Community bulletin board

Education

Tasting room training

The Wine Tasting Room Training for Winery Personnel offered by Napa Valley College Hospitality Institute features key tips and proven techniques for identifying different types of customers, how to listen and ask appropriate questions and how to effectively “make the sale.” The workshop is Aug. 15, 9-11:30 a.m., at Umpqua Bank, 305 Soscol Ave., #100, Napa; and presented by Pamela Personette from Illumination Hospitality Group. The cost is $35. Info, 253-3219. Registration, 253-3210.

Child care business workshops

Community Resources for Children presents a series about making your family child care business successful on Friday nights, 6-8 p.m. The Aug. 17 topic is Your Emergency Plan, and Aug. 24 is Caring for the Caregiver. All workshops are at Community Resources for Children, 5 Financial Plaza, Suite 226, Napa. Free. Registration, 253-0376, ext. 101; or www.crcnapa.org.

Law enforcement career fair

On Aug. 18, more than 50 police and sheriff departments from throughout Northern California come to Napa Valley College in hopes of trying to fill some of the 8,000 vacant law enforcement jobs that now exist in California. Recruiters will be on hand with information about jobs, including 911 dispatcher, police officer and deputy sheriff. There will be displays of equipment and police dogs. This event is offered by the Police Academy at Napa Valley College, with 80 cadets from the current Police Academy classes there in uniform to answer questions and to show members of the public around the Expo. Info, 253-3251.

NVC fall registration

A special Saturday walk-in registration day at Napa Valley College will be held Aug. 18 during NVC Day, an open house and welcome event. The free public event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info, www.nvccjtc.org/nvcexpo2.html.

Real estate workshops

Aug. 19, 1-4 p.m., EmeryNet Wealth Group presents “Real Estate Investing Basics” by Tessie Cuy at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 3800 Broadway/Highway 29, American Canyon, in the Vineyard Room. Info, (800) 854-9903, ext. 3800.

Story time

Farmers Market Story Time takes place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. until Aug. 28 under the Copia Pavilion, First Street, Napa. For children up at age 6. Info, 266-4403 or www.napalit.org.

Homeowner, renter assistance

The Napa Senior Center at 1500 Jefferson St., Napa, offers free volunteer-run assistance in filing homeowner and renter assistance forms. The program is administered through the Vita Program in cooperation with the Franchise Tax Board. Assistance is available every Friday from 12:30-3 p.m. through Aug. 31. You qualify if your household income for the last year was $42,770 or less and you are 62 or older, blind or disabled; you are a U.S. citizen or a designated/qualified alien; you owned and occupied your home or mobile home on Dec. 31 of last year or paid at least $50 rent each month. Bring proof of age or disability, property tax bill, federal and state tax records and other income records. Info, 255-8182.

Art in the library

Oil paintings by Ning G. Mercer are featured at the Napa Main Library in August. Mercer attributes her inspiration to travels in rural China and Mexico. A native of China, she is trained in charcoal, watercolor, pastel, acrylic and sculpture, but works primarily in oils. Enjoy the work of this talented artist at 580 Coombs St., Napa. The Art in the Library program is a juried competition of works in various mediums. Info, 253-4223.

Music lessons

Napa Valley Music Associates offers year-round private music instruction in voice, guitar, violin/viola, cello, flute, oboe, saxophone, drums, piano, harp, composing together, trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn and recorder. Special summer ensemble programs are offered in August. Info, 252-8671 or www.napavalleymusicassociates.org.

Libraries closed for Labor Day

The Napa Main Library, the American Canyon Library and the Calistoga Library will be closed Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day. The libraries resume regular business hours Sept. 4. Info, 253-4241, 644-1136, 942-4833 or 944-1888.

Fall preschool openings

Napa Valley Nursery School has preschool openings for the 2007-2008 school year. Parents actively participate in the classroom and work together to shape the school and everything it offers. Executive Director Lori Ware has led NVNS since 1986. Info, 252-2402 or www.nvns.org.

Free education books

Napa County Office of Education provides free copies of the “Summer Home Learning Recipes” and “10 Fun Summer Learning Activities.” There are also free copies of “Supporting Early Literacy in Natural Environments” available in English and Spanish that suggest strategies parents can use based on activities that are part of the family’s daily routines. Info, 253-6810.

Connolly Ranch field trips

This summer, Connolly Ranch offers field trips to the public. Info, www.connollyranch.org.

Real estate seminar

EmeryNet hosts Sunday meeting events from 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 3800 Broadway/Highway 29, American Canyon. Founder Tessie Cuy educates the community on how to acquire, sell, buy and get out of foreclosure, or just make extra income through the many options available in real estate. Attendance fee is $15, with materials provided. Info, www.emerynetrealestate.com, www.emerynetwealthgroup.com or www.prepaidlegal.com/info/tcuy.

Napa School of Music

The Napa School of Music offers music lessons year-round for all styles of music, levels of ability and ages. Beginners and adults welcome. Instruction is available on bass, drums, flute, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, upright bass, viola, violin and voice. The school also offers a “School of Rock” style program called Garage Band 101 in which participants learn to play and perform in a rock band. A similar program is offered for adults called Working for the Weekend. Info, 252-4040 or www.napaschoolofmusic.com.

Health

Tricycling classes

Napa Valley College Community Education leads relaxed tricycling classes for seniors. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and continue throughout the summer. Cost per week is $15. Trikes and helmets provided. Registration, 967-2901.

Food Addicts in Recovery

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. The group meets Monday nights at 7 p.m. at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa, Main Conference room next to the cafeteria. Info, 226-2775 or www.foodaddicts.org.

Support groups for caregivers

A support group for caregivers co-sponsored by Adult Day Services of Napa Valley and Queen of the Valley Medical Center meets Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., and the first and third Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., at 414 South Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Celine Regalia at 258-9087.

Kidney/Transplant/Dialysis support group

The Kidney/Transplant/Dialysis Support Group is for patients waiting for a kidney transplant or those who have already received transplants. The group meets the first Thursday of the month at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa, 7-8 p.m. Info, Norma Guisinger at 944-1870.

Suicide support group

Hospice of Napa Valley offers an ongoing monthly drop-in group providing support for the loss of a loved one to suicide. The groups meets the first Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m., at Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley, 414 South Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 258-9080; ask for the bereavement services manager.

Surgical weight loss meetings

Napa Valley Surgical Weight Loss informational meetings are 7-9 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at the Central Villas, 9 Valley West Circle, Napa. Info, 255-8252 or GrapetownCa@aol.

Glucose meter class

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers a new Glucose Meter Class on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 3421 Villa Lane, Napa, classroom 234. This class provides blood glucose meters at no cost, and individuals are instructed on the use of the meter. Info, 252-4411, ext. 2391.

Volunteer/fundraisers

Community Church of Lake Berryessa

A representative from the Volunteer Center of Napa County visits Community Church of Lake Berryessa Aug. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to provide information for seniors on services such as medical referrals, transportation, income assistance, Alzheimer’s/Dementia and other programs in Napa County. They will answer questions for anyone in the Lake Berryessa area interested in becoming a volunteer and assisting seniors. This service is in conjunction with the Napa Valley Food Bank. 6008 Monticello Road at Moskowite Corners. Info, 252-4488.

Discovery Shop

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop hosts a vintage and collectible sale Aug. 17-19 featuring an eclectic mix of items from the ’20s-’90s. Napa Discovery Shop is at 1342 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 224-4398.

FUNd Golf Tournament

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley hosts the FUNd Golf Tournament Aug. 24 at the Chardonnay Golf Club, Napa. This third annual tournament has a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start; following the round golfers enjoy a BBQ lunch and no-host bar. Reservations are $150 per player, or $550 per foursome signing up together. There are also a variety of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available. Reservations, 258-9080 or golf@hospiceofnapa.org.

Hands Across the Valley

The 14th Annual Hands Across the Valley fundraising event and auction is Aug. 25 at Trinchero Family Estates Zinfandel Ranch, St. Helena. The sponsors reception begins at 5 p.m., general admission begins at 6 p.m. Highlights of the event include food by dozens of Napa Valley restaurants and wine tasting from over 30 celebrated Napa Valley wineries. Festivities include a live and silent auction and dancing under the stars. Proceeds help fund Napa Valley food programs including the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and holiday gift baskets and turkeys for families in need. General admission is $125. Reserved seating is $200. Sponsorships available at the $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 levels. Info and tickets, 226-6136.

FOCUS barbecue

Yountville’s FOCUS (Friends Of Our Community United in Service) holds its annual barbecue party Sept. 2, noon to 6 p.m., at Veterans Park in Yountville. FOCUS is Yountville’s long-standing organization whose primary purpose is to provide scholarship funds for Yountville youth. This popular event features barbecue foods, entertainment, a prize drawing, silent auction and lots of socializing. Tickets are $10 for a chicken and tri-tip dinner, and $5 for a hot dog dinner, and are available at the barbecue. Info, 944-2396 or 944-9174.

ParentsCAN fundraiser

“Grand Traditions: In Celebration of Grandparents” is an educational and fundraising event focusing on the importance of grandparents in family life. Featuring dinner, auction with local art and wine, and renowned grandparenting speaker/author Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, this event is held at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville, Sept. 8. Proceeds benefit Parent-Child Advocacy Network (ParentsCAN), a Napa County nonprofit organization supporting families of children with disabilities. Reservations required, $100 per person. Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.org.

St. Helena Golf Championship

The St. Helena Kiwanis Club and Meadowood Resort co-host the 17th annual St. Helena Golf Championship Sept. 13 at Meadowood Resort. The tournament starts at 1 p.m. and is open only to the first 48 entrants. A $150 entry fee includes golf fees, individual gifts and dinner. During dinner, Mayor Britton presents awards to individual and team winners. Spouses and friends are welcome to attend the 5:30 p.m. dinner and silent auction for $60. Hole-in-one prizes include winner’s choice of an automobile donated by Zumwalt Ford or Epps Chevrolet. The tournament net proceeds benefit St. Helena Police Youth Diversion/Intervention Program. Info and registration, 963-0630.

Charity golf tournament

Teen Intervention presents the 2007 Sand Trap Scramble Charity Golf Tournament (Shot-Gun/Scramble, including contests with prizes) at Vintner’s Golf Club Sept. 30. Registration deadline is Sept. 20. Sponsorships needed. Info, 255-0490, jenapapihl2@aol.com or www.intervene4ateen.com.

Mini Thrift Shop

Located at the corner of Fourth and Randolph streets in Adams Hall, proceeds from this thrift shop help women and children locally and worldwide. Open Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., through November. Sponsored by United Methodist Women. Info, 253-1411.

2008 calendars

The Berryessa Senior Center’s 2008 calendar is available. Calendars can be picked up at the Senior Center on Jefferson Street or the Cantina at Spanish Flat Village. Info, 966-0675.

CASA volunteers needed Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are needed to work with children who are dependents of the court as a result of having been abused, neglected or abandoned. Volunteers undergo a thorough background and screening process and complete approximately 40 hours of initial training. Trained CASA volunteers meet and work with dedicated professionals working to help children and families reunify. People with bilingual and/or bicultural skills and experience are particularly needed. Info, 257-2272 or jdiverde@napacasa.org.

Volunteer for Senior Services

The Senior Services Program is in need of volunteers to visit seniors and transport seniors to medical appointments, and people who are able to install grab bars, build small wheelchair ramps or complete minor home repairs for seniors. Info, 252-6222.

Wine and food volunteers

Become a volunteer at Copia, the center for wine and food. Enjoy the social community, learn about wine and food, meet with wine experts and chefs and get discounts on programs and merchandise. Info, 265-5972 or eklevins@copia.org.

Volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels

“Meals-on-Wheels” seeks volunteer drivers to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals and a bit of companionship. Drivers use their vehicles to deliver meals to homebound seniors from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Volunteer drivers/riders may commit to once a week on a regular basis or be called on a substitute basis. Groups may adopt a route and rotate drivers to suit there schedule. Info, Leslie at Senior Nutrition, 253-6111.

Clubs/Meetings

Model railroad club open house

The Napa Valley Model Railroad Club hosts an open house during the Napa Town and Country Fair Aug. 12. Located to the left just inside the main gate at Napa Expo, 575 Third St., Napa, the open house features 2,000 scenic square feet of operating HO gauge steam and diesel trains. The Napa Valley Model Railroad Swap Meet and Show is at the Napa Expo Aug. 18, 8 a.m. to noon. The model railroad is open until 2 p.m. Set-up for vendors is at 7 a.m., and costs $5 per space. Entrance fee is $3 for adults and free for children. Info, 226-2985 or www.nvmrc.org.

Library commission meeting

The Napa City-County Library Commission’s regular public meeting is Aug. 13, 4 p.m., at Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4242.

Napa High Alumni Association

The Napa High Alumni Association holds its quarterly meeting Aug. 15, 1 p.m., at Bakers Square, 303 Soscol Ave., Napa. The association is open to all Napa High graduates and supports Napa High projects and gives annual scholarships. Info, Evelyn at 226-7391 or Janet at 252-6258.

Personal Computer Users Group

Daryl Michael, Napa sales supervisor for Verizon Wireless, speaks at the Aug. 15 meeting of the Napa Valley Personal Computer Users Group. Michael demonstrates wireless phones, PDAs, Air Cards and more. Meetings are the third Wednesday of every month at the Napa Senior Activity Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa, at 7 p.m. Info, 337-3998 or www.nvpcug.org.

Sunday breakfast

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Napa County Chapter No. 0281, serves breakfast Aug. 19, 7:30-10 a.m., at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. The public is invited to feast on ham, eggs, hotcakes and coffee. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Tickets available at the door. Info, 224-9479.

Napa Valley Grapegrowers

Napa Valley Grapegrowers host the “Current Topics for Napa Vineyard Owners” seminar geared toward vineyard owners. This one-day seminar on Aug. 24 at Meadowood Napa Valley, St. Helena, highlights critical issues such as estate planning, property valuation, tax issues, trademarking your vineyards and choosing the right vineyard manager. Other discussion topics are the Napa Valley Ag Preserve, the Williamson Act and conservation easements. Speakers include industry and environmental luminaries such as Andy Beckstoffer, Bill Harlan and more. Info, 944-8311 or www.napagrowers.org.

Young Eagles Rally

Young people ages 8-17 have a chance to take to the skies for a local flight as the Napa-Solano chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association hosts a Young Eagles Rally at the Napa County Airport from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 1. Following the flight, each young person will receive a certificate making them an official Young Eagle. Required parental/guardian permission forms will be available at Napa Valley Hot Tubs, 2746 Jefferson St., Napa; Gelow’s News Service, 807 Soscol Ave., Napa; or at the airport on rally day. Info, 253-7032 or www.eaa.org.

Widowed Persons Association

Join a chapter with other widows and widowers for support, friendship and activities. Come for breakfast each Tuesday at 8 a.m. at Bakers Square. Info, Abbey at 224-8716.

Singles of North Bay

If you are seeking companionship or new friends, Single Seniors of North Bay offers monthly potlucks and meetings at the Napa Senior Center, and coffee/socializing every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Info, Dee at 226-3642, Barb at 255-8685 or Dick at 253-7242.

Cribbage

Napa Cribbage Club plays Tuesday evenings, 6:15 p.m., at Grant Hall, Veterans Home. Avoid the skunk, capture the lizard and have fun pegging. All ages welcome. Info, Denny at 224-2345.

Mom’s Club

Napa Mom’s Club meets in the Nob Hill parking lot on Trancas Street every Thursday at 10 a.m. for a walk along the river trail. The club offers monthly mom’s night out, parents’ night out and family events, as well as regular play groups. Info, jenny_gass@yahoo.com.

Eagle Cycling Club

Eagle Cycling Club meets every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. for the general membership meeting and at 5:30 p.m. for the board meeting. The club meets at Round Table Pizza in the Redwood Plaza, 3331 Solano Ave., Napa. Info, www.eaglecyclingclub.org.

Federation of the Blind support group

The National Federation of the Blind Napa Chapter support group meets on the third Monday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon, at Napa Senior Center, 1300 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 224-4400 or gab_bike@napanet.net.

Napa Valley Photographic Society

The Napa Valley Photographic Society meets 7 p.m. at Studio II, 570 Soscol, Napa, on the fourth Monday of each month. Everyone 18 and older is welcome to become a member. Info, Priscilla Miles at 257-4535 or Len Powers at 255-8178.

Napa Sons of Italy

Napa Sons of Italy Lodge #2043 welcomes you to attend monthly meetings every fourth Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Napa Activity Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 252-1963 or 226-9747.

P-38 Lockheed Lightning interest group

The P-38 Lockheed Lightning interest group in Napa is open to World War II pilots and enthusiasts. The group meets the last Thursday of each month at the Target cafeteria in South Marketplace shopping center at 10 a.m. for coffee. Info, John Futini at 255-4171.

Needlepoint Guild

The Wine Country Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild meets at the Napa Senior Center on the fourth Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. All stitchers welcome. Info, 255-1199.

Sons in Retirement

Sons in Retirement is a group of retired men that gathers for monthly lunch buffets, golf tournaments, bowling league and tournaments, fishing trips, travel trips and more. SIR is dedicated to friendship and companionship for retired men. Info, Patrick Timmons, 226-7233.

Other

The N.A.P.A. Show

Join Arty “Party” Reyes, along with co-hosts George the Barber and the Hollywood Homegirl Alissa Solis, for a 90-minute fun-filled variety show. The N.A.P.A. Show airs live each Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m., on Channel 28 and features interviews, music and games.

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