A mural of a large heart sprouting flames and wings is painted on the wall of Cindy McConnell’s hair salon. Underneath the art reads the word “VANITY.” The big heart on the wall seems to mirror a smaller heart tattooed on McConnell’s right arm that reads “SOUL.”

Upvalley Real Estate and Shred Solution is holding a Community Shred Day and Holiday Open House on Thursday — rain or Shine.

Redwood Credit Union is sponsoring holiday food and toy drives at its branch Napa branch at 1705 First St. The branch is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for distribution by Toys for Tots and the Napa Valley Food Bank this holiday season.

A free tax workshop is set for Thursday, at 5:30 p.m., is  being put on by Rich Jacobson and Warren Warner. It will be held at the John Muir Inn on Trower Street. Hors d’ oeuvres will be served. Seating is limited.

Cocoa & Pink is a line of retail spa products that pampers women, while a wholesale side of the business is geared toward their pooches with organic munchies.

For Dana Carnahan, managing the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop is more than a job.

As we approach Thanksgiving and the oncoming holiday season we may want to pause and reflect on how important it is to show gratitude and appreciation to our customers.

Dear Len & Rosie, I have heard conflicting information about trusts vs. wills regarding probate. If you only have a will, does it have to go through probate in California? If so, how long does that process take and how much does the family “lose” to probate? - Charlotte

The Land Trust of Napa County has acquired the 1,000-acre Duff Ranch, complementing its purchase of the 4,000-acre Wildlake Ranch and protecting Napa Valley’s eastern ridge from Angwin to the summit of Mount St. Helena and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

A friend of mine wrote an article for a national publication which came to mind recently. In the article, titled “Finishers Needed,” he described a personal experience. While walking down a busy inner-city street, he came upon a used furniture store. He looked in the display window and saw many beautifully refinished furniture pieces. At the bottom of the window he noticed a small sign. It read, “Finisher Needed.” The essence of his article was profound. He observed, as I have, that many people are great at starting projects, relationships, jobs, or investment programs, but few are very good at finishing them.