Vine Village was the setting this past weekend for princesses, ninja turtles, fairies and ghouls to mingle with llamas, goats and a giant donkey named Max.

The occasion was a Halloween party given by ParentsCAN, the parent-child advocacy network for families of children with disabilities.

For the Halloween party, the Fly family dressed as superheroes. Mom Jennie was Wonder Woman, sons Jerod and Jack were members of the Justice League, and Dad Gavin bravely suited up as Superman.

“This is a good organization,” said Gavin Fly, his Superman cape flapping. “Today is about fun stuff for the kids.”

Another parent who preferred that her name not be used smiled as her four children raced around the grounds.

“This is the first event we’ve attended,” she said. “It’s not crowded and I feel comfortable and safe here. It’s nice it’s just these kids. They’re having a great time.”

Joan Lockhart, executive director of ParentsCAN, explained the concept.

“The party is an opportunity for families to relax and enjoy the time with their children and other families with no threat that their child’s behavior or appearance will be judged as objectionable,” said Lockhart. “We parents with kids with disabilities have all been there, when the public appears to be disgusted with our child. I have often heard other parents say that they too have been asked, ‘Can’t you do something with your child?’ We all would like to do something, but often there is nothing more that we know to do.”

During the Halloween party, guests were encouraged to paint pumpkins, decorate cookies and cupcakes, “fish” for prizes and ride a gentle mammoth donkey, Max. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and chips were consumed at tables set under the shade of oak trees.

“We are grateful for John Modzelewski, the father of a little girl with autism, who has led the committee in making the arrangements for the Halloween party,” said Lockhart.

Modzelewski, dressed as a wizard for the day, downplayed his role. “My wife got involved a few years ago,” he said. “When we realized there wasn’t anything happening for Halloween, Mike Kerson was nice enough to provide the Vine Village venue. It’s great being together. The organization builds community and supports each other.”

His eight-year-old daughter Clementine, resplendent in a yellow princess outfit, took an immediate liking to Max the donkey, stroking and kissing his soft face.

Mike Kerson is the director of Vine Village, a 25-acre ranch in the Carneros District that offers a residential program and an arts day program for developmentally disabled adults. For the Halloween party, Vine Village provided the use of their art program supplies for painting pumpkins and also supplied Max for riding.

“Vine Village is about people and people helping people,” said Kerson. “So we share this place whenever we can. We have Special Olympics dances, parties, bocce ball practice and other events that will benefit the Napa community and help the Vine Village residents to live as full, helpful and rich lives as possible.”

Vine Village is a peaceful spot with cottages and recreational buildings for its 18 residents. To help raise funds, the non-profit Vine Village sells its own label olive oils, vinegars, wine, produce and a cookbook.

ParentsCAN board member Joan Cohn said it’s important for parents to be involved in her organization.

“When you have a handicapped child, you don’t know where to go for help,” said Cohn, whose son dressed as a punk rocker for the event. “Other parents help the most. Once you get involved you find out what’s available. Most importantly, you learn that you’re not alone. ParentsCAN directs you where to go to get help. It’s staffed with parents who’ve been in your position.”

Services of ParentsCAN include family advocacy, ensuring that families with children who have disabilities receive the emotional support, information resources and communication skills needed to become lifelong advocates for their child. They also offer mental health family partners, so that families of children with emotional disturbances are fully involved in decisions about programs and treatments for their children.

The group has support groups for parents of children with Down Syndrome, ADHD/ADD, autism and bipolar disorders. ParentsCAN offers bilingual help and has a Spanish Latino support group. They also have groups for parents of youth in Juvenile Probation and parents of infants served by the Napa Infant and Preschool programs. They have served over 400 client families.

“At our events, no judgments are made,” said Lockhart. We know better, we may have a problem in public tomorrow.”

For further information about ParentsCAN, call 253-7444. The Web site is parentscan.org.

Vine Village’s art program, sponsored by the North Bay Regional Center, is open to those with developmental disabilities on a space-available basis. Prior arrangements are necessary. For information, call 255-4006; Web site: vinevillage.org.