Education

Benefit book sale

Thousands of books on all topics, plus videos and records go on sale at the Napa City-County Library through Feb. 24. Sale is open during normal library hours, except Sundays when the sale closes at 5 p.m. A Collector’s Corner display offers special books, collectibles and records. Sponsored by Friends of Napa Library, with proceeds supporting library programs and projects. Community Room, Napa Library, at 580 Coombs St., Napa.

Study abroad

Napa Valley College’s summer International Education classes include Anthropology in Yucatan, Mexico. Get information Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in room 811 on campus. Students can earn anthropology credits through this program, and may fulfill multicultural studies and/or social sciences requirements. The class is from June 4 to 17. Trip cost is $2,545, including accommodations, airfare and many meals. Info, Jessica Amato at jama to@napavalley.edu or 253-3183.

Other International education classes include the French in Paris and Spanish in Spain programs. General info, www.napaval ley.edu; click on “Study Abroad.”

Blue Oak School

Blue Oak School holds an enrollment information meeting on their middle school campus on Tuesday, at 7 p.m. Learn about the school’s mission and programs from Head of School Scott Duyan. 1272 Hayes St., Napa. Info, 261-4500 or www.blueoakschool.org.

Blue Oak School open house

A two-hour program on Blue Oak School’s Middle School program for grades 6 through 8 with teachers, administrators and parents, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. 1272 Hayes St., Napa. Info, 261-4500 or www.blueoakschool.org.

Financial information series

McCuen Investment Group presents “The Sensible Investor 20™,” Stabilizing Your Portfolio. This free, 20-minute talk is open to accredited investors and is presented by George P. McCuen, CFP on Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. 1836 Second St., Napa. A question-and-answer period follows each session. Space is limited. R.S.V.P. at 252-1343 or www.NapaAdvisor.com.

Napa County Office of Education

NCOE presents “Ten Top Tips for Academic Success,” a parent workshop, a 90-minute presentation Wednesday featuring a new version of the best tips for learning, based on the latest brain research. Research shows that students who understand the brain, how it learns, and how to develop their personal study strategies, are more apt to achieve academic success. Dinner at 6 p.m., presentation at 6:30. $10 fee for dinner and materials. Info, 253-6890. 2121 Imola Ave., Napa.

Business symposium

Morgan Stanley hosts its Napa Valley Business Symposium, for visionary business leaders with five or more employees. Featured speaker Prof. Robert Tanner of California State University shares his presentation, “Management is a Journey, Not a Destination,” providing a prescription for success for business leaders who are challenged in the global marketplace, yet want to take their business to the next level, improve productivity, develop others to take on more responsibility, retain employees, or motivate that difficult employee to come up to par. An interactive panel discussion with questions and answers follows. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Embassy Suites. Info, 252-7177.

Veterans’ aid

On Wednesday, 4-5 p.m., a representative from Sandeen and Associates visits Aegis to discuss the Veterans’ Aid and Attendance benefit, a federal entitlement program offering a monthly payment from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Money can be used to pay assisted living bills or for home health care. Eligible veterans are those who served 90 days or more in active duty, with at least one day during wartime, and who was honorably discharged. Free. 2100 Redwood Road, Napa. Info, 251-1409.

River Middle School

River Middle School offers an open enrollment information session Wednesday, 6:30-8 p.m., also at the library. Sessions are open to all students and parents interested in River School. 2447 Old Sonoma Road, Napa. Info, 253-6813 or www.riverschool.org.

Preschool presentation

A free presentation at the Napa County Office of Education is Feb. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., covering universal preschool progress and recent studies and characteristics of a quality preschool. Presented by Gary Kinley, Ed.D. of the Children’s Collabrium, and sponsored by Community Resources for Children, First 5 Napa County and the Napa County Child Care Planning Council. Open to anyone in the community. R.S.V.P., 253-0376, ext. 101.

Parents’ night

The Harvest Middle School counseling program sponsors Parents’ Night on Thursday, at 6 p.m. This meeting offers community support, increases Latino culture awareness and gang awareness issues, and provides community resources and afterschool activities for parents and students. All Napa parents are invited. Evans Hall, Harvest Middle School, 2994 Old Sonoma Road, Napa. Info, 259-8866.

Notary public class

Napa Valley Adult School offers a one-day class for professional training for notaries public, on Friday and March 7. Both classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $65. Info and registration, 253-3594; www.adult ed.nvusd.k12.ca.us; or stop by the school office at 1600 Lincoln Ave., Napa.

Bunny Basics

This is a fun and interactive class that explores how to properly care for your pet rabbit, and designed for those considering adopting a bunny, and current owners. It includes open discussion, handouts, handling techniques, and how to create a habitat. This free class is Feb. 24, 1-2:30 p.m., at Pet Food Express, in the Bel Aire Shopping Center, in Napa. Register at 255-8118 ext. 202.

Napa Valley Nursery School

Napa Valley Nursery School is accepting enrollment requests and scheduling tours for the 2008-09 school year. NVNS offers morning and afternoon classes for children ages 3 to 5 (child must be 2 years., 9 mos. by Sept. 1). NVNS is a parent cooperative preschool and has been in Napa since 1950. Info, Dene Dirksen at 252-2402, or www.nvns.org.

Studio Arts Napa Valley

New classes in February: Little Yogis (yoga class for children); Poetry Fun (kids learn to create poems); Science and Cooking Experience; Mommy and Me Bella Dance (hula and bellydance fun with your little one); and Postnatal Fitness (moms get fit with baby at their side). Info, Leslie Timm at 320-9866.

Free parenting classes

Napa Valley Adult School offers “Positive Parenting for Parents of Preteens and Teens” on Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., through March 19. 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, “Effective Parenting,” is Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., through March 18, for parents/caregivers interested in positive discipline techniques. New students welcome anytime. Classes are free and held at Redwood Middle School, Room A-3. Info and registration, 253-3594.

Storytime at the library

Introduce children to stories and inspire excitement about learning to read at 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, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; Family Storytime, for children age 4 to 7, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; and Bilingual Storytime, for children ages 2 to 5, 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 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.

Quilting classes

In a supportive and positive atmosphere, Marsha Ewig teaches beginners to make a sampler quilt. For the experienced quilter, popular techniques such as rotary cutting and paper piecing are spotlighted. The quilt artist can work on individual projects. In-class registration only, Fridays, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 967-2900.

Art in the Library

The Art in the Library program presents the nature paintings of Jean M. Cullinane in February. In her artwork, Cullinane conveys her perceptions of nature and 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.

Wee Wednesdays

Infants and their caregivers bounce, sing, clap and listen to stories and more during Wee Wednesdays, a weekly language enrichment storytime at the Napa City-County Library. For infants 6 to 18 months of age, these 20-minute programs are held at 10:30 a.m. through April 23. Children under 7 be accompanied by an adult at all times. Free. 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4070.

Parents’ awards

National Parent Leadership Month is a way to honor parents for their leadership roles in their own homes and communities. On Feb. 27, 1:30-3 p.m., ParentsCAN is joined by other family resource centers of Napa County to honor extraordinary parents here in the community. These parents, each nominated by a resource center, have used their experience facing significant challenges in their own families to assist and support other parents in similar situations. The award presentation takes place at the Napa City County Library, with special guest speaker Dr. Barbara Nemko, Superintendent of Napa County Office of Education. Light refreshments served. Info, 253-7444 or www.par entscan.org.

Health/Fitness

Pharmaca events

On Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Myra Nissen speaks on “Demystifying Homeopathy,” a brief overview of the history, philosophy, principles and uses of homeopathy. Tour the homeopathy section of the store and products will be explained. Free. 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 253-0970.

Marriage workshop

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage is a conference hosted by Hillside Christian Center at 100 Anderson Road in Napa on Friday. $30 per couple, or $15 for singles, includes child care, door prizes and the grand prize of a one-night stay at the Meritage Hotel for two.

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers a carbohydrate-counting class on Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m., and a blood glucose monitoring class on Feb. 27, 10-11 a.m. Registration required for classes. Info and location, 252-4411 ext. 2391.

Kaiser classes

The Kaiser Behavioral Health Dept. at the Napa Kaiser Clinic offers these classes: Anger Management (eight sessions) starting Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m. $80 for Kaiser members, $120 general public; Stress Management (six sessions) starting Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free for Kaiser members, $48 general public; Couples Communication (six sessions) starting April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $90 for a member couple, $135 non-member couple. Info and registration, 645-2312.

Kaiser Permanente marathon

Kaiser Permanente holds the 30th Annual Running of the Napa Valley Marathon on March 2, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Napa Valley Marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful course. Runners are treated to panoramic views of the valley, flowering fruit trees, and dormant vineyards, carpeted with golden mustard flowers. This marathon course is along Silverado Trail, from Calistoga south to the finish line at Vintage High School in Napa. Info, Marita Dorenbecher at 944-1373. Registration/spectator information, napavalleymarathon.org.

Volunteer/fundraisers

Meals-on-Wheels

Meals-on-Wheels seeks volunteer drivers in Napa to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals and companionship. Meals on Wheels also provides human contact, conversations and a connection to the outside world that many seniors would lack without daily visits. Drivers use their vehicles to deliver meals to homebound seniors from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. A delivery route consists of 15-20 meals per route. Volunteer drivers/riders may commit to once a week on a regular basis or be called on a substitute basis. All you need is a valid driver’s license, insurance and a vehicle. Info, Leslie Moore at 253-6111.

Volunteers for CyberMill

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! CyberMill is 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 handy with minor home repairs. Sexual Assault Victims Services and Victim/Witness Services needs volunteer advocates to 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. Napa Elder Abuse Project needs volunteers to answer the 24-hour hotline. Calls may be answered from home. Child Assault Prevention Empowerment (CAPE) needs volunteers for safety/prevention workshops. The 4th Annual Masquerade Ball, March 14 at Sattui’s Castello di Amorosa, is the major fundraiser for the programs. 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

In February, Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS) begins volunteer training. Volunteers who complete this training will be qualified to work with victims of domestic violence and their children at the confidential shelter, interact directly with clients and respond 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 began 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

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

NARFE breakfast

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Napa County Chapter No. 0281, serves breakfast today, 7:30-11 a.m., at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Feast on ham, eggs, hotcakes and coffee. $4 adults/$2 children under 12. Tickets available at the door. Info, 224-9479.

Computer group

Napa Valley Personal Computer Users Group meets Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. The meeting features Susy Ball, NVPCUG program director, who talks about Smart Computing Magazine and how to get the most out of this computer information source. This is not a sales pitch. Computer tutor Jeff Solomon discusses one of Google’s online software programs. All meetings are free. Napa Senior Activity Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, www.nvpcug.org.

Hearing Loss Association

The association meets Wednesday, 1 p.m. John Kutulas discusses “Home Care and Repair of Your Hearing Aids,” including emergencies such as stepping into the shower while still wearing your hearing aids. Kutulas is a retired hearing aid dispenser. Free. Info, 226-9832.

Napa Valley Fly Fishers

On Thursday, at 7 p.m., Greg Bonovich, Putah Creek fishing guide, speaks about how and where to fish Putah creek and about his nonprofit group, working with the Department of Fish and Game to secure minimum water flows, designate the upper creek catch and release only all year, eliminate hatchery fish planting, and designate Putah as a Trophy Trout Creek which gives further protections. Free admission. There will be a raffle and membership opportunities. Meeting is at the Senior Center, 1518 Jefferson St., Napa. Enter through the bocce ball courts. NVFF normally meets on the second Thursday of every month. Info, 337-9410 or www.napavalleyflyfishers.com.

Needlepoint Guild

The Wine Country Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild meets Saturday, 10 a.m., at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. The “2008 Mystery Stitch Sampler Project” follows the meeting. All stitchers welcome. Info, 255-1199.

New riders’ chapter

A new chapter of Star Touring and Riding is forming in Napa. All brands of motorcycles are welcome. An information meeting is Saturday, at 10 a.m., at Napa Yamaha, 459 Soscol Ave., Napa. A short ride Upvalley to follow after introductions, weather permitting. Info, lisahuntley@com cast.net or vwilber@sbcuc.net.

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.

Nature/Recreation

Bonsai club

Napa Valley Bonsai Club meets Monday at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Bonsai Fundamentals feature “Springtime Preparation” at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. there is a brief meeting followed by John Thompson talking about rosemary, a common herb that can be used to create a beautiful bonsai. Visitors welcome. Info, 255-8822.

Animal rescue

Monique Liguori from the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association (SMNHA), with the aid of a slideshow and rehabilitated birds of prey and other creatures, explains the rescue and wildlife rehabilitation work carried out by this organization. Free to members, $5 for others. Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon at the Carolyn Parr Nature Center, 3107 Brownsville Road, Napa. Reservations, 255-6465.

Wildflower walk

The Mt. George Preserve of the Land Trust of Napa County hosts a wildflower walk on Saturday, at 9 a.m., sponsored by the Napa Valley chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Free. Visitors welcome. Bring water, lunch and good walking shoes. Meet at the parking lot between Target and Pharmaca in Bel Aire Plaza. Info, Jake at 253-1839 or Milan at 255-6834.

Sustainable living lecture

Local author and Drinking Liberally (discussion group) activist, Mick Winter, talks on practical sustainable living. He literally wrote the book on “Sustainable Living, for the Home, Neighborhood, and Community” and draws on it for real-life quandaries such as, “Paper or Plastic?” Come listen and ask questions, just before the Unitarian Church service on Feb. 24, at 9:45 a.m., at the Girls and Boys Club. Info, John Stephens at 251-0106.

Other

Chocolate and

coffee tasting

Join Woodhouse Chocolate and Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company at a special tasting event Wednesday, 7 p.m. Learn how to pair chocolates and coffees from around the world, tasting all the while. The St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Info, 963-5244.

Rwanda presentation

Join St. Helena Star columnist Jeff Warren for a talk and slide show of his recent trip to Rwanda, where he visited the Parc National des Volcans, home to 380 gorillas and where Dian Fossey did her remarkable gorilla research.Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane. Info, 963-5244.

Napa Class of 1988

The Napa High School Class of 1988 holds a 20-year reunion planning meeting March 7, 6 p.m., at Mary’s Pizza Shack, 3085 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Scott Ghisletta at 486-9556, or Seana (Fitt) Wagner at 483-1274.

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 trying to contact all 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 updates on the reunion planning, plus a list of names of people who have been contacted, and those that still need to be found.

Class of 1958

The Napa High School Class of ‘58 Reunion Committee seeks other classmates for their 50th Reunion Gala. If you are, or know any, please e-mail: combellack.1@netze ro.net, or call Bill Welch at (201) 323-6592.

St. Helena class reunions

The St. Helena Catholic School (formerly known as the St. Helena Parochial School) actively seeks alumni from 1966 through 2007. If you are a graduate or know the whereabouts of any alumni, please contact Gary Menegon (Class of ‘69) at 963-3423 or fra3mic@aol.com; or Diana Cruz Carr (Class of ‘79) at 258-9115 or napavalleyna tive@yahoo.com.