Experience the joy of worry-free senior living at The Watermark at Napa Valley. Be immersed in our vibrant community offering an extensive monthly calendar of social, educational, and recreational activities. With personalized care, you or your loved one can embrace a truly fulfilling lifestyle, where new friendships blossom and cherished memories are made.
APRIL
We believe all members of the Napa community, regardless of status, deserve access to basic legal services,” said Madeline Hernandez, IIBA’s North Bay Regional Directing Attorney. At IIBA, we are geared up and ready to protect our most vulnerable populations, including immigrants.”
To donate, volunteer or learn more about IIBA, visit: iibayarea.org
Napa office doors over ten years ago to meet an urgent need for immigration legal services. IIBA has since provided 13,000+ legal consultations, filed 7,500+ immigration cases and helped 2,500+ Napa community members become U.S. citizens.
In Napa County, immigrants account for:
73% of the agricultural workforce
39% of the manufacturing workforce
37% of the construction workforce and 29% of the hospitality workforce.
We started in Napa as a staff of one and have since grown to a team of 12, helping immigrant families join and contribute to the community by providing high-quality immigration legal services and education at low or no cost.
The Napa Table | Saturday, June 7th | Tickets on Sale Monday, April 14th at 10am Reserve your seat for an extraordinary opportunity to dine and celebrate at a table of 400 in Downtown Napa. Featuring local wines paired with a chef-curated special menu. The fourth annual Napa Table promises to be an unforgettable evening.
PUBLISHER
Napa Marketplace Publishing, Inc.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Connie Anderson
SALES EXECUTIVE/MARKETING
Erica Pickett
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alicen Curtis
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Kelly Hurst
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathleen Reynolds
Linda Bausch
Evy Warshawski
NAPA VALLEY
MARKETPLACE MAGAZINE 1053 Round Hill Circle, Napa, CA 94558 info@napavalleymarketplace.com napavalleymarketplace.com 707.261.0116 The Marketplace Magazine© is a division of Napa Marketplace Publishing, Inc. Copyright© April 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Over 36,000
in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and American Canyon.
We are thrilled to announce that Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group will be welcoming two exceptional advanced practitioners to our interventional pain care team, helmed by Dr. Jackie Weisbein, this April: Ryan Hill-Falkenthal, PA-C, and Annabel Slovek, MSN, NP-C.
Ryan Hill-Falkenthal, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a Master of Science from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York. He brings extensive experience in managing orthopedic spine conditions, performing diagnostic assessments, assisting in surgeries, and providing comprehensive post-operative care. Ryan’s commitment to patient-centered care ensures that individuals receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.
Annabel Slovek, MSN, NP-C, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2018, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. With over a decade of nursing experience, including her tenure as a Nurse Practitioner in Pain Management since 2018, Annabel is dedicated to addressing both acute and chronic pain. In addition to her expertise in interventional pain management, she will also be expanding our practice by offering aesthetic treatments, bringing her skill and compassionate approach to both pain relief and cosmetic care.
The addition of Ryan and Annabel to our practice reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the Napa Valley community with exceptional healthcare services. Their diverse expertise and dedication to patient well-being will enhance our ability to serve more patients with the highest standard of care.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ryan and Annabel as they become integral members of our healthcare family.
By Kathleen Reynolds
We of the Greatest and Baby Boomer Generations are living in an opportune time regarding our health. Yes, we have aches, pains and perhaps need “bionic” joints, but all in all, we have advanced technology and professionals who can help. We just have to reach out for assistance.
One area in which we seniors may fall behind is seeking support for our mental health. According to the National Institute on Aging’s National Library of Medicine: “Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.”
The Institute goes on to say that there are several key aspects of mental health: emotional well-being, the ability to manage and express emotions effectively; psychological health, which includes processes such as thinking, memory, learning and problem-solving; and social well-being and how we interact with others.
As we age, we are confronted with changes in our circumstances, such as serious illness, losing a loved one or even the so-called positive changes that come with retirement. Many people adjust to these life changes; however, some may experience grief, social isolation or loneliness. If these feelings persist, they may lead to depression or anxiety.
How do you know that you might need a mental health therapist? We asked Dr. Kenneth Merritt, PhD,
and retired Psychology Professor at UC Berkeley.
“This can vary immensely considering the person and their ability to cope with daily stress, their history and current events in their lives,” says Dr. Merritt. “Many factors can contribute to the quest for psychotherapy. For example, if a person experiences a trauma, witnesses a traumatic event or has a major problem they just cannot get through emotionally. Or perhaps the person wants to do personal growth leading to more insights about themselves and other reasons.”
Some seniors may harken back to a time when seeking mental health care was hush-hush and even considered shameful. That doesn’t have to be true for us today.
is a good place to find a qualified therapist. There are many helpful resources, including online and through the County of Napa: Older Adult Behavioral Health Services.
“Many folks ask their friends who they know have been in therapy for a recommendation,” says Dr. Merritt. “There are other ways, by contacting either local associations or State associations, for referrals.”
What are therapy sessions like? Are they scary?
“It can be scary, but that is a good thing if you are approaching something new that you may be unsure of or feel a little anxiety, which is normal. It is really important for the therapist to put you at ease and build rapport with you as you enter therapy.”
Through community programs such as senior centers, clubs or religious organizations; volunteer work in providing a sense of purpose and connection; and technology such as video calls, social media or online communities.
Which is good for the body and mind. Walking, swimming, yoga or light resistance training can reduce anxiety and depression. Group classes can also double as social opportunities.
Pursue Hobbies and Interests
Whether new or long-standing. Gardening, painting, reading or playing music can provide structure, enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
Mental health conditions are not a normal part of aging and are treatable. Treatments can include therapy or counseling, medication management and support groups.
Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats which support both cognitive function and emotional stability.
There are so many different terms–psychologist, psychiatrist, counselors. How do I know what I need?
“All mental health professionals will talk with you about what you are experiencing,” says Dr. Merritt. “However, there are some major differences in their approach.”
“Psychiatrists are considered medical doctors (MD) with the knowledge to prescribe psychotropic medications and have meetings with their clients to check in about how their medications are doing. Psychiatrists have completed four years of college studies, four years of medical school, and two years of residency. If they are to become Board Certified as Psychiatrists, they must also complete two years of residency in a psychiatric facility. All doctors in the State of California must be licensed by the State.”
“Psychologists are considered Doctors of Philosophy (Ph.D. or PsyD) and they have specific knowledge of psychological testing to determine behaviors and provide both long term and short-term psychotherapeutic interventions. Often, they are specialized in a given area that requires assistance such as PTSD, sexual behaviors, family disfunction, phobias, behavior modification and others. Additionally, they complete four years of college, six years of graduate school and two years of internship. They may take on numerous roles such as program managers, university professors, researchers, crisis counselors and even profilers. Psychologists must hold a license from the State of California.”
“A Counselor is a general term that most likely would include individuals holding a master’s degree in counseling. They are generalists and can hold numerous professional positions; however, to provide counseling services to the general public, they must be licensed by the State of California.”
Another area that might concern people is the length of time mental health treatment may last.
“The depends on the problem,” says Dr. Merritt. “Sometimes the problem presents itself in a manner that allows for a brief resolution and the therapy is of a short duration. Sometimes the opposite occurs when the individual has an ongoing issue that requires intervention of a greater amount of time. The best thing to do is to ask: how long this is going to take and how
will I know when I am making progress?”
According to the nonprofit All Seniors Foundation (allseniors.org) Mental health plays a vital role in all aspects of a senior’s life. Good mental health can:
Enhance Quality of Life: Seniors who maintain emotional well-being often enjoy stronger social connections and greater autonomy.
Support Physical Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate physical ailments and weaken the immune system.
Promote Longevity: Studies show that seniors with positive mental health tend to recover faster from illnesses and may have a lower risk of mortality.
Mental health in older adults may often be overlooked, but there is support. Why wait?
If you think you may need help to cope in crisis or in everyday living, reach out. Help is readily available.
We match home providers who have an extra room in their home, with renters seeking an affordable place to live in Napa County. We screen and check references for each candidate and refer potential housemates to one another. We help facilitate the home sharing agreements, and are available for follow up questions and concerns.
Find out if Home Sharing is a match for you!
The winter rains this year exposed quite a few leaky roofs, which left a lot of home owners scrambling to find a roofing company that could patch holes before the next big downpour. One woman who needed her roof repaired didn’t call a single roofing company – she called Susan Pujals, the realtor who had sold her the house, and asked for help.
“That happens all the time, people calling us when they need a contractor, plumber, electrician or whatever. I called one of the roofing companies we use, and her leak was fixed that day.
“We’ve been selling real estate in Napa for almost thirty years,” added
someone at your house and have whatever the problem is fixed before you can even get estimates from someone else. Our recommended contacts will do an expert job and do it quickly and relatively inexpensively.”
Homestead Real Estate is not in the repair business, but some of their clients have suggested that they could be. “It’s crossed my mind for years,” said Jerry, “but right now we are focusing on what we do best, which is real estate.” And according to their clients, they do that extremely well.
“We are always happy to work with new clients, but a lot of our
that they can resell, we get calls from people we’ve known for years.” Homestead Real Estate has over 400 online reviews, all singing the company’s praises. Homestead can help with design and remodel suggestions. For this, they often rely on what Jerry calls their “Secret Weapon”—a New York and Japanbased architect who can also work on historic homes. Does your home need a little love to get it market ready? Homestead can line up the work and pay for it with an interestfree loan that the seller repays upon the sale of the home.
Almost anybody in sales will tell you they are in the relationship business, but with the folks at Homestead Real Estate, that means a lot more than just having dinner with clients once the sale is complete. “Oh, we have lots of friends who started out as clients,” said Susan. It might sound like a cliché but it’s true—she and Jerry are in the business because they love people.
Jerry started selling homes in 1997. He sold fifty-three in his first ten months. “It didn’t shock me because I didn’t know any better, but other realtors were floored.” He wrote and published “Secrets to Real Estate Success” to share his experience with others. Susan was a stay-athome mom to their four children until 2008, when she started in Title and Escrow. The husband and wife discovered that they work well together, and have partnered in real estate since 2008.
Jerry and Susan met in 1987, shortly after Jerry moved to Napa from NYC. Susan, a fourth generation Napan, drove her sports car to her
office on a property Jerry’s company was working on. “I was the only guy on our crew who didn’t whistle at her,” said Jerry. One day, he was doing some work while Susan and several co-workers were having lunch outside. “I introduced myself, explained that I just moved here and didn’t know anybody, and asked her out. She said ‘No’ the first time.” Susan said “Yes” the
second time, and the two were married six months later.
For a variety of reasons, buying or selling a home can sometimes be stressful. Susan and Jerry understand that, and will help make the process as easy as possible. Connect with them directly. You can easily find them online. If you’d prefer, call or text at 707-249-0518.
“We have lots of friends who started out as clients.”
This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a milestone that reminds us of the progress made in environmental awareness and action, as well as the ongoing importance of continuing to protect our planet for generations to come. Since it began in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, inspiring millions to advocate for cleaner air, water, and a healthier planet.
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and preserve our ecosystems. As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, it’s crucial to reflect on the challenges still ahead and think about what we can do as individuals to help safeguard our environment. The Earth Day celebration in Downtown Napa serves as a perfect opportunity to honor this legacy and take meaningful steps toward a greener future—and have a good time in the process!
“At this year’s Earth Day event, we are going to showcase steps that we can all take to work towards the 2030 climate action goals the City of Napa has set,” said Jessica Ardizzone with the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County (EECNC), the group that hosts Napa’s Earth Day celebration. “Education is the foundation of meaningful environmental action. This is an opportunity for the community to come together and learn about renewable energy, supporting local agriculture, watershed health, pollution prevention, conservation, and ways to get involved with stewardship efforts. Organizations will also be sharing local resources and services, helping to strengthen our community by empowering people to make informed choices and feel more supported.”
The Earth Day Napa celebration will take place on Saturday, April 12 from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Oxbow Commons in Downtown Napa. This year’s event promises a full day of family-friendly fun, great food, live music, and dance performances. The Salsa Rosa Orquesta, Divorces, and Raya Nova will be performing in addition to Dance House Napa Valley and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli. Delicious local food, treats, beer, and wine will be available.
Additionally, there will be interactive booths with games, crafts, and activities for all to enjoy. “We want everyone to walk away with tools they can use to support the planet, but we also want them to have a fun and create lasting memories.
We’re excited to have such great exhibitors and performers this year, including a new addition to the entertainment lineup—a trash fashion show presented by the Napa County Library,” said Ardizzone. And, as always, admission is free!
The proceeds from the Earth Day event fund the Field Trip Bus Grant program run by EECNC, the event host. EECNC funds field trips for Napa County students to visit sites such as Skyline Park, Connolly Ranch, Carolyn Parr Nature Center, and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park where they can gain an appreciation for, and connection with, the local environment. Proceeds also support the Darcy Aston Environmental Advocacy Scholarship, which is awarded to local students planning to pursue a career in the environmental sciences.
the downtown celebration starts? Take part in the Earth Day Napa Community Cleanup! Throw on some gloves, grab a bucket, and join the Napa County Resource Conservation District at several sites throughout Downtown Napa and beyond to pick up litter from our streets, creeks, and river from 9 to 11:30 AM.
“129 participants, including families, corporate groups, and community groups, removed a grand total of 1,075 pounds of waste from our waterways at the 2024 Cleanup,” said Ashley Kvitek, who has organized the cleanup for the past five years. “People should bring gloves, a bucket, and sturdy footwear that can get dirty. Don’t have a bucket and gloves? We’ve got some to share, as well as a limited number of trash grabbers! There are cleanup locations throughout the City of Napa, so we’re sure we can find a spot for anyone that wants to help out!” Those wishing to help on the water can bring their canoes and kayaks and meet at Kennedy Park. “Litter from our streets gets into our storm drain system, is washed into our local waterways, and eventually can be carried out to the
San Francisco Bay and into the ocean. Cleanup events like this prevent litter from moving through the watershed and impacting local wildlife and water quality, so we invite anyone who wants to help to keep the Napa River healthy to participate in the cleanup and then head to the Earth Day celebration to hear the final results from all of the sites, and the most interesting item found!”
Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family to the Earth Day celebration! Let’s come together to honor and protect our planet while enjoying a day of celebration and community spirit! For more information on the event, visit earthdaynapa.com.
A big thank you to our sponsors who make this event possible: Two Friends Foundation, Napa Recycling
and Waste Services, BAAQMD’s Spare the Air, The Gasser Foundation, BayREN, evee, Marin Clean Energy, Oxbow Ventures, Redwood Credit Union, Sierra Club Napa, Bartlett Tree Experts, Napa Resource Conservation District, Napa Green, Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine, Napa County Public Works, Upstage Productions, Napa Valley Vintners, City of Napa Public Works & Water Division, Napa Sanitation District, Spottswoode Winery, Democrats of Napa Valley, Bye Bye Mattress Recycling Program, Napa Climate NOW!, Save Napa Valley Foundation, Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, Bartlett Brewing Co., Napa Palisades, and Tannery Bend Beerworks.
The Real Pro Tour is a high profile group of 18 of Napa’s most experienced real estate agents, from 8 different local firms, touring their listings each month via private motor coach. Each agent has been elected to join based on their extensive business experience, ability to share their expertise and knowledge of the market. They enjoy working together to provide listing price evaluations, suggestions for making a property as desirable as possible before coming on the open market and discussing marketing strategies to benefit each property. If you have been fortunate enough to work with one of these top agents you have likely experienced the unusual effort of cooperation and insight gathered specifically to advise on the successful sale of your home.
SUSIE ASHLOCK
707-246-2278
Napa Valley Homes
Ca/DRE# 01093535
LANI COOKE
707-479-0489
Golden Gate Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Ca/DRE# 00865946
SUZI HERSOM
707-287-1102
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 00978469
GISELLE LAMPE
707-266-8086
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 01885132
ELLEN POLITZ
707-363-2133
Corcoran Icon Properties
LAURIE BUURMA
707-337-4329 COMPASS
Ca/DRE# 01271127
PAULO CORRO
707-322-2688
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 01335078
STEVE HEUN
707-479-5800
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 00985896
JULIE LARSEN
707-260-4663 COMPASS
Ca/DRE# 01194150
JIM VANOLI
707-337-5946
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
KAREN CHERNISS
707-738-8261
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 00915808
BRIAN GROSS
707-337-3689
Golden Gate Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Ca/DRE# 01908361
BILL KELLER JR. 707-337-6693
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 01420013
WENDY LYNCH
707-226-9935
Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale Properties
Ca/DRE# 01243667
Ca/DRE# 01876677
CHRIS WUNDERLICH
707-529-0987
Corcoran Icon Properties
Ca/DRE# 01199379
BILL WAGNER
707-637-7834
RE/MAX
Gold Napa
Ca/DRE# 01511580
KATIE YEARNSHAW 707-266-3863
K&K Luxury Real Estate
Ca/DRE# 01886220
• Small, intimate setting
• Family owned and operated!
• Thoughtfully prepared meals
• Enriching environment: come meet our pets! When you move in during the month of April
1800 Pueblo Ave., Napa • (707) 255-3461
are introducing new weight loss memberships, which include access to:
• Monthly visit with Dr. Adhye or his Associate*
• Body Composition Analysis
• Access to medications, including GLP-1 & other products.
• Free Introductory Session with a Dietitian & Lifestyle Coach
• Guided Education – Interactive 12-week education program developed by medical weight loss experts
• Support community – Expert-led workshops, masterclasses, challenges, and live support groups
• Content library – Hundreds of resources covering nutrition, exercise, mindset, and self-care
* the visits may be covered by insurance.
Submit your snapshots at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-a-community-snapshot
Providence Medical Group is committed to building a healthy partnership between you and your doctor. By encouraging you to take an active role in your own wellness, we work together so you get the most from your health care experience.
Providence Medical Group practitioners have the expertise to provide compassionate, quality care for your entire family, through every stage of life.
For primary care, call 707–703–4863
Looking for a Senior Living Community? We offer FREE, local, and in-person assistance to help you explore and navigate your options with confidence.
Call now or visit our website to get started.
Colleen Kabeary Senior Living Advisor, Licensed Administrator
The Napa community lost a strong supporter and Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine lost a colleague and trusted friend with the passing of John Salmon in February this year.
No tribute could adequately express his big heart, hearty laugh, loyalty to friends and devotion to his family. A native of Chicago, Illinois, he became an attorney and, with his first wife, raised their three children there.
He found his heart’s destiny, though, after moving to California in the 1980s. Here he had an illustrious career that included being appointed the initial Director of the Governor’s Office of Asset Management. As a consultant there, he performed strategic real estate and organizational assignments with agencies including the United States General Services Administration, the California Department of General Services, the city of Los Angeles and others.
He met Dorothy Lind and moved to Napa. They became a powerhouse couple the likes none had seen here before. They supported numerous charitable causes, organized fundraisers for officials and co-founded the Napa Leadership Council. In 2004, John and Dorothy celebrated their wedding in the south gardens at Copia, the American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts; an organization they’d encouraged from its inception. John would go
By Kathleen Reynolds
on to work tirelessly with Harry Price to protect the legacy of Robert Mondavi at Copia.
John shared his real estate development skills and his generous spirit with Napa and put a deep and meaningful imprint on our community. He served on the board of the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation and the Napa Yacht Club HOA. He worked with the Napa RiverLine team to enhance access to and enjoyment of the Napa River; the Oxbow District Taskforce, for the responsible use of land and to sustain its thriving community; and the Napa Housing Coalition to create housing for all income levels.
John, aka Boat Boy, enjoyed motoring local waterways, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. We at Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine anticipated and enjoyed John and Dorothy’s many mouth-watering reviews of local restaurants.
In a 2008 Northbay biz magazine profile, Dorothy was asked: “Which living person do you most admire and why?” Dorothy replied, “My husband, John… because (he is) smart, tenacious, kind and strong.”
We could not agree more. Rest in peace, John, keep rooting for the Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish and thank you for the work you’ve done for the Napa Valley.
Tourism is an essential part of Napa Valley’s economy. Every visit to a vineyard, restaurant, hotel, or local business supports our community’s hardworking members and contributes to 16,000 hospitality jobs. This spring we encourage residents to explore everything the valley has to offer—not only will you rediscover the region’s magic, you’ll help sustain the vibrant culture that makes this place so beautiful and unique.
To discover more, go to VisitNapaValley.com
By Linda Bausch
about those who create the art that touches our emotions, heighten our curiosity, and bring well-deserved attention to something we need— a deeper connection with the visceral beauty of art and to those who create.
This year, let’s take note of a little gem on Napa’s First Street.
Valley (AGNV) received the highest vote count in the Art Gallery category (diRosa Preserve won in the Contemporary Art Gallery category). The publication, with much appreciated sponsorship and support of Redwood Credit Union and Napa Chamber of Commerce, honored 282 Napa County businesses—being voted as Best in their respective categories.
award is the quality and diversity of the art on display. The storefront currently accommodates exhibit space for 50+ local artists; all of them are members of Napa Valley Art Association.
The gallery is currently co-managed by the Association’s Board of Director members, Jeanne Dillon and Katherine Zimmer, who reflects on her role,
“I love co-managing the gallery with Jeanne. We make a great collaborative team of operations and marketing. Our goal this year is to gain a wider awareness of this amazing gallery right in the downtown core of Napa and support our member artists and winning the ‘Best Of’ award is a fantastic boost to start!” They have been overseeing the workings of the busy location, managing staffing, website upkeep, media communications and more. Of course, there are many other tasks and volunteers assisting with details behind the scenes; they’re always working together.
The gallery website (artnv. org) includes a collection of the artists’ profiles, selfdescriptions with bold images that forge a connection between the viewer and the artist bringing them even closer. The running collage of artist images on the home page gives a quick peek of some of the phenomenal art—but, be sure to click on each artist’s page to view their impressive and impactful works. Many artists have websites with more detailed bios and many more images. This is how I discovered the vibrant, thoughtprovoking mosaic art of Monica Currie-Johnson, MD.
purpose and expression through my work. I channel my passion for creativity into colorful, intricate mosaics that celebrate the beauty of repurposed materials. Each piece I create is a testament to the power of transformation—both in the materials I use and the artistic journey itself.”
Monica’s mosaics are created with textures deeply rooted in her
and reimagining is not just an artistic choice, but a conscious effort to contribute positively to the world around me, honoring the value in all things, even those that have been cast aside.”
She continues, “Inspiration flows from the connections I’ve cultivated within my community and my desire to give back. My mosaics are not just personal expressions but also a way to engage with and uplift those around me. Whether it’s through public art projects, collaborative works, or teaching others the art of mosaic, I am driven by the belief that art has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. In every piece, I strive to capture the vibrancy of life, the beauty of diversity, and the strength of resilience. My journey from medicine to art has been one of discovery and renewal, and through my mosaics, I hope to inspire others to see the potential for beauty and creativity in the world around them.”
creativity and ability as a glass worker. She uses varying mediums, patterns and colors in way that leads your eye up and through and around each image. These works are powerful in their draw.
Monica is a mosaic artist who is relatively new to the field of art. As she mentions in a video on her own website (monicasmosaics.com), until she retired as a medical doctor, she had never drawn a picture or shown a proclivity toward art in any way. She only became a full-time mosaic artist about 12 years ago. Monica stated, “I have found a profound sense of
“My art is a reflection of my deep commitment to sustainability and community involvement. By incorporating recycled glass, ceramics, stone, and metal into my work—I breathe new life into discarded objects, reimagining them into something meaningful and beautiful. This process of recycling
Organized by category, in the portrait section you can feel the exuberance with which the pieces have been created. You can virtually hear the laughter; imagine the muscles tightening as the ballerina leaps. You can almost feel the texture of the thick, dark hair, so lovingly coiled and braided as depicted in Monica’s 2022 image portrayed in this article, Destiny. In the categories of mixed media and slate and stone pieces, the large-scale works fill space with certainty—with solid determination to explore existence— as artist’s thoughts become viewer’s image.
Monica has volunteered on largescale urban mosaic projects all
along the west coast and in Detroit and Nashville. She serves on multiple Boards of Directors, including Art Association Napa Valley. Monica has taught workshops and exhibits her work, extensively.
Exhibitors volunteer to staff the gallery which is open seven days a week. This personal investment of time, a few hours each month, is imperative to the successful operation of the shop. On a recent Sunday afternoon, Maggy Walton graced the front desk with her bright personality and contagious smile welcoming all who entered the shop. She told me, “For 13 years, I have exhibited my art at Art Gallery Napa Valley. Being a part of a cooperative gallery means I meet visitors and locals who stroll in and buy directly from the artists. I enjoy chatting, sharing
stories, or just commiserating about the variety of art, the downtown vibe, or sometimes, just the weather.” Her artistic talents vary in medium as well as subject matter, as Maggy finds inspiration in her up-close and personal floral photography and the capturing of unusual images found in items of ordinary simplicity. Her photographs, paintings, scarves and images on metal are on display at AGNV as well as in shows throughout the Bay Area, which include:
Napa Valley Museum, Yountville: “Mini Masterpieces” June 2023-present
Hampton Inn, Napa: Art Association Napa Valley Exhibit 2024
The Westin Verasa, Napa: Solo exhibit 2018, Mustard Festival 2024
Arts Benicia, Benicia: “Art of a Community Annual Exhibit” 2019-2025
Stonehedge Winery, Napa: 2019
Cornerstone Winery, Napa: Solo exhibit 2018
Gallery artists showcase their paintings, ceramics, pottery, textiles, jewelry, glass and metal art in tasteful and dynamic displays. All are encouraged and supported in their efforts to market their work. Many participate locally and across the country, all throughout the year. There’s the Art Around Napa program where artists set up at venues in town and create art, live, while people visit and engage. Open Studios is, of course, the very popular two-weekend event that is held each September, throughout the Valley; not to mention the varied workshop opportunities that Association members may participate in throughout the year at the 1520 Behrens Street location. See website for a detailed calendar of upcoming meetings or workshops.
Young, high school students have longbeen the recipients of an annual Art Scholarship sponsored by the Napa Valley Art Association. Please consider making a donation.
Art Gallery Napa Valley is proudly supported by Napa County Board of Supervisors and the Napa County Arts and Culture Committee, Downtown Napa Merchants Association and Yountville Arts.
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In the music industry, he is known as the reggae artist Collie Buddz. Buddz was born in New Orleans in 1984. After graduating from high school, he attended Full Sail University in Florida where he decided to study studio engineering. Upon graduating, Buddz began looking for work in the recording industry as a performer or producer. One of his first major gigs was working with Shaggy on the single Mad Mad World from Shaggy’s new album at the time entitled Intoxication, released in 2007. That was the same year, Collie released his self-titled debut album with Sony Music with tracks such as Come Around and Blind To You. uptowntheatrenapa.com
APRIL 11
Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say Tour Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young, up and coming comic,” Mark Normand has quickly become one of the most talked about touring
comedians on the scene. Normand’s 2023 Netflix special, Soup to Nuts, was a staple in the streamers’ Top Ten. He also starred on Netflix Season 3 of The Stand Ups. An extremely prolific stand-up, the New Orleans born comedian previously had two Comedy Central specials and has made an unparalleled seven appearances on Conan, four appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. uptowntheatrenapa.com
APRIL 12
Earth Day Napa 2025
Let’s celebrate Earth Day early! Hosted by the Environmental
Education Coalition of Napa County (EECNC), this annual community festival provides educational and entertaining activities for the whole family! Interactive displays, live music and dance performances, crafts, games, and more! Learn about sustainable local products and services - all while enjoying great local food and entertainment! 100% of proceeds from beer and wine sales support the EECNC Field Trip Bus Grant Program and the Darcy Aston Environmental Advocacy Scholarship for Napa County students. Free. 11 am to 4 pm. Oxbow Commons, McKinstry Street, Napa. earthdaynapa.com
APRIL 12
Napa Ballroom Dancers
Napa Ballroom and Social Dancers will be hosting a dance from 7 to 9:30pm at 1500 Jefferson Street in Napa. Doors open at 6:45 pm, with a Cowboy Cha Cha dance lesson by Heidi Dee at 7 pm. 100 Pruf Band will play a variety
of dance music from 7:30 to 9:30pm. $20 admission. napaballroomdancers.com
APRIL 18 & 19
Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour Comedian Kathleen Madigan’s 33-year comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down. As a premiere stand-up comedian, Madigan is one of the few female comedians to tour over 250 days a year. Madigan has squeezed in over 40 appearances on daytime and late-night talk shows, and has had comedy specials premiere on Netflix, Comedy Central, MAX and Amazon Prime. She has also appeared on Jerry Seinfeld’s popular Netflix series, Comedians in APRIL 12
your event request at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event
Cars Getting Coffee, and hosts her popular weekly podcast, Madigan’s Pubcast, which has over 10.7 million downloads on all streaming outlets. uptowntheatrenapa.com
APRIL 18-MAY 4
Other Desert Cities
publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history—a wound they don’t want reopened. When Brooke draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it, family secrets take on a whole new meaning. luckypennynapa.com
Join Mentis for an unforgettable afternoon as we come together to make waves for mental health in Napa Valley! Savor flavors from local food trucks, sip on Napa Valley wines, tour the new Mentis Wellness Campus, and fund the future with a paddle raise and silent and live auctions! mentis.givesmart.com
APRIL 26
Ride the River: A Bike Tour of Napa’s Water Story
Join for a 7-mile round-trip bicycle ride along the Napa River from 9 to 11:30 am to learn about some of the infrastructure and ecology around Napa. The eight stops along the tour will highlight water and wastewater infrastructure, wildlife, restoration, projects, stormwater protection, flood control, and more! Helmets are required. All ages and ability levels are welcome! napasan.com/biketour
APRIL 27
Taste of Yountville
An intimate food and wine tasting experience in the heart of Napa Valley. Taste of Yountville will highlight delicious wines crafted by Yountville tasting rooms and wineries. Featuring 14 Yountville tasting rooms and wineries, delicious farm to table bites by the Chandon culinary team, and beautiful outdoor garden with seating. Each winery will be pouring a red and white wine from 12 to 3pm. yountville.com/tasteofyountville
your event request at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event
By Evy Warshawski
Writing a book can be a long and arduous process.
Victor Hugo toiled for 12 years to complete Les Misérables. One of the longest books ever written at 1,200 pages, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings was also 12 years in the making with five years of breaks in between.
Local writer and marketing professional, Teri Stevens, worked on her just-published young adult novel over a period of 10 plus years with support from a writing accountability group that met weekdays on Zoom, Monday through Friday at 6:15 am for five years.
“COVID really helped,” Stevens said. “I don’t think I would be at the stage I’m at now had I not gotten up early when my family was asleep to work on the book. Also, as my three kids moved into their teens, it was easier to find the time.
The writer’s adage, ‘Butt in the chair’ is very real.”
The result is a charming and meticulously written story entitled Makenzie’s Ring, a 176-page, paperback middle grade mystery geared to readers ages 8-12 and published by Canadianbased Chicken House Press. Line art illustrations at each chapter break add playful
drawings created by Stevens’ daughter, Mikayla, a Vintage High School junior.
Makenzie’s Ring tells the adventurous tale of 13-year-old Makenzie Taylor, a firsttime junior counselor at Camp Baldwin, who spends the summer away from home and overprotective parents. By accident, she discovers a mysterious ring at the bottom of Lake Tahoe. Defying camp rules about returning anything found on the property, she decides to keep the ring which, to Makenzie’s surprise, changes colors. Hidden mysteries, ghosts, strange dreams and a little bit of magic follow.
“The inspiration for my book came from a love of summer camp paired with an idea I had walking through the historic Baldwin Estate at Lake Tahoe,” Stevens shared. “Initially I imagined my protagonist finding a vintage earring and trying to figure out where it came from, and then, some interesting things happening after she found it. The story expanded from there.”
Stevens earned a B.A. in Journalism with a specialty in advertising from the University of Nevada, Reno. After a lengthy career in the shopping center marketing industry, she held positions with various centers in Northern
California including The Great Mall of the Bay Area and Ghirardelli Square. In 2002, her husband William took a job with Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division while she was hired as Marketing Director at the Napa Valley Opera House.
“When I left my position at the Opera House to care for our children,” said Stevens, “I began writing as a way to do something creative for myself.” She harkened to some sage advice from Mark Twain: “Write about what you know.”
Stevens grew up in the Reno area and during elementary and middle school, she spent weeks at Camp Galilee, an Episcopal church camp located near Zephyr Cove.
“The camp is right off the beach at Lake Tahoe, and it was a wonderful place to go every summer,” Stevens reminisced. “While I wasn’t a counselor there, my younger sister was. I have many fond memories of being able to attend with a childhood friend, swimming in the lake, looking for crawdads, talent shows and hiking up Zephyr Trail. I imagined the Baldwin Manor, a 100-year-old property next door and a mystery that occurred there in the past. Throw in an enchanted ring and ....”
Celebrated local author Hillary Homzie’s review for Makenzie’s Ring is a strong testimonial from a fellow writer:
“Teri Stevens … brings a mix of mystery, magic and heart to her storytelling. She spins a thrilling summer camp adventure where 13-year-old Makenzie uncovers a supernatural mystery, confronting ghosts of the past while discovering her own strength. Perfect for readers who love a blend of spooky fun as well as friendship stories, this debut novel will leave readers eager for their own adventure.”
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Home Energy Score tells you how energy efficient your home is.
On a 1 to 10 scale, you’ll learn how much energy a home like yours is expected to use compared to other homes.
Plus, you’ll receive suggestions for home efficiency and comfort improvements.
When to get a Home Energy Score
• Before renovating or remodeling your home
• When you want to make your home more comfortable
• When you want to save money and reduce energy bills
• When you’re ready to sell your home
By Kathleen Reynolds
On May 4, 2025 at 2 pm, NEWS invites everyone to Walk-A-Mile Napa Valley to promote awareness and support of survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
“The message is that we’re taking this walk purposefully to feel what it might be like to walk in a survivor’s shoes,” says NEWS Executive Director, Tracy Lamb. “It’s a message of resilience.”
NEWS is dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence heal, thrive and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. The organization offers a 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter a nd advocacy services for survivors. These essential programs serve over 1,800 local survivors annually. Participation in the walk sends a message that our community stands together against violence.
~ Jennifer Abram, Development/Marketing Director for NEWS
This is a one-mile walk starting and ending at The Napa Yard at the Oxbow. Walkers are encouraged to choose footwear that makes a statement of hope or in some way begins a meaningful discussion about solidarity with survivors whose paths to safety begin at NEWS.
NEWS is taking the lead and joining together with their community partners to host this event.
“This is a new and improved format for the walk,” says Tracy. “Men used to wear women’s shoes for the walk,
to understand that the path that someone walks when they’re going through domestic violence or sexual abuse is difficult and we’re asking everyone to imagine what it would be like to walk along that path.”
Jennifer Abram is the development/ marketing director for NEWS.
“It’s a different way to engage the community and include everybody,” says Jennifer. “The entire point of the walk is to create awareness and make it a conversation. I think there’re different ways that everyone can participate, from children up. No matter who you are it’s a great event to create awareness.”
All ages are invited to walk the route from Napa Yard, across Soscol Avenue, through Veteran’s Park, then across the Third Street Bridge and return to Napa
activities and crafts. The event runs from 2 to 5:30 pm. The cost to register is $15.
NEWS is encouraging groups to form teams to raise recognition and money for the cause. The walk is organized and supported by Napa Valley College, the Victim’s Witness division of the District Attorney’s Office and the Monarch Family Justice Center.
“The event is important to express how vital our services are in Napa Valley,” says Jennifer. “It’s easy to live in a bubble, but we all have to do our part as a community, because domestic and sexual abuse do exist. We have to support our survivors to support our community. This is one way to participate, to spread awareness and raise money.”
Tracy agrees.
violence and sexual abuse and feel that there’s a stigma; they can’t talk about it. Oftentimes, there are so many barriers and obstacles that survivors face in the process of going through the system and reporting their abuse. They may know they have NEWS and our advocates, but it’s such a powerful feeling when they see the community get behind them; to know that people care, people believe them, they’re concerned about the issue and want it stopped. When they see people coming out with signs or making a statement like that, it projects hope. It makes them realize that people support them and want it to end. People care and that’s the big message.”
For more information, sponsorship opportunities and to register, go online to napanews.org/news/events.
