Education

Art in the Library

The Art in the Library program presents the nature paintings of Jean M. Cullinane during  February at the Napa Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. In her artwork, Cullinane works to communicate her perceptions of nature and of the harmony it brings to the world. All art displayed in the library is selected by a juried competition. Info, 253-4223.

Studio Arts Napa Valley

Check out these new classes happening at Studio Arts Napa Valley in February: Little Yogis (yoga class for children); Poetry Fun (kids learn to create poems); Science and Cooking Experience; Mommy and Me Bella Dance (hula and bellydance fun with your little one) and Postnatal Fitness (moms get fit with baby at their side). Info, Leslie Timm at 320-9866.

Spring Rest Stop

First Presbyterian Church presents “Spring Rest Stop” on Wednesdays through March 12, 6-8 p.m. It’s a delicious meal plus various classes including yoga stretching, crochet/knitting, Christian care-giving, Bible study and music with children. Call for reservations or just show up. The church is at 1333 Third St., Napa. Info, 224-8693.

Free parenting classes

Napa Valley Adult School offers “Positive Parenting for Parents of Preteens and Teens” on Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., through March 19. Topics include: challenges facing the middle school “tweenager”; the teenage brain as a work in progress; crisis in the teen years; and how to stop fighting with your teen and creating a positive family environment. Another class, “Effective Parenting,” is held Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., through March 18, for parents/caregivers interested in positive discipline techniques. New students welcome anytime. Classes are free and held at Redwood Middle School, Room A-3. Info and registration, 253-3594.

Storytime at the library

These free, group-listening experiences introduce children to stories, inspire excitement about learning to read and provide access to the world of books. Library storytime programs run through April 24. At the Napa Main Library: Toddler Storytime (ages 18 months to 3 years) Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.; Preschool Storytime (ages 3 to 5) Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; Family Storytime (ages 4 to 7) Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; and Bilingual Storytime (ages 2 to 5) Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. Presented by the Napa Infant Preschool Program. Similar programs are offered at the Calistoga and American Canyon libraries. The Napa Main Library is at 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, the Napa Main Library at 253-4070; the American Canyon Library at 644-1136; or the Calistoga Library at 942-4833.

Quilting classes

Marsha Ewig teaches beginners to construct a sampler quilt to experience the variety quilting has to offer. For the experienced quilter popular techniques such as rotary cutting and paper piecing are spotlighted. For the quilt artist the class provides a wonderful place to work on individual projects. In-class registration only. Fridays, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 967-2900.

Napa Valley

Nursery School

Napa Valley Nursery School is accepting enrollment requests and scheduling tours for the 2008-09 school year. NVNS offers morning and afternoon classes for children ages 3 to 5 (child must be 2 years., 9 months by Sept. 1). NVNS is a parent cooperative preschool and has been in Napa since 1950. Info, Dene Dirksen at 252-2402 or www.nvns.org.

NCHS Kids Club

The Napa County Historical Society is beginning a Kids Club. For $15 per year, kids ages 7-10 can learn about the history of Napa through games, activities, programs and special events. One-year membership to the club includes quarterly newsletters and free admission to the society’s kids’ activity days twice a year. If you know a child age 7-10 who would enjoy being a member of the society, e-mail Kristie at director@napahistory.org or call 224-1739 for an application. Info, www.napahistory.org. Program sponsored by Community Projects, Inc.

Study abroad

Napa Valley College’s summer international education classes include Anthropology in Yucatan, Mexico. Students can earn anthropology credits through this program and may fulfill some of their multicultural studies and/or social sciences requirements. The class is from June 4 to 17. Trip cost is $2,545 which includes all accommodations, airfare and many meals. Info, Jessica Amato at jamato@napavalley.edu or 253-3183. The college also offers a French in Paris summer class from July 1 to Aug. 1 at the Sorbonne. Reservations must be made by April 22. Info, Anne-Marie McEligot at 224-3931, or e-mail amceligot@hotmail.com. Professor María Villagómez leads the Spanish in Spain program where students earn Spanish college credits. The class is from June 28 to July 19 in Salamanca. Price includes two full-day excursions to Segovia/La Granja de San Idelfonso and to Toledo. Info, Professor Villagómez at 253-3178, or at mvillagomez@napavalley.edu. General info, www.napaval ley.edu; click on “Study Abroad.”

Benefit book sale

Thousands of books on all topics, plus videos and records are on sale at the Napa City-County Library through Feb. 24. Sale is open during normal library hours, except Sundays when the sale closes at 5 p.m. A Collector’s Corner display offers special books, collectibles and records. Sponsored by Friends of Napa Library, with proceeds supporting library programs and projects. Community Room, Napa Library, at 580 Coombs St., Napa.

Bunny Basics

This free, fun, interactive class explores how to properly care for your pet rabbit and is designed for those considering adopting a bunny as well as current owners. It includes open discussions, handouts, handling techniques and how to create a habitat. Feb. 24, 1-2:30 p.m., at Pet Food Express, in the Bel Aire Shopping Center, in Napa. Register at 255-8118 ext. 202.

Phillips Charter School Community Night  

Join faculty, staff and students of Phillips Charter School Feb. 26, 5-7 p.m., for a showcase of successful programs, including student exhibits, musical performances, technology demonstrations, health and fitness education and more. Food catered by Tres Hermanos. The school is located at 1210 Shetler Ave., Napa.

Wee Wednesdays

Infants and their caregivers bounce, sing, clap, and listen to stories and more during Wee Wednesdays, a weekly language enrichment storytime at the Napa City-County Library. For infants 6 to 18 months of age, these 20-minute programs are held at 10:30 a.m. from Jan. 30 through April 23. Library policy requires that children under the age of seven be accompanied by an adult at all times. Free. The library is located at 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4070.

Parents’ awards

National Parent Leadership Month honors parents for their roles in their own homes and communities. On Feb. 27, from 1:30-3 p.m., ParentsCAN is joined by other family resource centers of Napa County to recognize extraordinary parents in the community. These parents, each nominated by a resource center, have used their experience facing significant challenges to assist and support other parents in similar situations. The award presentation takes place at the Napa City County Library, with special guest speaker Dr. Barbara Nemko, superintendent of Napa County Office of Education. Light refreshments served. Info, 253-7444 or www.parentscan.org.

Dyslexia presentation

Learn about dyslexia, including classic warning signs, at a free presentation given by Heidi Nord on Feb. 28, 6:30-8 p.m.  Presentation is held at Napa Community Bank, 700 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 225-4409.

Music essay contest

The Napa School of Music is holding an essay competition giving Napa Valley residents a chance to win private music lessons worth more than $6,000. The music school provides private music instruction for all ages and also offers a  popular “Garage Band 101” program, which gives students the experience of playing in a rock band. A total of three year-long scholarships and six one-month scholarships are awarded to the entrants who write the best essay on the topic, “Why Music Is Important In My Life.” Scholarships are awarded by Mayor Jill Techel at an awards ceremony in the school’s north parking lot on March 1, at 2 p.m. Entrants must be present to win. All essays must be submitted by Feb. 28, no later than 9 p.m., by e-mail to: info1@napaschoolofmusic.com; or by mail; or in person to Napa School Of Music, Essay Competition, 101 S. Coombs St., Suite B, Napa. Info, 252-4040 or www.napaschoolof music.com.

Lecture and book signing

Author, business executive, journalist, and professor David Batstone presents “Living Justly in a Complex Global Age” for the eighth Longo Lecture at Pacific Union College on Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. A book signing follows the lecture. Batstone points to a single thread that makes sense of this diverse portfolio: engaged justice. In the Longo lecture, he addresses the challenges of enacting justice in the business, political, religious and cultural systems that shape global realities. The free lecture takes place in Dauphinee Chapel at Winning Hall, PUC, at One Angwin Ave., in Angwin. Info, 965-6303.

Opera House

history program

The Napa County Historical Society gears up for its newest exhibition with a presentation about the history of the Napa Valley Opera House by box office manager and Napa Valley Opera House historian Richard Aldrich. The Opera House was built in 1879 as one of the first “respectable” venues west of the Mississippi River. For the latter half of the 19th century, the Opera House was the cultural center for the region until the decline of vaudeville and other pressures forced it to go dark in 1914. Aldrich will bring to life the history of the Opera House with photographs, stories and facts March 2, 2:30 p.m., at the Goodman Library Building, at 1219 First St., Napa. Free. The program is a kick-off for the Society’s upcoming exhibit on four decades of entertainment in Napa County. Info, www.napahistory.org.

Napa Valley Music Associates

Napa Valley Music Associates has openings in the following areas of music instruction: beginning to advanced students for lessons on piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, voice, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, flute, bassoon, drums, harp and mandolin. Private lessons open to children age 6 and up, teens and adults. Also available are ensembles for woodwind, brass, strings. Students for ensembles accepted by auditions for proper placement. Info, 252-8671, or www.napavalleymusicassociates.org.

Health/Fitness

Diabetes wellness

The Diabetes Wellness Program offers a carbohydrate-counting class on Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m., and a blood glucose monitoring class on Feb. 27, 10-11 a.m. Registration required for classes. Info and location, 252-4411 ext. 2391.

Kids’ nutrition

The Nuts and Bolts of Feeding Kids in Today’s World is a workshop sponsored by the Children and Weight Coalition of Napa County designed to help busy parents of preschool-aged children who want their child to develop a healthy relationship with food. Topics include: What is normal eating; building a foundation with family meals and preventing picky eaters. Well-known nutrition educators and registered dieticians, Kathy DeMaggio, RD, CDE and Sanna Delmonico, MS, RD, provide practical solutions to childhood feeding challenges. There will be food tasting, handouts and door prizes. This workshop is held Feb. 25, 6:30-8 p.m., at the UC Cooperative Extension, 1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 4, Napa. A $5 registration fee covers all handouts and refreshments. Register at 253-0376, ext. 101.

Kaiser classes

The following classes are offered by the Kaiser Behavioral Health Department at the Napa Kaiser Clinic: Anger Management (eight sessions) starting Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m. Cost, $80 for Kaiser members, $120 general public; Stress Management (six sessions) starting Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free for Kaiser members, $48 general public; Couples Communication (six sessions) starting April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost, $90 for a member couple, $135 non-member couple. Info and registration, 645-2312.

Community Resources for Independence

CRI holds a meeting on Disability Law Clinics on Feb. 26, 1-3 p.m., at 1040 Main St., Suite 208, Napa. Info, 258-0270. CRI staff attorneys answer disability-related legal questions on a first-come, first-serve basis at no charge.

Peace for Earth walk

Napa-Sonoma Friends Meeting, the local Quaker group, sponsors a special evening on Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., with two “Peace for Earth” walkers. Ruah Swennerfelt and Louis Cox are currently “walking gently on the earth” from Vancouver, British Columbia, to San Diego in order to increase awareness about the connection between peace, justice and care for the earth: three of the Quaker testimonies. The public is invited to make a reservation for the evening of food and sharing by reservation only to Kathy Mawer at 320-9872 (until 6 p.m.) or at kwmawer@yahoo.com. The two Quakers invite the public to join them in their walk for a portion of the journey as they leave Napa for their next stop.

Relay For Life

The public is invited to the Relay For Life of Napa event kick-off on Feb. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., at St. Apollinaris Church, 3700 Lassen St., Napa. Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. Info, Alisha Clark at 226-9357.

Hospice information

An opportunity to learn the alternatives available for hospice or adult day services is held Feb. 28, at 2 p.m., from experts in the field. The Meadows of Napa Valley host three speakers from Hospice at Napa Valley, Inc., to present “Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services: Your Alternatives in Care.” Pam Byrne discusses hospice care: what it is, who it is for and when it is needed. Celine Regalia shares about their adult day services for people with chronic conditions and their caregivers, and Deane Miller discusses Hospice at Napa Valley’s commitment to quality improvement and care. This free event takes place at the Meadows Fellowship Hall, at 1800 Atrium Parkway, Napa. Space is limited. R.S.V.P. at 257-7885.

Midwife presentation

A group of Napa Valley midwives host a screening of the documentary film “The Business of Being Born.” The documentary explores how the average woman’s experience of giving birth in the United States has become skewed due to a profit-oriented health care system. The screening is held Feb. 29, at 7 p.m., at Napa Valley Community College, in building 800, room 838. A discussion panel follows the screening with local nurse-midwives and licensed midwives. The documentary focuses on an important issue of women’s health and newborn outcomes.

Pharmaca events

Lost vision cannot be restored but a combination of vision training, rehabilitation and learning how to use low-vision devices can return independence. On March 1, the talk is “Low Vision: What It Is and Why There Is Hope,” is held from 10-11 a.m., with Craig Sultan, O.D. On March 2, the talk on “Naturopathic Approach to Allergies” is held from 2-3 p.m., with Anne Scott, ND. All events are free and no advance sign-up is needed. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy is located at 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, 253-0970 or www.pharmaca.com.

Mexican folk dance

Classes are held Saturdays mornings at Napa Valley College in Room No. 601A, Building 600. (Classes started Feb. 2.) Open registration until March 1. Students 6 years and up welcome. Adults welcome too! Info, Lilia Navarro at 252-0417 or Hector Brambila at 253-3034.

Bellydance classes

Exercise in a fun, nurturing environment when instructor/entertainer Shahreena starts her new belly dance class on March 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Shahreena invites the community to try one class for free at Academy of Danse, 1123 Jordan Lane, Napa. Ten weeks, $100 pre-registration (by Feb. 26), $120 after or in-class if space is available. Send check early as class fills quickly to: Academy of Danse c/o Shahreena, 1205 Green Valley Road, Napa, CA 94558. Info, 255-4340. Gift certificates available.

Clubs/Meetings

Napa Women’s Club

The women of Napa Valley are invited to join the Napa Women’s Club Evening Edition. The monthly meetings are filled with high energy and have a charitable component. The next meeting is Feb. 26 at 218 Franklin St., in Napa. The social/networking starts at 6 p.m., the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m..Social/networking continues after the meeting. Guests welcome. Info, Nancy Lewis, 252-4411 ext. 2640, or nlewis@stjoe.org.

Widowed Persons Association

Join a chapter with other widows and widowers for support, friendship and activities. Come for breakfast Tuesdays, 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 Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m. at the Springs of Napa, 3460 Villa Lane, Napa. Info, Nancy at 224-0740.

Nature/Recreation

Sustainable living lecture

Local author and Drinking Liberally (discussion group) activist Mick Winter talks about practical sustainable living. He wrote “Sustainable Living, for the Home, Neighborhood and Community” and draws on it for real-life quandaries such as, “Paper or Plastic?” The public is invited to the talk just before the Unitarian Church service today at 9:45 a.m., at the Girls and Boys Club. Info, John Stephens at 251-0106.

Nature hike

The Land Trust of Napa County leads a hike to Lower Falls at its Archer Taylor Preserve March 1. Hike along the creek (a moderate two-mile round trip) but don’t go all the way to Devil’s Well. After the hike, enjoy your lunch in the redwood grove. To sign up, contact John Speck at 255-1141 or speckslingo@yahoo.com. Info, www.napalandtrust.org.

JPL Napa Outreach Program

A free stargazing event for the public is held March 1, 6-9 p.m., at Skyline Park, Napa. The public is invited to bring telescopes. Astronomers will be on-site. Dress warmly. Info, 815-1856 or www.thestar guide.com.

Other

Rwanda presentation

Join St. Helena Star columnist Jeff Warren for a talk and slide show of his recent trip to Rwanda, where he visited the Parc National des Volcans, home to 380 gorillas and where Dian Fossey did her remarkable gorilla research. The event is Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane. Info, 963-5244.

Class of 1988

The Napa High School Class of 1988 holds a 20-year reunion planning meeting March 7, 6 p.m., at Mary’s Pizza Shack, 3085 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, Scott Ghisletta at 486-9556, or Seana (Fitt) Wagner at 483-1274.

Poetry broadcast

“Moon River” poetry 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

Radio show

Doris Smeltzer, author of “Andrea’s Voice: Silenced by Bulimia,” hosts “Savor Yourself,” a radio show on VoiceAmerica. Savor Yourself addresses the issues in a world where a “one-size fits all” mentality prevails. Through personal story and interviews with researchers, therapists and world-renowned experts in the field of eating disorders, nutrition, and body image issues, Savor Yourself helps listeners dare to go beyond skin deep and get turned on to life again. Tune in Mondays at 1 p.m. on the Internet Radio Link at AndreasVoice.org or VoiceAmerica.com.

Visit Japan

This year marks the 35th year since the formation of the Napa-Iwanuma Sister City Committee was formed to develop ties and friendships with Iwanuma, Japan. To help celebrate this milestone, the Napa committee has organized a citizens’ tour to Iwanuma in April. The tour departs on April 5 and returns on April 13. Transportation is provided by Japan Air Lines to Tokyo International Airport in Narita and includes three days in Tokyo with a half-day guided tour of the city. There is a one-day guided tour of the well-known Shrine in Nikko, followed by three days in Iwanuma. Travelers have the opportunity to stay as guests in Japanese family homes and visit Sendai, the largest city north of Tokyo. The return to Tokyo will be via the high-speed train. Total cost of the tour including tax and fuel surcharges will be under $2,500. Info, Charlie Ray, at 226-2473 or cwray@quixnet.net.

Senior care directory available

Ever wonder how to find a home care agency, assisted care home, legal services or the right equipment to care for an elderly relative? The 2008 Napa Senior Care Directory lists these, and much more, including low income services for seniors. The directory is free 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. It is also available for a $2 mailing fee from: Born To Age, P.O. Box 6863, Napa, CA 94581. Stacks can be distributed at no charge for area clubs/organizations by calling 226-7127. The directory is also available on-line at www.borntoage.com.

Jarvis Journal

Tune into the all-new Jarvis Journal on cable Channel 28, screening every Thursday at noon and Friday at 10 p.m. The Jarvis Journal now features a new police investigations unit and a campy Flash Gordon episode.

The N.A.P.A. Show

Tune in every Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m. to Napa TV Channel 28 for live entertainment. It’s the N.A.P.A. Show (Newest Arty Party Adventure) with host Arty “Party” Reyes and co-host Alissa Solis, “The Hollywood Homegirl,” and the rest of the dynamic crew. Interviews with local guests and lots of fun and games with viewer participation! Sit back, get your favorite beverage, relax and party with Arty! This show is dedicated each week to the late, great George “The Barber” Alvarez.

Class of 1988 reunion

The Vintage High School Class of 1988 planning committee is putting together their 20-year reunion, to occur sometime next year, and is trying to contact all the classmates who graduated from Vintage High School that year. If you, or someone you know, is a Class of 1988 alumni, please send an e-mail to vhs88reunion@yahoo.com. Include full name and maiden name (if applicable). You will receive the weekly reunion newsletter filled with current updates on the reunion planning, plus a current list of names of people who have been contacted, and those that still need to be found.

Class of 1958

The Napa High School Class of ‘58 Reunion Committee seeks other classmates for their 50th Reunion Gala. If you are, or know any, please e-mail: combellack.1@netzero.net, or call Bill Welch at (201) 323-6592.

St. Helena class reunions

The St. Helena Catholic School (formerly known as the St. Helena Parochial School) actively seeks alumni from 1966 through 2007. If you are a graduate or know the whereabouts of any alumni, please contact Gary Menegon (Class of ‘69)at 963-3423 or fra3mic@aol.com; or Diana Cruz Carr (Class of ‘79) at 258-9115 or napavalleyna tive@yahoo.com.