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Reanda House calls for local ‘Calistoga‑specific’ senior center; transportation cited as barrier
Summary
Reanda House presented its year of programming and urged community support for a local senior center in Calistoga; council members and the presenter identified transportation and local buy‑in as key obstacles.
The director of Reanda House reported to the City Council on Oct. 29 about the nonprofit’s programming for older adults and urged Calistoga to consider establishing a locally run senior center modeled on Reanda House but designed by and for Calistoga residents.
The director (identified in the meeting as Robertson) said Reanda House provided seven repeating class types during the past year — including tai chi, yoga, financial wellness and hikes — and recorded 1,579 unique visits representing 97 individuals. Robertson described Reanda House as an “energetic” place where older adults “feel like they matter,” and said the organization wants to expand programs into Calistoga and help catalyze a locally run center: “We would love to try to help any way we can for Calistoga to have a Reanda House, but not Reanda House. It has to be Calistoga House.”
Council members and the presenter discussed persistent participation barriers. Councilmember Gift noted transportation is a limiting factor for many older residents who do not drive; Robertson agreed, saying a local site would make participation easier and that the organization will continue to offer services in Calistoga in the meantime. Councilmembers suggested using the Calistoga shuttle and the forthcoming Brannon Center as possible hubs for programming; Robertson said Reanda House is already talking with local partners including the Brannon Center and UpValley Family Center.
No formal council action was taken. Councilmembers thanked Robertson and said staff and committee members should continue exploring how to increase transportation access and local support if the community opts to create a Calistoga‑specific center.
Ending: Reanda House will continue offering programs in Calistoga, pursue partnerships for the forthcoming Brandon/Brannon Center, and is willing to help seed a locally branded senior center if community momentum and local funding/support follow.
