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.

Be sure to scroll down to view:
The Wrinkle newsletter, Rianda House Classes, Community Partner Workshops, Support Groups and other Online Offerings.

The Wrinkle

 Rianda House calendar of events and newsletter for:

Rianda House Reader's Theatre

Sorry Wrong Number - A Play | Rianda House Reader’s TheaterAttend the premiere (via zoom) of an American thriller telling the story of a woman who overhears a murder plot that was originally produced as a 1943 radio play. The Rianda House Readers' Theater actors, directed by Carol Gruetzner, will perform the play as if you, the audience, are listening to the radio. Tuesday, September 15, 3 pm. To reserve your virtual tickets, call Elizabeth (707) 963-8555, ext. 101

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.

NEW Calistoga Current Events - ZOOM Edition | Lorne & Marilyn GlaimExplore 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, August 10 and August 24, 1:00 pm.

Caregiver Support Group | Collabria CareOffered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association on the first and thirdThursdays of the month, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m via Zoom. For more information or to register, contact Jill Wood at [email protected].

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.

NEW Mind Boosters & Brain Fitness - Zoom Edition | Veronna Ladd, Collabria CareWe 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, August 13 and August 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To register contact Veronna Ladd, (707) 258-9087 or [email protected].

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, beginning July 27 and running through August 24. Attend once to get a jump start or weekly to build skills. Pre-registration required.

NEW SERIES Rianda House Lunch Bunch | Rianda House Team
We miss seeing you - so we are starting a fun new way to reconnect with friends! Join us on the first and third Fridays, August 7 and August 21, Noon - 1:00 pm. Each month, Rianda House Lunch Bunch will be hosted by a different Rianda House team member. Your August host will be: Julie Spencer, Rianda House Executive Director. Lunch gatherings will be held via Zoom, and are BYOL (bring your own lunch)! To sign up, contact Program Manager, Elizabeth Cobb-Bruno: (707) 963-8555, ext. 103 or email her: [email protected]. Limited to 8 individuals.

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 SERIES Creative Memoir Writers - ZOOM Edition | Ana Manwaring, Educator and Author
Join this lively writing community. No matter your writing experience, from idea to well-published author, you’re welcome to share your voice as we write, read and offer feedback in a workshop setting. Each week writing topics and assignments are suggested, but not required. Some workshop participants write poetry, some write fiction, others write essays or songs. Working together in a positive and encouraging atmosphere, we learn our craft and become the storytellers we want to be to leave an enduring legacy for our families and community. This ongoing class meets for six weeks, on Thursdays, August 6 - September 24, 2-4 pm.

NEW SERIES Collage and Storytelling - ZOOM Edition | Lisa Hinz, Ph.D., ATR-BC
Join Dr. Lisa Hinz for a class exploring both collage and writing - and to find out how using collage can inspire your writing. Collage is a fun art form, because it does not require special skills or materials. Cutting magazine images from their contexts and arranging them in new ways, makes the resulting collages both unique and personal. These new images can inspire joy, poetry, prose, memoir or travelogue writing. Join this 90-minute collage and storytelling workshop on Friday, August 7, and Friday, August 21, from, 1:00-2:30 pm. Call Elizabeth, (707) 963-8555, ext. 103 to pre-register and arrange pickup of materials.

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 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

Driver Safety | AARP
It is always a good time to brush up on driver safety tips. Due to COVID-19, AARP has made their driver safety course available online! Go to the AARP website ( www.aarpdriversafety.org) to sign up. Use this promo code for 25% discount: DRIVINGSKILLS. Code good through August 31, 2020.

NEW Healthy Living for your Brain and Body | Alzheimer’s Association
For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Tues., Aug. 18, 10-11:30 am and Monday, Aug. 31, 3-4:30 pm. To Register, call: (800) 272-3900 or visit ALZ.ORG/CRF.

NEW Effective Communication Strategies | Alzheimer’s Association
Teaches caregivers to decode verbal and behavioral communication by someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Participants leave with strategies for meaningful connection with people in early, middle and late stage dementia. Weds., Aug. 19, 10-11:30 am. To Register, call: (800) 272-3900 or visit online at ALZ.ORG/CRF.

NEW Health Minds, Healthy Aging Support Group for Adults 60+ | Xavia Hendriksz, Mentis
A six-week support group for adults 60+ offers a supportive way to express concerns about the loss of everyday activities, and/or personal isolation you may be feeling in the midst of pandemic Shelter-In-Place orders. Sessions are no-cost, strength-based, and focus on creating healthy coping skills. The group starts on Mondays, August 3-24 at 2 pm meeting via Zoom. You can register for one, two or all sessions. Contact Xavia Hendriksz to register, and for more information at (707) 299-1885 or online here.

NEW Dementia Conversations | Alzheimer’s Association
Learn helpful tips to guide you in having difficult conversations with family members, including going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans. Wednesday, August 26, 1-2:30 pm. To Register, call: (800) 272-3900 or visit us online at ALZ.ORG/CRF.

History of the Whistle Song - SF Symphony | Michael Tilson Thomas
Stop and take a moment to listen to this newly released upbeat new song Michael Tilson Thomas composed while sheltering-in-place at home. The “Whistle Song,” was inspired by a tune MTT used to whistle with his father Ted, as a child on their walks together. The video includes an introduction from MTT on the history of the song and a performance by SF Symphony musicians from their homes. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/PvJ1St0EPRI

Support Group for LGBT Seniors | Ian Stanley, LGBT Connection
Join us on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month (July 7 and 21) 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

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!

NEW Unbiased Medicare Information Sessions | HICAP, Frank NelsonHICAP offers unbiased technical expertise on Medicare in a series of Zoom meetings throughout the months of July and August. HICAP has the answers as the truly unbiased source for technical help and advocacy. You can register online via links below or by calling: (707) 526-4108. Registration required.

  • Medigap Supplemental Plans - There are 2 ways you can choose to have your Medicare. How much do you know about that product you are paying for? Class on August 12 at 9:30 am. Register online.
  • 1 of 2 Medicare Choices - Learn the advantages and disadvantages of how you choose to have your Medicare. Class on August 19 at 9:30 am. Register online.
  • Helping to Pay for Medicare - Are you aware of the programs that might enable you to decrease the cost of your Medicare? Class on August 26 at 9:30 am. Register online.

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.