china before communism
A Performance that Truly Matters to Everyone
An extraordinary experience for us and the children.
—Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress
“The music is powerful, beautiful. It grabs you and you rise with it.”
—Dominique Föllmi, founder of L’Orchestre International de Genève
“I have reviewed over 4,000 shows, and none can compare to what I saw tonight.”
—Richard
Connema, renowned Broadway critic
doesn’t want you to see. Every year since its inception, Shen Yun has had to overcome the CCP’s attempts to sabotage the performance.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a New York-based nonprofit organization. Its mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun cannot be seen in China today.
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Senior
NAPA VALLEY FARMWORKER FOUNDATION
Education for Workers and Their Families
By Kathleen Reynolds
How Can You Participate?
“What we need most from the public is something we are already so fortunate to have here in Napa Valley, respect for farmworkers and the work they contribute to our local industry, and incredible generosity. This community truly values the people working the vineyards. The more resources we have, the more farmworkers we can serve. We’re deeply grateful to anyone who chooses to contribute to our efforts on our website.”
“One of the most enjoyable ways people can show support is simply by enjoying more Napa Valley wine. Every bottle helps sustain our local winegrape industry—one that is truly unique in the way it invests in the farmworker community.”
For more information farmworkerfoundation.org (707) 261-3340
“Driven to become the best farmer he could be, Roberto Juarez began taking viticulture classes offered by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation. He soon realized that achieving this goal required learning English, so he enrolled in the Foundation’s English Literacy Program, which he completed in 2017. Now fluent, Roberto embraced ongoing education, taking every course available through the Foundation in areas like leadership, management, and sustainability. He is now a vineyard manager.”
This is from the 2024 Annual Report of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation. The mission and goal of the foundation is to support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development.
“One thing I want readers to understand is that Napa Valley’s farmworker workforce is largely permanent,” says Program Director Jill Durfee. “These are individuals and families building their lives here—an essential part of our community
and local economy. The students who attend our classes reflect that deep commitment. Most are adults working full-time, caring for families, and choosing to spend their free time learning something completely new. They are humble, diligent, and driven to create a better future for themselves, their families, and for Napa Valley.”
Founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, the foundation engaged 411 participants in that first year.
By the end of 2024 they had provided 4,259 hours of education, reached 31,733 farmworkers and their families. This year, as of press time, the foundation has had 785 participants.
Jill explains the evolution of the classes since the beginning, “Our programs are farmworker-driven through continuous feedback and data collection. Surveys are an important part of how we measure impact, but they also help us understand what additional topics farmworkers want to learn about. Each year, our Education Committee—made up of 13 industry
“In 2011, we began with a few core programs, such as English and specific viticulture best practices, but nearly all of our growth has come directly from participant input. For example, we have offered First Aid and CPR training for many years. Last year, a student suggested that if she were certified as a trainer, she could better ensure everyone on her team received these lifesaving skills. In response, we launched Train the Trainer: CPR & First Aid, purchased equipment to
a human’s reactions to CPR), and provide ongoing support for those who take on this initiative to lead.”
Since education is one of the most meaningful investments they make, opening doors to opportunity, strengthening communities, and building lasting prosperity, the foundation holds CULTIVAR annually to reflect this vision—a one-of-akind conference where Napa Valley farmworkers deepen viticultural knowledge, strengthen leadership
include in-depth seminars in Spanish exploring the “why” behind essential vineyard practices, practical leadership training focused on goal setting and achieving results and valuable connections with peers and industry leaders.
Every lesson, whether in English, math, computers or finance, becomes a ladder towards pay increases, leadership roles and long-term career growth.
“One program that holds special meaning for me is the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Program.”
Throughout the year, classes can include learning about climate-smart farming and management practices to make Napa Valley vineyards more adaptable and resilient. There’s a class in Night Harvest Safety Training which covers OSHA safety standards for nighttime vineyard operations. A three-day Welding Boot Camp provides hands-on training in essential welding techniques and a certification from Napa Valley College. UpValley Family Centers and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation worked together to bring IRS-certified tax advice through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program to the farmworkers.
“One program that holds special meaning for me is the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Program,” says Jill. “Many farmworkers have had limited access to formal education, making opportunities for personal and professional growth especially valuable. Through these workshops, women strengthen their leadership skills while learning from and supporting one another. In a field
where we are seeing a growing number of women, the program provides a space to develop skills, build confidence, and foster community.”
One person who found success through the class is María Ríos, a vineyard crew leader, and recipient of a foundation Vineyard Champion award.
“Women now have more opportunities,” says María. “These days, a woman can be a foreman— something that wasn’t considered possible (before), as those roles were seen only for men. Now our abilities are being recognized more.”
“I first attended a class at the Women’s Leadership Workshop,” she says. “Those classes were significant for me because they helped me gain confidence in myself. I realized I really could achieve a lot thanks to those workshops. I’ve also taken computer skills, math, and financial literacy classes. These are basic classes but essential for everyday life and work.”
In addition to the farmworkers themselves, farmworker families are invited to participate in the
~ Jill Durfee
programs and can benefit from single or multi-day programs like Health and Well-being events, in partnership with the St. Helena Hospital Foundation and Adventist Health, dental and vision screenings and Healthy Strategies for Managing Stress. At Día de la Familia last year, over 2,500 attendees connected with 50+ local organizations at this annual community building event.
Advancing the next generation of vineyard leaders is essential to maintaining Napa Valley’s legacy and long-term success. To that end, the foundation has an eightweek summer internship program for high school students aged 16 years and older. The Fields of Opportunity mentorship program fosters meaningful relationships and creates opportunities for high school students to gain guidance, develop skills, and receive support from industry mentors.
Mentorship is an important part of the learning process. The foundation website, farmworkerfoundation. org, says in part: “Mentorship nurtures ambition and supports journeys toward personal and professional growth. By pairing emerging talent with experienced mentors, the Foundation ensures that participants receive the
networks needed to advance their careers. These relationships help program attendees set and achieve goals, develop leadership skills, and envision future possibilities.”
Classes in the importance of investing in education are offered to parents and students. In these classes, families learn how to navigate the complexities of applying for and funding higher education for their children.
The foundation works together with organizations such as OLE Health, Strategic Retirement Partners, UpValley Family Centers and the Wester Center for Agricultural Health and Safety to support
meaningful ways. Through their collaboration, they aim to make a lasting, positive impact on farmworker families.
The foundation celebrates farmworkers’ achievements. One way is through the Scholars of the Year award. This prestigious award honors farmworkers who complete the most educational hours and demonstrate exceptional dedication to learning, growth, and leadership in both work and life. Throughout the year, the foundation celebrates Napa Valley farmworkers who embrace education and recognizes them through the Vineyard Champions program.
learning environment among vineyard workers and highlight the expertise and critical contributions of vineyard workers to the Napa Valley wine industry. Along with encouraging professional growth, the awards safeguard the farmworkers’ legacies and stories to the next generation.
The work of Napa Valley Farmworkers is fundamental to the industry’s success. Farmworkers bring a high level of skill and dedication to a community that leads in world-class viticultural practices and produces globally recognized wines.
When
BRINGING SIMPLICITY AND JOY TO GIVING
This busy holiday season, visit CanDoGiveGuide.org to shop, click, and support more than 90 inspiring Napa County nonprofit organizations. In just minutes, you can make a meaningful end-of-year gift that makes our community healthier, safer, and more joyful.
The Give!Guide is an online portal where you can discover a vibrant world of nonprofits that support wideranging causes including the environment, education, animal welfare, community wellness, seniors, and more.
Donating is simple and secure — gifts start at just $10, payable by credit card or check — and 100% of funds stay within Napa County. The Give!Guide is only open November 1 – December 31, 2025.
“We believe the joy of giving is for everyone – young adults, families, retirees, and working professionals.
The Guide makes it easy to join our community of givers. The hard part is deciding between some pretty amazing nonprofits to support,” says Nancy Fireman, Give!Guide executive director.
Originally modeled after Willamette Weekly’s Give!Guide in Portland, Oregon, the idea of making at-home philanthropy simple and inspiring has been a runaway success locally.
Now in its 13th year, the Give!Guide has raised more than $7.3 million to support Napa Valley nonprofit organizations, including $1.14 million in 2024 alone.
All nonprofits appearing in the Give!Guide have been screened by the Guide’s team. Each must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing for at least two years before making an appearance in the Guide.
The Give!Guide’s participating nonprofits are thrilled to be part of this special giving community.
“The CanDo Give!Guide is more than fundraising — it’s a bridge between people and purpose. It helped me share my cause, connect with the community, and give others a chance to be part of something bigger,” says Ingrid A. Foster, Founder, Amadon Hills Thoroughbred Foundation.
Visit CanDoGiveGuide.org today to explore this year’s nonprofits and start giving.
ABOUT THE GIVE!GUIDE
Since 2013, the Give!Guide has raised more than $7.3 Million for 154 Napa County nonprofits, including $1.14 million in donations collected in 2024.
ABOUT CANDO
CanDo, which created the Give!Guide and was founded in 2009, has grown into a powerful force for good with 850 volunteers giving their time to a wonderful diversity of community-serving projects. CanDo also connects community members with local nonprofits to volunteer for special projects, often done-in-a-day efforts.
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Picking the theme for this year’s holiday activities in Downtown Napa was easy. “The Downtown Napa Association (DNA) board members chose ‘Joy to the World and Peace on Earth,’” said Bill La Liberte, Executive Director of the DNA, the organization that organizes the events. “It’s a great time of year to reflect on how we can all support each other.”
The holiday celebrations begin with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Veterans Park. Wednesday, November 26 at 6 p.m., Mayor Scott Sedgley will lead the community in a countdown to light the tree. Volunteers will be on-hand giving out free cookies, provided by Sweetie Pie’s. Hot chocolate will be donated by Downtown Joe’s, as they have since the tree lighting in Veterans Park began. Entertainment will come from local children’s groups, who will dance and sing before the Mayor leads the countdown to light the tree. This year, the tree will be moved to the staging area of Veterans Park. “The trees in the park are getting bigger, and moving it front and center will make it easier to see from all directions,” said Bill.
The Christmas parade is Saturday, December 6 at 5 p.m. Three cash awards of $500 each will be given to the parade judges’ selections in three categories: Best Use of Lights, Best Theme-Oriented, and Best Use of Music. Anyone can enter the parade, and it’s free. Whether you choose to build an elaborate float, simply march along with your group, or just watch, the Napa Christmas parade is a hometown tradition that has grown over the years.
By Craig Smith
Old Saint Nick will set up shop in the lobby of the Visit Napa Valley Welcome Center near the corner of First and Randolph Street this year, as soon as he wraps up the Christmas parade, around 6:30 p.m. He’ll bring a staff of Elves who will pass out candy canes, and the Welcome Center will have plenty of hot chocolate on hand for everyone. All the little ones have to do is bring their wish list and tell Santa what they want. Santa will do his best to fill all those requests.
The parade Grand Marshal this year is Joe Peatman, founder and owner of Downtown Joe’s at 902 Main Street. When asked how he felt about being the parade honoree, Joe said he was both, “Humbled and embarrassed! Thanks to the Downtown Napa Association and the community for the great honor. The tradition of great parades and Honorable Marshals has been going strong for a century. The Oberon Building, where Downtown Joe’s is located, has long served as a hub for local activity.” He added, “It is my joy to continue this service. I’m grateful and blessed for all the support Downtown Joe’s has and does receive from our citizens and visitors.”
The parade begins on Second Street at School, heads east on Second to Brown, then north to Third, and finally west back to School Street. Judging takes place on Third Street in front of the courthouse, across from the Second Street garage. All groups are recognized and introduced at the stage.
The Kiwanis Club of Napa helps with parade setup, emcee and judging for awards. The Vintage High School Performing Arts Dance, led by Lisa Sullivan, will again make sure Santa makes his entrance surrounded by Elves, as they have for over ten years. And a special shout out goes to the staff and elected officials of the City of Napa. Most of what they do is largely unseen – planning to make sure the event is safe, road closures and overseeing closed intersections during the parade and clean up. Sponsors include the, City of Napa, Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine and the Downtown Napa Association.
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Napa High School Spiritleaders spectacular Big Game halftime production. Photos: Juanbaldo Gomez and Alex Llamas
Sydney, Desiree, Ella, and Sophia stopped at Laird Family Estate to take pictures before heading off to Vintage Homecoming.
Napa High Spiritleaders Destiny, Layla, Naia and Emme at Big Game LIV.
TEAM Morales Events staff at the Napa Downtown Association “First Thursdays” at the Oxbow Commons.
Mara Cortez, Landra Barda, Corbin O’Donnell, Inna Lehman, Katie Holman and Stacey Larson host a Real Estate Workshop for Seniors.
November
NOVEMBER 1
Napa Dia de los Muertos Napa Dia de los Muertos aims to create a family-friendly event where our diverse Napa community feels seen and heard through art, tradition, music, dance, and food—and where the spirit of Dia de los Muertos is driven by cultural awareness, understanding, and acceptance. 3 to 8pm at Veterans Park & Brown Street. cityofnapa.org/ diadelosmuertos
NOVEMBER 1
Rick Springfield
Over the past four decades, Rick Springfield has worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator
of some of the finest powerpop of the 80s, a Grammy winning singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Love Somebody,” and “Human Touch.” His new album “Automatic” is out now. uptowntheatrenapa.com
NOVEMBER 1
Radio Bobcat
They’re back at Tonewood & Courage! Come see the local legends Radio Bobcat light up the stage with Americana Rock & Roll! Come hear their fantastic song stylings of a local band known for their originals and unique covers, and awesome performances. tonewoodandcourage.com
NOVEMBER 2
Jacques Pépin:
A Legacy of Heart & Soul
Celebrate the 90th birthday and the enduring influence of one of the world’s most beloved culinary icons. KQED
Live and the Jacques Pépin Foundation bring some of his closest contemporaries— including cookbook author and TV personality Sara Moulton, celebrity chef Chris Cosentino, and his daughter and onscreen counterpart Claudine Pépin. Celebrating Pépin’s extraordinary contributions as a cultural figure who brought classical French technique to American kitchens with clarity and warmth. uptowntheatrenapa.com
NOVEMBER 7
Tom Snider Band
At this point in his career, Todd Snider is undeniably one of the greatest songwriters of his
generation, as attested by John Prine, Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver and Guy Clark. Lynn, Shaver and Walker all recorded his songs, as have Tom Jones and Garth Brooks. If you’ve got tickets to see him live, boy, does he have a few songs and a few stories to share with you. uptowntheatrenapa.com
NOVEMBER 8
The Righteous Brothers: Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour Blue-eyed soul pioneers The Righteous Brothers are back! With a string of #1 classics, including the most played song in radio history, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” The concert experience features their biggest hits – “Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Unchained Melody,” Grammy-winning Dirty Dancing theme “The Time of My Life,” and much more! uptowntheatrenapa.com
Submit your event request at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event
NOV 9
NOVEMBER
9
Lukas Nelson Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson has become one of the most respected voices in music today. Nelson released his new album, American Romance, to widespread acclaim—his first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville, produced by Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker). Known for his captivating live performances,
Nelson has sold out countless shows and renowned music festivals. Nelson co-produced the music for the acclaimed 2018 film “A Star is Born,” in which he also appeared. uptowntheatrenapa.com
NOVEMBER 11
Author Kate Baer in Conversation with Teresa Pham-Carsillo
Napa Bookmine presents a special evening with #1 New York Times bestselling author
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be cigarsmoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites. Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
In 1932 there was a meeting between Alice Liddell Hargreaves, the inspiration for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” and Peter Llewellyn Davies, one of the boys who inspired “Peter Pan.” During their brief encounter, their sometimes-troubled real lives are revealed, as they struggle to be distinct from the fantasy characters they inspired. What motivated authors Lewis Carroll and J.M. Barrie to become so deeply involved in the lives of the real Peter and Alice in the first place? The Guardian called it a tale of “the agony and the ecstasy of inherited fame.” JAN 30-FEB 15
Kate Baer in conversation with local author Teresa Pham-Carsillo, in partnership with the Uptown Theatre. With her trademark candor and curiosity, Baer explores what it means to grow older, to release children into the wildness of their own lives, and to reclaim the ever-evolving self. From the poet who has captured the heartbeat of the modern woman, this collection reaffirms Kate Baer’s place among the most vital voices of our era.
uptowntheatrenapa.com
NOVEMBER 16
Napa Valley and the Napa Methodist Church honoring Jan Lanterman is a celebration of her five decades of contributions as a Choral Music Director, Conductor, and an enthusiastic advocate for choral music in the Napa
vocalists and musicians, and short narrations by long-term friends and colleagues. 3pm at Napa Methodist Church. singnapavalley.org
NOVEMBER 21
Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up.
uptowntheatrenapa.com
NOVEMBER 26
Downtown Napa Christmas Tree Lighting
Melvin Seals & JGB
Submit your event request at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event
It’s just not the holidays without the trimmings—30 feet of them, to be exact. Grab your family and friends and head bright this way to Veterans Park for hot chocolate, cookies, singing and dancing before the tree lighting. Plus, get some face time with the local mayor as he leads the countdown to the big event. All is merry, all is bright, this is one tree lighting you can’t miss. donapa.com
NOVEMBER 26
The California Honeydrops Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retrosoul outfit The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals, and touring with B.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. They are touring North America for their new album, Keep On Diggin’. uptowntheatrenapa.com
Submit your event request at napavalleymarketplace. com/submit-an-event
NOVEMBER
Melodie Hilton
It’s been a long time ago, and Melodie Hilton can’t remember exactly how many grade schools she attended. “I lost track, but I’m pretty sure it was just under thirty for my first 10 grades,” she said. Her gypsy-like mother had the family on the move all the time, from Pennsylvania to Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, Colorado, and Arizona. Looking to put down roots, Melodie left high school early and started college at 17.
A bright, creative, independent woman, Melodie has colored outside the lines her whole life. Post college, she took off for Rio de Janeiro but ended up in Southern California, and then Catalina Island where she stayed for five years.
“Island life is a very special life.” It was there she met and married a man from San Francisco who had buddies in Napa, and the couple moved here. Melodie went to work for the Napa County Record, then a popular news source for locals. It was a great time for community news. There were three active weekly newspapers, one daily, and a local radio station that all reported on life in the community, and only 187 wineries.
During these years, the community enacted the WDO (Winery Definition
tourism was going to play a part in the economic future of the region.
This was in the mid-90s, and friends told her that technology was the future. Melodie learned a little bit of coding and figured out how to put the Napa County Record online, long before other publications did so. These were the early internet days, and Melodie had found a new fascination. She moved from journalism to websites with NapaValley.com, and Free Run Technologies. “When we called on wineries, we had to explain the internet.”
“I still did a lot of writing and got to enjoy telling people about the emerging restaurants and wineries.”
Looking for a new challenge, she was hired into the marketing department at the Napa Valley Wine Train shortly after their beloved founders, Mr. and Mrs. DeDomenico died. “It was a business that was grieving. Many of the employees had been there with the family for decades. Things were rapidly changing in the marketplace as well, with social media (Facebook) really gaining importance and you could buy search keywords for just 5 cents!” Jumping into action, we increased revenue by 13% in the first nine months,” she said.
When the family sold the train, Melodie moved to Napa River Inn, where she still consults on digital marketing. Three years ago, she went to work for Mendicino Railway, which runs three excursion trains, including the Skunk Train. In her first year, Melodie
won a prestigious marketing award for tourism with an influencer program that increased gross revenues 30%.
Currently, Melodie is exploring the nuances of TikTok by sharing her food and wine adventures in Napa Valley. She’s also on her second camper van and is learning how to travel #VanLife.
Melodie has raised two children here and is a grandmother to another generation of Napans. She loves the town deeply. “It’s been an honor to raise my kids here. Napa is a beautiful place.” She adds that Napa has shown, “real grace, allowing me to grow as a woman, a business owner and a mom. Napa has always given me the opportunity to participate whenever I’ve made the effort.”
Chuck Peckinpaugh
is an educator, musician, artist, father, brother and grandfather. He’s lived in Napa for 21 years.
He saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan when
Industrial Psychology. To this he added teaching credentials from Sonoma State. He taught for two years each at Napa Valley Language Academy, Cappell Valley Elementary and Valley Oak High. “It was a bit inconsistent,” he said. “I would get laid off at the end of the year, then get rehired.” After a two-year hiatus, Chuck was rehired in 2015 and taught at the wood shop in American Canyon for five years. He is currently retired from the K-12 system.
During COVID, Chuck re-entered construction, and to this day still swings a hammer. Now in his early 70s, he is healthy and strong. His concession to age is that he only works part-time – six hours a day. He continues to teach and has been at the Napa Valley Adult School
He thanks them in part for what he remembers as a happy childhood. “I have fond memories of growing up.”
Chuck and Suzie love Napa, and are here to stay. “This is where my life is. The Napa Valley is like a paradise. Why would we leave when we are living the dream?”
Cynthia Kirk
was born in Greencastle, Indiana. After her parents split, she toggled back and forth between Los Angels and Denver, where she finished high school. Cynthia wanted a small, liberal arts college and chose St. Olaf, in Northfield, Minnesota.
Far and away the most impactful part of her college experience was a semester-abroad study program in the Middle East. “It’s where I really learned critical thinking,” she said. Just
as important to the experience were the friendships she formed with the other students in the study group. “We laughed. A lot. Since then, we’ve been getting together for a reunion every five years.”
Another study program took her to Costa Rica where she learned to speak Spanish and studied Central American politics. After her returning, she transferred to Pitzer College in Claremont, California where she finished her degree in Political Science. “Then it was off to Washington DC to ‘make my way in politics.’”
An internship for congresswoman Pat Schroeder was followed by a position at the Capitol Hill-based newspaper, Roll Call. There she “discovered” the design department. “As a kid, I used to buy magazines just to cut out layouts I loved. I would stash them in a folder under my bed. At Roll Call, watching the design department at work, I realized design was more than an interest—it was a career.
I fell in love with the design department.” Inspired, she returned to LA and enrolled in the Visual & Communications program at UCLA.
Cynthia met Charles Brooks at the brewpub where she worked while going to school. They eventually moved to SF where Cynthia began her career in publication design and Charles studied at the culinary school. Charles fell in love with food and wine pairing, and the couple moved to Napa in 1997. Napa was not exactly what Cynthia expected. “It was kind of a rinky-dink town, and jobs in publication design were practically non-existent.”
Scouring the Yellow Pages, contacting all the design firms in the area, and landed some freelance work. But her big break came when she stared working with the legendary wine label designer, Jeffrey Caldeway. From there she moved into a role at Tapp Label as the Design Liaison. It was a perfect fit.
In 2003, Cynthia faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Charles, to pancreatic cancer. She was devastated, yet amazed at how the wine and culinary community rallied around her. “It helped change my whole perception of Napa.” Meanwhile, she poured herself into her role at the print company, staying for 14 years.
Love found her again in longtime friend and colleague Andy O’Brien. “I can’t believe we have been together for 20 years,” she reflected. With Andy, Cynthia has rekindled her passion for travel—taking a European trip together every year to a different city in a different country. Twice a year, they visit Vancouver to spend time with his daughter/Cynthia’s stepdaughter.
In 2013 she launched Cynthia Kirk Graphic Design & Packaging (@ cynthia_kirk_graphic_design). She designs wine labels for boutique, high-end wineries. “It’s not just about designing a pretty label,” she explains. “We determine the customer’s brand story, their customer, and the feel they want to convey. That’s when the design ideas just come to me. I love the process!”
She still loves what she does, but it means sitting in front of a computer all day. So, almost three years ago, she started a part-time job at Anthropologie. “Fashion is just another creative outlet, and I get to work with people face-to-face.”
Her assessment of Napa today? “I love it. It’s such a strong community. At first I thought I would be a short-timer, but now I don’t have any plans to leave. This is home. Sometimes Andy and I ask each other, if we could live anywhere, where would it be? And we always end up with Napa.”
Chef Kelly Macdonald
With a passion for sourcing top-tier ingredients, as well as showcasing the nuanced relationship between food and wine, Chef Kel can’t wait to thoughtfully craft your next culinary adventure.
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BayREN’s Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EASE) Home program helps income-eligible residents make energy upgrades that improve health and their home’s comfort.
What Are the Benefits?
Boosted comfort Lower energy bills Improved air quality
How Does the Program Work?
1. An Energy Advisor visits your home and recommends customized, low-cost upgrades, like insulation and duct sealing.
2. We handle all the details, from permit and rebate applications to installation through our vetted contractors.
3. All pricing is transparent and fixed, with BayREN covering 80% of the cost of core weatherization and energy efficiency measures.*
4. Our team will maximize your savings by stacking and applying for all available rebates for you, in addition to what BayREN covers.
How Do I Get Started?
EASE Home is open
Submit an interest form to your Napa County representative today:
Who Qualifies?
You can participate if you:
•Live in a single-family home (up to 4 units) built before 2010.
• Are a PG&E customer.
• Have a household income under or at 120% AMI. (Below)
• Install at least one energy-saving weatherization measure in your planned upgrades, such as insulation, duct sealing, or duct repair or replacement
Visit BayREN.org/income-guidelines for more.
Contact us with any questions at: BayREN@countyofnapa.org ASEhome@BayREN.org | 866-998-8655
*The customer pays just 20% but no more than $1,000 for core measures under the BayREN EASE Home program. Core measures include qualifying weatherization, energy efficiency, and associated minor home repair measures, i.e., insulation, duct sealing/ replacement, and air sealing. The cost for additional measures like new electrical appliances will be determined by the measure cost minus available third-party rebates. For more information, please reach out to your Energy Advisor. https://www.countyofnapa.org/3904/EaseHome-Efficiency-and-Sustainable-Ene
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a coalition of the Bay Area’s nine counties partnering to promote resource efficiency at the regional level, focusing on energy, water and greenhouse gas reduction.
COAT, COSTUME & SHOE DRIVE
Sunday, November 16
10 am–2 pm
Redwood Plaza Shopping Center
3385 Solano Avenue
Donate a costume, gently-used coat (no tears or stains), or pair of shoes for children or adults and get a free indoor recycling or compost pail for your home or office(during event hours only).
The City of Napa redistributes costumes at its annual Halloween Costume Exchange. The Salvation Army redistributes coats locally to those in need. USAgain sends recovered shoes to organizations around the world.
Celebrate America Recycles Day by helping to reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled!
Sponsored by:
