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

Senior citizens seminar

The Napa Chapter of the AARP-Community Presents Team presents a seminar on important things for senior citizens and others that are interested in learning about: the free Napa County RX card; happy, healthy pets; good grief; managing your mail; and keeping your family and friends informed. Includes door prizes, refreshments and interesting speakers. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon. Seating begins at 9:30. Elks Club, 2840 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, Leah Hawkley at lhawkley@aol.com or 321-1991.

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.

Creative Play-Creative Learning

Learn how Waldorf curriculum maximizes the opportunities for children to master their world. Be prepared to move and have fun. Evening is beneficial for both parents and teachers. Hosted by Stone Bridge School and sponsored by the Napa Valley Waldorf Education Foundation. $5 suggested donation. Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Silverado Middle School, 1133 Coombsville Road, Napa. Info, www.napavalleywaldorf.org.

Children’s Health Initiative forum

Features Mark Diel, executive director of the Children’s Health Initiative, Napa County. Diel speaks and answers questions on the County’s efforts to provide comprehensive health care to all children. Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon. Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, Lana Stanley at lanas1@aol.com or 252-3410.

Miss Napa County Program informational meeting

The organization has begun its search for the 2010 program participants. Two scholarship programs: ages 17-24 for the Miss Napa County program, ages 13-16 for the Northern Valley’s Outstanding Teen program. Learn more about free training and scholarships available. Nov. 15, noon to 3 p.m. HealthQuest, 3175 California Blvd., Napa. Info, Katelyn Bruce at MissNapaCounty@gmail.com or 299-9374.

Discussions on religion

Jim Craig, retired teacher of comparative religions, presents the third in his lecture series on the topics of the “Psalm of the Hoopoe Bird” and “The Voice of Gomer.” He considers the appeal of Jerusalem and Yahweh, religious/ethnic intermarriage and the place of women and prophets. Nov. 15, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley, 1515 Pueblo Ave., Napa. Info, Tom Wilson at 2wilsons1dog@comcast.net or 254-7443.

G.K. Chesterton: his wit, wisdom & sanctity

Dale Ahlquist, popular author, TV host, and president of the G.K. Chesterton Society, presents an illuminating and inspiring talk on the wit, wisdom and sanctity of G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton was profound and prolific in his defense of Christianity and the church, using his good-humored battle with words against various evils in today’s world. Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. Kolbe Academy-Trinity Prep, 2055 Redwood Road, Napa. Info, tony@ignatius.com

Poetry Read Around

Join Napa Valley’s Poet Laureate, Gary Silva, the third Sunday of each month, 3-4:30 p.m., for a reading and sharing of poetry. Bring your own poems to share, or relax and enjoy. St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Info, director@shpl.org or 967-2805.

MENSA testing

Wonder how you stack up against the brightest out there? Find out if you’re in the top 2 percent. Participants must be 14 or older and pre-register. $40. Nov. 21, 9-11:30 a.m. Napa High School, 2475 Jefferson St., Napa. Info and registration, Lenore Hirsch at 320-0643.

Health/Fitness

Look Good, Feel Better (class for cancer patients)

Free American Cancer Society program where specially trained, licensed cosmetologists work with women to address changes due to treatment. Receive free products and advice in a supportive environment. Monday, 9:30-11 a.m. Queen of the Valley Community Outreach, 3448 Villa Lane, Suite 102, Napa. Registration, 1-800-ACS-2345.

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.

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.

Diabetes Wellness Program

Education classes and support group are as follows: Diabetes class Wednesday; pre-diabetes classes Nov. 12 and Nov. 19; basic diabetes education Nov. 21; and adult support group Nov. 11. Registration required for classes. Info and location, 252-4411 ext. 2391.

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.

Pharmaca events

Presentation on aging beautifully with raw nutrition: Sunny Griffin put down roots in Telluride, Colo., after building a successful career as a supermodel. To offset the effects of premature aging caused by the harsh mountain climate, she merged her experience in nutrition, health, beauty and cosmetics to create Astara Skin Care. Thursday, 7 p.m.

Discover the benefits of bioidentical hormones: their use for menstrual and menopausal symptoms, restoring and increasing sexual drive, promoting mood consistency, relieving anxiety and depression, and increasing mental clarity, focus and energy. Nov. 21, 1-2 p.m. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 4020 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa. Info, jenniferlynndeir@hotmail.com or 253-0970.

Dining Out with Diabetes class

Learn: how to make healthy choices when dining out, how to look for hidden fats and calories and how to determine carbohydrate grams. Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m. Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Lane, Napa. Registration required, 252-4411 ext. 2391.

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.

Chronic illness workshops

Series of 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.

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.

National Federation of the Blind

The Napa Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind meets the third Monday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon. Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., in Napa. Info, 257-7116.

Blood drive

The Veterans Home of California, at 100 California Drive, Yountville, holds a blood drive, 9 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Blood Centers of the Pacific in the hospital recreation area. Eat and drink before donating. Register with Linda Gagne at 944-4505 or at www.bloodheroes.com (click on “Find a Location” and enter sponsor code “cvhyount” to schedule appointment). Walk-ins welcome.

Holiday grief support

Napa Valley Hospice offers a support group for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Learn how to cope with holiday invitations and family traditions, reduce stress and increase well being. Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m. Napa Valley Marriott, 3425 Solano Ave., Napa. Registration required, 258-9080.

Volunteer

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 more than 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 Camellia Society

Enjoy a presentation by Gary Sampson, manager of Van Winden’s West Pueblo Garden Center. Lovers of vintage camellia blooms learn how to revive favorites to compete with the many hybrids, colored and scented camellias appearing in shows. Monday, 7 p.m. Napa Camellia Society, 3279 Scenic Drive, Napa. Info, Peggy at 226-7075.

Congress Valley Water District

The board of directors meet the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Friends of Napa River Building, 68 Coombs St., Suite B, Napa. Info, 256-0344.

Napa-Solano Audubon Society

Gary Langham, director of Bird Conservation for Audubon California, provides a brief history of citizen science at Audubon. Citizen science can connect us to each other, to our landscapes, and provide the data to power sophisticated science projects on disease, climate change and range changes in backyard birds. Tuesday,    7-8:45 p.m. Florence Douglas Sr. Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info, cheryleharris@sbcglobal.net or 224-6133.

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.

Single-parent support group

Share challenges, discuss common topics of interest, receive support and make new friends. Meet second Tuesday of each month, 1-2 p.m. Call to reserve child-care space. Free. First 5 Napa, 5 Financial Plaza, Suite 228, Napa. Info, 252-1123 ext. 102.

Senior Alliance on Aging

The alliance meets the second Tuesday of each month, 8:30 a.m., to exchange information and referrals focusing on the needs and services for the aging community of Napa County. Meeting is all inclusive of providers, recipients and other advocates for the welfare of the senior population. The Meadows, 1800 Atrium Parkway, Napa. Info, tom@reversemortgageconsultant.com or 265-6385.

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.

Napa High Alumni Association

Topics for discussion: scholarships, fundraisers and election of officers for 2010. All Napa High graduates encouraged to get involved. Wednesday, with lunch at noon and the meeting at 1 p.m. Marie Callender’s, 1990 Trower Ave., Napa. Info, Lorraine at 252-0243 or Janet at 252-6258.

Napa Valley Welcome Club luncheon

Charitable women’s group meets Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with guest speaker Napa County Assessor John Tuteur. He talks about Napa real estate, what is happening now and where he sees it going. $18. Marie Callender’s, 1990 Trower Ave., Napa. Info and reservations, Kathy Stevens at 255-3617.

Napa Valley Needlers

Program features demonstrations presented by members and a country store with sale items. Lunch is taco soup and cornbread muffins. Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 224-2355 or 965-9223.

SOAR (Sharing Our Autism Resources)

Community-initiated support group for families who have children on the Autism spectrum meets the second Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. First Five, 5 Financial Plaza, Napa. Info, Keri at 738-8956.

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@napavalleyflyfishers.org.

Napa County Resource Conservation District

District meets the second Thursday of each month, 8 a.m., at the district office, 1303 Jefferson St., Suite 500B, Napa. Info, 252-4188 ext. 108 or kathleen@naparcd.org.

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.

NARFE breakfast

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Napa County Chapter No. 0281, serves breakfast, including ham, eggs, hot cakes and coffee. $4 adults/$2 children under 12. Tickets available at the door. Nov. 15, 7:30-11 a.m. Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 224-9479.

Discussion on art in Napa

Topic for the fall open forums is “Finding a place for art in Napa: community studios and public exhibition spaces,” where the focus is on developing proposals for a Napa community art center, venue and workspace. Guest speaker is Kathryn Reasoner, director of DiRosa. Nov. 17, 7-9 p.m. Di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature, 5200 Carneros Highway, Napa. Info, Olivia at olivia@wanderingrose.org or 363-0395.

Nature/Recreation

Workshop: All About Fruit Trees

The UC Master Gardeners of Napa County present this free workshop. Learn planting techniques, what to look for at the nursery and characteristics to consider in your decision. This class is the first part in a three-part series. Reservations recommended by calling the UC Cooperative Extension office or registering online. Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. UC Cooperative Extension, 1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 4, Napa. Info, Yvonne Rasmussen at yrasmussen@co.napa.ca.us or 253-4221.

Linda Falls hike

Explore the natural beauty, local folklore and history, and geologic background of this 140-acre retreat near Angwin. Bring good hiking shoes, lunch and water. As a treat, view a waterfall. Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info and location, Chip Bouril at csbouril@napanet.net or 944-2058.

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.