Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine May 2023 Issue

Bring

Napa County has participated in the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) since 2013. This partnership has helped Napa County residents save money, save energy and create more comfortable homes.

BayREN strives to fill energy saving equity gaps through flexible and innovative programs. These programs were built on local government values and serve residents’ needs.

In the last ten years, Napa County BayREN has enhanced energy savings of homes and buildings:

• 490 single-family homes with rebates on home upgrades

• Seven multi-family apartment buildings with 497 energy efficient units

•Completed 225 Home Energy Score assessments

•Conducted contractor trainings focused on energy savings through Codes and Standards

comfort to your own home while saving money and energy.

Here’s to spring in Napa Valley. To days that are lighter, longer. To the scent of citrus in the air. To all the wonderful flavors, aromas, textures, and sounds of a season that’s blossoming with the promise of good times to come. To the beautiful place that we share with friends and visitors alike, cheers.

To discover more, go to VisitNapaValley.com or stop by our Napa Valley Welcome Center in the heart of downtown Napa.

in partnership with

Climate-Friendly Garden Tour

May 13 | 10am-4pm | Napa & Yountville

• Tour 12 private and public gardens in and around Napa & Yountville! Gardens will showcase beautiful and vibrant landscapes that are climate-smart and water-wise.

• Mini-workshops will be held at select sites throughout the day.

• Mulch & compost giveaway at Las Flores Community Center!

$5 for Adults/Free for Kids

Information and Ticket Sales at

NapaRCD.org/GardenTour2023

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Meet Dr. Melanie Johansson

Napa’s Newest Pain Physician

Dr. Johansson joins the Napa Pain Institute as a board-certified pain management specialist. She completed her fellowship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. Her breadth of experience comes from a full career in the US Navy where she was the recipient of multiple academic and military service awards. She has multiple published works and is the founding member of a military Pain Medicine Special Interest Group with the America Society of Regional Anesthesia.

Low Back & Neck Pain

Headache Pain

Neuropathic Pain

Spinal Cord Injury

Fibromyalgia

Osteoporosis

Degenerative Joint Pain

Arthritis & More

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

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SCAN FOR MORE INFO

TODAY’S POPULAR TRENDS Napa Designers Dish on

By Kathleen Reynolds

From zebra wallpaper in the 1940s to shag carpeting and wood paneling in the 1970s, design trends have run the gamut. Not to take away anything from design firm Scalamandré’s prancing zebras – Napa’s 2023 interiors strive for a more relaxed, fresh and comfortable.

We asked three Napa design experts what they are seeing now, and how we can incorporate them into our own homes.

Laurynn Dilley is an interior designer with design company Brick & Mantel, a woman and locally owned business in Bel Aire Plaza. Brick & Mantel specializes in full-scale design services, window treatments, customizable furniture, lighting, area rugs, and small decor items.

“Trends we’re noticing this year include warmer wood tones, earthy colors, texture, and fun window treatments,” says Laurynn. “The colors that are most requested are warmer neutral colors and fun accents colors, mostly greens and blues.”

Cathy Reat of Design Showcase says they are a full-service retail design center that offers kitchen and bath design as well as products such as tile, countertops, hardware, window coverings, cabinetry, and

plumbing, shares a similar thought about wood tones.

“White kitchens are a classic but adding light color wood softens the overall design,” Cathy says. “A very popular wood is called rift cut white oak. The grain is straight, but the wood gives a very natural feel to the space. You could have the island in wood and the perimeter in a soft white shade.”

“As far as color goes, we don’t tell people what they should select, but we can tell from talking to many people every day that customers are moving to a warmer palette. If we lay out three colors of grey tile for a floor people are selecting the warmer grey version.”

Janice Clifton, owner of Abbey Carpets Unlimited, says they specialize in hardwood, laminate, carpet, Luxury Vinyl Tile and tile floors.

Janice says, “We also carry in stock a very large inventory of all types of setting materials, especially for tile. We have expert non-commissioned sales staff in all areas of our store that can help our customers make the right choice for their homes.”

She shares her unique perspective of décor.

“Find things that inspire you,”

Laurynn Dilley

“I’m excited this year to see carpets come back with some strong showings in design and color. Hard surface products have taken over many homes and carpet companies are now coming up with beautiful styles and colors to provide area rugs for these hard surfaces.”

The experts agree on what trends are being replaced.

“The stark white and grey kitchens are out,” says Laurynn of Brick & Mantel. “So are cold colors and minimalist style.”

“Cool Greys are phasing out in paint surfaces and the color is moving to a warmer tone,” says Cathy of Design Showcase. “Grey is still a good neutral, but it should move away from being cold.”

The most popular rooms to redecorate are living and family rooms.

“Public spaces are usually the first on people’s list to touch up,” says Laurynn.

“Find things that inspire you, ”she advises people who are unsure of what they want.

~

Design Showcase

Design Showcase

Brick & Mantel Brick & Mantel

Abbey Carpets Unlimited

“Whether it’s a magazine clipping, a fun patterned fabric, a piece of art or even a grouping of colors you like.”

“Clients should come prepared with the dimensions of the space—although we will come measure—the deadline for their project and budget.”Remodeling is usually reserved for kitchens and bathrooms.

Cathy offers a suggestion, “We can help them by asking questions about their goals and preferences to design a custom concept to include all parts of the space. What

floor. These questions change with the type of use, but they should feel free to have those types of discussions with their salesperson.”

We asked the designers what was special about their companies and what they want customers to know.

“We strive to find US made products that are of great quality,” says Laurynn.

“Brick & Mantel offers both commercial and residential design. We have had some fun tasting room projects and are excited about our outdoor collection, as well as new

Abbey Carpets Unlimited

Abbey Carpets Unlimited

help with finding a contractor if needed because we have 30 years of experience working with contractors in Napa Valley.

Our products are price competitive even though we are designers as well. We are a retail showroom, so if you need tile or plumbing, we are here to help you.”

“Making a quality choice for your home leaves you with so many options and we try to make sure our customers make the best choice,” says Janice. “We also make sure their job is completed successfully with quality installation. I am truly blessed to have my employees. You will always get treated kindly and professionally no matter how large or small your job happens to be.”

Janice summarizes the sentiment of all the designers. “We always hope we have helped our clients have a little more beauty in their homes, something that makes them smile when they walk in their door.”

“Even if they want Zebra wallpaper.”

Design Showcase

Brick & Mantel

~ Janice Clifton

Don’t let urologic issues stop you in your tracks.

Our providers are trained in the latest techniques for managing enlarged prostate (BPH), urinary incontinence and more. We are experts in treating prostate, kidney and bladder cancers. With a rocksolid reputation treating kidney stones of all shapes and sizes, we are using the latest minimally invasive techniques, giving you the peace of mind that comes with better outcomes. Should you need urologic surgery, we are some of the best — using the latest robot-assisted procedures for superior results and faster recoveries to get you feeling like you.

Daniel Gilbert, DOJames Lau, MDTamara Brady, PA-C

Finding Love

Twists and turns, even tragedies and curveballs, create the paths of each of our lives. Never did I expect to be single in my 50s. As a hopeless romantic however, even in a stage considered to be later in life — I believe that love is within and around us, every single day.

Someone once told me to be open to finding love in the least expected places. For me, there could not have been truer words. When I met my significant other, I had long before decided that

I was no longer going to look for love. Following losses, some poor choices and deep personal tragedy, I was an empty nester who had been on my own for more than a decade.

Many of us remember our “first loves” and relationships as stressful, confusing, producing awkward exchanges and plenty of angst. Fast forward several decades, and I can personally attest that when it comes to finding love, many of those feelings remain.

The excitement of attraction; the pitter patter flutter of the heart; the stress of figuring out a relationship; the desire for companionship; the more mature ability to be simultaneously generous, forgiving and grateful; the reality of each other’s pasts and “baggage,” and the constant practice of acceptance and patience. All can follow the actual rare chance of meeting someone who is both equally invested and willing to set aside established life patterns, as well as, finding a person willing to mutually trust and be trusted, and give love a try!

One day while lunching in Napa with my sister, looking out the window with my back to the room,

I turned around and was introduced to Tim. After we parted ways, I said to my sister, “WHO was THAT?!”

He called a few days later (yes, he did not text, he very properly picked up the phone and called), then we dated (speed dated we now say), and the rest is history. We each have an adult child, and our lives and our families are now intertwined. While I was at first hesitant, those close to me advised that I should be open to him, that I deserved love. You know what? They were right.

On the first day of this year, two of my closest local girlfriends, both in their 50s, announced engagements to their partners — both (following past marriages and personal losses) said, “Yes!”

This made me think about several local friends, colleagues and contemporaries that have found love later in life. Several couples were willing to share their stories. So many, that part two of this story will be published in next month’s magazine. In their personal accounts, regardless of your age, you may discover some potentially helpful and hopeful, love-related advice.

More than a decade ago at my high school reunion, Vincent and Angela Davis, then unmarried, showed up together and seemed to have more fun than anyone else in the room. As I recall, they were an unlikely pairing. I have known Angela since we were infants, but I knew both of them in

Lisa Adams Walter & Tim Horton

After 50

junior high and high school. Yet, later in life, they clearly clicked. “We both feel extremely lucky to have found each other,” said Angela Davis who added that she has heard “Good Morning Q-T-ful” for 11 years now (cute-t-ful, so cute!), from Vincent who she calls an amazing man. “I would not change the stage of our lives in which we met at all.”

The couple attended school together from seventh grade through their senior year, yet did not know each other at that time.

Angela notes that while she has adult children that Vincent treats as his own, he had not been married prior, therefore blending their families and lives was very easy. Introduced by a mutual high school friend who performed their wedding ceremony, they are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary this month. “Vince and I look forward to every day we get to laugh together. We might not live until our 50th Anniversary, but we make every moment count. Most of all, we have deep love and trust.”

Another Napa Valley couple I have also known since childhood, I recall that they were two of the nicest people in our high school graduating class. While they wish to remain anonymous, theirs is an extremely heartwarming story. Much of the tenderness is expressed from his side — for them, love and kindness lead in every situation.

He loves that they attended Kindergarten, middle and high school together, “We knew each other, but were in different circles. Over the years we met up over high school reunions and it was always wonderful to see her. But always in passing and friendly.”

Was he looking for love?

“Absolutely not! When I first asked her out, it truly was just out of friendship. I was in a position in my life where I just wanted friends and I was no longer interested in getting involved in a relationship!” She agrees, “I was not interested in a relationship at all. I was very happy and comfortable with my life just as it was.” Now married, they together agree that they have been in the greatest relationship of their lives for six years.

To his surprise, “Once I spent time with her, I realized I had met up with the kindest, prettiest, most gentle, loving and kind person I have ever encountered. How could I not fall and fall deeply?!”

“We started out planning on just spending time together as friends, since we had known each other for such a long time,” she added, “It was very easy spending time together, we felt comfortable with each other from the first night we spent time together. The progression to becoming a ‘couple’ was very natural, it just felt right.”

Vincent & Angela Davis

“I was against ever having a relationship again. I was happy and my life was going fine,” he remembers. “With my kids, hobbies and career, I was happy without any conflict or strife. I was committed to being single and was happy with that decision”

I was definitely not expecting to find a relationship like this,” she said, “I truly never planned on getting married again.”

According to this couple, there are benefits and challenges of finding love

later in life. “We know who we are and what we want, and can hopefully communicate that to those we care about,” he explained — though the extended, blended families and the struggles that can come up, can be a challenge.

She feels the same, in knowing who they are individually and what they each need, “Stepping out of your comfort zone, adjusting how you have been living for so long. Parenting styles are different, and you have to be understanding of the other partner’s way of handling things. I have a grown child. His kids are younger, one still a minor. We have very few things we disagree with, the one conflict would be the differences in parenting styles.”

Parenting and blending the families, he agrees, are the greatest joy and greatest strain. “Conflict and difficulties come up and almost always, we work through it together… in a kind and caring manner for all. Love and peace are the focus, but logistics and rationality also have to be worked through. Mostly quite successfully, but always with love and kindness. All problems are best addressed in a kind, loving manner with respect, and reasonable compromise with analysis.” They advise to avoid animosity towards those you love and care about, always find a way to be gentle and kind.

To solidify trust, he said, “Allow each other to make mistakes — loving and caring about each other enough to overcome those mistakes, and to grow and improve regardless of age.”

It is not always easy to combine two established lives he added. “It’s difficult especially at this time in our lives as many things are well-established and have been put in to motion for likely decades. Creating a life together I think is the key, and respecting and supporting all that we bring into this life we are establishing together. Making time for each other and making each other and our relationship our priority, while acknowledging that we bring a lot of complexity into this process. Being kind and inclusive, while also finding time to work exclusively on our relationship.”

“I feel blessed to have found such a beautiful, kind, amazing soul that has chosen to give her love to me — so I make efforts every day to celebrate her and acknowledge how amazing, wonderful, kind and special she is,” he disclosed, stating that he will always celebrate that there is an “us.” “I hope to do everything I can to celebrate and show her how much I love and care about her. To encourage her to have her friend relationships, and to insist she continues to spend time and effort to nurture those relationships, while also ensuring that I am being the best, caring, kind, loving partner that she deserves.”

“He is the most compassionate person I have ever met, always very gentle and loving,” she said. He concluded, “I feel blessed to finally have ‘met’ and fallen deeply in love with someone who was so near all this time. It gives me more meaning to life and appreciation of everything.”

LOOKING

COOMBSVILLE AVA!

If you yearn for a slice of old Napa Valley aesthetic in the highly coveted Coombsville AVA, welcome home! Greeted by a beautiful oak tree, enter through an automatic gate and up the newly paved driveway to this fully fenced 1.46 acre property with an 1149 +/- sq. ft. home. Come soak in porch views of neighboring vineyards, eastern hills and Mt Tamalpais. Maybe you want to plant a vineyard with the already established Napa Sanitation Recycled Water. Downtown Napa with its world class restaurants & wine bars is a quick bike ride, stroll or car ride away - just 1.5 miles! Plenty of room to build your dream home, build a barn, and a pool. The opportunities for a place like this are rare, so come live the Napa Valley lifestyle of your dreams!

Asking $1,195,000

Call/Text Diane Hampton at 707-328-9852

This lovely, single story, remodeled home is located in the heart of Napa Valley. This property is immaculate and exudes pride of ownership. Spacious 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, with radiant heat floors, gorgeous kitchen, includes all appliances. Gleaming hardwood floors, lots of natural light, coved ceilings, recessed lights, ceiling fans and more. The outdoor space is an extension of the interior living space. The impressive back yard has two kitchen areas, perfect for entertaining, lovely gardens, fire pit. RV parking. A lifetime of enjoyment. It’s a turnkey property.

Asking $800,000

Call/Text Linda Glass at 707-486-3281

Over 45 Years Serving Napa County’s Real Estate Needs!

Collabria Care is now part of Providence

and area

“I recently had a family experience with Collabria, now Providence, and the level of care and dignity they provided. Not only was is it incredibly important for our loved one, but it gave the family confidence that we did all that we could at a very difficult time. It's important to know that when you're in need of end of life care, that you have choices. Let us be that choice.”

—Jeff Gerlomes, CEO and Trustee Tulocay Cemetery Association Foundation Board Member

We are Napa Integrated Medicine! We are a first of its kind regenerative clinic devoted entirely toward improving the movement and functionality of patients without the need for narcotics or surgery! We focus on the maximum results for injury recovery, joint rehabilitation without surgery, and post-surgical recovery.

No other clinic in Northern California offers the type and quality of care that we are pioneering! What makes us different? The corporation was founded on the golden rule: we treat each and every patient how we would like to be treated. Our patients see amazing results!

It all begins with a highly detailed examination - allowing us to get the original cause or causes of your problem. By utilizing functional medicine, regenerative medicine, chiropractic care, physio-therapy, sound nutrit ional guidance and state of the art therapy equipment, our patients experience one of the best and quickest recovery processes available.

We have a combined 34 years of technical and practical patient experience. We routinely review treatment protocols as a team to confer on the best way forward for patient outcomes. Patient care is truly a team effort! We look forward to working with our community to establish an ongoing level of trust and outcomes that will help to change the field. We seek to educate the public and the patient on the possibilities of cartilage preservation.

Pat Wartenweiler

A MEALS ON WHEELS 40-YEAR VOLUNTEER

By Kathleen Reynolds

Meals on Wheels distributes five lunches and two snacks per week to homebound seniors, including milk and fresh fruit; this is a free service addressing the nutritional needs of more than 400 participants throughout Napa County.

NNapa resident Patricia (Pat) Wartenweiler grew up in Surrey, England and came to the United States in her 20s. While her three daughters were in school, she volunteered often with their schools. When they entered high school, Pat joined the volunteers at Meals on Wheels delivering food to housebound Napa seniors—and has for the past 40+ years. Pat delivered meals two days a week until the pandemic. Now she volunteers once a week.

“My mother volunteered for Meals on Wheels in England after World War II,” Pat says. “It’s different in England, the people on the route were very poor.”

The website for Community Action Napa Valley (CAN-V), the nonprofit

agency responsible for Meals on Wheels, describes the program. “Meals on Wheels distributes five lunches and two snacks per week to homebound seniors, including milk and fresh fruit; this is a free service addressing the nutritional needs of more than 400 participants throughout Napa County.”

“I start my delivery day at 10 a.m. and I’m usually finished around 1:30-2 p.m.,” says Pat. I have 24 people on my route. When the people see that I’m interested in them, they become my friends.”

Did we mention Pat’s age? She’s 86.

“I may be old, but I’m active,” she says.

Her 1989 Volvo station wagon stopped counting mileage when it hit 250,000 miles. Her 15-mile route takes her from the alphabet streets to the Silverado Trail, Coombsville and Monticello Roads.

Lisa DeRose-Hernandez, the Meals on Wheels Program Director, explains in an email about the importance of the program.

“Our Home-Delivered Meal Program serves meals for those seniors aged 60 and over who are home-bound and/or unable to shop and cook. You may also receive Meals on Wheels if you are the caregiver/spouse/companion of a 60+ senior who is receiving meals. Volunteer Delivery Drivers deliver our freshly prepared meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A key component of our HomeDelivered Program is consistent contact with our senior clients. This contact not only reduces senior isolation but ensures their safety daily.”

“Deliveries are made between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Clients must be home to receive the meals. The meals are delivered in advance of seasonal holidays. Clients receive two meals on Monday and Wednesday and three meals on Friday.”

Lisa writes that the volunteers’ contact saves lives and allows seniors to remain independent in their own homes. Their seniors receive a monthly menu, information on other social service programs and are provided nutritional and preventive health information.

“We have about 60 volunteers but are always in need of Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers to deliver nutritious lunches in Napa County,”

says Lisa. “Volunteers are typically expected to commit to a meal delivery once a week and routes usually take two hours to deliver.”

Drene Johnson is Can-V’s Executive Director. She says Meals on Wheels couldn’t run without its committed volunteers.

“The program wouldn’t be able to pay for the number of hours these volunteers work. They’re so dedicated. We have such a small staff to run the program; we could never serve the number of people we do without our volunteers. Pat is amazing. Fifteen years ago, she was my orientation person, and I did a ride along with her. The people on her route love her. She and the other volunteers are the heart of Meals on Wheels.”

Volunteer drivers begin in the parking lot at the Napa Senior Center at 1500 Jefferson Street. They have a drive-thru for the drivers to pick-up meals and delivery

rosters. The food pick-up time for drivers is between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Pat says she enjoys the people on her route. “They are a lovely, diverse group.”

Has there been any excitement while volunteering?

“It’s always interesting. There’ve been a few falls and we’ve called the fire department for help.”

“I have no idea how many meals I’ve delivered over the years. I’ve had apartment houses on my route where there are a lot of people but they all live close to each other.”

“It’s rewarding and I get more out of it than I give. I try to spend about 10 minutes with each person. My daughter lives in North Carolina and when she retired, she became a Meals on Wheels volunteer. She enjoys it too.”

“When the people see that I’m interested in them, they become my friends.” ~ Pat Wartenweiler

In her 40 years of service, she’s occasionally gone above and beyond her job duties.

“Years ago, there was a man who was worried about his declining health and was distressed about who would take care of his dog when he passed away. I said I’d take care of the dog, a sweet dachshund named Frankie. The man left a note that I should take the dog when the time

came, and I did. My other dogs loved him and would come get me when Frankie crawled into an animal hole

in the yard and couldn’t get out. I had Frankie eight more years and he lived to be 17 years old.”

“Another time a client in a mobile home park said a chicken had just appeared one day and no one claimed it. He’d looked after it on his screened porch but wouldn’t be allowed to keep it. I asked around and my neighbor, who had chickens, said she’d take the hen. I picked it up in a cat carrier. When the chicken laid an egg, I brought the egg to the man in the mobile home park; he was thrilled.”

Academy of Danse Competition Company production winning 2nd overall at the Ultra Dance

Laura Brasil, induction of new Soroptimist Intl of Napa member, Dana Simi-Wilson, and Debbie Goodman.

Ashley and Jim Armstrong with daughter, Reese, performing in Dance House 2023 Peak Company Showcase.

Academy of Danse Competition Company awarded 3 Platinums with Power award, 25 Platinums, 5 High Golds and 5 Top Overalls at the Fluid Dance Competition in Sacramento.

Vanessa Rubio with Debbie Dean of the Napa Women's Club presenting a check to Mariposa High School Girls.

Andres Cantera with Debbie Dean of the Napa Women's Club presenting a donation to Voices.

Dr. Torence Powell and Chef Elena Sirignano.

Jessica Thomason and Jeni Olsen.

Napa City Council awards a 75th Anniversary Proclamation to the Art Association Napa Valley. Alan Vaughn, Jeanne Dillion, Mary Luros, Janis Adams, Mayor Scott Sedgley, Katherine Zimmer, Liz Alessio, and Greg Wright.

Cope Family Center's Kids Day Event, held at Oxbow Commons Park.

Cope Family Center's Kids Day Event, held at Oxbow Commons Park.

Cope Family Center's Kids Day Event, held at Oxbow Commons Park.

Sierra Healy Spaulding, Talia Dawson and Gianna Ring.

Neil Harrison, Jeri Hansen and Jennifer Owen.

Bill LaLiberte, Mary Luros and Steve Potter.

Tina Laviolette and Philippa Perry.

SIR Creates Friends for Life

LIVE LONGER, LIVE HAPPIER, JOIN SIR.

By Kathleen Reynolds

I“I didn’t want to be a couch potato,” says Ron Irwin, who retired from professions in education, software development and as a job coach for people with disabilities. “So, I joined SIR (Sons in Retirement) Branch 149. It’s great if you’re retired, partially retired or even thinking about retirement. I’ve gotten to know Napa men and have made good golfing buddies.”

Based in Northern and Central California, SIR is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that started in 1958. Prior to COVID, it had 13,500 active men in 116 branches. There are two branches in Napa, the Wine Valley Branch 149, which has 190 members and Branch 65, which has 92 members. All Branches are steadily

rebuilding their numbers since the pandemic.

According to their state website, SIR is “A social organization that exists to enrich the lives of its members and their wives or partners.”

The branbches have monthly lunches where members enjoy socializing and planning activities. In Napa, the Elks Lodge is the location for both branches, with Branch 149 meeting on the first Tuesday of the month and Branch 65’s luncheon on the second Tuesday of the month. Both lunches have interesting speakers or entertainment.

“For me, golf was the key draw,” says Ron, who is called Big Sir, or the

leader this year of Branch 149 (the second in command is called Little Sir). “We have a good golf club with a number of guys. Actually, we have the largest golfing group in the Northern California Golf Association. From golf, I expanded into bocce, joined the walking group and play penny-ante poker once a week.”

“The main benefit of SIR is that there are many activities for guys with different interests. Besides golf, bocce and walking, there are groups for bicycling, fishing, wine tasting, travel, ball games, dining, theater, the “Roving Roosters” (an RV group), classic cars and other activities. Members of Branch 65 join us in several undertakings and many activities are co-ed.”

“Sitting home is not the way to stay healthy. We have fun activities and many of them are geared to maintaining physical movement. For quieter pursuits, we also have a book exchange at every lunch where you can bring or pick up a book that you might like. There’s cribbage once a month. We’re open to any hobby that you want to share.”

Jerry Stabile was a middle school art teacher before he retired. “A friend invited me to join bocce,” says Jerry, who is past Big Sir for Branch 65

“I liked golf, too, but I was a little iffy about joining a club. I thought there’d be contracts, cost a lot of money, or be filled with rules and regulations. Then I learned the dues are determined by each branch. Currently, Branch 65 dues are $20 a year. When I joined, Branch 65 had golf, bowling and bocce. Eventually, when I became Little Sir for Branch 65, I added a few activities; for example, a veterans’ group, a walking group, poker, a music group and we just added a coffee group.”

Branch 149’s dining out, wine tasting and Branch 65’s Vine Walkers group. Father and son memberships are not uncommon.”

“What’s important is that SIR is based on activities and having fun. Studies show seniors need mental stimulation and social interaction. It’s about camaraderie and maintaining friendships. We say that we’re making friends for life. Many times, friendships formed during Branch activities reach beyond those activities.”

Men interested in joining SIR can start one of two ways.

“Many times, current members invite their friends and bring them as their guest for lunch,” says Ron. “You get a free lunch and learn what we’re all about. Dues are $20 annually. The guest fills out an application and the Branch Executive Committee (BEC) reviews and approves the application.”

“The other way is to reply to one of our informational flyers. We put out flyers at our golf outings or in parking lots during lunches. People can call the phone number on the flyer or go to our website where they can also submit an application. We may also attach our business card to the flyer and prospective members can call that person.”

Are there any misconceptions about SIR?

“We are made up of people from all walks of life, all former occupations, we are inclusionary. We’re not a political or religious organization. We even have guys who aren’t yet retired but like to take time out for our lunches or just to have a group for golf. SIR wants people to know

SIR Adrian Fenderson at SIR fishing trip

that we are an organization where you can remain active as you retire. Some younger people may think it’s only for older folks, but we have men in their 50’s who retired early. In fact, we encourage younger men to apply.”

“Sometimes we say we’re the best kept secret in Napa,” says Ron with a laugh. “We’re doing a survey of members now to see what additional activities, if any, they want to do. SIR is an organization of friendly guys with whom you can join activities, expand horizons and increase friends and acquaintances. We say, if you have the time for SIR, we have the time for you.“

As the SIR motto says: Live longer, live happier, join SIR.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

branch149.sirinc2.org or contact Branch 149 Big Sir Ron Irwin at (707) 363-8754 or irwinron@att.net

For Branch 65, visit sirinc2.org/branch/65 or contact Membership Chair Jeff Richard at jeff.richard@att.net

SIR speaker Ira Smith introducing Mark Ibanez

11th Annual

Art, Sip & Stroll

Yountville

Saturday, May 20, 2023 11am – 5pm

• Discover 50+ artists showing arts from fine art to photography, to glass & ceramics, to jewelry.

• Taste from 12+ Napa Valley wineries.

• Enjoy Live Music.

Tasting package includes a glass with four wine tasting tokens to be used at any wine tasting stop PLUS a signed Ivan McLean ART, SIP & STROLL 2023 poster. Visit artsipstroll.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

YOUN TVILL

BORED TEACHERS

NAPA VALLEY EVENTS

MAY

To submit your event request, visit napavalleymarketplace.com

MAY 1-31

VINE TRAIL LOCO-MOTION MONTH OF MOVEMENT

Move the May! Join the Napa Valley Vine Trail for the third annual LOCO-MOTION Month of Movement fitness and fundraising challenge. Walk? Run? Ride? Let’s band together for a high-energy, endorphin-pumping activity where everyone is a winner. Sign up today! charity.pledgeit.org/vinetrail

MAY 4-7

SILENT SKY

When Henrietta Leavitt began work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she wasn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joined a group of female “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculated projects in “girl hours” and had no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempted to measure the light and distance of stars, she also took measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. This true story of the 19th-century astronomer was written by Bay Area’s Lauren Gunderson, who has become America’s most produced playwright. It explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. luckypennynapa.com

MAY 4

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers, beloved for his personal essays and short stories. His new book, Happy-GoLucky, debuted at number one on the New York Times best-seller list. uptowntheatrenapa.com

MAY 7

SILVERADO DISTRICT GOLF CLASSIC

Come to Chardonnay Golf Club to support the Scouts. There will be 18 holes of golf, challenging contests, dinner, silent auction, and much more! Silverado District, BSA, provides the Scouting program to boys and girls age 5-20 focused on character, citizenship, personal fitness and leadership development. scoutingevent.com/023-sgc

MAY 13

TEENS CONNECT - YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FESTIVAL

Build your wellness toolkit! Explore new hobbies, coping skills, and resources while having fun with friends. Special activities include therapy animals, positive affirmations, body movement, build your own trail mix, acupressure, painting and more. Pelusi Building at Kennedy Park from 1 pm to 4 pm. Free event for ages 12 to 21. mentisyouthmentalfestival.eventbrite.com

MAY 20

YOUNTVILLE ART, SIP & STROLL

Come to Yountville, the Heart of the Napa Valley, for this artistic outdoor stroll from 11 am to 5 pm! Enjoy over 50+ juried artists showcasing fine art, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, live music and more. Ample parking is available, after which guests can walk or ride a shuttle to the event site. Your admission includes a glass with four wine tasting tokens to be used at any event wine tasting stop, plus a signed Ivan McLean Art, Sip & Stroll 2023 poster. artsipstroll.com

MAY 24-25

NHS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC MAY CONCERTS

Napa High School Instrumental Music Department invites you to the Sound of Strings concert on May 24, and the Bonanza of the Bands on May 25. Both concerts at 7 pm at the NVUSD District Auditorium. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 students for this fundraiser. napahighband.org

ON SALE NOW

IS C L

& it ’s here to s erve the NAPA VALLEY REGION!

Current student? University student?

You don’t want to miss this!

Use NVC Summer Classes to...

pick up credits, maintain athletic eligibility or retake a class that maybe didn’t go so well this year. Summer courses are fast-paced with smaller class sizes, and cost less than full semester courses!

• Finish your degree or certificate sooner

• Get into high demand general ed courses easily

4-year students can get ahead with our transferable-credit courses

Apply and register for classes today!

napavalley.edu