Find nature on display indoors, as the Art in the Library program presents the nature paintings of Jean M. Cullinane during the month of February. In her artwork, Ms. Cullinane works to communicate her perceptions of nature and of the harmony it brings to the world. Enjoy the paintings at the Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. All art displayed in the library is selected by a juried competition. Info, 253-4223.

Storytime at the library

These free, group-listening experiences introduce children to stories, inspire excitement about learning to read, and provide access to the world of books and ideas. Library storytime programs run through April 24. At the Napa Main Library: Toddler Storytime, for children 18 months to 3 years, Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.; Preschool Storytime, for children 3 to 5 years, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; Family Storytime, for children 4 to 7 years of age, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; and Bilingual Storytime, for children ages 2 to 5 years, Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. This program is presented by the Napa Infant Preschool Program. Similar programs offered at the Calistoga and American Canyon libraries. The Napa Main Library is located at 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, the Napa Main Library at 253-4070; the American Canyon Library at 644-1136; or the Calistoga Library at 942-4833.

Free parenting classes

Napa Valley Adult School offers “Positive Parenting for Parents of Preteens and Teens” on Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., from Feb. 3 to March 19. This class helps foster cooperation, set limits and give clear choices. Topics include challenges facing the middle school “tweenager,” the teenage brain as a work in progress, crisis in the teen years, how to stop fighting with your teen and creating a positive family environment. Another class offered is “Effective Parenting,” held Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., from Feb. 5 to March 18. This class is for parents/caregivers interested in positive discipline techniques. New students are welcome anytime. Free. Redwood Middle School, Room A-3. Info and registration, 253-3594.

Napa County postmarks

Join the Napa County Historical Society for a discovery and explanation of Napa County Postmarks, presented by board member and Napa native Peggy Meister on Feb. 3, at 2:30 p.m. Free. Refreshments provided. The Goodman Library is located at 1219 First St., Napa.

Cybermill informational night

CyberMill Technology Center holds the Intro to PhotoShop Elements 5 informational night on Feb. 5 or Feb. 12, 6-6:30 p.m. Learn to import, organize, edit, print and e-mail photos for your business, friends, and family. 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 4, Napa.

Mt. George informational night

Mt. George Elementary School, an international Baccalaureate candidate school, holds a parent information night for interested families for the 2008-09 school year on Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., in the multi-use room at 1019 Second Ave., Napa.

Schoolutions

Schoolutions = School Solutions! This is an opportunity for parents to get help and solutions at school for physical, emotional, cognitive and health needs of their children. This workshop is held on the first Wednesday of the month, from 9:30 -11 a.m., at ParentsCAN, 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. RSVP with Donna at 253-7444. Schoolutions is also available for Spanish speakers on the first Monday of each month at 10 a.m. at ParentsCAN. Info, Rosa at 253-7444.

St. John Catholic School

St. John the Baptist Catholic School invites all prospective families to an community open house on Feb. 7, 6-8 p.m., at 983 Napa St., Napa. Meet the teachers and tour the historic campus. Application packets available at the open house. The school offers a fully-accredited California Standards Based Curriculum for grades kindergarten through 8. Info, 224-8388, or www.stjohnscatholic.org.

Blue Oak School

Blue Oak School holds a two-hour kindergarten open house program with teachers, administrators and parents, on Feb. 7, at 4:30 p.m. The school is at 1436 Polk St., Napa. Info, 261-4500 or www.blueoakschool.org.

Teens’ parents workshop

The Napa Valley Unified School District and Napa County Office of Education offers a free presentation of the popular workshop “Verbal Judo for Parents with Teens” Feb. 8, from 5:30-9 p.m., in the District Board Room in Napa.  This workshop is presented by retired Napa Chief of Police Dan Monez and is designed to give parents and others with teens in their lives the communication tools they need to succeed and survive the teenage years. Monez shares the secrets of “Verbal Judo” combined with the science of adolescent psychology in a fun and entertaining experience. Pre-registration required, light meal served. Info, April at 253-3888, or e-mail aruygt@nvusd.k12.ca.us to register.

Baby Signs workshops

Reduce your stress and baby’s by learning tools to help in the process of learning to talk. Baby Signs is a smart approach to bridging the gap between babbling and talking in hearing children and their parents. Workshop Feb. 9, 9:30-11 a.m. $60 fee. A Baby Signs Parent Kit is included in fee. Gift certificates available. Info and registration, Leslie Timm at 812-4035 or 320-9866.

Special lecture at Trinity

The public is invited to hear James Hitchcock, Ph.D., speak on “Is the Supreme Court a Friend or Foe of Religious Freedom?” on Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Grammar & Prep. Hitchcock is a professor of history at St. Louis University and the author of many books, including “The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life.” No charge. 2055 Redwood Road, Napa. Info, 258-9030.

Music scholarship

The Napa School of Music holds an essay competition giving Napa Valley residents a chance to win private music lessons worth more than $6,000. The music school currently provides private music instruction for all ages and offers a popular “Garage Band 101” program that gives students the experience of playing in a rock band. The school’s director, Peter Sykes, says that a total of three year-long scholarships and six one-month scholarships will be awarded to the entrants that write the best essay on the topic “Why Music is Important to Me.” The scholarships will be awarded by the Mayor of Napa, Jill Techel, at the school’s next Garage Band 101 concert on Feb. 23, 6 p.m., at the Vintage High School Little Theater. All essays must be submitted Feb. 14, no later than 9 p.m., by e-mail to: info1@napaschoolofmusic.com; by mail; or in person to Napa School of Music, Essay Competition, 101 S. Coombs St., Suite B, Napa, CA 94559. Info, 252-4040, or visit www.napaschoolofmusic.com.

Elks scholarships

For the academic year 2008-09, the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. Board of Trustees offer more than $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 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.

Scholarship contest

Napa area high school seniors are invited to take part in an essay scholarship contest. Sponsored annually by Birthright of Napa since 1996, the “It’s a Wonderful Life” Essay Contest features a $1,000 grand prize; a $500 first prize; $300 for second place; and $200 for third place. Postmark deadline is March 17. Students planning on continuing their education at a college or university, as well as those opting for vocational, trade, technical, business or military schools, are eligible. Entry forms and further information can be obtained through scholarship coordinators at all local high schools or at Birthright’s office at 1447 Fourth St., Napa. Participants in the contest share how someone has had an impact on their lives.

Rotary scholarship

Rotary International, District 5130, announces the availability of a one-year Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship for qualified candidates. The scholarship for the year 2009-2010 provides for a one-year academic study in a foreign country (usually nine months), assigned by the trustees of the Rotary Foundation. Applicants must have completed at least two years of university or college course work. This scholarship provides a flat grant of $24,000. Funding is intended to defray the cost of round-trip transportation, fees, room and board, and educational supplies. Applications must be made through a local Rotary club. Info, 224-8081 or www.rotary.org.

Napa Valley Music Associates

Napa Valley Music Associates currently has openings in the following areas of music instruction: Beginning to Advanced students for lessons on piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, voice, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, flute, bassoon, drums, harp and mandolin. These private lessons are open to children ages 6 years, teens and adults. Also available are ensembles for woodwind, brass, strings. Students for ensembles will be accepted by auditions for proper placement. Info, 252-8671, or www.napavalleymusicassociates.org.

Health/Fitness

Family to family education

A series of 12 free Monday classes begins Jan. 28, structured to help family members, partners and friends of individuals with major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders. This program is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness as part of a nationwide education initiative. Classes are held in Napa from 7-9:30 p.m. To register, contact John/Diane Mitchell at 252-7663 or jndmitchell@comcast.net.

Smoking cessation class

The Community Quit Smoking Program sponsors a seven-week course including the American Lung Association’s “Smoke-Free” curriculum. Classes are led by A.L.A. facilitators and begin on Feb. 4 through March 17, at 6 p.m. Free at Queen of the Valley Hospital. Info and enrollment, 261-6771.

Family support group

The Family Support Group invites those who have friends or loved ones facing mental health issues to join in their next meeting on Feb. 4, 6:30-8 p.m., at 1500 Third St., Suite B-1, Napa. This group is sponsored by the County of Napa Health & Human Services Agency. Info, 253-4785 or 253-6192. This group meets the first Monday of each month.

Women’s grief support group

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley offers a tea and comfort grief support group for women who have experienced the death of a loved one. This group is facilitated by a bereavement professional and meets weekly on Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at 414 So. Jefferson St., in Napa. Women are provided with a safe and accepting environment to express the difficult feelings that accompany their loss. Free. Info, 258-9080; ask for the bereavement department.

Upvalley support group

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley offers a grief support group for Upvalley residents who have experienced the death of a loved one. This group is facilitated by a bereavement professional and meets weekly on Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m., in Calistoga. Free. Info, 258-9080; ask for the bereavement department.

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers wellness classes and support groups: diabetes classes beginning Feb. 5 and Feb. 13; a pre-diabetes class on Feb. 6; a blood glucose monitoring class on Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, 10-11 a.m.; an adult support group on Feb. 13; a carbohydrate counting class on Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m.; and a parents of children with diabetes support group meets Feb. 14. Registration required for classes. Info and location, 252-4411 ext. 2391.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s Man to Man Support Group helps men cope with prostate cancer by providing information, education and support to patients and their caregivers. The group meets on Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center. The free “Look Good, Feel Better,” program is held on Feb. 11, 9:30-11 a.m., at Queen of the Valley Community Outreach. Specially-trained, licensed cosmetologist work with women to address changes due to treatment. Receive free products and advice in a supportive environment. Info and registration, 1-800-ACS-2345.

Falls prevention

The Live Strong and Safe Falls Prevention workshop is held Feb. 5, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is designed for professionals and lead staff who work with seniors, case managers, staff managers for caregivers, nursing staff, discharge planners, home visitors and emergency response staff. Service providers learn practical strategies and activities to build seniors’ confidence in their ability to reduce risk of falling. Free. Lunch and light refreshments provided. Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Register now as space is limited. Info and registration, 738-7958.

Pharmaca events

On Feb. 7, from 6-7 p.m., Dr. Moses Goldberg, speaks on “How to Stay Healthy and Vital in the Winter.” He discusses common winter ailments: colds, flus, coughs, etc; what the signs and symptoms are; and what the best preventative remedies and curative remedies through natural therapeutics are. On Feb. 8, from noon to 1 p.m., Edward J. Noa, diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management, speaks on “Pain, Pain, Go Away!” a comprehensive scientific review of natural approaches to pain management. On Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pharmaca hosts Healthy Heart Day, where they provide free samples, free mini-facials, free blood pressure screenings, gift basket raffles, chair massages, and free consultations with staff pharmacists, nutritionists, naturopathic doctors, herbalists and acupuncturists. Also on this day, from 3-4 p.m., Michele Klink, herbalist and holistic health educator, speaks on “Bach Flower Remedies.” Bach flower remedies can help relieve negative states of mind — such as stress, feeling overwhelmed, or a lack of energy — and the emotional factors that impede physical healing. All events are free. 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 253-0970.

ADHD support group

ParentsCAN holds an ADHD workshop and support group on Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., for parents, teachers, caregivers and anyone interested in kids with ADHD. This is week four of four. Topics include home organization, parent self-care. A 13-year-old guest speaker with ADHD gives her view. Please R.S.V.P. 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. Info, 259-8655.

Suicide support group

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley offers a monthly grief support group to residents of Napa County who have lost a loved one to suicide. This group is facilitated by a bereavement professional and meets the first Thursday of every month, from 6:30-8 p.m., at 414 So. Jefferson St., in Napa. Participants have an opportunity to express the difficult feelings that accompany their loss in a safe, supportive environment. Free. Information, 258-9080; ask for the bereavement department.

Weight loss support

Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Inc. is a powerful, nonprofit, non-commercial weight loss support organization. Members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise and more. Weigh-ins, group feedback, and support help members achieve their goals. TOPS’ national dues are $24/year. Each chapter has a monthly due of $2-5 depending on the size or needs of the chapter. A local TOPS Chapter meets Thursdays 8:30-11 a.m. at Newell’s Mobile City Clubhouse, 4427 Solano Ave. Napa. Info, Mickey Drake at 253-8363, or www.tops.org.

Dialysis group

The Napa Kidney Transplant/Dialysis Support Group meets the first Thursday of the month, 7-8 p.m., at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Norma at 944-1870.

Marriage workshop

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage is a conference hosted by Hillside Christian Center at 100 Anderson Road in Napa on Feb. 8, 15 and 22. The low cost of $30 per couple, or $15 for singles, includes childcare, door prizes and the grand prize of a one-night stay at the Meritage Hotel for two. Come laugh your way!

Blood donation

There is currently a critical shortage of blood donors and a lack of blood supply that could cost the lives of thousands of people. Napa Family Chiropractic wants to be part of the solution. On Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon, the blood mobile is parked in front of their office. Everyone who comes into the office that day with an “I Gave Blood” sticker will receive whatever chiropractic services they need on that day at no charge, including all first-day services, such as a consultation/case history, exam and X-rays (if needed). Current patients can receive complimentary chiropractic adjustments prior to donating blood. Info, Dr. Mary Davis at 224-4160, or go to www.napafamilychiropractic.com.

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. Taught by Joe Roter, Master Therapy Artist. Reservations, call Yolanda at 251-2003.

Grief support group

Hospice and Adult Day Services of Napa Valley offers a coffee and conversation grief support group for men who have experienced the death of a loved one. This group is facilitated by a bereavement professional and meets weekly on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m., at 414 So. Jefferson St., in Napa. Free. Info, 258-9080 and ask for the bereavement department.

Autism support group

Find encouragement and help in your parenting of a child with autism on the second Friday of each month, from 9–10:30 a.m., at ParentsCAN. The next meeting’s topic is “Transitions from High School.” ParentsCAN is located at 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.org.

Adventure Boot Camp

Men, women and teens of all fitness levels: try the class that everyone has been talking about. In celebration of their 2-year anniversary, Napa Boot Camp offers a free fitness class, nutrition information and fun raffle prizes Feb. 9, 9 a.m., at Skyline Park, Napa. Registration required; register online at www.NapaBootCamp.com. Info, 265-6218.

Alzheimer’s prevention

Dr. Pat Wolfe, a nationally-known expert on the brain, holds a class on “How to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease,” on Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Napa, on the corner of Randolph and Third streets, in the church chapel on Randolph.

Ostomy support group

The Ostomy Support Group meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Conference Room #3. The next meeting is Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m. Info, Kathy at 255-6695.

Free Sufi healing workshop

Faculty and graduate student healers from the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism offer free one-on-one healings to the local Bay Area community. These healings are based in prayer and remembrance of the divine and can help anyone, regardless of the spiritual orientation or health situation.  Limited seating; advanced registration is recommended.  Feb. 16, 3:30-6:30 p.m., at Studio Arts Napa Valley, 2931 Solano Ave., Napa. Info, 965-1315.

Volunteer/fundraisers

Volunteers for Cyber Mill

High school and college students: become a volunteer and/or intern at CyberMill Technology Center. For a few hours a week, volunteer or intern in the afternoons (after school) and earn school credit, a reference and/or a letter of reference! Start immediately or come to an informational meeting on Feb. 6, 5:30-6 p.m., at 3299 Claremont Way, Napa. Info, 258-8884 ext. 13.

Volunteer Center

The Senior Services Program needs volunteers to visit seniors, assist with transportation to medical appointments, and people who are capable of installing grab bars or completing minor home repairs in the homes of frail, low-income seniors. Sexual Assault Victims Services and Victim/Witness Services need volunteers to assist and advocate for victims of sexual assaults and other violent crimes. Volunteer advocates answer a 24-hour hotline, and accompany victims to court, to the hospital, police station, DA’s office and in the courtroom. Bilingual volunteers especially needed. A 40-hour training program, held in the evenings and weekends, is required. Napa Elder Abuse Project needs volunteers to answer the 24-hour hotline. Volunteers sign up for shifts and calls may be answered from home. Calls are forwarded by an answering service. A 40-hour training program is required. Child Assault Prevention Empowerment needs volunteers to educate children on ways to become empowered and prevent abuse through safety/prevention workshops. Training is provided. The 4th Annual Masquerade Ball is the major fundraiser for the programs. This year the ball is on March 14 at Sattui’s Castello di Amorosa. Volunteers are needed prior to and on the day of the ball. Jobs include picking up auction items, event set-up, guest registration and assisting with the silent and live auctions. Info, Katie Rubin at 252-6222 or katier@volunteernapa.org.

Napa Emergency Women’s Services

This month, Napa Emergency Women’s Services 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.

Clubs/Meetings

Molly’s Angels meeting

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.

Cribbage

Napa Cribbage Club plays Tuesday evenings at the Moose Lodge, 3275 Browns Valley Road, Napa. 15-2, 15-4, avoid the skunk! Come have some fun pegging. All ages welcome. (Members and qualified guests only.) Info, Denny at 224-2345.

North Bay Regional Center

The North Bay Regional Center’s board of directors holds their regular business meeting on Feb. 6, beginning at 6 p.m., at the center, located at 25 Executive Court, Napa, and 2351 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, via teleconference. North Bay Regional Center provides services under a state contract to people with developmental special needs residing in Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties. Info, 256-1224.

American Red Cross meeting

The Board of Directors of the Silverado-Napa chapter of the American Red Cross holds its monthly meeting on Feb. 7, 6 p.m., in Napa. Members of the public interested in attending may call the Red Cross office at 257-2900.

Quilters club

The Napa Valley Quilters meet Feb. 9, at the Napa Senior Center, 1600 Jefferson St., Napa. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the meeting begins at 10. Following the meeting, Ellen Edith presents a lecture and trunk show. All quilters and quilt lovers welcome. Info, 255-1199 or www.napavalleyquilters.org.

Welcome Wagon of Napa

The Welcome Wagon Club of Napa meets at Uva Trattoria on Feb. 14. Members are asked to bring a teddy bear or other stuffed animal for the police and fire departments to give to traumatized children. All long-time and recent residents are invited to attend this women’s club event. Social hour begins at 11 a.m.; luncheon at noon; and the speaker and meeting at 1 p.m. Deadline for reservations is Feb. 8. Info, Kathy Stevens at 255-3617.

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.

Other

Tax help for seniors

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers do tax returns for seniors again this year at the Senior Center at 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Participants may come Tuesdays or Fridays beginning Feb. 5 and Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to have their taxes completed. Bring income and expense records, social security payments, and last year’s tax return. Tax volunteers will also be at the St. Helena Library at 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena, on Thursdays beginning Feb. 7, at 10 a.m.

Thrift shop opens

The United Methodist Women’s Thrift Shop opens Feb. 5 and is open each Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Donations are needed and will be accepted on Tuesdays or by calling the church office at 253-1411. Adams Hall, corner of Fourth and Randolph streets, Napa.

Chocolate tasting

On Feb. 8, from 2-5 p.m., Community Resources for Independence hosts a Chocolate Tasting Open House for their consumers, community partners and friends. The community is invited to celebrate the many successes CRI has had working together to “open doors” for people with disabilities. CRI’s mission is to advance the rights of people with disabilities to equal justice, access, opportunity and participation in communities. Thousands of people each year are helped to get the resources they need to live more independently. Persons with any type of disability, any age, and­/or their families are eligible to receive services. The organization now has offices in Santa Rosa, Ukiah and Napa, and serves Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties. This event is free and is held at 980 Hopper Ave., Santa Rosa.