Education

Holiday book sale

The Friends of the Napa City-County Library Book Sale runs today through Dec. 10 in the Community Room of the Napa Library, 580 Coombs St. Choose from more than 20,000 books, most priced at 25 cents to $2. Proceeds support library projects and programs. The sale is every day during library hours. Three free books to Napa County students. Half-price day is Friday; Bag day ($3 per bag) is Dec. 9-10. Info, 226-6258.

Teens and healthy relationships Voicing Our Independent Choices for Emancipation Support and Napa Emergency Women's Services have created a venue for teens to learn about healthy relationships, get support about teen dating issues and learn what constitutes intimate partner violence. The last meeting is Monday, 3-5 p.m. at VOICES, 1830 Soscol Ave., suite B, Napa. Info, 252-2687 or 251-9432.

Self-care for successful parenting

ParentsCAN present a free training, 6:30 p.m. Monday at 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3 in Napa, for parents who are feeling stressed and fatigued from the rigors of parenting. Even parents with neurotypic children need skills that keep them in top form to meet those demands. Parents of children with special needs need all the self-care skills they can muster. This training will give parents practical ideas that will keep them at their best. The trainer is Kathie Karcher who has two special needs children and has fostered several infants with special needs.

Parents who complete the trainings will be given $40 to cover child care costs and transportation, and receive a certificate of completion. Info, 253-7444.

Parent workshops at Napa County Office of Education

The Napa County Office of Education hosts the second workshop in a three-part series for parents titled, "The Amazing Developing Brain" on Wednesday at 6 p.m. This workshop, hosted by Dr. Pat Wolfe, is designed for parents of children of all ages. "The Amazing Developing Brain" is held at the Napa County Office of Education, located at 2121 Imola Ave., Napa. Info, 253-6890.

Mini kindergarten school day

Will you have a kindergarten student in fall 2007? You and your child are invited to join us on 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday for a mini kindergarten school day at St. Apollinaris School in Napa. The children will have the opportunity to meet our kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gray, sing with our music teacher, Mr. McKeever and experience P.E. with our P.E. specialist, Mrs. Freschi while the parents tour and learn about our school. Please R.S.V.P. to Anna Cardwell at 224-6525.

American Canyon Little League early sign-ups Early sign-ups will be held at the Community Service Department Office on Benton Way in American Canyon on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be another sign-up in January. Cost is $135 for Senior League (ages 13-15), $115 for Little League (ages 7-12), and $95 for T-ball (ages 5-6). Get $10 off for each child at early sign-ups. A birth certificate and proof of residence is required at registration. Info, 644-5430.

Gingerbread House Workshop

Come to the Faux Gingerbread House Workshop on Saturday at the McPherson Elementary School cafeteria and create a gingerbread house using graham crackers, icing and candy decorations. Five sessions are available, 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for children ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 per kit and all materials and instructions are provided. Registration is required. Info, 253-0376, ext. 101 or www.crcnapa.org.

'Imperialism: An Unequal Exchange' exhibit

New Tech High sophomores are mounting an interactive exhibit in the Community Room of the Napa Public Library, 580 Coombs St., 4-8 p.m. Dec. 12. Talk with students, eat exotic foods, interact with displays and learn how imperialism affected countries around the world. The exhibit is free.

'Storm Spotter' training Become a National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter. Learn how you can relay local weather information to the National Weather Service, assisting in their mission to save lives and property and help validate their weather warnings. A training will be held 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Napa Public Library community room, 580 Coombs St., Napa. R.S.V.P. to david.soroka@noaa.gov or call NWS at (831) 656-1710, ext. 223.

Loving Solutions classes

ParentsCAN offers Loving Solutions, a Parent Project Jr. Series, 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays through Dec. 21 at 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3 in Napa. The sessions are for parents with strong-willed children ages 5-10, but may be appropriate for younger children as well. The curricula, which specifically addresses Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, provides guidelines to parents to determine rule-setting and negotiations, how to use time-outs for behavior change, how to help with sibling interactions, and improve school success. Parents who complete all seven sessions will be given $100 to cover the cost of child care and transportation. Info, 253-744.

Barks and Books The Napa City-County Library announces a new, free reading program for children, 7-12, called Barks and Books. In this program, children read to a gentle certified therapy dog provided by Paws For Healing. The program is held on Fridays at 3 p.m. and on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Children's Room of the Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Info, 253-4070.

Health

Mental Health Family Support Group

Do you have friends or loved ones who are facing mental health issues? The Mental Health Family Support Group invites you to join our next meeting on Monday, 6:30-8 p.m., at 1500 Third St., Suite B-1, in downtown Napa. This group is sponsored by the County of Napa Health & Human Services Agency. The class is free; no registration is required. Info, 253-4778 or 253-6192.

Bay Area flu shot information

Effective immediately and through Jan. 31, 2007, get information about flu shot locations, times and fees by calling United Way HELPLINK. Info, (800) 273-6222.

Man to Man Support Group

The American Cancer Society's Man to Man Support Group helps men cope with prostate cancer by providing information, education and support to patients and their caregivers. Meetings are at Queen of the Valley Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Info, (800) ACS-2345.

Quit smoking today

Fall is an ideal time to enroll in a Quit Smoking Class through Community Action Napa Valley's Quit Smoking Program.

Classes are available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 6-7:30 p.m., and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All classes are offered at no cost. Nicotine replacement therapy patches are also offered at no cost for qualified participants.

For those who have successfully quit smoking, Living Smoke-Free Support Group is available on Thursdays at Napa Kaiser Permanente, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join other ex-smokers in a free support group at Synergy Medical Fitness Center, 3421 Villa Ln., Napa, 2-3 p.m. Fridays in the Diabetes Education Classroom. No reservations necessary. Info, 261-6771 or iquit@sbcglobal.net.

Senior Care Directory

The 2007 Napa County Senior Care Directory is now available for seniors, family members, caregivers and others interested in the care of the aging populations. The directory, published by Born to Age, also contains cost comparisons of home care nursing services, area mortuaries, assisted living and retirement homes and information on caring for aging parents, financing long term care and services available in the community. The Born to Age Senior Care Directory is free at area libraries, senior centers and hospital lobbies. It can also be mailed for a $3 postage and handling fee by sending a request to: Born to Age, P.O. Box 6863, Napa, CA 94581 or by calling 226-7127.

Open Door Deeksha

On Mondays, 7-9 p.m., come to 1249 Coombs St., Napa, for Open Door Deeksha. Deeksha is an energy which helps to release attachments of the mind, traumas stored at the cellular level and old negative patterns. Experience deep emotional and physical healing. Facilitated by Victoria Swan Takahashi, trained and initiated at the Oneness University in India. Info, victoriatak@ineverymoment.com or 967-0601. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Grief Support Groups Hospice of Napa Valley offers grief support groups for Napa County residents who have lost a loved one. Groups include a Tea and Comfort Group for Women, Coffee and Conversation Group for Men, Grief and Loss Group for Men and Women, Loss of a Loved One to Suicide Group, and a Calistoga Grief Support Group. Info, 258-9080, ask for Max Boveri.

Cancer Society seeks volunteers If you can spare a few hours a month helping with patient service programs, raising funds, providing rides, offering office assistance or volunteering with community health fairs, please contact the American Cancer Society at 255-5911, ext. 3 or (800) ACS-2345.

Free power wheelchairs

A local medical equipment supplier is offering power wheelchairs and scooters to senior citizens and to the permanently disabled at no cost to qualified recipients. Local service and attention to detail always guaranteed. Info, 864-6680.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Free yourself from excess weight and obsessive thoughts about food and body image. Free meetings are 7-8:30 p.m. Monday at Kaiser Permanente, 3285 Claremont Way, Napa, in the main building in the second floor conference room. Info, www.foodaddicts.org or 226-2775.

Support groups for caregivers

A Wednesday evening group, co-sponsored by Adult Day Services of Napa Valley and Queen of the Valley Hospital, meets 6-8 p.m. in the Hospice Community Room at 414 South Jefferson St., Napa. A second group, sponsored by ADSNV and Redwood Caregiver Resource Center, meets on the first and third Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. in the ADSNV Group Room, also at 414 South Jefferson St. Info, Celine Regalia at 258-9087.

Panic and anxiety program This program is geared to help anyone suffering from panic, anxiety and agoraphobia to cope with these disorders. We will teach you how to control panic attacks and anticipatory anxiety. Programs held in Napa Valley on Mondays, noon to 1 p.m., and on Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info, (732) 940-9658.

Neuropathy Assn., Northern California

The Northern California Chapter of the Neuropathy Association has a support group in Napa County. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa, 2-4 p.m. Info, Joan at 224-3212.

Volunteer/fundraisers

Giving Christmas Come for a Giving Christmas at First United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph St., Napa, today, 10:30 a.m. to noon in the fellowship hall. This annual event celebrates the spirit of Christmas by giving visitors an opportunity to give gifts of charity to family and friends. Donation cards tell the nature of the dollar gift made in honor of the recipient's name as food for the hungry, special mission projects in Africa, and food for the Table. Representatives will be on hand from many charity agencies. Info, 253-1411.

Piccolino's hosts Academic Booster Club fundraiser

On Tuesday, 5-9:30 p.m., show a flier at Piccolino's, 1385 Napa Town Center, and the Booster Club will receive 15 percent of all food sales. Fliers can be downloaded at www.nhs.nvusd.k12.ca.us. Info, 251-0100.

Potter's Guild Christmas sale

Members of the Napa Valley College Potter's Guild will hold a Christmas sale to raise money to replace supplies and equipment. The sale will be held at the Napa Valley College quad on Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Come for wheel thrown mugs, bowls, cups, pots, plates and more. Info, 255-0271.

Arts and crafts sale

North Bay Regional Center hosts a Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at NBRC, 25 Executive Ct., Napa. Info, Heidi Oestreich at 256-1241 or Mary Cook at 256-1242.

Children's wishes come true

Cope Family Center and Spinelle Fine Jewelers have teamed up to collect and distribute gifts for children. Place new unwrapped gifts under the tree at Spinelle Fine Jewelers, 1232 First St., Napa, through Dec. 20. Cope Family Center will coordinate the distribution of the gifts to deserving children. Info, Cope at 252-1123, Spinelle at 253-7789, copefamilycenter.org, or spinelle.net.

Cancer Society shop seeks volunteers Help in the battle against cancer by volunteering at the American Cancer Society Resale Shop, 1342 Trancas St., Napa, Mondays through Fridays, 5-7 p.m. No experience is necessary. The shop's proceeds fund the American Cancer Society. Info, Dana at 224-4398.

Women's Club Book Drive

Buy a book (or more) for a child and help with the Napa Women's Club A Book of My Very Own book drive for Child Start, Cope Family Center, Napa Infant Preschool Program, Napa Preschool Program, Napa Valley College Child Development, ParentsCAN, and Therapeutic Child Care Center. Some of the children in these programs do not own a book. Please buy books today and Monday at Bookends, Copperfield's, and the Learning Faire. The stores will hold the books for gift-wrapping and holiday distribution to underprivileged children by the Napa Women's Club. Partial funding is provided by First5 Napa County. Info, Annette Boss at 287-0860.

Be a Santa to a senior Home Instead Senior Care is teaming up with area retailers and nonprofit agencies to sponsor Be a Santa to a Senior. In December, gifts will be delivered to seniors in the Napa Valley community. Info, Candy Smith or Laurie Hebler at 252-3322 and 552-2266.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Make a difference in a child's life by volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Info, Marie at 258-6346 or www.bbbsmarin-napa.org.

Volunteer at Dreamweavers

Volunteers make it all happen at Dreamweavers Theatre. Napa's only community theater is 100 percent staffed by volunteers, from the actors and directors to the ushers and stage managers. Dreamweavers offers acting classes and hands-on technical training in lighting, sound, set design and construction and scenic painting. No experience needed. Info, www.dreamweaverstheatre.org or 255-LIVE.

Equestrian Center seeks volunteers

Volunteer assistance is needed for a Napa County therapeutic horseback riding program. Equestrian mentorship, career guidance and riding time (as time permits) is provided in exchange for your assistance with helping our disabled child and adult riders. Volunteers lead the horse, walk alongside the rider and groom and saddle the horse. Mounting and dismounting assistance is especially needed. Classes are 2-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Carpooling possible from St. Helena. Info, 643-2223.

Copia seeks volunteers

We are looking for wine and food assistants. Enjoy our social community; learn about wine and food; meet with wine experts and chefs and get discounts on programs and merchandise. Assist twice a month for four hours. Info, Ellie Klevins at 265-5972, e-mail eklevins@Copia.org or www.copia.org.

Cope seeks volunteers

Cope Family Center is looking for a dedicated volunteer with a background in banking or finance. Bilingual or monolingual Spanish speakers are wanted to help local hardworking families gain money management skills. No experience required; volunteer for two hours. Info, Angela at 252-1123, ext. 104 or e-mail abettencourt@copefamilycenter.org.

Clubs/Meetings

Napa Women's Club

The women of Napa Valley are invited to join the Napa Women's Club Evening Edition. The monthly meetings are filled with high energy, are lots of fun and have a charitable component too. The next meeting is Tuesday, in a historical building at 218 Franklin St. in Napa. The social/networking starts at 6 p.m., the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., and we continue the social/networking after the meeting.

North Bay Regional Center meeting

North Bay Regional Center's board of directors will hold its regular business meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at North Bay Regional Center, located at 25 Executive Ct., Napa. Info, Kathy Newman at 256-1224.

Members and Friends of Napa County Landmarks

The Holiday Candlelight Tour is Saturday, 3-8 p.m. Info, www.napacountylandmarks.org.

Library Commissioners hold public meeting

The Napa City-County Library Commission holds its regular public meeting on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Requests for disability-related modifications or accommodations, aids or services may be made to the Library Business Office at 253-4242 no less than 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Agenda packets are available beginning five days before the meeting at the Napa Main Library, the American Canyon Library, the Calistoga Library and the Yountville Library. Info, 253-4242.

Widowed Persons Association The Widowed Persons Association welcomes you to join a chapter with other widows and widowers for support, friendship and activities. Come for breakfast Tuesdays at 8 a.m. at Baker's Square. Info, Abbey at 224-8716.

Round and Square Dancing

Come enjoy fine music, pleasant exercise, great fun and friendly people, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays for Round Dancing at the Grange Hall, 3275 Hagen Rd., Napa. $3 donation is requested. Dancing in a Square is 7:30-9:30 p.m.; donation is $5. Bring a partner if you can, but dances are open to singles, couples and families. Info, 252-3161 or 255-3278.

Order of the Rainbow Girls

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls meets every first and third Monday at the Napa Masonic Family Center, 4125 Solano Ave. Info, Diana Lovenguth at 330-0937.

Mothers of Twins Club Do you have twins or multiples? Join the Napa Valley Mothers of Twins Club. We're a support group of moms who like to help each other and have fun. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. and enjoy Moms' nights out. Info, 254-8506.

Napa Toastmasters

Napa Toastmasters offers a relaxed setting where you can develop your speaking and leadership skills and become a more effective communicator. Napa Toastmasters meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Springs of Napa in the Recreation Room, 3460 Villa Ln., Napa. Info, 224-0740 or www.napatoastmasters.org.

Native Daughters of the Golden West Come to the Native Sons Hall, 937 Coombs St., Napa, on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for social time and at 7 p.m. for the meeting. Native Daughters is open to people at least 16 years old born in California. We promote the history and preservation of California. Info, Jana Jack at 255-5673.

Valley Scrappers

The Valley Scrappers Scrapbook Club is made up of ladies from Napa and St. Helena. They gather twice a month to scrapbook, share ideas and have fun. Meetings are in St. Helena on the second Wednesday of the month and in Napa on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Info, 963-2447.

Singles of North Bay Attention seniors 55 and over -- join us Tuesday mornings for breakfast and stimulating conversation. Info, Dee at 226-3642 or Barb at 255-8685.

Quilters Guild

The Napa Valley Quilters meet on the second Saturday each month at 10 a.m. at the Napa Senior Center. We will be celebrating the holidays on Dec. 9 with a potluck, ornament and fabric exchange, and a country store. All quilters and quilt lovers are welcome. Info, 255-1199.

Napa Mom's Club

Napa Mom's Club is a group of moms getting together for ourselves, our children and our community. The club offers play groups, baby-sitting, co-op, nights out and more. Info, 320-8013, 259-1642 or 251-1501 or e-mail Lcountryfly@yahoo.com.

Napa County Hispanic Network

The Napa County Hispanic Network is a community nonprofit organization that works in partnership with Napa County agencies and organizations to address the needs of Latinos in the community. The group meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at Coldwell Brokers of the Valley, at 1775 Lincoln Ave. at 5:15 p.m. Info, 258-3660.

Cribbage

Cribbage is on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, Veterans Home and Grant Hall. Info, Denny at 224-2345.

Sons in Retirement Branch 80

SIR Branch 80 is a group of retired men that gathers once a month for a luncheon and good fellowship. The membership consists of retired men from the military, construction, government, utilities and all walks of life. Info, 224-8976.

Other

Light Up a Life Program Hospice of Napa Valley will hold its Light Up a Life community memorial service today at 3 p.m. at the Hospice of Napa Valley Community Room, 414 South Jefferson St., Napa. During this annual service, families served by Hospice and members of the community join Hospice staff to remember loved ones. Opportunities to memorialize or honor a loved one with his or her name on a star displayed at the Vintage 1870 in Yountville from Thanksgiving to the new year are available through donations to the Hospice Light Up a Life fund. Info, 258-9080.

Napa Valley Horseman's Association holiday program

Today at 2:30 p.m., come to the Napa Valley Horseman's Association Club House, 1200 Foster Rd., Napa, for Historic Holidays, presented by Rebecca Yerger. Join the society for a look back at holiday celebrations of Napa's past. Mulled wine and holidays treats will be shared.

Lighted Boat Parade

On Saturday, the Napa Valley Yacht Club will present the Lighted Boat Parade on the Napa River. Boats will leave the dock at 100 Riverside Dr. immediately after dark. Members of the club and any decorated boat are welcome to join the event. Info, 254-8666 or e-mail rob@robertkeating.com.

Jessel Gallery Holiday Show and Sale

Jessel Gallery supports the artists who make their own seasonal treasures. Come for a holiday show and meet and greet on Saturday and on Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jessel Gallery, 1019 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa. Info, 257-2350.

Holiday Open House

Tulocay & Co., home of Made In Napa Valley gourmet products will hold a holiday open house on Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m. Join Catherine and Jane and the team at Made In Napa Valley for an evening of holiday cheer with special pricing on some gourmet gifts, samples of easy appetizers for holiday entertaining, cookbook signing of our newly released cookbook and raffle prizes. Tulocay & Co. is at 101 S. Coombs, Suite 1, Napa. Info, 253-7655, ext. 43.

See Santa on Channel 28

By special arrangement with Santa's favorite elf, Happy Holly, Napa and American Canyon children can see Santa live on cable channel 28 and call him with their Christmas wishes. The Happy Holly show will air on Dec. 11 and 18, 6-6:30 p.m. During that time, kids can call 257-0574 to talk to Santa live on TV.

Bradford on 'Faces of the Valley' Writer, composer and performer Terry Bradford will be a guest on Channel 28's "Faces of the Valley," throughout December on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Recent clips from his performance at the Opera House will soon be seen on PBS.

Vets Home offers video and DVD lending library

Donate to the Veterans Home's video and DVD lending library. Only factory recorded videos and DVDs are needed. Movies about trains and travelogue are wanted. Info, 944-4911.