Education

Seeking grant proposals

The Developmental Studies Center is now accepting proposals from after-school sites serving youth in Napa to benefit from a $2.4 million grant from the New York Life Foundation. The grant brings high-quality, low-cost literacy and math curricula to tens of thousands of school-age children by providing complimentary training to administrators and materials at a significantly reduced cost. Applications accepted online exclusively until Jan. 30. Participating sites are notified by Feb. 20. To apply online, visit www.devstu.org/nylife/cur

rent_year_cities.html.

Art scholarship

Applicants for the Dian Zepeda “Color is Life” $500 art scholarship must send their and their parents’ contact information to Jeanne Baker, 117 East 35th Place, Tulsa, OK 74105, along with a 100-word essay explaining why they are the best candidate for the scholarship. Deadline is Jan. 31. Info, Jeanne Baker at (918) 747-7945 or jeanne.baker@aa.com.

Sushi-rolling

classes for kids

Starting Jan. 8, bring your culinary-inclined child every Thursday, 5-6 p.m., for an afternoon of sushi-rolling lessons. $10 (includes two sushi rolls). Go Fish Restaurant, 641 Main St., St. Helena. Info, 963-0700.

Potluck vocal workshop

Terry Bradford, best-known as Celine Dion’s duet partner, offers this workshop designed for everyone (even those who think they can’t sing). Bring your favorite dish and a friend. $25 for the two-hour session. Register early. Jan. 11,  5-7 p.m. Jessel Gallery, 1019 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. Info and registration, 227-1617 or manag

er@terrybradford.com.

Identity theft prevention

The Preventing Identity Theft workshop teaches how to safeguard personal information, how thieves get information, warning signs and essential steps for clearing your name if you become a victim. Jan. 13, 6-7:30 p.m. Wine and appetizers served. Aegis of Napa, 2100 Redwood Road, Napa. R.S.V.P. to Julie Claus at 603-2664 or julie.claus@napacommuni

tybank.com.

Elsie’s Book Club

The club meets the second Wednesday of each month. On Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., discuss two titles written by President-elect Barack Obama: “The Audacity of Hope” and “Dreams from My Father.” St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Info, 967-2805.

Health/Fitness

Pharmaca events

Join Pharmaca estheticians for a free mini-facial. Advance sign-up needed. Jan. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn simple ways to make your New Year’s resolutions stick. Jan. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.

Learn about the new research on cholesterol and how you can apply it every day. Jan. 8, 6-7 p.m.

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

Family Support Group

This group is for those with loved ones facing mental health issues. Group meets the first Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m., at SIU Building, 1500 Third St., Napa (across from ABC Bakery). Sponsored by the County of Napa Health & Human Services Agency. Info, Dr. Harriet Lehman at 253-6192 or hlehman@co.napa.ca.us.

Raw food presentation

Rawsome Creations presents “Let’s Get Glowin’” Jan. 6, 5:30-7 p.m., at Pathways in Napa, and Jan. 21, 7-8:30 p.m., at the St. Helena Library. Discuss the myths, mainstays, medicines and miracles of raw foods. Info and reservations, 963-4601 or brenda@rawsomecre

ations.com.

Belly dance

Sharyn “Shahreena” offers a new eight-week belly-dancing class beginning Jan. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. $96 for pre-registered non-Synergy members/$80 Synergy members. Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Lane, Napa. Info and registration, Shahreena at 255-4340.

Ballroom dance

Two four-week courses begin Jan. 6 and end Jan. 27: Swing I, 6:30-7:25 p.m. and Foxtrot, 7:30-8:25 p.m. No partner necessary. $40 per course. Register at www.naparec.com or at the Napa Recreation Department, 1100 West St., Napa. No in-class registration. Classes take place at the Pelusi Building, at Kennedy Park, Napa. Info, Susan Gai at 255-2994.

Prostate cancer support group

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. Jan. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Queen of the Valley Community Outreach, 3448 Villa Lane, Suite 102, Napa. Info, ACS at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Smoking cessation

The Quit Smoking Program accepts registration for its next quit-smoking class, scheduled for Jan. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.  Info, Manuel Cordero at 255-1685 or nctcp@sbcglobal.net.

Team In Training meeting

Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training and train for a hike event, full or half marathon, cycle century ride (100 miles) or triathlon while raising funds for blood cancer research and patient services. Information meeting Jan. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 303-4800 or www.teamintrain

ing.org/sf.

Fat loss presentation

Fitness and nutrition expert Jeff Larson debunks the myths and teaches nutrition strategies for fat loss. $15. Jan. 8, 7:15-8:15 p.m. Luxe Skin Spa, 1000 Clinton St., Napa. Info, 479-0866.

Autism support group

ParentsCAN offers a support group for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Group meets the second Friday of each month, 9-10:30 a.m. Gillwoods Cafe, 1320 Napa Town Center, Napa. Purchase your own coffee, tea and goodies. Info, Donna at 253-7444.

Calistoga Wellness Month

Wellness Month festivities start Jan. 10 with Healthy Community Day, featuring a 5K/10K Run and Walk originating from Calistoga High School, 1608 Lake Street at 10 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., a stretch and warm-up session prepares participants for the Walk and Run. Free. No registration needed. For experienced hikers, the Land Trust of Napa County hosts a half-day Candlestick Ridge Hike at Wildlake Ranch. Also free. To reserve your space, contact jbarth@NVUSD.k12.ca.us or call 224-3464.

Ostomy support group

The Napa Valley Ostomy support group meets the second Tuesday of the month, at 3:30 p.m. Queen of the Valley Medical Center (conference room 3), 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 252-4411 ext. 2810.

Family-to-Family Education Program

A series of 12 free classes begins Jan. 20, 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. Course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with one of these brain disorders. Classes are held Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m., in Napa. To register for the 12-week course, contact John or Diane Mitchell at 252-7663 or jndmitchell@comcast.net.

Volunteer

Drivers

The Volunteer Center seeks volunteers to assist the Senior Services staff with driving seniors to medical appointments and to be friendly visitors. Info, Katie Rubin at 252-6222 or kati

er@volunteernapa.org.

American Cancer Society

The ACS’s Road to Recovery program seeks Upvalley drivers to provide rides for Upvalley residents with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves to treatment. Info, 255-5911, ext. 3 or 1-800-ACS-2345.

Bilingual volunteers

Volunteers are need for community health fairs to talk to people and share information that can help prevent cancer through proper screening, nutrition and physical activity. Volunteers also needed for patient and caregiver follow-up; call patients and caregivers to ensure initial needs are met, identify additional needs and educate people about services provided by the American Cancer Society. Info, American Cancer Society at 255-5911, ext. 3 or 1-800-ACS-2345.

Clubs/Meetings

Napa Success Connection

NSC helps its members build successful business through networking, education and community involvement. Guests from all business types are welcome, though membership is limited to one representative of each business category. NSC meets every Wednesday morning, at 8:15 a.m., at the Senior Center, at 1518 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, www.napasuccessconnection.com.

Vintage High Athletic Booster Club

The Booster Club meets the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. Parents are encouraged to get involved and support student athletes. The club is a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds to support a portion of the cost for student athletes. The club seeks board members for 2009-2010. If interested in joining the board, contact Teresa Peterson at 337-4585 or skipeters@aol.com. Vintage High School, 1375 Trower Ave., Napa.

Widowed Persons Association

Widows and widowers meet for support, friendship and activities on Tuesdays, at 8 a.m., at Marie Callender’s, 1990 Trower Ave., Napa. 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.

Kinship support group

Kinship caregivers are those raising another relative or friend’s child. Find help and share challenges, resources and experiences with others in similar situations. Group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Child care available with prior arrangement. A Spanish-speaking group is now forming. Cope Family Center, 1340 Fourth St., Napa. Info, Marla Wiggin at 252-1123.

Spanish Club

If you have studied Spanish, the Spanish club/class invites you to practice with them Tuesdays, 1:30-3 p.m., at 1524 Jefferson St., Napa (house owned by Napa Senior Center). Info, Patt Scarboro at 252-3384.

Vietnam Veterans of America

The local chapter of this organization meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7-8 p.m., in the main conference room of Holderman Hospital to discuss Veterans’ issues and public service projects. All interested individuals welcome. Veterans Home of California, 100 California Drive, Yountville. Info, John Mellquist at 255-2656.

Napa High ‘49er Gals

Women who graduated from Napa High School in 1949 meet the first Tuesday at noon for social gatherings and lunches every other month. Anyone from this class is invited to attend. Info, Audrey at 224-0670.

Rock & Gem Club

The Napa Valley Rock & Gem Club offers a lapidary demonstration on how to cut and polish a cabochon. Jan. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 252-7565.

Napa Valley Needlers

The Napa Valley Needlers meet Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m., at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Workshops for beginner crochet and embroidery follow the meeting. Info and supplies needed, 965-9223.

Welcome Club

The Napa Valley Welcome Club, a charity fundraising club, hosts a luncheon Jan. 8, at 11:30 a.m. Speakers discuss  dietary needs as one ages. An exercise physiologist leads guests in a program of “reasonably vigorous” exercise that can be done at home. A massage therapist gives complimentary chair massages. $14. Synergy, 3421 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, Kathy Stevens at 255-3617.

River Charter Middle School information session

A required information session for prospective students and parents takes place Jan. 8, 6:30-8 p.m. River Middle School (Evans Hall), 2447 Old Sonoma Road, Napa. Info, 253-6813.

Mac Users Group

The Napa Valley Mac Users Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Catherine von Dennefeld at 257-1717 or Ron Rogers at 226-5352.

Napa Valley Fly Fishers

The Fly Fishers meet the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Michael McKeown at 337-9410 or info@napaval

leyflyfishers.org.

Napa Valley Republican Women Federated

This group meets for a luncheon meeting the second Thursday of each month (except July and August). Speakers invited to attend each meeting. Membership open to all ladies who are registered Republicans. Activities include voter registration, community outreach and an advocacy program involving youth to provide interaction with state legislators. Compadres, 505 Lincoln Ave., Napa. Info, Maren Namdar at 252-1015, or Carol Stein at 226-5090.

Napa Valley Quilters

The Quilters meet Jan. 10, at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at 10 a.m. Judy Mathieson, renowned mariner’s compass instructor, presents a lecture and trunk show. Info, 255-1199 or www.napava

lleyquilters.org.

Soroptimist International

For those interested in improving the lives of women and girls, Soroptimist International of Napa meets the second, third and fourth Tuesdays (September to June) at noon for lunch. $16. Elks Lodge, 2840 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, Brenda Roberts at 255-4434.

Active 20-30

Club of Napa

Members are invited to bring a pot of their best chili concoction to the first dinner meeting of 2009 Jan. 14, 7-9 p.m. Drinks, cornbread and salad provided. Info and location, 253-2030 or membership@napaactive2030.org

Nature/Recreation

Napa Valley Bonsai Club

The Bonsai Club meets the first Monday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m., where members get together and share information and advice while working on their respective trees. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to bring their trees in for evaluation and assistance. Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 255-8822.

Bridge classes

Beginning/novice bridge classes begin Jan. 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. $10. Info, 224-7368.

Candlestick Ridge hike

Hike atop the Candlestick Ridge at Wildlake Ranch. This moderate trip takes hikers past the historic campground on sloping ranch roads to a scenic promontory overlooking Pope Valley. Bring lunch, hiking boots, water and binoculars. Jan. 10. To sign up, contact Janet Barth at 224-3464 or wesaw1@mindspring.com.

Other

Homeless men’s

coat drive

Unity Church sponsors the fourth annual Homeless Men’s Coat Drive Jan. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 3275 Hagen Road, Napa.

Free film series

Visit the St. Helena Public Library every Monday night (beginning Jan. 5), at 7 p.m., for a free film. Oldies, goodies, new films, classics and more. Each month features a thematic series. St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Info, 963-5244 or www.shpl.org.

Eagle Cycling Club art contest

The Tour of Napa Valley is an annual cycling event. The Eagle Cycling Club seeks an artistic and innovative design for next year’s jersey and T-shirt, including the club eagle and the words “Tour of Napa Valley” and include a front and back view. Entries must include name, address, phone number, and age and school (if a student in Napa Valley). Winner receives $250 or $100 second place. Deadline is Jan. 15. Send entries to Bicycle Works, Eagle Cycling Club Art Contest, 3335 Solano Ave., Napa, CA 94558.

Coat drive

Napa Girl Scouts are collecting clean, reusable coats and jackets to assist the One Warm Coat community service effort. Coats of all shapes and sizes welcome. Men’s sizes are most needed. One Warm Coat distributes reusable coats, free of charge, to local children and adults. Bring coats and jackets to BJ’s Petal Pushers, 1620 Main St., Napa, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., during January.