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. For a complete list of included counties, as well as to apply online, visit www.devstu.org/nylife/current_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.

Call for artists

Napa City-County Library invites artists to apply to a juried competition with award-winner’s work displayed in the Napa Main Library. Media: painting, graphics, watercolors, photography, mixed media. Application deadline is March 31. To receive a copy of the Call for Art in the Library Exhibitors announcement, send an SASE to Art in the Library Program, Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa, CA, 94559. Info, Stephnia Pramuk at spramuk@co.napa.ca.us.

Rotary Club scholarship

The North Napa Rotary Club accepts applications for the Ambassadorial Scholarship Award, which allows a student to study abroad while being a Rotary Ambassador of good will. The Rotary Foundation awards a scholarship for the academic year 2010-2011 to a student who has completed at least two years of college and meets other requirements. Up to $23,000 is provided for round-trip transportation, tuition, fees and other expenses. While abroad, recipients are expected to appear before Rotary clubs in the country they are visiting, and speak to civic organizations, schools and participate in community activities. Info, Chris Burns at 253-2620.

Financial Peace University

St. John’s Lutheran Church hosts Financial Peace University, beginning Jan. 11. Classes taught by Dave Ramsey, personal money management expert, via DVD. Thirteen-week class focuses on financial management, eliminating debt, saving for college expenses, retirement and more. Info and registration, 255-0119 or pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net.

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 manager@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. Wednesday, 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@napacommunitybank.com.

Elsie’s Book Club

The club meets the second Wednesday of each month. On Wednesday, 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.

Blue Oak informational meeting

Learn about Blue Oak School at an enrollment information meeting Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. Tours of lower and middle school campuses offered Jan. 20, 9-11 a.m. See classrooms in action, learn about the school’s mission and philosophy, explore facilities, and find out more about the financial aid program and application process. Reservations required, 261-5400. Blue Oak School, 1436 Polk St., Napa. Info, admission@blueoakschool.org.

Cyber-bullying presentation

Hear what the AAUW committee on bullying and cyber-bullying has learned and what you can do at the Thursday meeting, 6:30 p.m., at the Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. $2 donation to cover room costs. Info, Mimi Formosa at 226-2736.

Historic Homes workshop

The city of Napa’s Cultural Heritage Commission offers two free workshops to assist owners of historic homes with preservation and restoration. Topics include green historic homes, wood window maintenance, and lead/asbestos encapsulation. Workshops held Jan. 17 and Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, and feature local architects, contractors and other experts. City Hall Council Chambers, 955 School St., Napa. Info, 257-9530.

River School information session

River Charter Middle School holds an information session Jan. 20, 6:30-8 p.m., for all prospective students and parents, at 2447 Old Sonoma Road, Napa. Info, 253-6813.

Health/Fitness

Pharmaca events

Learn how to avoid falling with Maria Carter of Stop Falls Napa. Free. Jan. 18, 1-2 p.m. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 253-0970.

Belly-dance

Sharyn “Shahreena” offers a new eight-week belly-dancing Tuesdays (class began Jan. 6), 7-8:30 p.m. Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Lane, Napa. Cost and registration, Shahreena at 255-4340.

Lecture on genetically modified foods

Claire Hope Cummings, who wrote the book “Uncertain Peril,” is an ecological lawyer who worked four years in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cummings gives a free lecture Sunday, at 4 p.m., in the Fireside Room of the Calistoga Adventist Church, at 2102 Grant St., Calistoga. Info, 965-2325 or jclarssen@hotmail.com.

Quit Smoking classes

The Quit Smoking Program meets Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, Peggy Klick at 255-1685 or nctcp@sbcglobal.net.

Team in Training meeting

Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training to 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 takes place Jan. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Info, 303-4800 or www.teamintraining.org/sf.

Napa County Mental Health Board

The board reviews and evaluates community mental health needs, services and facilities, and advises the Napa County Mental Health Director and Board of Supervisors. The Board meets the second Monday of each month, 4-6 p.m. Napa County Health & Human Services, 2261 Elm St., Building K, Napa. Info, 299-2101.

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.

Grandparents group

A support group for grandparents raising grandchildren with special needs meets the second Tuesday of each month, 10-11 a.m., for tea, conversation, support and resources. ParentsCAN, 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. Info, 253-7444.

Celiac support group

Guest speaker Dr. Amy Burkhart, emergency physician, dietitian and celiac, speaks on “Follow-up Care after Celiac Disease Diagnosis.” Jan. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 224-1469.

Line dancing classes

Stay fit with or without a partner, learning various forms of American line dancing. Tuesdays, (beginning Jan. 20), 6-8 p.m. $65 for 10 classes. Vintage High School, 1375 Trower Ave., Napa. Register by calling the Adult Education office at 253-3594 or online at www.adulted.nvusd.k12.ca.us.

Multiple sclerosis support group

For those living with the many symptoms of MS in need of someone who understands and can give support, the Multiple Sclerosis support group meets every third Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., at Kaiser Permanente, Claremont conference room, 3285 Claremont Way, Napa. Info, Penelope at 265-9680 or Colin at 944-2262.

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

Volunteer Center

The center seeks volunteers to assist the Senior Services staff. Info, Katie Rubin at 252-6222 or katier@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 cancer society volunteers

Volunteers needed 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

PFLAG support group

PFLAG is an international organization whose mission is to advocate for gay children and to provide education and support to their families. Sunday, 2 p.m. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1226 Salvador Ave., Napa. Info, 226-9760.

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.

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.

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.

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 Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. Drinks, cornbread and salad provided. Info and location, call 253-2030 or send e-mail to membership@napaactive2030.org.

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.

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.

Support groups for

Spanish-speaking parents

Spanish-speaking parents who have a child with autism spectrum disorders are invited to share experiences and resources. Jan. 15, 6-8 p.m. ParentsCAN, 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 3, Napa. Info, 253-7444.

N.A.R.F.E. breakfast

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Napa County Chapter No. 0281, serves breakfast Jan. 18, 7:30-11 a.m. Includes ham, eggs, hot cakes and coffee. $4 adults/$2 children under 12. Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 224-9479.

National League of American Pen Women

The Pen Women meet Jan. 20, 1-3 p.m. View quilts from the Napa Valley Quilters in conjunction with Art in the Library. This is a professional group of women writers, composers and artists. Prospective members welcome. Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, Nelda at 252-3338.

Nature/Recreation

Bridge classes

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

Camellia Society

Napa Valley Camellia Society members make plans Monday, at 7 p.m., for their 19th Annual Camellia Show, scheduled for Feb. 7. For information on how to enter your own bloom and win a trophy, call Peggy at 226-7075. Napa Valley Camellia Society, 3279 Scenic Drive, Napa.

Friday morning bird walk

The Napa Solano Audubon Society offers free weekly bird walks on Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon, in and around Napa County. Meet behind Sweeneys Sports in the River Park Shopping Center on Imola Avenue, Napa. Info, 224-6133.

Rose-pruning seminar

Seminar includes topics such as bare root planting, selection, maintenance, pruning, spraying and fertilizing, along with hands-on pruning. $10. Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. Van Winden’s Garden Center, 1805 Pueblo Ave., Napa. Registration, 255-8400.

Maggie’s Peak hike

On this strenuous hike, go over Maggie’s Peak, trek down the canyon to Devil’s Well and continue on to the redwood grove at Archer Taylor Preserve. Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up, contact Linda McClimans at 254-1509 or linda.mcclimans@ubs.com by noon, Jan. 16.

Sanctuary expedition

An all-day exploration of the oak savannas and woodlands of the Wantrup Wildlife Sanctuary takes place Jan. 18. Start on the floor of Pope Valley and trek up to the western ridgetops. Dress for weather and be prepared for cross-country travel on the hills. To sign up, contact Chip Bouril at 944-2058.

Volunteer clean-up

The Volunteer Center of Napa Valley and the City of Napa host “Help Clean Up Napa” in celebration of Martin Luther King’s life and teachings, on Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to noon, to clean up public areas noted by the city to need upkeep due to foot traffic. Info and registration, Katie Meehan-Rubin at 252-6222 or katier@volunteernapa.org.

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.

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; runner-up gets $100. Deadline is Jan. 15. Send entries to Bicycle Works, Eagle Cycling Club Art Contest, 3335 Solano Ave., Napa, CA 94558.

Enchilada take-out

Young Ladies’ Institute of Napa is back with its annual handmade enchilada fundraiser. Enchiladas available only by pre-order by Jan. 21. Each box is $12 with six enchiladas and sauce inside. Order by sending your request and money to: YLI Enchilada Take Out, 2555 Flosden Road, No. 73, American Canyon, CA 94503. Include your home and cell telephone numbers. Pick up orders on Jan. 31, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at St. Apollinaris Hall, 3700 Lassen St., in Napa. Info, Juliann Fontana at 252-3630 or caiocca@sbcglobal.net.

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 the months of December and January.

Free film series

Visit the St. Helena Public Library every Monday, 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.