Education

Napa Valley Ballet

Small classes in classical ballet training begin Aug. 25. Pre-ballet through pointe. Adult/teen ballet and jazz dance also available. Info, 294-2568; e-mail napavalleyballet@yahoo.com or visit www.napavalleyballet.org.

Ballet folklorico

The Ballet Folklorico of the Napa Valley College is enrolling now for the 2008-09 year. Dancers of all levels welcome. Ages 8 and older. Adults strongly encouraged. Classes start Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to noon. Napa Valley College Room, 601 A (gym), 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa. Info, Lilia Navarro at 252-0417 or e-mail lilianava@gmail.com or Hector Brambila at 253-3034.

Latin and ballroom dancing

International Grand Ball champion Nancy Flores offers lessons at the Yountville Community Center. Group classes in Salsa start Wed. Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.. For more info, call Lisa Tyler at 944-2959.

Voters workshop

As a follow-up to the July presentation of the 2006 documentary “Hacking Democracy,” the Unitarian Universalists of Napa sponsor the “Make Every Vote Count” workshop, facilitated by local activist and educator, Joanne Gifford. Free event identifies simple steps anyone can take to help ensure every vote is fairly counted in the upcoming November election and beyond. Those planning to participate who have not already seen the documentary are encouraged to view it online at www.moviesfoundonline.com/hacking_democracy.php prior to arriving. Aug. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boys & Girls Club, 1515 Pueblo Ave., Napa. Info, Susan Levine at 226-3975.

Slow Food presentation

Chris Carpenter, founder of Napa Valley Slow Food, discusses the movement’s history, mission and what is being done in Napa Valley. Participants learn how to make a difference in the community, preserve regional food traditions and promote sustainability by supporting local farmers. Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Info, 967-2805.

Seminar for

vineyard owners

Industry leaders and visionaries discuss current trends in the vineyard business and how to successfully navigate the changes. $300 general/$250 NVG members. Aug. 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meadowood Napa Valley. 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena. Info, 944-8311.

MILLie Awards

CyberMill Technology Center celebrates the fifth annual “MILLie” Awards, honoring Napa Valley students for their multimedia projects in photography, graphic art, game maker and digital moviemaking. Projects begun during the school year qualify, as do those created over the summer with the inspiration of CyberMill’s annual AG Project. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. on the red-carpeted Walk of Fame. On display are the students’ multimedia art projects, movies and photographs, along with silent auction items featuring students’ artwork, local artists’ work and more. Awards show begins at 3:15 p.m. Free. Sept. 6, 2-5 p.m. CyberMill Technology Center, 3299 Claremont Way, Napa. Info, Cathy Olson at 258-8884.

Seeking scholarship students

The Hispanic Network prepares for its 25th gala dinner on Sept. 12, the main fundraiser for the Network’s scholarship program. The Network seeks students who received scholarships and for lifetime achievements honorees to join in the celebration. Info, Rafael Garcia at 337-5445 or e-mail elrafa_gar76@hotmail.com.

Health/Fitness

Pharmaca events

Selwa Hamati, independent licensed Life Success consultant, teaches simple ways to change your world for the better and go beyond anything you ever thought possible in “Discovering Your True Passion.” Free. Aug. 24, 1-2:30 p.m.

Join Shahreena Fuller, professional belly dance instructor, for a free belly-dance class and lecture on Aug. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.  Shahreena offers a new, eight-week belly-dance class starting Sept. 9, from 7-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration recommended. $80 non-members/$64 LOA members. Class held at Lady of America (in the big orange building), 1850 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, Shahreena at 255-4340.

Pam Reeves and Dr. Hauschka, esthetician and educator, offer facials free of charge. Advance sign-up needed. Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Carol Kezer, certified massage therapist, offers $1/minute chair massages, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No advance sign-up needed. Aug. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parie Lambert, MSN, CNM, leads a discussion of the “fourth” trimester of pregnancy as it relates to a mother’s emotional adjustment of postpartum and contrasting this with the experience of a postpartum mood disorder. Free. Aug. 30, 10-11:30 a.m.

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 4020 Bel Aire Plaza. Info, 253-0970.

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers a carbohydrate-counting and food label-reading class on Aug. 25, 6-8 p.m.; a blood glucose meter class on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m.; a pre-diabetes class on Aug. 28; diabetes classes on Sept. 2 and Sept. 10; and an adult support group on Sept. 10. Registration required for classes. Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, 252-4411 ext. 2391.

Family Support Group

The Family Support Group invites those who have loved ones facing mental health issues to join their meetings, held the first Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m. Sponsored by the County of Napa Health & Human Services Agency. Free. SIU Building, 1500 Third St., Suite B-1, Napa. Info, 253-6192.

Hip Hop Salsa class

Kahleela Adams holds the “Hip Hop Meets Salsa” class Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m. All dance levels welcome. $30 for a four-session card. Non-members of gym welcome. Lady of America, 1850 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, 226-6200.

Momentum discussion  

Dr. Rhea Zimmerman, D.C., leads a discussion pertaining to a momentum and wellness-based lifestyle. The focus is on shifting from hypocrisy to courage. Free. Aug. 28, 6-7 p.m. Blossom Chiropractic Studio, 1834 First St., Suite 3, Napa. Info, 257-1011.

Arthritis support group

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

Ballroom dancing

Two four-week ballroom dancing courses begin Sept. 2: Swing I from 6:30-7:25 p.m. and Foxtrot I from 7:30-8:25 p.m. No partner necessary. $40. Register at www.naparec.com or at the Napa Recreation Department, at 1100 West St., in Napa. No in-class registration. Pelusi Building at Kennedy Park, Napa. Info, instructor Susan Gai at 255-2994. Private lessons also available.

Smoking cessation

The CANV Quit Smoking Program offers a new, seven-week quit smoking class. Free classes held Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., (starting Sept. 2). Clinic Ole, 1141 Pear Tree Lane, Napa. Info, Manuel Cordero at 261-6771.

Writers group

A writers group (which started Aug. 21) meets Thursdays, 4-6 p.m., for six weeks. The group offers opportunities for reflection, exploration and connection through creative writing. Free. Community Outreach Building, Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, Julie Penning at 251-2020.

ParentsCAN

ParentsCAN offers information on resources to parents, caregivers, teachers or anyone interested learning more and supporting children and teens with Attention Deficit Disorder or Hyperactivity Disorder. The six-week Friday evening series runs through Sept. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. ParentsCAN, 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. Info, Karen at 253-7444 or 259-8655.

Bus trip to

Slow Food Nation

The local Slow Food Chapter has organized a bus trip to the very first Slow Food nationwide event to be held in San Francisco on Aug. 30. The Evans bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at Fort Mason at 11 a.m. The Pavilion of Taste includes hundreds of artisan food and wine producers with their wares on display and for tasting. Experience food that’s good for you and sustainably produced. Tickets for this event are $65 and can be purchased online at www.slowfoodnation.org. Tickets for the bus are $30 round-trip. Seating limited to the first 47 people. Bus tickets can be purchased online at www.brownpaperticket.com. Meet at the south Napa Target parking lot, 205 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, 942-4157.

Volunteer

Campaign volunteers

Project-based or long-term volunteer assistance needed to conduct surveys and generate community awareness about underage drinking issues in Napa Valley. The Catalyst Coalition is a countywide project with volunteer groups in Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga and American Canyon. Community members of all types needed: parents, youth, business owners and more. Info, 259-5949 or e-mail jstewart@ncoe.k12.ca.us.

Napa Valley Museum

The museum seeks retired teachers to volunteer and join its 2008-09 Napa Valley Museum History Trunk Program. Learn professional museum docent training while educating the valley’s finest precious resources: the children. Info, 944-0500 ext. 106.

Equestrian volunteers

Cornerstone Equestrian Center seeks volunteers to assist the mentally and physically challenged with horseback riding. Classes are held Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Info, 643-2223.

Senior Brown Bag program

The Brown Bag program seeks a site manager, available on the second and fourth Wednesday each month, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Requires light paperwork and occasional delivery driver, at a Napa senior housing complex. Driver’s license and insurance required. Info, Cathy at the Napa Valley Food Bank, 253-6128. The Napa Valley Food Bank is a program of Community Action of Napa Valley.

Wine and food volunteers

Learn about wine and food, meet with wine experts and chefs, and receive discounts on programs and merchandise by becoming a volunteer for Copia. Info, Ellie Klevins at 265-5972.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels seeks volunteer drivers in Napa to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals and companionship. Provide human contact, conversations and a connection to the outside world that seniors would lack without daily visits. Deliver meals to homebound seniors, 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. 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. Groups may adopt a route and rotate drivers to suit their schedule. Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and a vehicle. Info, Leslie Moore at 253-6111.

Peace Corps info session

The Peace Corps seeks skilled men, women and married couples from Napa County to serve as Peace Corps volunteers around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work in 74 countries, helping communities gain skills in education, business, computers, health, agriculture, the environment and more. Assignments last two years and include travel and living expenses, plus medical insurance. No upper age limit. Volunteers must be 18 years old and U.S. citizens. Info, 1-800-424-8580 or www.peacecorps.gov.

Volunteers for CyberMill

For a few hours a week, high school and college students can volunteer or intern in the afternoons (after school) and earn school credit, a reference and/or a letter of reference. CyberMill, 3299 Claremont Way, Napa. Info, 258-8884 ext. 13.

Volunteer Center

The Volunteer Center seeks volunteers to assist the Senior Services staff with returning information and referral calls from elderly clients and families. Training and support provided. Detail-oriented volunteers needed to provide office support to the Senior Service staff with filing and data entry. Hours and days worked flexible. Volunteers needed to assist with driving seniors to medical appointments and to be friendly visitors. Info, Katie Rubin at 252-6222 or send e-mail to katier@volunteernapa.org.

Volunteers for

cancer society

Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles at American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 1342 Trancas St., Napa. No experience necessary. Schedules are flexible and training is provided. Proceeds fund the American Cancer Society. Info, Dana at 224-4398. Opportunities include: sales person, cashier, steamers/cleaners, organizers/arrangers and sorters.

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 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 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 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.

American Red Cross

The Napa County chapter needs volunteers to help with a fundraiser at the Castello di Amorosa on Nov. 7. Make phone calls, send requests for donations, track donations, send thank-you letters, and more.

The St. Helena office needs volunteers on a daily basis to work on fundraising efforts; staff the medical equipment lending program by loaning wheelchairs, shower seats, walkers and other durable medical equipment; and to advertise CPR, first aid and swim programs and baby-sitting classes.

On a daily basis the Disaster Action Team volunteers are needed to respond with fire departments to help victims with: hotel vouchers for a temporary place to stay; comfort kits with basic toiletries; and credit cards for food and incidentals. Spanish-speaking volunteers needed. Info, 257-2900.

Clubs/Meetings

Bicycle Advisory

The Napa County Executive Office announces one general public opening on the NCTPA Bicycle Advisory Committee. The individual representing the general public must be a cyclist, pedestrian or represent recognized groups of cyclists or pedestrians. The term for this position commences immediately and expires on Dec. 31, 2011. Those interested in consideration for appointment must submit the application to the County Executive Office, 1195 Third St., Room 310, Napa, by Sept. 1, at 5 p.m. Form and instructions available at www.co.napa.ca.us. Info, 253-4421.

Photographic Society

The Napa Valley Photographic Society meets the fourth Monday of each month, at 7 p.m. Anyone 18 or older interested in photography welcome. Studio II Gallery, 570 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, Priscilla Miles at 257-4535.

Community Resources for Independence

Bring disability-related legal questions to CRI’s monthly law clinics. Experienced attorneys assist with issues such as social security appeals, ADA issues and more the last Tuesday of every month, with drop-in hours from 1-3 p.m. 1040 Main St., Suite 208, Napa. Info, April Dawson or Matthew Shultz at 258-0270.

Widowed Persons Association

Join a chapter with other widows and widowers for support, friendship and activities. Come for breakfast Tuesdays, at 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 Wednesdays, at 7 p.m., at Summerville at Villa Del Rey, 3255 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, Nancy at 224-0740.

Nature/Recreation

River festival

Friends of the Napa River presents the 16th annual River Festival with the Napa Valley Symphony, including food, wine, beer, beverages and family fun. Free. Aug. 31, 4-9:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park & Amphitheater, Third and Main streets, Napa. Info and sponsorships, Friends of the Napa River at 254-8520.

Apple Hill exploration

Travel to Placerville to Boa Vista Orchards, a fourth generation, family-owned farm, for an apple barn and orchard tour and a chance to purchase fresh peaches, blackberries, apples and other fruits, as well as pies, cobblers, jams and jellies. Learn about several varieties of apples and taste mountain-grown apples and apple juice. See the commercial apple peeler in action and visit the Jack Russell Farm Brewery, modeled after an English Farm Brewery, for a tour and tasting. Lunch is held at the High Hill Ranch (hot chicken and apple pie). $52 cost includes lunch. Pre-registration required, 967-2901. Trip leaves from the Riverpark Shopping Center (rear lot) Imola Ave., Napa, at 8 a.m.; return at 4 p.m.

Other

Resident assistance

The Napa Senior Center offers free volunteer-run assistance in filing homeowner and renter assistance forms every Friday, 12:30 to 3 p.m., through Aug. 29. Program administered through the VITA program, in cooperation with the franchise tax board.

You qualify if: your household income for last year was $44,096 or less; and you are 62 or older, blind, or disabled; and you are a U.S. citizen or a designated/qualified alien when you file the claim; and you owned and occupied your home or mobile home on Dec. 31 of last year or paid at least $50 rent each month.

Please bring proof of age or disability; property tax bill if you are a homeowner; federal and state tax records; and other income records. Info, Robert at 255-8182.

Art exhibit closing reception

The “Aqui Somos Puro Rojo” exhibit features photographs of daily life from the highlands of Guatemala by photojournalist Lianne Milton. The closing reception takes place Aug. 31, 4-6 p.m. Prints are available for purchase. Wines by the glass and bottle, and appetizers available. Ceja Vineyards Wine Tasting Salon, 1248 First St., Napa. Info, Amelia Ceja at 226-6445 or e-mail wine@cejavineyards.com.

Libraries closed

The Napa Main Library, the American Canyon Library and the Calistoga Library close Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. Libraries resume regular business hours on Sept. 2.

Class of 1958

St. Helena High School Class of 1958 holds its 50th reunion on Sept. 29. Classmates and friends from other classes invited to attend. Info, 975-2828 or by e-mail gene.salazar@sbcglobal.net.

Class of 1988 reunion

The Vintage High School Class of ‘88 reunion committee seeks classmates for the 20-year reunion, set for Oct. 11. If you are a class of 1988 alumni, please send an e-mail to vhs88reunion@yahoo.com. Include full name and maiden name (if applicable). Classmates then receive biweekly reunion newsletter with current updates on the planning, and a current list of names of people contacted, and those that need to be found.

Class of 1978 reunion

The Vintage High School Class of 1978 hosts its 30-year class reunion on Oct. 11. Event will be held at the Napa Valley Marriott, and will include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing to the Sneaky Pete band, and fun for all. Reservation forms available at www.alumniclass.com/vintage or send e-mail to vhs1978reunion@sbcglobal.net with full name and maiden name (if applicable) to have an invitation sent (alumni are encouraged to use the e-mail to forward classmates’ addresses to avoid forgetting anyone).

Class of 1958 reunion

The 1958 Vallejo High School Class holds its 50th reunion, including dinner and dancing, on Oct. 18, at the Silverado Resort, 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. Classmates also gather on Oct. 17 and Oct. 19. Info, Patti Hill at 642-9738 or Larry Wallace at 244-0271.

Class of 1969 reunion

St. Helena High School Class of 1969 seeks classmates for their 40-year reunion next summer. Please send contact information to nancy@caymus.com.

Class of 1958 reunion

The Napa High School 50th Reunion Committee seeks missing classmates. Get on the confidential contact list for invitation information. Info, Bill Welch at (201) 323-6592 or send e-mail to combel lack.1@netzero.net.

St. Helena class reunions

The St. Helena Catholic School (formerly St. Helena Parochial School) seeks alumni from 1966 through 2007. Contact Gary Menegon (Class of ‘69) at 963-3423 or fra3mic@aol.com; or Diana Cruz Carr (Class of ‘79) at 258-9115 or e-mail napaval leynative@yahoo.com.

Thrift shop

The Community Projects Thrift Shop volunteers sponsor a thrift shop Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for customers to purchase well-selected items from a vast array of merchandise. You may also donate items Tuesday through Saturday during the same time. Call ahead to 226-7585 to make arrangements. Proceeds benefit local charities, schools and scholarships. Community Projects, 715 Franklin St., Napa.

Mini thrift shop

United Methodist Women sponsors a mini thrift shop every Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Three rooms are stocked with a wide selection of items to be purchased without any sales pressure nor sales tax. Proceeds benefit Methodist missions. Located at the corner of Fourth and Randolph streets, Napa.

Jarvis Journal

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Caregiver referral service

For low- to middle-income seniors needing assistance in the home or with laundry, shopping, doctors’ appointments, bathing, meal preparation and also wanting to remain in their homes for as long as possible, the Caregiver Referral Program at the Volunteer Center of Napa Valley can help by providing free referral services. Info, 252-6222 ext. 210.

Senior care directory available

The Napa Senior Care Directory lists how to find a home care agency, assisted care homes, legal services and more. The free directory is found in the lobby of Queen of the Valley Hospital; the Kaiser Clinic; in the media room at the public library; and in many local Napa senior care homes and businesses. Also available for a $2 mailing fee from: Born To Age, P.O. Box 6863, Napa, CA 94581. Also available online at www.borntoage.com.