Arts & Community Activities
Explore your passions and connect with others through diverse classes – from music and dance, recreational activities, social groups, and arts classes. There’s something for everyone!
Arts & Community Activities
Explore your passions and connect with others through diverse classes – from music and dance, recreational activities, social groups, and arts classes. There’s something for everyone!
Our Offerings
Arts
Nurture the creative artist inside you in the beautiful Art Studio at our Healthy Aging Campus. If you are brand new to jewelry making, our Beginner Class will teach all the basics where you can learn a variety of skills for making necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Tools and supplies will be provided.
Beginner Class (Jewelry Making I)
- Weekly on Tuesdays for 6 weeks | 1:30 – 4:00pm
Intermediate Class (Jewelry Making II)
- Weekly on Thursdays for 6 weeks | 1:30 – 4:00pm
- You must take Jewelry Making 1 to take Jewelry Making 2
Registration required. Contact Efrain Santamaria to register, 415-456-9062 x119.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30am – 12:30pm
In Debra’s class, you will discover the inner artist that you didn’t know existed. Debra will teach techniques to beginners, and experienced artists will have the opportunity to hone their skills and enjoy the creative process.
Registration required. Contact Efrain Santamaria at 415-456-9062 x119 to register.
Location: Remote only. Zoom link provided upon registration.
Recommended Materials for Watercolors Class:
- Materials are available at Riley Street Art Supply on 4th St. in San Rafael. Tell them you’re taking Debra Maddox’s class at Vivalon to receive a 10% discount. Also, some materials may be obtained at Michaels, DickBlick.com, Amazon or Perry’s in San Anselmo.
- Round Brushes (sizes 8, 10 and 12)
- 1” Flat Brush
- Pad of Watercolor Paper (brand recommendation: Arches)
- Watercolor set (brand recommendation: Windsor Newton
Music and Dance
With its gentle rhythm and relaxing nature you can move and sway in the spirit of aloha through the Hawaiian spiritual dance form knn as Hula (Auana). It’s good for the body and soul!
Beginner Classes
- Weekly on Thursdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm
- If you’ve ever wanted to learn the Hawaiian spiritual dance form known as Hula (Auana), now is your chance, with our wonderful instructor Charlotte Kobayashi.
- Registration required. Contact Efrain Santamaria to register, 415-456-9062 x119.
- Location: Remote Class, Zoom link provided upon registration.
Experienced Classes
- Weekly on Thursdays, 12:00 – 1:00pm
- This class is for people who have already taken Beginner Hula Classes with Charlotte Kobayashi.
- Registration required. Contact Efrain Santamaria to register, 415-456-9062 x119.
- Location: Remote Class, Zoom link provided upon registration.
Twice monthly on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 2:30 – 3:30pm
Song circles are led by Terry Garthwaite, an internationally known singer, songwriter, and teacher. Her recording career dates to the late 1960s when she and Toni Brown formed the rock group Joy of Cooking. You will be singing all original music by Terri, which is an array of songs and sounds that encourages empowerment and delight and radiates the healing nature of music.
Registration is not required.
Location: In person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Interested in learning how to play ukulele? Learn the fundamentals in our basics class or improve your skills in our beginner and intermediate classes with Sandy, the best ukulele instructor around!
Basic
- Weekly on Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
- Ukuleles available for use during class.
- Registration not required.
- Location: In-Person only at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael.
Beginner
- Weekly on Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm.
- Instrument not provided.
- Registration not required.
- Location: Remote and in person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael.
- Join on Zoom:
- https://zoom.us/j/93886110799?pwd=SkZtMG56V3owTStKRHAvSTljYmhoUT09
- Meeting ID:938 8611 0799
- Passcode: 7826159
Intermediate
- Weekly on Wednesdays, 12:30 – 1:30pm.
- Instrument not provided.
- Registration not required.
- Location: Remote and in person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael.
- Join on Zoom:
- https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95999959542?pwd=eldHZzBRZXM4VW41cDhVVkpYKy9Ndz09
- Meeting ID: 959 9995 9542
- Passcode: YXQ6wb
Recreation
Ready to challenge your brain and strengthen your Mah-jongg skills? American Mah-jongg is a fun, stimulating and energetic game using 152 tiles and a National Mah-jongg League Card. The goal of the game is to match your tiles with other card hands & declare a Mah-jongg!
Beginner Series
- Call 415-456-9062 x119 to find out when the next series begins and to reserve your spot.
- Join Leslie and Linda for an engaging four-part series of Mah-jongg for Beginners! For those new to the game and curious to learn, our expert instructors are here to guide you. Discover the joy of Mah-jongg while enjoying great company, sharpening your mind, and having fun in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere!
- Registration required. Please contact Efrain Santamaria by email at: [email protected] or by phone at (415)456-9062 ext 119.
- Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Intermediate
- Weekly on Tuesdays (ongoing), 1:00 – 4:00pm
- Develop your skills with other intermediate players!
- Registration is not required.
- Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Weekly on Fridays, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Join us for Ping-Pong fun! Instruction provided by Ping-Pong veteran, Vivian Malcy. All levels are welcome.
Registration is not required.
Location: In person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Social Groups
Wednesdays Starting June 18, 12:30 to 2:00pm
Join us for a six-week support group that offers a supportive and affirming environment for older adults looking to reconnect with or deepen their sense of authenticity. In a world that often marginalizes aging voices, this group celebrates the wisdom, complexity, and individuality each person contributes, encouraging open conversation, self-reflection, and genuine connection. We believe that it’s never too late to present your true self.
Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 x119 to register.
Weekly on Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Do you want to socialize with other Asians, or learn more about Asian cultures and traditional exercises? Come and join us in the Vivalon Activity Lounge every Thursday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Bring your lunch and snacks!
Registration is not required.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Every 2nd and 4th Friday, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Join Jean Harrison, Stephanie DalPorto, and others for meaningful and insightful book discussions. Come share your thoughts and ideas about favorite books and help make book selections. Everyone is welcome to join at any time. Copies of books are available for check-out from Guest Services.
Registration is not required.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Weekly on Thursdays, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Te invitamos a nuestro nuevo encuentro social hispano, Cafecito@Vivalon. Este encuentro social ha sido diseñado para la comunidad hispana en nuestro querido vecindario. Nosotros proveeremos el café, venga a compartir historias, conocer nuevos amigos y celebrar nuestra maravillosa cultura.
No es necesario registrarse.
Ubicación: En persona a Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
First Wednesday of the month, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be challenging but you don’t have to do it alone. Vivalon, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, proudly hosts a monthly support group designed to provide caregivers for the safe, confidential space for support guidance and connection. This group takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00pm. Registration is not required.
First Friday of the Month, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Join our monthly gathering designed to create a supportive community for those affected by hearing loss. In these meetings, you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences, discuss challenges and successes, and receive thoughtful feedback from others who truly understand. This group is open to everyone and takes place on the first Friday of every month. Registration is not required and assistive listening devices are available.
Registration is not required.
Location: In person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Weekly on Mondays, 12:00 – 4:00pm
This is a social group led in Farsi by Mrs. Esmaili. Anyone is welcome to join in the lounge for coloring and social interaction. The group often has lunch at Vivalon Cafe.
Registration is not required.
Location: In person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Community Lounge
Visit the community lounge to socialize with friends or relax awhile with a good book. Here are just some of the things you can do:
- Gather around a table and chat with new and old friends
- Enjoy puzzles and other games
- Play chess
- Read a book from our library
- Bring your knitting or sewing
Located in our Healthy Aging Campus at 999 Third Street, San Rafael.
Open Monday 9:00am to 3:00pm and Tuesday – Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
News, Classes & Events!
Join Dominican University of California Nursing Students and Vivalon for Our Upcoming Health Fair!
Tuesday | April 7 | 1:00-3:00 pm
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