before retiring in 2018. Paul also served as the Director of the Gettysburg Studies Program at NDU and has conducted nearly 400 professional-level staff rides to several Civil War Battlefields.

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Demystifying AI: What ChatGPT and Others Mean for the Future ($25)
Zoom
Instructor: Amber Dinquel
Fridays, November 7 and 14
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Have you heard about AI or ChatGPT but you’re not sure what it is? This course will explain what artificial intelligence (AI) is and how it works. The class will focus primarily on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. From planning trips to curating recipes with ingredients on hand to making schedules, you’ll learn what these programs can do, ethical concerns that come from using AI, and how it will shape our future.

Amber Dinquel is an assistant professor of English at RCC. She has a master’s degree in English from Illinois State University and recently completed a graduate certificate in Online Writing Instruction from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She began studying the impact of AI on writing instruction and higher education when ChatGPT debuted in 2023.

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Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...And It's All Small Stuff ($20)
RCC Warsaw Campus
Instructor: Dr. Robert Chapman
Wednesday, November 12
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Are you ready to reduce daily stress and embrace life with a lighter heart and clearer mind? Hardly a day goes by without hassles, frustrations, or unexpected problems and as Mark Twain noted, “I have had many worries in my life, most of which never occurred.” This informal, conversational workshop will explore some of the more common examples of “stuff that happens” in life that can trigger negative self-talk, often leading to stress, anxiety, or general worry, drawing inspiration from Richard Carlson’s book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff. Reading the book in advance is recommended but not required. Selected quotes, stories, and parables will complement key takeaways, helping attendees recognize and release unnecessary worry. 

Dr. Robert Chapman was Associate Clinical Professor and Associate Director of the Behavioral Health Counseling program (retired) at Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. He is a professional counselor specializing in substance use disorders.

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Register Here for any of these classes!