Education

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.

Fix Sacramento, Part 2

Napa Valley CanDo presents part 2 of its legislative reform forum, “Problems and Solutions.” Three panelists analyze the problems with and solutions for a state in perpetual financial crisis. Panelists are Fred Silva, senior fiscal policy advisor, California Forward; Ellis Goldberg, co-founder, CA Majority Rule; and Mary Lasher, director of stakeholder outreach, Repair California. Free. Tuesday, 6:45 p.m. Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, bob@jonesusa.org or 252-1885.

Medicare tips for seniors

A guest speaker navigates through 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 from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. Free. Tuesday, 2-3 p.m. The Meadows of Napa Valley, 1800 Atrium Parkway, Napa. Info, information@meadowsofnapavalley.org or 307-4941.

End-of-life wishes session

Educational sessions on the new Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment forms, which detail a person’s wishes for end of life care, take place Dec. 2, 11:15 a.m., at the Springs, 3460 Villa Lane, Napa, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. at Rianda House, 1475 Main St., St. Helena, and Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m., at Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St. Napa. Free. Info and reservations, 226-7127.

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. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Lilliput Children’s Services, 1721 First St., Napa. R.S.V.P. by Tuesday to 299-3909 or dstutchman@lilliput.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.

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.

Justin-Siena admissions test

The admissions test for the 2010-11 school year is administered to interested eighth graders and potential transfer students. Dec. 5, 8 a.m. to noon. Justin-Siena High School, 4026 Maher St., Napa. Registration, 255-0950 ext. 641 or www.justin-siena.org.

Senior driving class

The California Highway Patrol invites senior drivers to attend a free safe driving class to encourage them to operate their vehicles safer and longer. Overview of potential medical, vision and physical factors affecting safe driving. Dec. 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Masonic Hall, 4125 Solano Ave., Napa. Info, California Highway Patrol at 227-2332 or 253-4906.

Health/Fitness

Pain management seminar

Napa Pain Institute is a highly personalized operation with a nationally recognized team led by the speaker, Dr. Eric Grigsby. Free. Monday, 6-8 p.m. Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, rebecca@napapaininstitute.com or 252-9656.

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.

Napa Lyme support group

For people with Lyme and related tick-borne diseases and their friends and families. Group meets the first Tuesday of every month to lend support, share treatment information and hear the latest information from guest speakers. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Best Western Hotel, 100 Soscol Ave., Napa. Info, loveroflifeone@yahoo.com.

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.

Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome support group

Group for teens and young adults meets the first Thursday of each month, 6-7 p.m., at the Autism Services Foundation office at 1866 El Centro Ave., Napa. Guests welcome. Info, eric@autismserivcesfdn.org or 227-5784.

Hospice tour

Tour Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services, meet staff and see programs in action the first Thursday of every month, 10 a.m. to noon, and by appointment. To schedule tours, send e-mail to info@napavalleyhospice-ads.org or call 258-9080. Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services, 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa.

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

Workshops help 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.

Family Support Group

Group for those with loved ones facing mental health issues meets the first Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m., at 1500 Third St., Suite B-1, in Napa (across from ABC Bakery). Group sponsored by the County of Napa Health & Human Services Agency. Info, 253-4046 or 253-4785.

Stroke presentation

St. Helena Hospital presents “Stroke of Luck — the Only Kind to Have,” with neurologist Robert Egan, M.D., who discusses information on prevention and treatment options in the event of a stroke. The “luck” in the free seminar comes with several local merchants on site offering holiday shopping to attendees. Admission is free, but a donation of an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Yountville Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Toy & Food Drive is appreciated. Appetizers provided. Dec. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Helena Hospital, 10 Woodland Road, St. Helena. R.S.V.P. to 1-800-540-3611.

Volunteer

Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services

Hospice front desk greeters needed to greet visitors for a four-hour block of time once a week. Volunteers should be exceptionally warm and friendly. Adult Day Services staff needs help with providing lunch to participants, including support with serving lunch, clearing tables, simple meal preparation and plating, and light clean-up. Info, 258-9084 ext. 206 or 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 p.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 approximately 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.

Man-to-Man support group

Group meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month and helps men cope with prostate cancer by offering community-based education and support for patients and their family members. Free. Queen of the Valley Medical Center, 1000 Trancas St., Napa. Info, 1-800-227-2345.

Kinship and coffee

Group for those raising another relative’s child meets the first Tuesday each month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Cope Family Center, 1340 Fourth St., Napa. Info, Marla Wiggin at mwiggin@copefamilycenter.org or 252-1123.

Needlecraft

Bring embroidery, knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc. and join an afternoon of crafting. Share expertise or ask questions. Group meets first Tuesday of every month, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Napa City-County Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 253-4241.

Vietnam Veterans of America

The local chapter 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.

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.

Masonic Hi Twelve

The Masonic Hi Twelve meets the first and third Wednesday each month, 11:30 a.m., at Denny’s Restaurant, 1000 Imola Ave., Napa. Info, Harry at 294-2119 or 299-8258.

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 Host Lions

Lions meet the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the Napa Sea Scout Hall, 402 Riverside Drive, Napa. Guests are welcome by advance reservation to 255-0906. Membership by invitation and open to community service-minded adults who wish to have fun while giving back to their community. $9 dinner. Info, Rich Myers at aprsrmn@aol.com or 255-0906.

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.

Unity League mixer

The Napa Valley Unity League’s mission is to enhance the sense of community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning citizens and their loved ones through social networking, community service, health and education and social justice. Meets the first Monday of each month, 6-8 p.m. RiverPointe Napa Valley, 500 Lincoln Ave., Napa. $5 suggested donation. Info, info@napavalleyunityleague.org.

Napa Valley Stamp Club

Stamp collectors and those interested in philately invited to join the Stamp Club the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1330 Second St., Napa.

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.

Napa Valley Needlers

Group meets at Buckhorn Grill at the Napa Town Center. Brief business meeting, exchange of handmade ornaments and lunch. A buffet luncheon is served. $21 cost includes tax and tip. Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info, 224-2355 or 257-7076.

Nature/Recreation

Workshop: 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 at McPherson Elementary School, 2670 Yajome St., Napa. Registration required to 253-0376 ext. 101 or www.crcnapa.org.

Other

Toy collection

Napa Valley Republican Women Federated has joined with the California Republican Party in supporting the Toys for the Troops’ Kids program. The group has collected more  200 toys to contribute to children of military personnel who are now deployed or have been killed in action. A collection point has been set up at General Equipment, 50 Enterprise Court, Napa, for additional donations. Bring unwrapped toys by Tuesday Info, 226-7681.

Calling all artists for a historic art exhibition

The Napa County Historical Society and Wandering Rose present “Retrospect,” an exhibition displaying contemporary, experimental and edgy artwork of emerging artists in Napa County. The exhibition will be on display at the Goodman Library from Feb. 4 to May 20, 2010. Artists in Napa County are challenged to create a unique interpretation of Napa County’s history. Any art form accepted from painting to sculpture to photograph to digital arts. Submissions will be juried for acceptance based on appropriateness to the subject, completion of submission form and how it will show with other submitted works. Art will be auctioned or raffled off to visitors. Proceeds are divided between the artists and the Napa County Historical Society. Deadline Jan. 1. Info, Kristie at director@napahistory.org or Olivia at Olivia@wanderingrose.org. Visit www.napahistory.org/opportunities.html for submission guidelines.

Senior resources

The Area Agency on Aging Serving Napa and Solano provides a range of services to support the independence of seniors, 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.