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At Providence Medical Group, we believe that better care starts with good communication between you and your care team. Through MyChart by Epic, you will have safe and secure access to your care team directly from your computer, tablet or smartphone. MyChart also offers you all these convenient benefits:
MyChart from Epic is available on:
David Gaw was co‐founder of Napa law firm Gaw Van Male and now leads a six‐person team exclusively dedicated to estate planning that includes Attorney LIZ CONEMAC formerly of GVM, who has worked with Dave for over 20 years.
1500 3rd Street, Suite F, Napa (707) 681‐5556
Dave@gawestateplanning.com Liz@gawestateplanning.com
We can transfer files from other law firms for you.
Practicing law in Napa Valley for 50 years, DAVID GAW is now celebrating four years at his new firmThe last couple of months were naturally focused upon end-of-year activities which include celebrations, parties and festive holiday gatherings. Clearly, social interaction and acts of giving, lend positive benefits. Yet, a loss of routines, absence of regular eating habits and jumbled schedules, coupled with much colder weather and fewer daylight hours, may have led to feeling a loss of personal normalcy. Yes, a loss of control!
January, marking the begging of each new year, is traditionally the time to take a look inside. Self care is always important, and many of us are so intent upon everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves. My goal this year, rather than create a massive list of resolutions that are likely impossible to keep, is to go back to the basics of self care in a few easy areas: healthy eating, regular exercise, mindfulness and quality time.
“Eat simple. Choose foods that are less processed foods,” said Tawnya Dorn, RDN, CDCES. This leads me back to the mantra for most things in life: Less is best.
Dorn, as a registered dietician, went on to advise on how to begin a Clean Eating program. “One way to begin Clean Eating is by choosing less packaged foods. One-ingredient foods are great to achieve simple, cleaning eating. For example, fruits, vegetables and proteins.”
“Grains can be more complicated, but they do not need to be! Choosing foods such as oatmeal, wild rice, brown rice and quinoa, to name just a few, are grains that do not come with added ingredients,” Dorn added, “If you choose packaged foods, choose those that list a limited amount of ingredients that you can actually pronounce, and you know what they are.”
I regard to food, Dorn concluded, “Behavior goals around food can help too. Slowing down your eating pace, a meal should take you 20 or more minutes to finish, without adding second helpings.” Yes, sit down, enjoy your meal, or as your parents likely told you, mind your manners.
Additional exercise is important for me this year, and I have
some minor resistance. Walking my dog further, even in rain and cold, is another easy exercise that also adds to the category of quality time. Additionally, I spend a good portion of each work day at a standing desk. If you too work at a desk, this can be easy to achieve with either an affordable riser, or finding an appropriate counter top height space. A few years ago I read a news piece on the topic of “sitting is the new smoking.” It really is bad for us, for all of us, to sit too much. There is a reason that recess was created, and a recess for adults is healthy too.
To easily incorporate exercise, Dorn suggests starting with increasing your lifestyle activity. “Take the stairs versus the elevator. Park further away in the parking lot. Do you live close to work? Consider walking or riding a bike if it is safe for you. Wearing a pedometer, your smartphone or watch can also help you achieve walking more each day. Monitor how many steps you walk in an
In terms of being mindful, do your best to be at peace. A friend gave me the idea a few years ago to begin the morning with meditation music. Ever attend a yoga class, or spent some time in a spa? The background music in those spaces is the vibe to seek for peace. The slow repetitive cadence of both ancient tunes and new age music, centers our hearts and calms our minds. Most all music platforms have meditation, spa, yoga, and new age playlists and stations.
Practicing gratitude is another mindful activity, whether you write it down in a journal or say it to yourself. Begin with the macro such as this beautiful place, the Napa Valley, that we call home, and then move on to more personal gratitude such as appreciation for our families and those close to us, as well as the tiniest and most heartwarming natural beings. I am personally grateful for all of the hummingbirds I see outside the windows of our home every day. They are amazing, like wow!
thankful. Finally, quality time is essential to our existence. Many of the activities already mentioned, such as preparing healthy food, exercising, relaxing, being grateful, being mindful, all happen in the space of quality time. Spending quality time with friends, family members, our pets, and even alone with ourselves, is a huge act of self care.
To create your own version of self care, now is the time to plan. Registered dietician Dorn said that some of her patients find that to meet their goals, it is helpful to log their food intake online using an app or to write down what they eat in a journal. Remember most anything can be journaled, and that there are apps for most everything ranging from meditation, to exercise, to healthy eating and mindfulness. In this new year I wish you happiness, health and joy, and I gently suggest that you take care, of you.
The Napa Weight Loss Program is looking for at least 100 people in this area who are interested in losing up to 15 pounds or more – over the next 30 days by way of a doctor-monitored weight loss program. Lose 25 – 40lbs. We’ve helped hundreds of people lose weight! With the New Update to the program, patients are now losing the weight and keeping it off while eating healthy diets prolonging their life and reducing the risk of many health related diseases! Regain your health and vitality through this unique program
benefits of organizing our electronics, heating and air conditioning, taxes, finances and legal matters. Follow this advice and feel fresh and prepared for the start of 2023.
service for Apple. “Efficiency means that when it’s time to pull out the letter your lawyer sent you a few years ago or to find the picture of your daughter from high school, you don’t have to spend hours combing through random files and pictures. Cost means that
you can avoid the rush to the tech store to buy external storage drives when you get that stop-you-in-yourtracks notice from your computer that there’s no space available to add any more photos or receive any more emails.”
“Organizing one’s computer generally boils down to creating folders and placing files with them according to their relevance. You could have a finances folder and put with it other folders like utilities or stocks. Or maybe the utilities folder would be better placed in a household folder? The organization is up to what makes sense to you. Create this folder organization in your Documents folder and know that when it comes time to retrieve information, you’re sure you filed but can’t remember exactly where it’s stored, you just open your Documents folder and start poking around. It’ll be obvious.”
If I have time for only one thing this month, what should it be?
“The one thing somebody could do at any time, but January is a good start, is to head to the email program you use and delete all junk mail and empty all trash. Methods for doing this vary according to whether you’re using a Mac or a PC, a dedicated email program like Outlook or Apple Mail, or a webmail screen like Yahoo and Google. It might be worth scanning your inbox as well, for obvious candidates for deletion.”
“Ultimately, the organization of your computer should reflect the way your own mind works.”
My heater’s been on steadily since November, what about my HVAC system?
Gary Awai, Service Manager for Bell Products, says that having a properly functioning HVAC system ensures you do not have to spend a fortune on significant maintenance tasks all year long. “Keep on top of your HVAC system maintenance and solve a problem before it even pokes its head, so that you can live in comfort all through the year, with complete peace of mind,” says Gary.
“Regular HVAC maintenance is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. Chances are you wouldn’t drive your car for 30,000 miles without getting an oil change; you’d be asking for trouble. This analogy holds true for your heating and cooling system.”
“Preventive maintenance helps ensure that your HVAC system runs at close to peak efficiency. This can mean savings of up to 30% on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Regular maintenance also extends the life of your system, reducing the likelihood that you’ll need to spend big bucks on an HVAC installation soon.”
According to Gary, the simplest step for your HVAC is to change your filters. “Filters remove dust, hair and other particles from the air so that these pollutants are not spread throughout the home. You can improve the air quality inside of your home and use less energy by changing ANTHONY G.
the HVAC filter every 30 days. Clean filters let more air pass through, allowing the system to heat and cool more efficiently.”
Ted Mihm, owner of Ted’s Tax has advice. “The more up-to-date the information on the taxpayer’s situation the more accurate the tax preparer can be in preparing the tax return, determining what is the most appropriate considerations for filing and advising the taxpayer for tax planning.”
“Don’t procrastinate,” says Ted. “Start collecting documents and don’t wait until the last moment to call your tax advisor. Second, have a specific collecting place and device that you use. For example, an accordion file where you put every document that is tax related, with a pocket for income items, another for deductions, etc. Third, utilize that tax organizer your tax pro sends in the mail. It’s a guide, a reminder to you of the things you need to think about finding, it is there to focus your attention on the important tax related facts in your life. Fourth, make a copy of every relevant document and give copies to your tax pro. Your tax pro will want an actual copy of the tax documents because often there are details that are required when e-filing a return, or that make a difference in how the item is reported on return. Too much information is better than too little information when comes to preparing your tax return.
If a person can do one thing in January for this, what should it be?
“Have a specific place, set of files or folder created to hold your tax documents and develop the habit of always placing your tax documents in it, as you receive them from the mail or retrieve them, from online accounts.”
Finally, your lawyer. Wait— do I need a lawyer?
“Approximately 75% of wills and trusts are out of date when those who created them die,” says attorney
Anthony G. Celaya of Celaya Law. “That’s an astounding statistic. However, it’s not completely surprising given how life changes so quickly. In estate planning terms, there are three categories of changes that can make wills and trusts out of date: asset changes, family changes and law changes.”
“As a result, we recommend that an estate plan be reviewed at least every couple of years. Make sure you create your plan with a firm that will do these reviews at no charge for the rest of your life. Meet with a qualified estate planning attorney, one who specializes in that area, who will review estate plans at no charge and make recommendations.”
“If a person can do one thing in January for this it’s to make an appointment with a firm like ours who will review any current plan at no cost, in person or via telephone or Zoom.”
We hope these hints help you get and stay organized in this new year. Why are you still waiting?
While researching topics for this feature article for January’s Health + Wellness edition of Marketplace Magazine, multiple issues seemed worthy of attention. However, when I opened Napa Valley Education Foundation’s (NVEF) web page, the following statement made the decision for me.
“Our kids are not all healthy & happy. We’re changing that.”
And then I read on. The following was there—in all caps.
To make this change, NVEF and many devoted sponsors have joined forces to make a difference in the lives of students during their watch. The 4th Annual Napa Valley Wellness Conference is scheduled for the 16th and 17th of March. Approximately 250 participants will gather at the CIA at COPIA for the twoday conference. About one half of the attendees will be local school leaders and mental health workers, many others will travel from outlying areas.
The conference opens with a tour of the Wellness Centers that have been created as a safe space for students to seek
“IF YOU THINK SCHOOL BUDGETS ARE STRESSED, YOU SHOULD SEE OUR KIDS.”
“IF YOU THINK SCHOOL BUDGETS ARE STRESSED, YOU SHOULD SEE OUR KIDS.”
support. These centers are the result of the NVUSD Wellness Program—an initiative focused on the health, well-being and academic success of Napa’s students and families. These staffed centers are located at quite a few school campuses— American Canyon Middle School, Harvest Middle School, Redwood Middle School, Silverado Middle School, and American Canyon High School—and thanks to funding from Kaiser Permanente and Napa Valley Vintners, this year the program was extended to include Napa and Vintage High Schools. Each school site has a Wellness Team comprised of school counselors, school social worker, school psychologist, school nurse & health aid, and parent liaison—who help students and their families navigate the complex issues in middle school such as stress, trauma, suicide, bullying, depression, self-esteem, and relationships. As funds become available and the physical building requirements are met to accommodate the strict regulations, more schools will see these centers come to life in support all of our students.
Following the tours, a film will be presented. Directed by Scilla Andreen, RACE to Be Human, addresses the apprehension and confusion so many of us
feels when it comes to talking about race and racism. The film program examines microaggressions, allyship, the role of social media, and more. It also shares how we can promote curiosity, self-reflection, and empathy through conversations at home, school and work.
A panel discussion with the filmmaker follows.
The second day commences with this year’s Keynote Speaker, Dr. Shawn A. Ginwright, PhD, author of The Four Pivots. He is one of the nation’s leading innovators, provocateurs, and thought leaders on African American youth, youth activism, and youth development. He is Professor of Education in the Africana Studies Department and a Senior Research Associate at San Francisco
State University. His research examines the ways in which youth in urban communities navigate through the constraints of poverty and struggle, to create equality and justice in their schools and communities.
The call for presenters is still under review; the list of presenters is not yet complete. A youth panel will be included.
Jennifer Stewart, Executive Director of NVEF, told me, “We will explore the intersection of race and mental health, and how to engage with youth as leaders around these topics. There will be more than a dozen breakout sessions regarding youth voice, mental health, and wellness.”
She continued on the topic of rolling out the program to all NVUSD campuses, “We do
have ongoing plans to continue expanding wellness services and school-based hubs because we believe every child should have school-based access to free mental health services.”
Valley Oak’s Principal, Maria Cisneros, shared with me that the staff and educators on campus take the mental health and wellness of their students to heart. Although they do not have a staffed Wellness Center, they fully participate in the program to the extent of which the school’s physical limitations allow. In addition, twice a year they host their own Wellness Conference on-site. Students participate and are engaged as more than twenty local non-profit agencies go “all in” to support the students in their needs. Maria continues her efforts
to grow the program to benefit all Napa Valley students by working to bring desperately needed funding initiatives to the ballot box.
On the NVEF website is a page that clearly spells out some of “The Needs” addressed by the Wellness Centers and following are the stats regarding “The Outcome” —results that have culminated due to the success of the wellness programs.
25% of middle school students report depression 15% of middle school students have considered suicide 12% identify with having behavioral concerns
The Outcome
55% improvement in overall school competence
41% reduced reports of bullying
61% reduced suspensions of students
These results are impressive on paper—imagine the differences that have been made in the lives of the students reporting these solid results— and the lives of their families, and teachers. Thankfully NVEF and NVUSD are not in this alone. More than twenty-five local businesses also pitch in with funding dollars that help keep the programs moving forward. (Unfortunately, recent ballot initiatives to extend the physical center locations to all of the NVUSD schools have failed.) Their generosity impacts not only the students, but teachers as well.
. . . Let’s not forget the teachers—each and every one is a touchpoint for each and every student. The comment at the beginning of this article (“If you think our school budget is stressed you should see our kids . . .”) well, that also goes for our teachers. I cannot imagine the level of stress they are faced with each school day. NVEF has been making every effort to change that, with support for teachers as well. Happy Educators = Happy Students.
Presented in partnership with Napa County Office of Education, “We Heart Teachers” is focused on ensuring that all educators in Napa County have access to the support and resources they need to inspire the next generation. From networking to teacher grants, this program recognizes the hard work educators do every day to make learning fun, effective, and engaging in their classrooms.
Jennifer Stewart is solid in her support of this program. “Words cannot adequately express how much We Heart Teachers, so instead,
SShackford’s Kitchen Store reopened in December, about 50 steps south of its original location – same side of the street, same block. Longtime customers have been pleased to find that Shackford’s is still a quality kitchen store, and are delighted to see the strong emphasis on a working kitchen. And owner Patrick Merkley, he’s having more fun than he’s ever had.
“The whole store is only 2,000 square feet, instead of the old 4,000, and about a third of that is our commercial kitchen. Come by any Saturday afternoon, and somebody will be cooking,” he said. If you do stop in the store, you’ll likely be offered an hors d’oeuvres to sample, maybe with a splash to wash it down. And just like at a party in a friend’s home, you’ll be inclined to linger in the kitchen, talking to and laughing with other assembled guests. Depending on what’s going on that day, you might even find yourself at a cutting board, slicing and dicing. Folks from the Farmers Market, many who sell products at Shackford’s, might also be cooking – showing off how best to use their produce. Currently, the lineup at Shackford’s includes products from Napa Baking Company, JamAlula, Naysayer Coffee Roasters, Salute Santé Grapeseed Oil, GGIF, and of course, Shackford’s Honey.
Patrick’s wife, Alix, is running the retail component of the store. She, too, loves the new space. “The entire store front is windows that open to the street. It’s open, airy, light – a nice, warm atmosphere.”
Make no mistake – Shackford’s is still a kitchen store, and the place to find quality products and advice. “We won’t carry products that you can find broadly at the big retail stores. We’re focusing on quality and function.” Patrick knows his way around a kitchen, and can help customers choose the right products for their needs. “We held a class in December and taught folks how to cook a turkey in a clay pot, using products that are proven and that we offer.” During that class, Patrick took it a step further, “There were a number of younger people, younger than me, in the class who had never carved a turkey. So we showed them how to do that as well.”
Patrick sees the kitchen as being a hub for all levels of cooks and chefs – professionals, cooking enthusiasts, bakers and home chefs. “That’s the way it’s always been at Shackford’s. One day, you could meet bakers buying cake boxes, or home cooks, CIA students or French Laundry/ Michelin starred chefs.”
The kitchen is available in a number of ways. If you want to host a small
party there, Patrick will prepare the meal. If you’d prefer, you and your guests can take a class and do the cooking. Or, you can sign up for any of the classes Shackford’s offers, either bringing your own group or joining others. Merkley also caters dinners, and will do a couple hundred this year. Design your menu yourself, with Patrick’s help, or just give
Patrick said that if he was collegeaged now, he would study to become a chef. “You just didn’t do that when I was growing up. My choices were pretty simple: follow in the family tradition and join SFPD or get a professional job. At the time, if I’d told my dad I was going to be a chef, I would have been in the next recruit class!” Instead, he studied
He actually owned a couple of catering businesses along the way. Towards the end of his business career, he was more and more into cooking. “I’d attend these big business dinners and would invariably end up in the kitchen talking to the chefs, not at the table talking to clients.”
He and Alix moved to Napa thirty
men actually talked about just that over the following years. “I told him some of the things I would do differently and some of the changes that were required, really kind of asking his permission. When we took over the store, I made the changes I had discussed with Mr. Shackford.”
the operation was profitable. “Even though Shackford’s had been around for thirty years, it was a new business for me. Then we were hit with COVID, fires, and supply chain issues. We were still committed to putting in the kitchen for our culinary operation, but the old space provided a number of hurdles we would
That’s when they were approached by the Wiseman Company, suggesting that Shackford’s make the move to their building.
“They own the building down the street at 1300 Main, and had a space. They knew Shackford’s was important to the community and that everyone missed Shackford’s. would take to bring the store back. were in creating a win-win situation
To submit your event request, visit napavalleymarketplace.com
NAPA
Experience the magic of truffles while savoring some of the finest truffle cuisines in the world paired with magnificent wines amidst the splendor of worldclass Napa wineries. Learn firsthand how to work and cook with truffles from the best Michelin star/ master chefs. Explore a working truffle orchard, see where and how truffles are harvested, and meet the trained truffle dogs who find them (petting allowed). napatrufflefestival.com
The Temptations, often referred to as American Music Royalty, are world-renowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and prolific career. The group are celebrating their 60th Anniversary. To mark this milestone, The Temptations released a brand-new album, Temptations 60, with nearly all-original songs. Dr. Otis Williams, the sole surviving, original member of The Temptations, turned 80 last October. uptowntheatrenapa.com
John McCormick joins Napa County Historical Society to discuss his new book, Chinese in Napa Valley: The Forgotten Community that Built Napa Valley. Chinese laborers were once the backbone of Napa Valley. Throughout the 1800s, they were the major labor force in the vineyards, quicksilver mines, hop farms, leather tanneries and laundries and carved out neighborhoods in towns throughout the valley. These contributions did little to deter discrimination, and Anti-Chinese Leagues sprang up to harass and intimidate immigrants like Chan Wah Jack, who ran the successful Sang Lung store in Napa’s Chinatown. Join McCormick from 7 to 8 pm as he uncovers the forgotten contributions of the Chinese people in California’s most famous wine region. Tickets
$10 NCHS members, $20 general admission. napahistory.org
NAPA
Napa Valley Restaurant Week, one of the best times to enjoy all the culinary delights in Napa Valley! A taste of the good life has never been easier or more fun!
For 10 full days, Napa Valley’s world-class restaurants offer exclusive deals on inventive epicurean meals and experiences. Celebrate the gastronomy of Napa Valley with this showcase of premium ingredients and bountiful farm-fresh produce curated and presented by talented chefs and offered during one incredible culinary week. Whether you have a hankering for savory tacos from a food truck or tapas from a Michelinrated restaurant, Napa Valley Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore. Browse the menu specials from participating restaurants below, and don’t forget to make reservations – tables fill up fast for the tastiest 10 days in Napa Valley!
visitnapavalley.com/events/annual-events/restaurant-week
JANUARY 21-FEBRUARY 19
NAPA
The Napa Lighted Art Festival is a celebration of creative arts, technology and lights, and supports innovative
techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium. This walkable outdoor experience is free in Downtown Napa, featuring 10 lighted art sculptures for five weeks, and projection artwork on three iconic downtown buildings for the first 9 nights of the festival. Bring the family and experience the magic of lighted art at the 2023 Napa Lighted Art Festival! donapa.com/lights
It is present-day, and in the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the terrifying villains and troublesome sidekicks they have banished to the magicfree Isle of the Lost. That is until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of the evilest villains. Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos – the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar –are welcomed to Auradon Prep to attend school with the children of their parents’ sworn enemies. The four Villain Kids have a difficult choice: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical comedy featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the films! luckypennynapa.com
2022 was another historic year. Personally, I am beyond grateful to have assisted so many of you in accomplishing your real estate goals. It truly has been an honor to get to know each one of you and be an instrumental part of your journey. My team and I appreciate and acknowledge that 90% of our business is from repeat clients and their referrals. This year that referral business has pushed us past all previous sales records. We cannot thank you enough!
As the market changes, it is more important than ever to work with a seasoned professional. Sincerely, Giselle Lampe
Giselle Lampe
REALTOR DRE # 01885132
Direct Line: 707-266-8086
Email: GLampe@cbNapaValley.com
www LampeRealEstateGroup com
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley 1775Lincoln Ave Napa CA 94558
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