Education

Library programs

Fall Storytime programs resume through Dec. 13 at the Napa City-County Library. Programs include “Toddler Storytime” for children 18 months to three years, Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.; “Preschool Storytime” for children three to five years Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; “Family Storytime” for children four to seven years of age, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; and “Bilingual Storytime” for children ages two to five years, Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. Additional storytimes are offered at the Calistoga and American Canyon libraries. Info, 253-4070.

Infant story time

The Napa City-County Library presents “Wee Wednesdays,” a weekly language enrichment storytime where infants and their caregivers bounce, sing, clap and listen to stories. These 20-minute programs are designed for infants six to 18 months of age, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., through Dec. 12. Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4070.

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 undergrad 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 after Nov. 15 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.

Paper Dolls

Visit the Napa City-County Library Children’s area to view an art exhibit by River School students, “Social Construction Reality Paper Dolls,” through Dec. 15, featuring over 60 works of art by seventh- and eighth-graders. Students created a trio of paper dolls to represent social influences they feel from family, culture or gender identity; from the media or their social group; and concluding with a paper doll that depicts their personal ultimate social reality. The library is located at 580 Coombs St., Napa.

Book sale

The Friends of the Library December book sale features thousands of books, videos, CDs and records on sale at the Napa City-County Library Dec. 1-9. The sale is open during normal library hours in the Community Room, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Items are added to stock daily. Featured is a large collection of holiday-related books plus a collectors’ corner display of special, signed and collectible books. To encourage reading, the Friends give three free books to all Napa County students K-12 grades (see cashier for details). Proceeds from book sales help fund library programs and projects. Info, 265-8470.

Scholarships available

Miss Napa County Scholarships are available for those who are high school seniors to age 24 on Dec. 2 or Dec. 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at Healthquest Fitness Center in Napa. Also available are Napa County Outstanding Teen Scholarships for 13- to 17-year-olds also on Dec. 2 or Dec. 9, 1-2 p.m., at Healthquest Fitness Center in Napa. Info, 337-8098.

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 will be served. The library is located at 1219 First St., Napa.

Financial workshop

The value of the dollar is falling, inflation is rising and what we thought was stability is not so stable. Families across the nation are coming together to take a stand. Information that was not available to the general public is available now. Concept Marketing International (CMI) has the resources, resolve and intent to return control of a family’s financial destiny back to the family and out of the hands of your employer, the IRS and the government. Dec. 3, 6:30-9 p.m. Napa Marriott, 3425 Solano Ave., Napa. Ask the front desk for conference room location. R.S.V.P. to: kscargle@sbcglobal.net

Childcare series

Community Resources for Children presents a great series about making a family childcare business successful. Each class is held Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. on the following dates: Dec. 4, “Your Emergency Plan”; and Dec. 11, “Caring for the Caregiver.” These free workshops are 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 to register.

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 www.blueoakschool.org.

Learn French in Paris

Through Napa Valley College International Education programs, 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 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. Sign up: Angelina at 252-1123 or azuniga@copefamilycenter.org. Cope Family Center, 1340 Fourth St., Napa.

Pharmaca events

Several informative lectures are offered at Pharmaca including: Prescription alternatives toward hormone balance: Bio-identical hormones, vitamin precursors to hormones and new research on nutritional protocols are available today in order to achieve a natural non-chemical approach toward the essentials of hormone balance. Dec. 5, 10-11 a.m., by Gloria Rossi Menedes, L.Ac., DI.Hom., M.T.C.M.; Should I take hormones? Explore facts, fears and fallacies around mid-life health and bio-identical hormones for men and women, led by Wendy Pomerantz, M.H.P., L.Ac, P.A.-C., on Dec. 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Emotions, Stress and Disease: Break the vicious cycle of stress. Learn valuable tips to manage stress, muscle tension, obesity, sleep disturbance and depression naturally from Mary Davis, R.N.,D.C., on Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to noon. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 253-0970.

St. Helena Public Library events

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 are also  available for  purchase. On Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m., The Friends of the St. Helena Public Library host a party. Members of the Friends are invited to attend to welcome the new library director, Jennifer Baker, and to celebrate the holiday season. Please R.S.V.P. to Kaitlyn Toronto  at 963-5244, ext. 101, by Dec. 7. The library is located at 1492 Library Lane in St. Helena.

Financial aid workshop

The Quimby Ghilotti Memorial Financial Aid Workshop is held Dec. 8 on two identical sessions: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is offered in both English and Spanish at the Napa Valley Unified School District Office. Spanish in the board room; English in Room 205 upstairs. This is a free workshop offering financial aid information for high school seniors applying to colleges, step-by-step instructions through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), info on Cal Grants and scholarships, etc. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who attends the workshop, and files both FAFSA and Cal Grant forms. Winner will be determined after Jan. 1. Info, 253-4950.

Baby signs workshops

Reduce stress and baby’s by learning some tools to help in the process of learning to talk. “Baby Signs” is a smart approach to teaching hearing babies simple signs to use in communication by use of games, songs and activities. Each participant receives a parent kit. The workshops is held at Studio Arts Napa Valley on Dec. 8. Info and registration, Leslie Timm at 812-4035.

Einstein’s Universe

This month’s book club selection is “Einstein: His Life and Universe,” by Walter Isaacson at the Napa Main Library on Dec. 13, 1 p.m. Basing his research of the newly released personal letters of Einstein, Isaacson explores how an imaginative, impertinent patent clerk became the mind reader of the creator of the cosmos, the locksmith of the mysteries of the atom and the universe. Einstein’s success came from questioning conventional wisdom and marveling at mysteries that struck others as mundane. This led him to embrace a morality and politics based on respect for free minds, free spirits and free individuals. Free. Community Room of the Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4235.

Justin-Siena High School entrance exams

Entrance exams are set for 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. Reservations: David Holquin at 255-0950, ext. 641 or holquind@justin-siena.com.

Health/Fitness/Dance

Belly dancing class

Instructor/entertainer Shahreena offers belly dancing classes. Exercise in a fun, nurturing environment. Shahreena invites the community to try one class for free. New beginners’ class starts Jan. 8, 7-8:30 p.m., at Academy of Danse, 1123 Jordan Lane, Napa. Eight weeks, $80 pre-registration; $96 in-class registration, if space available. Send check early as class fills quickly to: Academy of Danse c/o Shahreena, 1205 Green Valley Road, Napa, CA 94558. Info, Shahreena at 255-4340.

The Eye Works

The Eye Works in downtown Napa offers free eye screenings for children five to 12 years old every Tuesday in December from 2-5 p.m. starting Dec. 4. The screenings are on a first-come first-serve basis and each child must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Parents can help identify children at risk by filling out a detailed questionnaire provided upon arrival of the screening. 1006 Main St., Napa. Appointmentsand info: Dr. Sultan at 254-2020 or doc@the-eyeworks.com.

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.

ParentsCAN

ParentsCAN offers a new support group offering hope and help for families and caregivers of adults with mental illness. This group meets Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., at the ParentsCAN Family Resource Center located at 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. For Dec. 5, the topic is the video “My Sister is Mentally Ill,” followed by a discussion. The Challenging Behaviors group 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. The topic for Dec. 11 is “Coping with challenging behaviors during the holidays.” Info, 253-7444 or at www.parentscan.org.

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers a carb-counting/food label-reading class 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.

Family Support Group

The Family Support Group, sponsored by the County of napa Healthy & Human Services Agency, invites people with friends or loved ones who are facing mental health issues to join the first Monday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m., at 1500 Third St., Suite B-1, Napa (across from ABC Bakery). Info, 253-4785 or 253-6192.

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.

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.

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. Please call Yolanda at 251-2003 to reserve your spot.

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.

Target

Target holds the 34th Annual Senior Event. Target helps seniors shop, and provides free gift wrapping and refreshments on Dec. 4, 8-10 a.m. 205 Soscol Ave., Napa.

Be a Santa to a Senior

Home Instead Senior Care teams up with nonprofit 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.

Napa Emergency Women’s Services

In February, Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS) begins the next training series for those interested in volunteering to work directly with victims of domestic violence and their children. Volunteers who complete this training will be qualified to work at the confidential shelter, interact directly with clients, and have the opportunity to volunteer providing on-call services in responding to the scene of domestic violence incidents providing immediate support, resources, and information to the victim and her children. NEWS’ services include a 24-hour crisis line, confidential shelter, legal advocacy, children’s services, transitional housing, outreach and education. All services are bilingual and free of charge. For those who would like to volunteer but would rather participate by working on fundraising or special events, the training is not required and they are welcomed and encouraged to contact NEWS at any time. The 40-hour formal training to become a certified Domestic Violence Counselor begins Feb. 5 and continues through March 4, scheduled in the evenings and on two Saturdays. Anyone wishing to participate must be 18 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license. Info, Sarah Dickens at 252-3687 ext. 4485, or sarahd@napanews.org

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.

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 e-mail 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 Quilters

The Napa Valley Quilters meet Dec. 8, at the Napa Senior Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; meeting begins at 10 am. A Country Store precedes the meeting, followed by the annual Holiday Potluck plus an ornament and fabric exchange. Entertainment provided by the Napa Valley Choir. All quilters and quilt lovers welcome. Info, 255-1199 or www.napavalleyquilters.org

Napa Humane Society

Napa Humane offers pictures with Santa. Meet Santa, whisper some holiday wishes, and scamper away with a special memento — a framed 4”x6” digital image created especially for you. $10 donation per photo to support the programs and services of Napa Humane serving homeless and companion animals and their people throughout Napa County. For everyone’s safety, small pets should be in carriers and well-behaved dogs should be leashed. Dec. 8-9, noon to 4 p.m. Pet Food Express – 3916 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 255-8118 ext. 202.

Napa Valley Retired Teacher Association

The NVRTA holds its executive board meeting Dec. 10, 10 a.m., at Napa County Office of Education, 2121 Imola Ave., Napa.

Library Commissioners meeting

The Napa City-County Library Commission hold its regular public meeting on Dec. 10, 4 p.m., in the Napa Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. To place an item on the agenda, contact the Library Business Office at 253-4242 by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. Requests for disability-related services may be made to the Library Business Office no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Agenda packets are available five days before the meeting at the Napa Main Library, the American Canyon Library, the Calistoga Library, and the Yountville Library. Info, 253-4242.

Welcome Wagon Club

The Welcome Wagon Club of Napa holds their annual Christmas party on Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Meritage Resort in Napa. The event is a fundraiser for the charities the club supports: Napa Valley Support Services, NEWS, Hospice and Samaritan House. The event includes a gourmet luncheon, wine included, for $40. Fabulous baskets filled with valuable merchandise are raffled at the event. Entertainment provided by the Napa Valley High School Choir. Info and reservations: Kathy at 255-3617.

International Order of

the Rainbow for Girls

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

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. Avoid the skunk, capture the lizard! Come have some fun pegging. All ages welcome. Info, Denny at 224-2345.

Molly’s Angels

Molly’s Angels holds a membership luncheon meeting every first Tuesday of the month, 11 a.m. $5 charge for lunch, by reservation only. The clubhouse at 1040 Orchard Ave., Napa. Info, 224-8971.

Napa High ’49er Girls

The girls that graduated from Napa High in 1949 meet the first Tuesday at noon at different restaurants for social gatherings and lunches every other month (except June, July, August and December). Anyone from this class is cordially invited to attend. If interested, please call Audrey at 224-0670.

Soroptomist International

Soroptomist International of Napa Wine County invites women of Napa County to join them. Meetings held the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Info, 257-4809 or 254-7605.

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.

Got twins or multiples?

The Napa Valley Mothers of Twins Club is a support/social club that includes meetings, guest speakers, moms’ nights out and family events. Meets first Thursdays of the month. Info, Molly at 254-8506 or hemsleyhome@sbcglobal.net.

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. 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. The third annual “Say Thanks To The Animal Kingdom” event is held Dec. 24 from noon to 2 p.m. The public is invited to come feed the horses and ponies, hear their stories and even groom or brush them. No charge and no RSVPs needed. Parents are encouraged to come ready to take photos. The horses will wear holiday attire. Rain cancels the event. 1098 Lodi Lane, St. Helena. Rescue info, Tracee at 963-7783 or www.sunrisehorserescue.org. Sunrise Stables 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.

Music and movement

Travel the world as Community Resources for Children invites parents and childcare providers to enjoy some fun activities and ideas! Caregivers will be able to explore exotic musical instruments, dance to rhythms from other countries, talk about nutrition using foods from different backgrounds, and gather ideas for fun and safety with tumbling mats from the Toy Library. Learn what happens to children’s brains when they listen to music and dance! This free workshop takes place on Dec. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Canyon Oaks School 475 Silver Oak Trail, American Canyon. Registration is required. Info, 253-0376 ext. 101 or visit www.crcnapa.org

Interpretive walk

Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy (QRWC) conducts an interpretive walk on Quail Ridge Reserve on Dec. 15, 2-6:30 p.m. In addition to learning about the wildlife and native habitats of the peninsula, walkers also learn about the human history of the Berryessa region. Bring drinking water and a light snack. If you wish, bring binoculars for bird-watching and/or a camera. The walk is canceled only in the event of heavy rain. Participants meet at Markley Cove Resort on Lake Berryessa at 2 p.m. All participants must leave at the same time. Please call in advance to reserve a place and for directions at (530) 758-1387.

Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is a “Toys for Tots” sponsor who are offering a free ice cream cone to everyone that donates a new, unwrapped toy this Christmas season. Ben & Jerry’s presents a free DVD movie premier, “The Simpsons Movie,” on Dec. 17, 8 p.m., at COPIA. A free tasting of a specially-created ice cream, “Beer and Donuts,” will be provided. Tickets are distributed at Ben & Jerry’s at noon on Dec. 12. First-come first-serve. Limited supply. Info, 253-0484.

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 Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with handmade Christmas ornaments by Austin Simpson. 707 California Blvd., Napa. Info, 363-7609.

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.

Coat drive

On Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Aegis hosts a holiday open house with food, wine, music and shopping. Blush Fashion and accessories will be here along with Kat Martucci Designs to pick up unique gift items. In addition, guests are asked to bring a coat they are no longer wearing that Aegis will donate to Queen of the Valley outreach. Coats can be dropped off at the event or anytime before Dec. 19.

Jarvis 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