Three Farmers insurance representatives  from Napa and one from American Canyon have been induced into the Farmers’ “Topper Club” of top sales producers.

Local agents honored were Brian Farmer, 3860 Broadway, Suite #203 in American Canyon; Bruce Asckrison, 2180 Jefferson St. in Napa, Brad Branagan, 1631 Lincoln Ave., Napa and Matthew Salsman, 1147 Trancas St. in Napa.

“Farmers congratulates these individuals on qualifying for this year’s Topper Club. The award demonstrates a commitment to providing quality insurance coverages and industry-leading service to customers,” said Jim Westerman, senior vice president of sales.

Aldea board appoints Bontrager executive director

Aldea Children and Family Services has named Mark Bontrager as executive director. He succeeds longtime executive director Allen Ewig, who passed away in August after leading Aldea for more than 30 years.

Aldea, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the region, provides mental health and child welfare services to Napa and Solano County youth with serious social, mental and behavioral difficulties.

In 2005, the Aldea board of directors conducted a nationwide search for a deputy director to eventually succeed Ewig, and selected Bontrager for the position.

“In the two years he has been here, Mark has proven to be a knowledgeable, skilled, and effective leader,” said Brian Kelly, president of the Aldea board of directors.

Prior to joining Aldea, Bontrager was an attorney in Indiana practicing primarily in the areas of child welfare, adoption and special education law.

He has a masters degree in social work and has practiced as a child welfare therapist and social worker for 10 years. Bontrager has written two books on foster care and adoption, and he has written numerous articles on issues of attachment and bonding. He has served as Indiana’s representative for the North American Council on Adoptable Children, and has advocated before state legislatures for changes in child welfare.

Partnership acquires Yountville eatery

A partnership of three local businessmen announce the recent acquisition of Yountville’s PJ Steak restaurant from restaurateur Philippe Jeanty, founder and owner of Bistro Jeanty. 

The three partners, all longtime Napa Valley residents, are John A . Traina, of Traina Vineyards in Oakville — already a substantial investor in Yountville real estate, Matthew Kelly of Rutherford and Charlie Crocker of St. Helena. 

 “We believe an outstanding Italian restaurant would be well received locally,” said Kelly, spokesman for the group. “As the new landlords, we are pleased at the expression of interest from some of the world’s most famous chefs at becoming tenant/operators of this beautiful property.  We plan to open in mid-2008, and look forward to contributing to Yountville’s reputation as the gourmet restaurant capital of the United States.”

 Bruce Peters of Portofino Realty Advisors in Yountville played a role in bringing the partners together and facilitating the transaction.

LMR Rutherford Gardens increases its hours

n LMR Rutherford Garden is now open on Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LMR Rutherford Gardens, on Highway 29 in Rutherford, across from Grgich-Hills Winery, sells organically certified seasonal fruits and vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, fresh eggs and grass-fed beef.

“We have an extraordinary bounty of produce for sale, including more than 20 types of heirloom tomatoes, exotic potatoes, Fuji apples, pears, carrots, basil, squash, onions, garlic, arugula, strawberries, figs and the most amazing collection of heirloom melons,” said Courtney Delello, farm production manager.

“We are approaching our goal of providing the Napa Valley with an everyday supply of the locally produced, seasonal organic fruits and vegetables,” said co-owner Laddie Hall. “We hope to eventually open four or more days a week. We want our customers to know they can count on us having something for their table throughout the seasons.”

Everything sold at the roadside stand is produced by Long Meadow Ranch, which was named the “2007 Best Local Food Producer” by the Best of Napa & Sonoma Valley publication.

All of the products are certified organic and are produced by Long Meadow Ranch’s integrated organic farming system.

“We are very proud to be acknowledged for our approach to producing elegant, balanced wines and tasty, healthful foods for family tables and for local restaurants,” said co-owner, Ted Hall.

 Long Meadow Ranch products — including wine — are also available every Friday at the St. Helena Farmer’s Market in Crane Park through the end of October from 7:30 a.m. to noon.