Our Mission

Activities Calendar

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Rianda House is closed, although we are now providing virtual classes, conferences calls, and one-on-one chats to keep participants safe and connected. All classes are FREE, offered via “Zoom” video conferencing, and require pre-registration. Contact Program Manager, Elizabeth Cobb-Bruno to register by calling or emailing: (707) 963-8555, ext. 103 or [email protected].

Be sure to scroll down to view the current edition of The Wrinkle newsletter and calendar featuring Rianda House Classes, Community Partner Workshops, Support Groups and other community resources. View a flyer with the highlight of this month's events by - clicking here.

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The Wrinkle

 Rianda House newsletter and calendar of classes and events:

Rianda House Classes

All classes are FREE, offered via “Zoom” video conferencing, and require pre-registration. Contact Program Manager, Elizabeth Cobb-Bruno to register by calling or emailing: (707) 963-8555, ext. 103 or [email protected].

Balance and Stretch - ZOOM Edition | Kris Coryell
Join Instructor, Kris Coryell, PhD, as she leads this energizing exercise class designed to increase activity, strength and confidence levels and decrease the potential for falling. Mondays, 10:30 am.

Calistoga Lunch & Learn: Drive-Thru | Rianda House, UpValley Family Center & Calistoga Recreation Department
This popular educational event has shifted to a drive-thru in response to COVID. Each month features a different theme with delicious food, resource information and a fun activity give-a-way. Held on the 3rd Wednesday, at the Calistoga Pool parking lot, January 20, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Registration required.

Caregiver Support Group | Collabria Care
Offered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association on the first and third Thursdays of the month, January 7 and 21, 3:00 – 4:00 pm via Zoom. For more information or to register, contact Jill Wood at [email protected].

Chen 18 Tai Chi | Joan Comendant, Certified Tai Chi Instructor
The Chen-style Tai Chi is one of the oldest traditional styles. It's characterized by fast and slow motions and bursts of power. Class will meet on Mondays and Fridays, 12:30 pm.

Current Events - ZOOM Edition | Lorne & Marilyn Glaim
Explore relevant topics and discuss current events in a casual and respectful discussion group. Facilitated by retired history professors, Lorne and Marilyn Glaim. Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Mondays, January 11 and 25, 1:00 pm.

Dancing Crane Tai Chi - ZOOM Edition | Joan Comendant (Senior Exercise Trainer)
This class is specially designed for beginners who are new to Tai Chi. Each class will repeat the same movements, making it an ideal class to drop into anytime. Classes will meet on Tuesdays at 11:30 am. This is a live Zoom course, so you will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer to participate.

Embodied Ease | Marla Tofle, Somatic Coaching & Healing
Join this playful, enlivening and restorative class using movement, breath and sound to reconnect us with the engine of our well-being: pulsation. Embodiment practices support immune system function, as well as improve our body's inherent resiliency and ability to relax amid stress. This is a drop-in class, open to all abilities. Fridays, January 8, 15, 22, and 29. 10:30 am. NOTE: No Class on Friday, November 27. Please contact Elizabeth for an information sheet on how to prepare for the class.

Gents and a Cuppa Joe - Zoom Edition | Carroll Cotton, Facilitator
Calling all gents! Come share “A Cuppa Joe,” swap stories and experiences with friends and neighbors. Thursdays, 8:00 - 9:00 am. Call Carroll Cotten for details: (707) 967-9845.

Imagery and Poetry | Dr. Lisa Hinz
Poetry is often inspired by imagery. Figures, structures, or other forms frequently inspire the metaphorical connections that underlie poetry. In this Zoom workshop, “Imagery and Poetry,” we will choose images from magazines, old calendars or personal photos to create a collage that will be the foundation for a poem. No artistic or poetic experience is required to enjoy this class. We will let our imaginations be free and play with words inspired by our intuitively created collage images. Join us for creative fun! Fridays, January 15 and 29 from 1:00 -2:30 pm.

Kuan Li - Zoom Edition | Joan Comendant, certified Tai Chi instructor
Kuan Li is a Tai Chi form that unites the body, mind and spirit with energetic kung fu stances. Beginners welcome. Try this form of Tai Chi and talk to Joan about her other Tai Chi classes to find the right match for you. Mondays and Fridays at 12:30 pm.

Memoirists & Creative Writers - Zoom Edition | Ana Manwaring, Educator & Author
Join this lively writing community. No matter your writing experience, you’re welcome to share your voice as we write, read and offer feedback. Class meets for 8 weeks on Thursdays, 2-4 pm, Jan. 14 - March 4.

Mind Boosters & Brain Fitness | Veronna Ladd, Collabria Care
We have combined both programs for people who are concerned about their memory or are in the early stages of memory loss and want to be proactive in maintaining their brain health. Why Attend? It’s FUN! and You LEARN! 2nd and 4th Thursdays, January 14 and 18, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. To register, contact Veronna Ladd, (707) 258-9087 or [email protected].

PWR!Moves for Parkinson’s - ZOOM Edition | Joan Comendant (Certified PWR!Moves & Senior Exercise Trainer)
This course is designed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremor or balance issues to help increase strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and posture. Zoom meeting on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm.

NEW Readers’ Theater Group | Dianne Fraser and Carol Gruetzner
Join a fun and lively group of individuals who enjoy reading through scripts together each week. No memorization necessary. Tuesdays, 3:00 pm. To join a future production of the Rianda House Readers' Theater, contact Elizabeth Cobb-Bruno at (707) 963-8555, ext. 103 or [email protected].

Strength Training | Kathy Carrick
Enhance muscle strength and tone - all levels welcome. A $5 donation, per workout, suggested. Class held via Zoom, call Elizabeth for video conferencing link. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 - 9:00 am.

Techno Tuesday - ZOOM Training and Cell Phone 101 | Rianda House Volunteer
Are you getting the most out of your cell phone, tablet or iPad? Unlock the power of your digital devices to allow you to receive important resource alerts from the County, City and CalFire. Receive one-on-one instruction for how to maximize the applications and services on your cell phone or use ZOOM video conference software from a tech-savvy tutor. Appointments available on Tuesdays, 3:00-5:00 pm. Call Elizabeth at (707) 963-8555, ext. 103 to set up an appointment to get technology instruction by phone.

Zoom to the Future | Rianda House Instructors
Sign-up to join this new class introducing you to the basics, ins and outs, tips and tricks of using Zoom. Each class will cover the basics of using this technology tool to connect you with your family, friends and to new learning opportunities. Taught by the Rianda House team on Mondays, at 2:00 pm, January 4 and 18. Attend once to get a jump start or weekly to build skills. Pre-registration required.

Zoom Video Tutorials | Rianda House Virtual Classroom
Series of four videos that provide a quick start guide walking you through getting started with Zoom, including the essential steps of setting up your account, joining a meeting, an overview of the meeting controls and more. You can view these anytime - online here.

Virtual Classes From Our Partners

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class | Innovative Health Solutions
Low-impact activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. Gentle routine suitable for every fitness level. Mon. and Wed,11:30-12:30 pm. Zoom link:https://zoom.us/j/9120293474, Meeting ID: 912 029 3474.

Disaster Preparedness Training | LISTOS California
You are Invited to a 15-minute or 1-hour long training, available 5 days a week, to learn the basic preparedness steps. Each participant will receive a $10 e-gift card, a Go Bag and a Disaster Ready Guide in either English and Spanish. Visit https://www.srcharities.org/prepare/ for a full schedule or contact Nathan Gifenbaum to register: [email protected].

Drum & Songs | Charlie Toledo, Suscol Intertribal Council
Participants can share their songs and sounds and learn new ones. Suscol Intertribal Council began offering weekly classes online in the Spring of 2020, and we have found them to be successful at bringing people together during ever-changing circumstances. All classes are open to the public and free of charge. Wednesdays, 4:00 pm. Contact [email protected] to register.

Food Smarts Nutrition Education | Innovative Health Solutions / Choice in Aging
Join this weekly class meeting via Zoom on Wednesdays, at 12:30 pm. It is easy to attend! Just use this Choice in Aging Zoom link (for all classes):https://zoom.us/j/9120293474. Meeting ID: 912 029 3474.

Staying Healthy! Connecting with Community in a Shut-In World | Xavia Hendriksz, Mentis
After months of shelter-at-home, many of us feel directionless. Good news, you can express your concerns in this drop-in virtual group for adults 60+. Drop in once, or come weekly. Mondays, 2 pm. To register call: (707) 299-1885.

Support Group for LGBT Seniors | Ian Stanley, LGBT Connection
Join us on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:30-11:30 am via Zoom. We’ll gather together to share how we’re doing and what we’re experiencing in these “interesting” times. Contact Ian Stanley at online - collabriacare.org/event/understanding-suicide-grief-loss-2020

Unbiased Medicare Information Sessions | HICAP, Frank Nelson
HICAP offers unbiased technical expertise on Medicare in a series of Zoom meetings throughout the month of September. HICAP has the answers as the truly unbiased source for technical help and advocacy. Medicare Dates You Should Know, Wed., Jan. 20, 9:30 am.To register call: (707) 526-4108 Registration required.

2nd Annual Virtual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium for Veterans, First Responders, and Caregivers
The symposium focuses on the connection between Parkinson’s Disease, military service, first responders and the frequency in which medical professionals are seeing veterans and first responders diagnosed with PD. Virtual attendees will be provided with information as well as resources available to help them live their best lives with Parkinson’s Disease. Click on - this link - to be automatically connected to the symposium!

Support Groups

  • ALZConnected®:  Living with Alzheimer's or caring for someone with the disease may make you feel alone. ALZConnected®, powered by the Alzheimer's Association, is a free online community where everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia can safely share their concerns and get advice.
  • Support Group for Caregivers of Folks with Memory Loss | Collabria Care
    Online support group, providing compassion and resources for individuals caring for loved ones with memory loss. For more details call: Jill Wood, MSW with Collabria Care at (707) 258-9087, ext. 277.

Online Offerings

7-Minute Yoga Workout for Older Adults | SilverSneakers
Watch this video from SilverSneakers for this follow-along yoga workout for older adults. Build strength, improve flexibility and boost balance with 7-Minute Yoga Workout for Older Adults.

Daily Meditation | SilverSneakers
Watch this video from SilverSneakers for an easy 5-minute meditation you can do every day. Close your eyes and follow along! Your Daily SilverSneakers Meditation.

Strength and Balance | SilverSneakers
Boost your energy and get the blood flowing with bodyweight exercises, skill drills and a relaxing final stretch. Class available –  online.

Coloring Pages | Van Gough Museum
Free coloring pages of famous paintings -  online here.

Lesson of the Day | New York Times
Short lesson featuring current events articles - online here.

Monthly Archive of The Wrinkle

 The view copies of past issues of The Wrinkle, Rianda House's newsletter and calendar of events click on any of the dates listed below:

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

JULY

JUNE

MAY

APRIL