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 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 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.

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 through Dec. 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.

Students’ art exhibit

Visit the Napa 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. 580 Coombs St., Napa.

Art in the Library

“Secret Corners of the Mind” is a mixed media painting exhibit by artist Sanda Manuila on display at the Napa City-County library through Dec. 29. Secret Corners of the Mind aims to seize the paradox of the union of opposites, revealing two conflicting perspectives, one based on a rational view of reality and the other on the acceptance of the unusual. Manuila constructs meaning with casein paints, sponging, rolling, brushing, distressing with cheesecloth or her fingers, adding collages and drawings. The Art in the Library Program is a juried exhibit with artists competing using varying mediums. 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 963-4780 or www.sandamanuila.com

Scholarships available

Miss Napa County Scholarships are available for those who are high school seniors to age 24 on Dec. 9, 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 also on Dec. 9, 1-2 p.m., at Health Quest Fitness Center in Napa. Info, 337-8098.

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 topic for Dec. 11 is “Caring for the Caregiver.” This free workshop is held at Community Resources for Children, 5 Financial Plaza, Suite 226, Napa, CA 94558. Registration is required. Register at 253-0376 ext. 101 or at www.crcnapa.org

Book club

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. Community Room, Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4235.

St. Helena

Public Library

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. On March 5, 2007, more than 30 people were killed when a car bomb was exploded on Mutanabbi Street, an old and established street for bookselling in the heart of Baghdad’s literary and intellectual community. The Mutanabbi Street Coalition, organized by Bay Area poet, Beau Beausoleil, rallied letterpress printers and paired them with Iraqi poets to produce hand-printed broadsides to raise awareness and money for Doctors Without Borders. There are only ten complete sets of these unusual broadsides. On Dec. 20, the St. Helena Public Library hosts a memorial poetry reading from the collection. From 7-8:30 p.m., many of the “Mutanabbi Street Starts Here” broadsides are on display, and poets, Beau Beausoleil and Zaid Shlah, read poems, show a short documentary on the Shabandar Cafe before and after the bombing on Mutanabbi Street, and answer questions. Wine and cheese will be available. Info, Celia Ramsay, 963-5667 or e-mail her at: celiaramsay@gmail.com. 1492 Library Lane in St. Helena.

Justin-Siena High School entrance exams

An entrance exam is 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. To reserve a space, call David Holquin at 255-0950, ext. 641 or e-mail holquind@justin-siena.com

ParentsCAN

ParentsCAN presents “Explaining sex to your special needs grandchild” as the topic for the Grandparent Support Group on Dec. 17, 10-11:30 a.m., at 3299 Claremont Way, Ste. 3, Napa. Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.org

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 e-mail 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.com.

Health/Fitness/Dance

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. For appointments, questions and information, call Dr. Sultan at 254-2020 or e-mail him at doc@the-eyeworks.com.

Christmas dance

Waltz into the holidays! The dance begins with two ballroom dance lessons, waltz and cha-cha. One hour of instruction, then the floor is yours to mix it up with a variety of ballroom dancing. There will be fun swing mixers with lots of new music and Christmas tunes made for dancing! Bring a friend or come and make new friends. Dec. 9. Lesson, 5-6 p.m., dancing 6-8 p.m. $10. 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Napa Community Resources Department at 257-9529, or Susan Gai at 255-2994.

Cancer support class

“I Can Cope: Managing the Effects of Illness and Treatment,” is a free, call-in support class led by facilitator Pattie Jakel, RN, MN, AOCN, on Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m. Designed to enhance knowledge and empower participants to live more effectively with cancer. For cancer patients and caregivers only. Register at 1-800-ACS-2345. To select classes online: www.cancer.org/onlineclasses.

Pharmaca events

Several informative lectures are offered at Pharmaca including: acupuncture and herbal, by Robert Wright, Ph.D., L.Ac., DNBAO on Dec. 11, 7-8 p.m.; and Natural Treatments for a Healthy Memory, a discussion of homeopathic, botanical and nutraceutical medicines that help support healthy cognitive function by Jennifer Deir, ND. Dec. 12, 1-2 p.m. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 253-0970.

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes wellness program offers an adult support group on Dec. 12; a blood glucose meter class on Dec. 12, 10 a.m., a Parents of Children with Diabetes support group on Dec. 13; and a carb-counting/food label-reading class on Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m. Registration required. Info, 252-4411, ext. 2391.

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-week class, $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.

Halau Ha’a Kea o Kinohi

Join the Calistoga Community Center for an introduction to the art of Hawaiian Hula dancing. You will be introduced to hula basics, dances in the hula auana style, and prayer song (oli). 1307 Washington St., Calistoga. Info, 272-0972.

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. The topics for Dec. 11 is “Coping with challenging behaviors during the holidays.” Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.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.

Autism support group

Find encouragement and help in your parenting of an autistic child. ParentsCAN offers this group that meets the second Thursdays of the month, 9-10 a.m., at the ParentsCAN resource center, 3299 Claremont Way, Ste. 3, Napa. Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.org.

Sexual assault

support group

This support group helps reduce a sense of isolation, rebuild trust, enable mutual growth and find ways to heal. Drop-ins welcome. Second and fourth Thursday every month, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Volunteer Center, 1820 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 252-6222, ext. 225.

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.

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.

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 e-mail 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.

Clubs/Meetings

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.

Congress Valley

Water District

The board of directors meeting is held Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m., at the Napa Women’s Club, 218 Franklin St., Napa. Info, 718-2035.

NARFE breakfast

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Napa County Chapter No. 0281, serves breakfast from 7:30-11 a.m., at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St. The public is invited to feast on ham, eggs, hotcakes and coffee. Tickets, $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Tickets available at the door. Info, 224-9479.

Ron Paul forum

A Ron Paul issues forum is held in the Napa City-County Library meeting room. Take advantage of this opportunity to get answers to your questions and concerns about presidential candidate Ron Paul. Bring and discuss your issues to your liking. This free forum is sponsored by the Napa Ron Paul Meetup Group. This forum is not part of any library function. 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 226-9306 or www.ronpaul.meetup.com/1071

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.

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 e-mail: achancetoo@yahoo.com.

Napa County Resource Conservation District

The Napa County Resource Conservation District’s next meeting is at 1303 Jefferson Street, Suite 500 B, 8 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month. The public is welcome. Info, Kathleen Edson 252-4188 ext. 108.

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

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

Napa Valley Fly Fishers

Guest speaker Greg Schuerger, Alaskan guide from Sweeney’s Sport Store, speaks about guiding in Alaska at the Dec. 13 meeting. He will also instruct on methods of fishing with egg patterns and demonstrate knot tying. Admission is free, but there is a raffle and membership opportunities. Meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 1518 Jefferson St., Napa. Enter through the boccel ball courts. NVFFs meet on the second Thursday of every month. Info, 337-9410 or www.napavalleyflyfishers.com

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 birdwatching and/or a camera. The walk is cancelled 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.

Winter Camp

at Studio Arts

Get your holiday shopping finished while the kids are at play! Children will have loads of fun painting, drawing, sculpting, dancing, singing, acting, playing and creating! Children 3 to 10 years. Dec. 17 to Dec. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info and registration, 251-9200 or at www.studioartsnapavalley.com

Other

Toy drive

 Help Napa Valley Balloons, Inc., spread some high-soaring holiday spirit. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or canned goods by the Yountville office at 6795 Washington St. (Madison St. and Hwy. 29) to fill the balloon basket, and receive a chance to win a hot-air balloon ride over Napa Valley. The winning ticket is drawn Dec. 21, 3 p.m. Ticket holders need not be present to win. Toys and food collected will be donated to the local Salvation Army as part of that organization’s holiday outreach to families and individuals in need.

Poetry broadcast

“Moon River” poetry airs on KSVY Sonoma. Beginning Dec. 9, from 9-10 p.m., the weekly program features the console creations of Everett Lehman, organist at the Meadows of Napa. The program includes poems from the late George Carl’s “My Outdoor Meaning as a Tribute to the Outdoorsman.”

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.

Toys for Tots

Seniors from Redwood Retirement Residence collect toys for distribution to disadvantaged children through Toys for Tots on Dec. 15, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The public is welcome to donate new, unwrapped toys of all shapes, sizes and varieties at collection boxes at Redwood Retirement Residence, located at 2350 Redwood Road, in Napa. The residents provide cookies, brownies, breads and punch to all guests. Toy donation is optional. Guests also enjoy live music. Info, 257-0333.

Discovery Shop

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop holds their Semi-Annual sale. Save 50 percent off storewide on Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Dec. 16, noon to 4 p.m. All proceeds fund the programs of the American Cancer Society. 1342 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 224-4398.

Toy and food drive

The St. Helena Fire Department collect toys and food again this year for distribution to needy families in the St. Helena area for Christmas. There are collection boxes on display in the Fire Department museum, and new unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items are accepted until Dec. 17. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted and St. Helena firefighters will do the shopping. Items may be brought to the fire station during business hours. Info, 967-2880.

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 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.