Education

Napa Valley Music Associates

New private and class instruction offered in a variety of instruments and classes. All ages and skill levels welcome. Info, 252-8671 or www.napavalleymusicassociates.org

Active Minds

Hour-long preschool experience includes circle time, art and sensory activities, cooperative play experiences, music and movement and more with a focus on socialization and literacy. Appropriate for children ages 8 and younger. Adults must be present in order to attend. Wednesday and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Community Resources for Children, 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 1, Napa. Registration required, 253-0376 ext. 140.

Napa Valley College Trips and Tours informational meeting

Learn about exciting trips for 2010 from a representative of Collette Vacations at this coffee and beignets meeting. Nov. 30, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Napa Valley College, 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa. R.S.V.P. to 967-2940.

Medicare tips for seniors

Guest speaker navigates the many facets of the Medicare Part C health care plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Learn how to enroll for these important benefits during the annual election period through Dec. 31. Free. Dec. 1, 2-3 p.m. The Meadows of Napa Valley, 1800 Atrium Parkway, Napa. Info, information@meadowsofnapavalley.org or 307-4941.

Parent group: Preparing for the holidays

Free to adoptive families, includes dinner. For some adopted children, the holidays can bring feelings of loss, separation and grief. Discuss strategies and tips in helping your child cope with the stresses of the holidays. Special holiday activities for the children. Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Lilliput Children’s Services, 1721 First St., Napa. R.S.V.P. by Dec. 1 to 299-3909 or dstutchman@lilliput.org

Workshop: Parenting like a samurai

Communicate with your teenage children without arguments, door slamming, rebellion or tears. Dan Monez has shared with thousands the skills and mental discipline necessary for dealing with difficult people. Monez developed these skills and tactics during 33 years in law enforcement and as a parent and a violence prevention trainer. $10. Dec. 2, 6-8:30 p.m. Napa County Office of Education, 2121 Imola Ave., Napa. Info, nlewis@ncoe.k12.ca.us or 253-6890.

Health/Fitness

St. Helena Hospital open house

Open house celebration for the new Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center and Johnson Pavilion. Tours provided with refreshments, music and the opportunity to meet physicians and staff working in the cancer center and surgery department. Free. Nov. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Helena Hospital, 10 Woodland Road, St. Helena. Info, Linda Schulz at schulzlk@ah.org or 963-6419.

Teen treatment groups

Wolfe Center is a nonprofit alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program dedicated to helping teens. Early intervention treatment groups available during the summer to teens struggling with substance abuse issues. Groups held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2:30-4 p.m., at Vintage High School, 1375 Trower Ave., Napa. Info, 255-1855 or csolorio@wolfecenter.org

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Group meets Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. Queen of the Valley Medical Center (main conference room), 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, Jane at trident@pacbell.net or 254-7699.

Women’s cancer support group

Explore similar issues and concerns with others facing cancer. Meets Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. St. Helena Family Center, 1440 Spring St., St. Helena. Info, Cindi Cantril at 967-5791.

Suicide support group

Group offers grief education and an opportunity for participants to share experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Napa Valley Hospice, 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa. Info and registration, 258-9080.

TOPS support group

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a nonprofit, non-commercial weight loss support organization. Learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise and more Thursdays, 8:30-11 a.m. TOPS national dues are $26 per year. Each chapter has a monthly dues of $2 to $5 depending on the size or needs of the chapter. Newell’s Mobile City Clubhouse, 4427 Solano Ave., Napa. Info, 1-800-932-8677; www.tops.org; or Mickey Drake at 253-8363 or mdrake9223@sbcglobal.net.

Wellness art class

Weekly art class offered for residents with chronic conditions such as cancer, heart failure or diabetes. Classes reduce stress and anxiety. Donations accepted. Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. Queen of the Valley Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, 251-2007.

Chronic illness workshops

Workshops helps chronically ill clients gain a better sense of personal well being. Topics include life stories, body movement and strengthening, mind alertness and self-improvement. Fridays through Dec. 18, 1-3 p.m. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, rocio.cuddy@stjoe.org or 251-2034.

Pain management seminar

Napa Pain Institute is a highly personalized operation with a nationally recognized team led by Dr. Grigsby. Speaker Dr. Grigsby enjoys a national reputation for excellence in the field of pain management. Free.           Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m. Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, rebecca@napapaininstitute.com or 252-9656.

Volunteer

Napa Valley Adult Day Services

Volunteers needed Monday through Friday to assist with table service and clearing, and in the kitchen to assist staff with service and clean-up. Info, www.napavalleyhospice-ads.org, or Mary Ellen Makowski at 258-9084 ext. 206 or at mmakowski@napavalleyhospice-ads.org.

Cornerstone Assisted Riding and Equitherapy

Do you have four hours per week to spare? C.A.R.E. leaders train volunteers to be therapeutic horse handlers, leaders and/or side walkers. C.A.R.E. provides equine-assisted activities for children and adults. For each therapeutic riding session, three volunteers are needed to support the student, horse and NARHA-certificied instructor. Lessons are held 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays and 3-6 a.m. on Wednesdays. Visit www.carebayarea.com to download release forms and get directions. Info, help@carebayarea.com or 1-888-922-7366.

Napa Valley Museum

Museum features changing and permanent exhibits on art, history and environment of the Napa Valley. Volunteers needed to greet gallery visitors, handle cash register transactions, help with special events and present educational outreach programs to area schoolchildren. Info, 944-0500, ext. 101.

CASA

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 36 hours of initial training. Trained volunteers meet and work with dedicated professionals working to help children and families reunify. Info, Julie DiVerde at jdiverde@napacasa.org or 257-2272.

Volunteer Center of Napa Valley

The Volunteer Center works with 72 nonprofits throughout the valley. Volunteers with computer, graphic, marketing and/or business skills needed. Also seeking volunteers to assist with driving seniors to medical appointments and to be friendly visitors. Info, Katie Meehan-Rubin at 252-6222 or katier@volunteernapa.org

Clubs/Meetings

Singles of North Bay

Single seniors 55 and over invited to join other singles for potluck, friendship and conversation. Info, Dee at 226-3642 or Inara at 224-3038.

Napa Valley Photographic Society

Ron Rogers, former Napa Valley College photography instructor and department chair, does the critique. New members invited. Monday. Social time at 6:30, meeting at 7. Free. Studio II Gallery, 570 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, Kevin Olson at kolson2@pacbell.com.

Silverado Handweavers Guild

Presentation by Kristine Vejar on Indian textiles. Refreshments served. Newcomers welcome. Nov. 23,       7-10 p.m. Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Barbara Stafford at barbstaf@comcast.net or 224-3229.

Napa Parkinson Support Group

Learn more about Parkinson disease and group problem-solving and receive support. Group meets the fourth Monday of each month (except December), 1-2 p.m. Meadows of Napa Valley, 1800 Atrium Parkway, Napa. Info, patparis@sbcglobal.net.

Early-stage memory loss support group

For caregivers and those experiencing early-stage memory loss. Group is potluck style, with the first hour for getting to know people. In the second hour caregivers and participants separate into groups to discuss problems, receive support and acquire information. Free. Nov. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services, 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa. Info, healthedcoordinator@napavalleyhospice-ads.org or 258-9087.

Napa Women’s Club

Monthly meetings held the fourth Tuesday of each month. Social time at 6 p.m. Meeting at 6:30. Free.       Nov. 24. 27, 6-9 p.m. Napa Women’s Club, 218 Franklin St., Napa. Info, Joan Taramasso at 224-3924.

Coffee & Conversation for Post-Adoptive Parents

Group for post-adoptive parents meets the last Tuesday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m., to share experiences and offer support. Coffee and pastries provided. Free. R.S.V.P. one day in advance to 299-3909. Lilliput Children’s Services, 1721 First St., Napa.

The Manifest

Work in an artist collective environment, share inspirations and discuss art philosophy at the Manifest, a visual arts studio workshop held Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Includes free studio time for artists of all ages and levels. Bring projects, supplies and anything you have to share. La Bella Terra, 222 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, Hugo at thesnakecat@gmail.com.

Napa Cribbage Club

Napa Cribbage Club plays Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 3275 Browns Valley Road, Napa. Play nine games against nine different opponents. Peg 15-2, 15-4, avoid the skunk! All ages welcome. Info, Denny at 224-2345.

Napa Valley Barbershop Chorus

The Barbershop Chorus meets Tuesdays, 7 p.m., at Napa Valley Baptist Church, 2303 Trower Ave., Napa. Men who can carry a tune and would like to learn more about this style of four-part harmony singing welcome. Info, Alan Cash at 815-7029.

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.

Spanish Club

If you have studied Spanish, the Spanish club invites you to practice Tuesdays, 1:30-3 p.m., at 1518 Jefferson St., Napa (house owned by Napa Senior Center). Info, Patt Scarboro at 252-3384.

Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa is a service organization which works to develop future generations of leaders in the community. Club meets Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at Marie Callender’s, 1990 Trower Ave., Napa. Info, Cliff Haggenjos at 226-3917.

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, 7 p.m., at Springs of Napa, 3460 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, Nancy at 224-0740.

LeTip Business Networking

Members are dedicated to the highest professional standards of competence and serve as each other’s sales force. Each business category is represented by one member and no conflicts of interest are allowed. Chapter meets Thursdays, 7:01-8:31 a.m. at Marie Callender’s, 1990 Trower Ave., Napa. Info, Laura Brooks at 287-8048 or lsb@laurasbrooks.com.

Grief support group

Napa Valley Hospice offers a grief support group for Upvalley residents who have experienced the death of a loved one. Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. Rianda House, 1475 Main St., St. Helena. Info, Bereavement Department at 258-9080.

Nature/Recreation

Workshop: faux gingerbread house

Create a faux gingerbread house using graham crackers, icing and candy decorations. Four sessions available between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials and instructions provided. $6 per kit. Dec. 5 McPherson Elementary School, 2670 Yajome St., Napa. Registration required to 253-0376 ext. 101 or www.crcnapa.org.

Other

Senior resources

The Area Agency on Aging Serving Napa and Solano provides a range of services to support the independence of seniors living in the community, including in-home caregiver referral registry. Info and assistance, 1-800-510-2020. Stop Falls Napa Valley provides resources and strategies for seniors on how to prevent falls. Info, 255-5328.

Wayne’s World Cinema

If you have a band, solo singer, ventriloquist, dance, comedy, magic act or are a film editor, and would like to increase your fan base with worldwide streaming Web cast and on local cable Napa TV Channel 27 and 28, send contact information to waynemorinjr@comcast.net or call 294-2603. Napa/Upvalley only.

“Moon River” poetry broadcast

Airs on KSVY (91.3 FM) Sonoma. From 9-10 p.m. on Sundays, the weekly program features the console creations of Everett Lehman, organist at the Meadows of Napa. The host is Ward Glenn. The broadcast can also be found at www.ksvy.org.

Mini thrift shop

United Methodist Women’s Thrift Shop, at Adams Hall, on the corner of Fourth and Randolph streets, Napa, is open Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offering a variety of goods. No sales pressure nor sales tax. Proceeds support local, national and international missions.

Jarvis Journal

The Jarvis Journal airs Thursdays at noon and Fridays at 10 p.m. on cable access TV 28.

Holiday library hours

The Napa Main Library, the American Canyon Library and the Calistoga Library open, with shortened hours, on Wednesday. The Napa Main Library and the American Canyon Library are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Calistoga Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Yountville Library is not open Wednesdays. All libraries close Nov. 26 and 27, and open for normal hours on Nov. 28.