Boy Scouts honor local doctor

Boy Scouts of America will honor Dr. Robert Darter of St. Helena with the Distinguished Citizens Award at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the Elks Lodge. Better known as "Doc," he has delivered 1,000 babies through the St. Helena Medical Group, which he founded in 1961 and still practices with today. Darter's own scouting career spans more than 48 years, and the reception will also honor several of this year's Napa Valley Eagle Scouts.

The public is invited to the presentation of his award for a $75 donation, which will be given to Boy Scouts of America.

The Elks Lodge is located at 2840 Soscol Ave., Napa./Register

Disaster training offered

In the event of a major disaster, firefighters and law enforcement are spread very thin, causing some victims to fend for themselves for several days.

But don't panic.

The Community Emergency Response Team is offering free classes to the public on how to deal with emergency situations such as extinguishing fires, removing a person trapped under debris, how and what utilities to shut off and basic first aid.

The 20-hour course is offered as a non-credit class through Napa Valley College. Mandatory attendance at all classes is required for graduation and continuation in the CERT graduate program.

Days and class times are:

* Disaster operations -- Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m.

* Disaster Medical I -- Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m.

* Firefighting/Search and Rescue -- Dec. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

* Disaster Medical II --Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m.

* Disaster Psychology -- Dec. 8, 7-9 p.m.

* Disaster Exercise -- Dec. 10, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Due to the necessity of the team concept for safety, it is preferred that applicants enroll with a partner but not required. Minimum age is 16. Those under 18 must enroll with a parent or guardian.

The classes will be held in American Canyon.

To register contact program registrar Sherry Vattuone at the Napa County Executive Office at 253-4580, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or online at svattuone@co.napa.ca.us. Applicants who register will receive a confirmation letter in the mail with attendance details./Register