Education

Elks scholarships available

For the academic year 2008-09, the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. Board of Trustees offer over $40,000 in undergraduate educational scholarships. The scholarship is a financial needs-based and academic use scholarship intended for undergraduate work at a licensed vocational school, accredited community college, or four-year college. Funds cover academic expenses including tuition, books, lab fees and on-campus room and board only. Individuals must be U.S. citizens and California residents, have a physical, neurological, visual or hearing impairment and/or speech language disorder and be a high school senior, high school graduate or have passed the GED exam or CHSPE exam. Applications available at www.chea-elks.org. Applications must be postmarked on or before March 15, 2008 and received in the office of the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project in Fresno.

Scholarships available Miss Napa County

 Scholarships are available for those who are high school seniors to age 24 on Nov. 25 or Dec. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at Health Quest Fitness Center in Napa. Also available are Napa County Outstanding Teen Scholarships for 13- to 17-year-olds on Nov. 25 or Dec. 2, 1-2 p.m., at Health Quest Fitness Center in Napa. Info, 337-8098.

Religious talk

 Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., editor of Ignatius Press, publisher of all the writings of Pope Benedict XVI, and a long-time personal friend of the Pope, gives an important, enlightening talk about the Mass in light of the Pope’s recent document, “Motu Proprio.” He answers questions regarding the meaning of this papal document, and clears up current confusion about the “old Mass,” the “new Mass” and the true “Spirit of the Liturgy” on which the Pope has written. Free. Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Grammar & Prep, 2055 Redwood Road, Napa. Info, 258-9030.

Childcare series

Community Resources for Children presents a great series about making family childcare business successful. Each class is held Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. The next one, on Nov. 27, is “Playing is Learning.” This free workshop is held at Community Resources for Children, 5 Financial Plaza, Suite 226, Napa, CA 94558. Registration is required. 253-0376 ext. 101 or www.crcnapa.org.

Active Minds

Community Resources for Children’s Toy Library and Resource Center presents “Active Minds” Wednesdays, 10 a.m., at St. Helena Family Resource Center, 1440 Spring St., St. Helena. These are hour-long experiences full of art and sensory activities, cooperative play, circle time and more, with a focus on literacy and socialization for school readiness. CRC introduces Reba Siciliani, who facilitates these engaging activities in the coming months. This free activity presents the perfect opportunity for parents/caregivers to spend special time with their amazing children! Pre-registration is required. Info and registration, 253-0376 ext. 101 or www.crcnapa.org.

St. Helena Public Library events

The Friends of the St. Helena Public Library host the annual pre-holiday book sale on Nov. 28, noon to 8 p.m. Buy practically new books for all the children and adult readers on your holiday shopping list. The prices are right and the selection is great, from romance novels to vintage collections to coffee table books to a potpourri of children’s tales. On Dec. 5, 7-8:30 p.m., Ken Stanton speaks about the expanded third edition of his book, “Great Day Hikes in and around Napa Valley.” The new edition contains information about 200 more miles of trails. Signed copies of the book will also be available for purchase. 1492 Library Lane in St. Helena.

Disaster preparedness

 A disaster preparedness presentation for parents of Browns Valley School students, as well as neighbors of the school and local residents is provided as part of the goals of the Disaster Preparedness Committee of the Browns Valley Family Club. The presentation is followed by a question and answer session. Adults only please. Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. Browns Valley Elementary School multi-purpose Room, 1001 Buhman Ave., Napa. Info, 254-0573.

Justin-Siena High School entrance exams

Entrance exam dates are set for Dec. 1 or Dec. 15, 9 a.m., at 4026 Maher St. in Napa. The first step to apply for admission to Justin-Siena High School is to take this exam. Parents are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with faculty during the exam. To reserve a space, call David Holquin at 255-0950, ext. 641 or e-mail holquind@justin siena.com.

Police academy exams

It is estimated there are 8,000 vacant jobs in California law enforcement agencies. The next entrance exams for the Napa Valley College Police Academy are scheduled for Dec. 1. A full-time class starts in April 2008. A part-time evening class starts in March 2008. Info, 253-3250 or www.nvccjtc.org. Also, applications for the college’s Psychiatric Technician program are accepted in the admissions office until Nov. 16 for the Spring 2008 semester. An application packet is available outside the Health Occupations office in Building 800. Info, 253-3120 or www.napavalley.edu. Spring semester starts Jan. 23.

Native American holiday traditions

The public is invited to join in on a holiday celebration at the Goodman Library Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m., where Charlie Toledo, of the Suscol Inter-tribal Council, recounts tales of Native American traditions. The program is free to the public and holiday treats are served. The library is located at 1219 First St., Napa.

Elder abuse education

This is a chance to learn about elder abuse — what it is and what one can do about it — from two experts in the field. Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tong is with the Elder Abuse Division of the district attorney’s office, and Ombudsman Elizabeth Mautner is coordinator/manager of the Napa County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This talk, held Dec. 4, 2 p.m., is free but space is limited. R.S.V.P. at 257-7885. The Meadows of Napa Valley, 1800 Atrium Parkway, Napa.

Blue Oak School events

 On Dec. 4, 9 a.m., Blue Oak School gives tours of the lower and middle school campuses. Reservation required. Info and reservations, 261-4500 or visit www.blueoakschool.org.

Learn French in Paris

Through Napa Valley College International Education programs, you can study Spanish in Salamanca, Spain; anthropology in Yucatan, Mexico; or French at the Sorbonne in Paris. The summer French in Paris program is a total immersion opportunity where students study at the Sorbonne and can earn five transferable units in French. The program is held July 1 to Aug. 1, 2008. A free information meeting is held Dec. 4, 4:30-6 p.m. in Room 2 of the Upper Valley Campus, 1088 College Ave., St. Helena. Info, Anne-Marie McEligot at 224-3931. Reservations are now being accepted.

Finance class 

Cope Family Center’s Family Economic Success Program and Redwood Credit Union host a free holiday finance class on Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. Find out how to reduce stress, discover ways to save money, get tips on how to avoid getting into debt, and best of all, how to enjoy the holidays with family. There will be snacks, a door prize and raffle. Childcare and seating are limited. To sign up, call Angelina at 252-1123 or e-mail her at azuniga@copefamilycenter.org. Cope Family Center, 1340 Fourth St., Napa.

 

Napa Valley  Music Associates

NVMA has open registration for interested children, teens and adult music students for year-round music lessons of all levels in piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, harp, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, drums, percussion, trumpet, trombone, tuba and French horn. Also, String Chamber Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble and Composing Together Programs are offered for interested students. Family drumming circles are offered monthly by a professional percussionist. Info, 252-8671, 322-8402 or info@napavalleymusicassociates. org.

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.co.

Studio Arts Napa Valley

Studio Arts offers dance classes such as Traditional Hawaiian Hula Sundays, 11 a.m. to noon.; Bellydance and Hula Workout Tuesdays, 3:15-4 p.m.; and Adult Ballet Wednesdays, 7-8:15 p.m. Also offered is Open Studio!, where Studio Arts opens its doors to anyone wanting to explore the arts Thursdays and Fridays, 1-2:30 p.m., and Cooking and Science fun for Kids! Fridays, 3:15-4 p.m. Information and registration, 251-9200 or www.studioart snapavalley.com.

After-school classes

Studio Arts Napa Valley invites children ages five to seven to come Mondays or Wednesdays for after-school classes, 4:45-5:45 p.m. Sessions include “Crafts and 3-D Art,” “Enjoying the Masters” and “Color My World.” Children ages eight and up can join Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., for “Exploring the Master Artists” class. Info and registration, Cindy Barry at 332-0019 or cindy.barry@yahoo.com.

Health/Fitness/Dance

Belly dancing class

Instructor/entertainer Shahreena offers belly dancing classes. A four-week session started Nov. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Try one class for free through November. $40 pre-registration/$48 in-class registration. Registration is still open. Classes are held at Academy of Danse, 1123 Jordan Lane, Napa. Info, Shahreena at 255-4340.

Blood drive

The Veterans Home of California in Yountville holds a blood drive, sponsored by Blood Centers of the Pacific on Nov. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donors receive a coupon for free ice cream. Please eat and drink before donating. The blood drive takes place in Grant Hall. Info, Linda Gagne at 944-4505 or Dorothy Eliason at 944-4522.

Challenging behaviors

This group, offered by ParentsCAN, provides strategies and insight for dealing with your behaviorally challenging child. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, 6:30-8 p.m. at the ParentsCAN resource center, 3299 Claremont Way, Ste. 3, Napa. Topics include: “Through the eyes of your ‘other’ children — the siblings of special needs kids,” a presentation/discussion, Nov. 27; and “Coping with challenging behaviors during the holidays,” Dec. 11. Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.org.

ParentsCAN

ParentsCAN offers a new support group offering hope and help for families and caregivers of adults with mental illness. The evening series continues, meeting Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. at the ParentsCAN Family Resource Center located at 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. Scheduled topics include: Question & Answer session with a mental health professional, Nov. 28; and the video “My Sister is Mentally Ill,” followed by a discussion, Dec. 5. Info, Juanita at 253-4866, 253-7444 or at www.parentscan.org.

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers a carb-counting/food label-reading classes on Nov. 26, 1-3 p.m., and on Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m. Also offered are: a pre-diabetes class on Dec. 5; a diabetes class on Dec. 6.; an adult support group on Dec. 12; a blood glucose meter class on Dec. 12, 10 a.m.; and a Parents of Children with Diabetes support group on Dec. 13. Registration required. Info, 252-4411, ext. 2391.

Midwife presentation

Midwifery care offers greater satisfaction and less intervention. A presentation of research showing midwife-attended births are safe for low risk mothers is held Dec. 4, noon to 2 p.m., at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. The presentation is hosted by Paula Schnebelt, LM-CPM and Claudette Coughenour, CPM, LCCE.

Man-to-Man support group

This American Cancer Society program helps men and their families cope with prostate cancer by providing patient education, support to patients and family members, and awareness of prostate cancer as a major health concern for all men. Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Classroom #3, Old Building, Napa. Info, 1-800-ACS-2345.

Overeaters Anonymous

This group for those who are overweight and/or eat too much meets Sundays, 5-6 p.m., at Hillside Christian Center, 100 Anderson Road, Napa. Info, Richard at 226-2775 or Karen at 996-4746.

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.

IMC Foundation

The Integrative Medical Clinic Foundation hosts a free educational series, “Hot Topics in Health,” every second and fourth Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Integrative Medical Clinic. Info and pre-registration, 284-9225.

Support groups for caregivers

A support group for caregivers co-sponsored by Adult Day Services of Napa Valley and Queen of the Valley Hospital 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.

Arthritis support group

The Springs of Napa host the Napa Arthritis Support Group on the last Thursdays of the month, 6:30 p.m., in the activity room. 3460 Villa Lane. Info, Judy at 224-7855.

Free art classes for patients

Free art classes are open to patients of Queen of the Valley diagnosed with cancer or who are chronically ill. These classes promote healing, well-being, therapy and relaxation every Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. All materials are supplied. Experience is not needed. Classes are taught by Joe Roter, Master Therapy Artist. Call Yolanda, 251-2003 to reserve your spot.

Grief support groups

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley offers grief support groups for Napa County residents who have experienced the loss of a loved one. These groups provide education about the grief process and an opportunity for participants to express the difficult feelings that accompany a significant loss. Groups offered at this time include a Tea and Comfort Group for Women; Coffee and Conversation Group for Men; Grief and Loss Group for Men and Women; Healing the Loss of a Loved One to Suicide Group; and an Upvalley Calistoga Grief and Loss Group for Men and Women. These groups are offered free to the public. Info, 258-9080; ask for the bereavement department.

Wheelchair program

A local medical equipment supplier helps senior citizens and permanently disabled people get scooters and power wheelchairs at no cost if they are Medicare or Medi-Cal qualified. Info, 864-6680.

Volunteer/fundraisers

Volunteers needed

Once again, Christmas gift bags will be assembled for men and women in the Napa County Jail and youth in Juvenile Hall. Jail restrictions prohibit home-based cookies but local bakeries have agreed to provide. There is a great need for Christmas Cards and cash donations for pens, coffee, candy and cocoa. Cards and checks to “Detention Ministry” should go to St. John’s Catholic Church rectory, 960 Caymus St., Napa CA 94559 through Dec. 12. Volunteers are needed to assemble bags on Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m., at St. John’s parish hall, 924 Napa St., Napa. Info, 226-9379, ext. 16.

Be a Santa to a Senior

Home Instead Senior Care teams up with non-profit agencies and area retailers to sponsor “Be a Santa to a Senior,” a program that collects, wraps and delivers gifts to lonely and needy seniors in Napa County. The program runs through Dec. 15. The public is invited to come and help on Dec. 5 at the Springs of Napa, and Dec. 12 at the Senior Center, for community gift-wrapping parties. Participating local non-profit organizations identify needy seniors in the community and provide those names to Home Instead Senior Care. Christmas trees, which go up at Longs Drugs at 675 Trancas St. and Longs Drugs at 1558 Trancas St. in Napa, feature ornaments with the first names only of the needy seniors and their respective gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the store, along with the senior ornament attached. Info, Claudia Bohn at (888) 296-2411 ext. 4.

Volunteer for cancer society

Road to Recovery is an American Cancer Society program that provides free rides for cancer patients who are unable to get to treatment. Volunteer drivers need three things: a driver’s license, a car and a compassionate heart. Program training is provided via a toll-free conference call. If you can spare a few hours a month to drive patients, please call the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345.

Volunteer for Napa Food Bank

Napa Food Bank seeks volunteers to help with the Senior Brown Bag program, a program for senior citizens who need food bags delivered to a site for pick-up. Napa Food Bank also requests donations of fruit and vegetables from gardens or orchards. Info, 253-6128.

Volunteer openings at Napa Kaiser Clinic

The Kaiser Volunteer organization is in need of volunteers in the Napa Kaiser Clinic. They are a source of information regarding the clinic, and they assist members in locating departments or physicians. Three divisions: Main lobby, Allergy and Blood Pressure. Volunteers commit to one four-and-a-half-hour shift per week on a regular basis. Info, Liz Burleigh at 651-2358 or Liz.burleigh@kp.org.

CASA volunteers needed

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) 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.

Fundraiser volunteer

The Vintage High Athletic Booster Club Board meets on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library. The board is looking for volunteers for the second vice president position to help coordinate the three major fundraisers. They also seek volunteers to apprentice under current chairs for the crab feed, pig roast and football stadium concession in preparation for the 2008-09 events. Info, Teresa Peterson at 337-4585 or skipeters@aol.com.

Clubs/Meetings

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, lots of fun and have a charitable component too. The next meeting is on Dec. 4. Social/networking starts at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m., and more social/networking continues after the meeting. Guests welcome. 218 Franklin Street, Napa.

North Bay Regional Center

The board of directors hold their regular business meeting on Dec. 5, 6 p.m., at the North Bay Regional Center, 25 Executive Court, Napa.

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.

Widowed Persons Association

 Join a chapter with other widows and widowers for support, friendship and activities. Come for breakfast Tuesdays, 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.

Toastmasters Napa

 Toastmasters offers a nurturing environment in which to improve communication and leadership skills without the pressure of a classroom. Meetings are held Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m. at The Springs of Napa, 3460 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, Nancy at 224-0740.

Special needs dance

A Chance Too, Dance, gives parents and their children born with physical, emotional, mental and developmental needs a chance to dance Thursdays, 1:15-2 p.m. Napa Valley Dance Center, 950 Pearl St., Napa. Info, Beth Yarnall at 332-8023 or achancetoo@yahoo.com.

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.

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.

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.

Nature/Recreation

Open House

Sunrise Horse Rescue is a nonprofit foundation in St. Helena whose mission is to rescue abused and neglected horses in Napa and Sonoma Counties, as well as provide students of all ages with life-enhancing skills derived from riding and horsemanship. The charity is grateful to the community for all donations or offers of volunteer help. Donations can be made through the mail or online at www.sunrisehorserescue.org. On Dec. 2 Sunrise Horse Rescue holds an Open House celebration. From 1-3 p.m., visitors can tour the stable and see the rescued horses interacting with the children who help in their rehabilitation. General info, 337-5582 or www.sunrise-stables.com.

Gingerbread house workshop

Community Resources for Children invites you to come create a faux gingerbread house using graham crackers, icing and candy decorations, without the hassle of gathering all the supplies. All materials and instructions are provided. Five sessions available between 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The event is appropriate for children, ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult. $5 for materials.

Fish return celebration

Each year, shortly after the first rainstorms and after flow resumes to the Napa River, Chinook Salmon return from the ocean to spawn in their natal stream. Although the exact date is unknown, their return will be celebrated by conducting a free salmon-viewing tour in December or early January, led by Jonathan Koehler, senior biologist at the Resource Conservation District (RCD). For the exact date and to reserve a spot, call Steph at 252-4188 ext. 111.

Other

Pottery sale

The Christmas pottery sale & Open Studio 2007 continues through Nov. 25, and Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with handmade Christmas ornaments by Austin Simpson. 707 California Blvd., Napa. Info, 363-7609.

Father of 9/11 hero speaks at YCC

The events of 9/11 will forever be engraved in the history books of the United States as a day that changed the nation and altered American’s personal sense of security in a fearful world. One of the heroes of 9/11 was Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Flight 93. Todd’s father, David Beamer, speaks at Yountville Community Church, 6621 Yount St., on Nov. 25, 9:30 and 11 a.m. The public is invited to meet David Beamer and hear his story of hope and peace in the midst of terror and fear.

Arts/Crafts sale North Bay

Regional Center holds the Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Bay Regional Center, 25 Executive Court, Conference Room 1A and B. Info, Heidi Oestreich at 256-1241 or Mary Cook at 256-1242.

Journal

Tune into the all-new Jarvis Journal on cable Channel 28, screening every Thursday at noon and Friday at 10 p.m. Funny footage of Carter, frisky rabbits and men from the moon, as well as local action, is included. The Jarvis Journal now features a new police investigations unit and a campy Flash Gordon episode!

The N.A.P.A. Show

Tune in every Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m. to Napa TV Channel 28 for live entertainment. It’s the N.A.P.A. Show (Newest Arty Party Adventure) with host Arty “Party” Reyes and co-host Alissa Solis, “The Hollywood Homegirl,” and the rest of the dynamic crew. Interviews with local guests and lots of fun and games with viewer participation! Sit back, get your favorite beverage, relax and party with Arty! This show is dedicated each week to the late, great George “The Barber” Alvarez.

Class of 1988 reunion

The Vintage High School Class of 1988 planning committee is putting together their 20-year reunion, to occur sometime next year, and is currently trying to contact all the classmates who graduated from Vintage High School that year. If you, or someone you know, is a Class of 1988 alumni, please send an e-mail to vhs88reunion@yahoo.com. Include full name and maiden name (if applicable). You will receive the weekly reunion newsletter filled with current updates on the reunion planning, plus a current list of names of people who have been contacted, and those that still need to be found.