Napa’s
Recycling & Composting Facility Tour Day
Sat. October 5th • 9 am – 1 pm
Children’s
Touch-A-Truck & Tours!
820 Levitin Way
American Canyon
11 am
Live Truck Demo and Meet a Driver!
Sustainability goes Spooky
Napa’s Halloween Costume Swap is back
The City of Napa’s Recycling Division encourages Halloween costume reuse by hosting popup racks with gently used costumes in October. You may donate outgrown costumes at one of these locations and/or choose a free “new-to-you” costume off the rack!
Look for us in:
• Napa Library’s Children’s area
• Community Resources for Children
• The Las Flores Community Center
Or join us at these swap events:
• The Fire Dept.’s Fire & Life Safety Day • Sat. Oct. 12th
• The Farmer’s Market in the Recycling Booth • Sat. Oct. 19th
To keep the fun going...
After Halloween consider donating back at:
America Recycles Day • Costume, Coat, and Shoe Drive • Sun. Nov. 17th
Respook. Rewear. Rescare!
(707) 253-1105 sunrisemontessorinapa.com 1226 Salvador Avenue Napa • 94558
OCTOBER 24th 5:30-6:30PM at 1226 Salvador Ave. Napa
for the 2025-2026 school year starts here!
• Learn about our programs and the Montessori philosophy.
• Explore our beautiful campus and meet our Montessori trained teachers.
• This event is for parents only, please RSVP to lreed@sunrisemontessorinapa.com
MODERN LUXURY STYLISH LIVING
Experience modern luxury and stylish living at The Watermark at Napa Valley. Our commitment to continuous modernization means that we invest in the home you live in, providing unrivaled amenities and fostering a strong sense of community. The Watermark at Napa Valley stands as the premier choice for Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, The Bridge, and Memory Care in Napa, offering a lifestyle that blends style, sophistication, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Schedule a Tour and Enjoy Lunch on Us!
PUBLISHER
Napa Marketplace Publishing, Inc.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Connie Anderson
SALES EXECUTIVE/MARKETING
Erica Pickett
CD GRAPHIC DESIGN/WEB
Suzanne Nott
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Alicen Curtis
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Kelly Hurst
NAPA VALLEY
MARKETPLACE MAGAZINE 1053 Round Hill Circle, Napa, CA 94558
P: 707.261.0116 F: 707.339.8332
CONTRIBUTING
Tania Condon
Lauren Coodley
Kathleen Reynolds Lynn Wyckoff
ESTATE WITH VINEYARD VISTAS
Luxurious home situated in a gated 120-acre Napa Valley estate with vineyard, pool and outdoor entertainment areas with views of the vines and the valley. Entertainer’s delight. This is a must see!
$6,995,000
CAROLYN ROBERTS
(707) 953-1798
NAPA (707) 258-5200 | St. Helena (707) 963-1152 cbnapavalley.com celebrating 30 years as napa valley’s #1 Real Estate Company ! contact us today TO DISCUSS YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS.
www.carolynroberts.com DRE #00628461 PRIVATE RETREAT | HOWELL MOUNTAIN AVA
Timeless sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship nestled in Napa’s avenues district on 10 ± pristine acres. Clear heart redwood interiors and exterior. Expansive glass walls, panoramic views, pool.
TRACY WARR (707) 287-1994
www.napatracystyle.com DRE #01443203
$3,400,000
Panoramic, unobstructed 180-degree views of St. Helena, vineyards and valley floor situated on 40 ± acres. Modern Chateau-style 6 bedroom residence plus two guest /inlaw suites on 4th level. $3,850,000
SUZY ANDERSON (707) 494-0333
www.suzyanderson.com
DRE #01443203
Locally owned and operated since 1994
TWO HOMES ON ONE SPACIOUS LOT
This unique property has been tastefully designed with a modern approach blended with vintage elements. Stunning kitchens. You will be captivated by these Craftsmans built in 1900 and the beautiful grounds surrounding them. $1,795,000
TRACY WARR (707) 287-1994
DRE #01443203
LACEY FONVILLE (707) 287-5696 DRE #02140361
Stunning 55.50± acre parcel nestled at the foothills of Mount Veeder. Features three five-acre planting sites, several wells and seasonal creek. Includes plans for winery and crush facility, permits in process. Estate building site. $1,900,000
MONICA CLINE (707) 208-3041
DRE #01751426
HOLLY SHACKFORD (707) 260-4736
DRE #01003417
Wonderful 3 BD 2.5 BA home, primary suite on the main level and generous loft that could be 4th bedroom. Dramatic backyard, stunning pool and entertaining space. Close to Skyline park, downtown & more. $1,260,000
Delightful Custom-built home and stunning views of the Canyon and Valley in gated community. Cathedral ceilings, two fireplaces, hardwood floors, updated kitchen and primary bath. Huge deck and patio, beautiful lush landscaping. $2,995,000
Unique opportunity to acquire a luxury boutique inn in Downtown Napa, featuring two historic Victorian buildings on separate parcels. Includes a 10 guest suite permit, owner’s cottage, and pool. The reimagined process is nearly complete. Located in an Opportunity Zone.
Discover the charm and potential of this Browns Valley estate. 1892 Victorian 5BD main house, studio/pool house, 3 separate 2BD/2BA rental homes, all situated on a 1.32-acre lot. Great family compound or investment. So many possibilities. $3,999,000
LITLE (707) 479-2660 www.cathilitle.com DRE #01798814
Built in 1899, remarkable, striking restoration, attention to detail and period-appropriate finishes. Desirable location, proximity to downtown. Delightful back yard, built for entertaining, 3-car
“I’ll stay active and I expect to serve the public and my community in one way or another.”
- Bill Dodd “
DODDBill
Retires after 125 passed bills and 25 years in office.
by Kathleen Reynolds
where he was raised on a farm. The Bay Area, including Napa, Solano, Costa County. Prior to that, he was elected to the California Assembly. He also served four terms on Napa’s
November 30 this year, he has no the welfare of Napa Valley and its
“After 25 years in elected office, I’ll be enjoying time with my family, but I have no plans to retire,” says Bill. “I’ll stay active, and I expect to serve the public and my community in one
According to his official biography, he established himself as the most prolific lawmaker in the Legislature, authoring 114 bills that have been
He is chair of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee and is a member of the Transportation Committee; the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee; the Revenue and Taxation Committee; the Business and Professions committee and the Insurance Committee. He is co-chair of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry and the Legislative Delta Caucus.
His bills have spanned many topics – from improving public education and the environment to data privacy and protecting seniors. As a senator representing wildfiretorn Napa and Sonoma counties, he has been a leader on wildfire safety and prevention legislation, authoring numerous bills to protect Californians from future infernos and accompanying utility rate hikes.
Having been a successful small business owner of the largest fullservice Culligan Water operations in California and as president of the water quality industry’s state and national trade associations, it’s no surprise that he worked to help small businesses when he was in the Assembly.
During his tenure in the Assembly, he also worked to protect the environment and support seniors
and working families. He advanced a balanced, sustainable budget that invests in our education system from preschool through higher education. He helped establish the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, promote career technical education, and create the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument – preserving over 330,000 acres of the California Coast Ranges in Napa, Yolo, Solano, Lake, Colusa, Glenn and Mendocino counties.
As a Napa County Supervisor, his accomplishments include completing Napa’s flood control project, which protects thousands of properties from flooding, the restoration of 900 acres of environmental wetlands and securing $1 billion of investment in local businesses. He has served on numerous government and nonprofit boards and commissions, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Napa County Civil Grand Jury.
Bill’s career in the Senate isn’t quite over yet. “The legislative session ended at the end of August and most of Senator Dodd’s Bill package is on the Governor’s desk, awaiting his signature that is due by the end of the month,” says Senior Field Representative for District 3, Alex Pader. “We expect that Senator Dodd will have authored over 125
Left: Bill learning of his first win via landline phone.
“After 25 years in elected office, I’ll be enjoying time with my family, but I have no plans to retire,” - Bill Dodd
bills in his legislative career by then. Senator Dodd’s last day in office is November 30th, but with the legislative session over, he effectively can no longer author new legislation.”
The varied resolutions and bills approved by the California Legislature and awaiting the Governor’s signature include a resolution from Senators Bill Dodd and colleagues to name a portion of Interstate 80 in San Francisco after the late baseball icon, Willie Mays.
Another updates conflict of interest laws to ensure local governments and other parties can more effectively implement and follow the law to prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption.
One is a measure to allow the state of California to sell land at Napa State Hospital known as Camp Coombs to Napa County for inclusion in Skyline Wilderness Park.
A bill that would strengthen elder and dependent adult financial abuse protections by clarifying the duties of banks and financial institutions to safeguard against fraud is awaiting the Governor’s approval.
“With more destructive and frequent wildfires, we must take every opportunity to protect ourselves and our communities,” Bill says. “One of the best things we can do is to clear the space around our homes of combustible brush and other flammable material. This bill will save lives by improving on my previous legislation on defensible space.”
His interest in protecting in protecting Napa Valley and surrounding areas is seen in a measure to enhance wildfire safety by improving standards for creation of defensible space.
Other bills include efforts to safeguard students from sexual misconduct and violence on California college campuses by adopting new requirements recommended in a California State Auditor report and by extending those rules to the University of California, California State University
and community college systems.
Staying relevant to citizen’s current concerns, he has authored legislation that would build upon recent directives from President Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom addressing the unprecedented growth of generative artificial intelligence technology by encouraging continued innovation while ensuring the rights and opportunities of all Californians are protected.
In his personal life, Bill and his wife Mary live in Napa and have five grown children and 13 grandchildren. The Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized the Dodds’ philanthropic efforts by awarding Senator Dodd “Citizen of the Year” for his fundraising for local charities. Bill says he’s not finished yet.
“Being a senator is the greatest honor of my professional life and I’m committed to delivering the best possible results for California and my district until my last day in office,” says Bill. “That’s my focus now.”
Thank you for all you’ve done, Bill. Congratulations and we wish you well!
Bill leaving the Capitol, after midnight, at the end of his last legislative session.
•
•
•
•
SODA CANYON SCHOOL REMEMBERED
by Lauren Coodley with Lynn Wyckoff
“The flowers returned every year.”
Recently we read this comment from Barbara Henderson:
“A few years ago my sister and I went to Soda Canyon to see where our home was and stopped at the old school. The gentleman who owns the school now told us how wonderful it was to see so many adults come back to see their old school. He also said that it must have been a wonderful place to grow up because everyone who ever stopped by usually had tears welling up as they told him how wonderful Soda Canyon School was.”
It inspired this essay. Lynn remembers:
In the fall of 1959, my parents moved us from the Westwood neighborhood out to Petra Drive. I started third grade at Soda Canyon Elementary School and attended through sixth grade (1963). It was a two-room school with three grades in each room and a multipurpose room in between. As you drive north on Silverado Trail, the school was the first building as you turn right onto Soda Canyon Road…what was exceptional was the large grassy meadow of several acres with the baseball diamond on one edge. In the spring, native wildflowers grew in the meadow and at lunchtime the girls wandered throughout the
meadows, collecting wildflowers for our teacher which she graciously put in vases on her desk. In early summer, the meadows were mowed down to the ground, and it made me sad because I feared the wildflowers would die. Despite the mowing, the flowers returned every year.
Petra Drive is to the left off Silverado Trail after you cross the bridge over Soda Canyon Creek. We walked to school every day, walking up Petra Drive, making a trail through a grassy vacant lot, crossing the creek, and then climbing up the steep embankment to Silverado Trail, which we darted across, then finished our walk up Soda Canyon Road to the school grounds (usually just in time for the pledge of allegiance).
When the creek was high in the winter, we had to walk the full length of Petra Drive to Silverado Trail so that we could cross on the bridge.
The kids that went to Soda Canyon came from as far south as Hardman Avenue, as far north as Oak Knoll Avenue, and from far up Soda Canyon Road. There were about 60 kids in the school, about 10 in each grade. Our teachers took turns instructing each grade while we worked on assignments. Once in a while a music specialist would come visit the school and we would
pull out these very old green music books and an autoharp and sing traditional American folk songs. We learned the Mexican hat dance and quite a few square dances. When the Twist craze hit in 1963, we spent our lunch hours in the multipurpose room twisting to Chubby Checker until we got side aches.
One of the great things about going to a country school was that girls got to wear pants! All the girls who went to school in town had to wear dresses! We could run and jump and play without having to worry about getting our dresses dirty. And
at Soda Canyon there was a culture of toughness: sports were co-ed and very competitive. We played softball, basketball, dodgeball, and foursquare with all three grades taking part. We played horses: neighing, rearing and galloping around the playground at recess and lunch.
My fourth-grade teacher was Mrs. Rae Jones, a short, round, soft spoken grandmotherly woman with a gentle demeanor. Some of the kids were so rambunctious, fighting at lunch and recess, that Mrs. Jones finally created a boxing ring,
formalizing the fights and creating rules, since she could see, that fights were going to happen anyway.
We kids spent a great deal of time playing outdoors. After dinner, many of us would ride our bikes back up to the school grounds for a pick-up game of softball.
Mybrother and I spent many happy hours playing down at the creek. Soda Canyon Creek is seasonal, so it would begin to dry up in the spring, which isolated pools of small fish. We would watch these small trout, fascinated, and sometimes scooped them up and brought them up to the house. One time we tried putting them in our goldfish tank, but we had not accounted for the aggressiveness of native trout,
“It’s difficult for me to imagine Soda Canyon School without Phyllis Payne and MaryEllen Bess”
which chewed the tails of our goldfish. The trout went back to the creek. My brother and I loved to make forts down at the creek. We collected feathers and pretty rocks to decorate the mossy branches of bay trees. There was a huge multi-trunked bay tree across the creek, which became the tree that I went to most often to climb. I climbed as high as I possibly could, completely unsupervised, and back down again. Never fell.
Our best, most memorable teacher was Mrs. Andrea Valentine, a warm, friendly yet no nonsense mother figure. She had spent a great deal of time living in Mediterranean countries, as her husband was a teacher at US military base schools. She opened our eyes to the amazing ruins of ancient cultures, particularly Turkey where she had lived longest. She taught us the hora, a joyful line dance of step kick, step kick, cross,
step. She had a record of Hava Nagila that we danced to. It was so much fun! Every day after lunch, she would read a chapter of a novel to us until the book was finished.
In 1981, The New York Times documented the struggle to keep small schools open in Napa: the one and two-room schoolhouses that the Napa Unified School Board had voted twice to close.
A successful lawsuit brought by angry parents calling themselves the Save Our Schools Committee forced the board to vote a second time on the matter. Mary and Len Colson formed Save Our Schools with their Napa neighbors. Now two board members face a recall vote next spring that could oust them a year and a half before the end of their terms.
Part of the parents’ discontent can be traced to a 16-year-old promise. Back then, the parents say, the school board struck a deal with the area’s rural residents: Join the
unified district and the tiny schools will never be closed.
Donna Heine, one of the board members facing recall, said that none of the old board members remembered that pledge.
In September 1989, Soda Canyon became a school within a school, moving its 56 students into Vichy Elementary School five miles away. In the years since, too many public schools to count have been closed while private school enrollment has surged. Parents may be longing for the intimacy that small schools once offered to students. In the old days, you didn’t have to be rich to live
in the country. Students like Lynn Wyckoff could pick wildflowers for the teachers and skip across creeks to get to school. As Susan Adams concludes: “It’s difficult for me to imagine Soda Canyon school without Phyllis Payne and MaryEllen Bess…the years with Phyllis, Mary Ellen, Mary Lou Schreuder were magical. I’m so glad my children were part of that era.”
Thanks to Stephanie Grohs for research assistance, to Jan Ohlandt for the pictures and to Elena Love for editorial assistance. New York Times, “Napa Valley tries to keep its tiny schools open,” Dec. 27, 1981.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Fire Life and Safety Day
The City of Napa is creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to boost wildfire readiness in the City. Help shape Napa's CWPP by taking the survey, sharing concerns, and suggesting project ideas at Fire and Life Safety Day! Enjoy family-friendly activities, fire station tours, and live demos. Be part of building a safer Napa!
Plan Comunitario de Protección de Incendios Forestales
Dia de Seguridad de Incendios y de Vida
La ciudad de Napa está creando un Plan Comunitario de Protección de Incendios Forestales (CWPP) para mejorar la preparación y aumentar la capacidad de respuesta ante incendios. Participa completando la encuesta, compartiendo tus preocupaciones y sugiriendo ideas en el Día de Seguridad de Incendios y Vida. Disfruta de actividades familiares, visitas a la estación de bomberos y demostraciones en vivo. ¡Contribuye a un Napa más seguro!
Details-Detalles
Where: Fire Station #1
930 Seminary Street Napa, CA
When: 10/12, 10 AM- 2 PM
Cityofnapa.org/cwpp
Dr. Abhijit Adhye, MD, FACP, FSHM
October
OCTOBER 2
NEWS Happy Hour for Hope NEWS, the nonprofit agency providing domestic violence and sexual abuse services, will hold its Happy Hour for Hope fundraiser at Wilfred’s Lounge from 6 to 8 pm. Don your favorite aloha shirts and hula skirts for this Hawaiianthemed event for October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each ticket includes a welcome drink, passed pupus and entry into a raffle for wine. Guests can bid on additional raffle prizes. napanews.org
OCTOBER 5
Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch E & M Presents brings two shows to the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center for 1 pm and 3:30 pm shows. Kids ages 3-11 are free, Adults $15. Based on the award-winning children's book by Eileen Spinelli, this heartwarming puppet play
To submit your event request, visit napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event
examines the effect that kindness, community and friendship can have on a lonely existence. Free copies of the play's text in Spanish are available at the door, and an opportunity to meet Mr. Hatch following each show is offered. eandmpresents.org
OCTOBER 5
Blues, Brews, BBQ and Classic Cars
Team Morales Events presents Napa Blues, Brews, BBQ & Classic Cars at Napa Valley Exposition from 12 noon to 6 pm. A Bay Area favorite in its 13th year, it features BBQ, live blues music from some of the Bay Area’s best musicians and craft beer. napabluesandbrew.com
OCTOBER 5
Volleyball Revamped
music of Led Zeppelin. It’s been their mission to bring the studio recordings of “The Mighty Zep” to life on the big concert stage. This is not an impersonator act but rather a group of musicians who were fans first, striving to do justice to one of the greatest bands in rock history! uptowntheatrenapa.com
OCTOBER 9
Water-Wise Workshop: Soils, Compost, and Mulch
The City's Water Resources Analyst, Pat Costello, will summarize the eight principles of water-wise landscaping. UC Master Gardeners will examine local soil types and the critical importance of soil in establishing a water-wise landscape, then will demonstrate how to improve your soil with aeration, amendments,
OCTOBER 16
Water-Wise Plant Show
Local landscape designers will demonstrate that drought tolerance is anything but boring. Cathy Baskin will review a colorful and beautiful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, grass, vine, and groundcover species. Maureen Clark of Bright Garden Designs will show off recent yard transformation projects. Dozens of plants will be on hand for viewing and the CNPS Napa Valley Chapter will be spotlighted. Local "Cash For Grass" rebates will be publicized. Free event, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Pelusi Building in Kennedy Park. cityofnapa.org/workshops
Los Lobos at 50. And in that
time Los Lobos created an unprecedented body of work, a legacy of greatness. And, amazingly, with the original founding members as the pack the entire time. Unprecedented.
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 3
Women in Jeopardy Divorcées Mary and Jo are suspicious of their friend Liz’s new dentist boyfriend. He’s not just a weirdo; he may be a serial killer. After all, his hygienist just disappeared. Trading their
wine glasses for spy glasses, imaginations run wild as the ladies try to discover the truth and save their friend in a hilarious off-road adventure. luckypennynapa.com
OCTOBER 19
18th Annual Lobsterfest
Join Soroptimist of Napa from 6 to 10 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Napa. Enjoy a fun evening of great food and drinks, amazing auction items, and terrific prizes. Proceeds
benefit local programs helping women and girls with access to opportunity and education. soroptimistnapa.org
OCTOBER 19
Monster Mash at Bel Aire Plaza
Calling all ghouls and goblins! Dress to impress for costume contests and trick-or-treating. Win fabulous prizes from merchants. Visit participating merchants for sweet treats. 11 am to 2 pm at Bel Aire Plaza. belaireplaza.com
OCTOBER 19
Petty Theft
OCTOBER 31 6:00-8:30PM
At the forefront of legendary Rock and Roll bands, you are sure to find Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Since 2003, San Franciscobased Petty Theft has been touring the United States performing Tom Petty’s songs true to the originals and in the spirit of the Heartbreaker’s live shows. uptowntheatrenapa.com
OCTOBER 19
St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival
Join the community for a fun run and 5K in the morning, followed by the annual Harvest Festival from 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy artisan vendors, food and wine, a kids’ area, live music, and the famous Pet Pawrade! cityofsthelena.org/harvestfestival
OCTOBER 26
Blackberry Smoke
The Georgia-based band draw inspiration from Southern rock, blues-leaning classic rock and rootsy vintage country. Over the past two decades, Blackberry Smoke has developed this confidence and amassed a loyal fanbase, leading their last five full-length albums to achieve great chart success. uptowntheatrenapa.com
A LIFESIZE GAME OF CANDYLAND! MEET THE CHARACTERS, TRICK OR TREAT, AND HAVE A SWEET TIME!
St. Helena St. Helena
October 19, 2024 October 19, 2024 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Oak Ave, St. Helena, CA Oak Ave, St. Helena, CA www.cityofsthelena.com www.cityofsthelena.com
October ends on a high note – it’s time for Hometown Halloween Trick or Treating in Downtown Napa. Sponsored by the Bank of Marin, this is the day for parents to dress their kids (and themselves, if they wish.) in their Halloween finest, and come downtown to Trick or Treat. Between 11 am and 1 pm on Saturday, October 26, the sidewalks will be packed with children looking for a sweet handout. Close to 100 businesses will be displaying black and orange balloons at their doors, an invitation for kids to visit. The odds are really good that they will get a treat, not a trick. Even if you don’t have children, get yourself a coffee or cool drink, find a good place to sit, and watch the fun.
Hosted by Bank of Marin
Cheryl Payan has been with the Bank of Marin since 2006, and has also worked on Hometown Halloween since the event started. The title “Market Manager” appears on her business cards, but when Halloween rolls around, Payan is all about making sure the event is a success for the
children attending. “The bank staff loves Hometown Halloween, and we spend months making sure it will be as much fun for the children attending as possible,” she said.
DOWNTOWN NAPA ~ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 ~
Hometown Halloween Trick or Treating
11AM TO 1PM
Thanks to the Bank of Marin staff, popular movie characters have made appearances over the years. This year, rumor has it that the Pink Ladies of the movie “Grease” will be at Dwight Murray Plaza for photos. A backdrop will set the stage to make those pictures really pop. And of course, Bank staff will be passing out treats as well. What a perfect Halloween!
“People are so creative with their costumes, and the kids are just delightful. Some of the youngsters who trick or treated the initial years now have children of their own. It is a community, family fun, Fall afternoon,” said Anette Madsen, co-owner of Anette’s Chocolates, who has participated from the beginning. When the event began, it was intended to provide children with a safe place
to trick or treat. “The Downtown Napa Association (DNA) thought it would be a great idea to offer downtown as that place, and the event was born,” said Bill LaLiberte, the Executive Director of the DNA. “And, it’s free,” he added with a laugh.
None of this would be possible without the local businesses, who buy candy by the ton just for this. We count on support from our sponsors, especially the Bank of Marin, whose staff spends countless hours making sure this event is one that kids will remember all year. And thank you to the Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine, who has supported this and all local Downtown Napa events from the beginning. And a big shout out to the residents of Napa who dress up in costume and join in the fun to make this a fun, frightening and ghoulish day.
Craig Smith retired from Downtown Napa, but is still a big fan of all things downtown. craig@DoNapa.com or 707-257-0322.
SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS
NAPA COUNTY NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS
Upgrade your water heater with a focus on sustainability THURS., OCT. 10 6-7 PM
Learn about the benefits of all-electric heat pump water heaters. This workshop will cover the basics of how these devices work and the available funding programs and incentives to support your project.
SOLAR + BATTERY & HOME RESILIENCY
Upgrade your home with solar panels and a battery!
Discover the benefits of installing solar panels and/or a home battery. This workshop will cover the basics of how they work and what installation entails, as well as an overview of how state policies have changed and what that means for homeowners.
Workshops will have snacks, gift bags and a raffle for attendees!
WORKSHOP LOCATION: Napa County Library 580 Coombs St., Napa
WED., NOV. 20 6-7 PM
Boy Scouts Becomes Scouting America
by Chloe Moody
Boy Scouts of America has long been a permanent fixture of our community. With their involvement in events such as food drives, Christmas tree pick-ups, and numerous efforts to better our community, BSA has a long-standing reputation for fostering skills of independence and leadership in Napa’s young boys. However, the larger public remains unaware that BSA has welcomed both boys and girls for years. Prior to 2018, young girls watched their brothers climb through the ranks of scouting, unable to participate in the more athletic and physical activities BSA offers. Today, there are over 176,000 girls involved in BSA, 6,000 of whom having achieved the elite rank of Eagle Scout.
Earlier this year, on the organization’s birthdate, Boy Scouts of America announced their renaming after a 115 year history.
The new name, “Scouting America,” encompasses the new goals of the organization, emphasizing that scouting is for everybody.
“Scouting America” isn’t a
reformulation of the Boy Scouts model; rather, a declaration of the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, as well as a deliberate attempt at desensitizing the public of the BSA name after a somewhat problematic history.
Since its establishment in Napa in 1911, BSA currently hosts 9 total troops—including 4 all-girl troops— across Napa, Benicia, Calistoga, and American Canyon. Scoutmaster Caley Harvey, the newest volunteer member of Napa’s Troop 516G, expressed excitement about the growth opportunities that the organization’s rebrand will bring: “We’ll be able to streamline the volunteers so there’s not as much ‘double duty’ going on, there’ll be more volunteers to go on outings.”
For the girls, earning merit badges, learning leadership skills, and mentoring others are just a few of the new opportunities available to them through BSA.
But why would an 11-year-old girl join an organization historically catered to young boys? What are the differences between these activities and that of Girl Scouts?
“BSA is more focused on outdoor and adventure activities, more camping and physical activities than Girl Scouts,” Harvey denotes. Where the programming of Girl Scouts tends to be less intensive and more soft-skills based, BSA hopes to welcome and uplift young girls into their tradition of leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
While the launch is in its beginning stages, BSA is currently in the process of lining up linked troops for a pilot program of co-ed troops scheduled to begin next year. The pilot program, for boys and girls ages 10-18, is chartered by the First Presbyterian Church of Napa. BSA leadership expressed their confidence in the charter’s potential approval following the evaluation of the one-year pilot program. The name change and inclusion of girls are the only changes being made— no adjustments to the usual format or programming of BSA will be modified as a result of the rebrand.
“Girls will be able to succeed in the same requirements in order to advance in the ranks, same as the boys,” says Harvey. Ultimately, the importance of leadership and independence lies at the heart of BSA, which is nurtured through
bonds created in troops consisting of multiple age groups. Through this model, older scouts have the opportunity to lead their younger scout mates through activities and merit badges. “When they hit the rank of first class, they work on leadership skills, such as patrol leader, or senior patrol leader,” adds Silverado District Commissioner Wendy LaBerge, “but prior to that, they’re learning skills, teaching skills to teach the younger kids. The goal is to keep those patrols throughout their stay in the program.”
If BSA has been inclusive of girls for several years now, why is now the right time for this rebrand? “Coming out of COVID, everyone was hibernating,” says Harvey, “you lose track of opportunities that are out there. A great way for kids to get out and start communicating with each other and stop spending the majority of the day on their phone. Now that we’re out of that, we really want more people to benefit from this program.” Like similar extracurricular enrichment organizations, BSA saw a drop in membership and participation as a result of the pandemic, losing over 1 million members nationwide (AP News). Membership increase, while not a primary motivation behind the rebrand, is an anticipated outcome that will greatly benefit the success of the scouting program.
As an organization, Scouting America has received backlash from their initial announcement of the name change, with many critics fearing it will damage the integrity and spirit at the heart of the organization’s history, which has been notably exclusive. “There may be naysayers,” says BSA volunteer, Scoutmaster Steve Rodriguez, “but the education about being inclusive of boys and girls, them doing these things together, that’s really important.” While some may disagree with the change, BSA’s commitments to diversity, leadership, and outdoor adventure in scouting are not gender specific.
Additionally, many BSA volunteers and parents recognize the benefits of their children regularly interacting with a diverse variety of peers, including those of the opposite gender, on a regular basis.
“If you have any inclination of wanting to figure out what scouting is about, we’re right here in Napa. Come experience it for yourselves, any time,” urges Troop Committee Chairman Dean LaBerge. Not only is anyone welcome and encouraged to join, Napa’s BSA units offer an opportunity to attend a meeting without making a commitment (sort of like a gym membership). In fact, spare uniform items such as belts and pants are made available to scouts who have yet to make full membership commitment.
“The nice thing about scouting is that it allows people to learn from their mistakes and grow, not to stay in one specific little box,” LaBarge goes on to say about the invaluable life experience BSA fosters, “It’s open to boys, girls, people with disabilities, they can all benefit.”
Although the official rollout of the rebrand is not set to launch until the pilot program in 2025, young girls in the Napa area are welcome and encouraged to join in the meantime. “It may be intimidating for girls to come,” Scoutmaster Harvey allows, “but please, come, and we’ll work with you to see if this is a good fit for your child.”
Go to bsa.org to locate different units in Napa County (or anywhere in the United States), and submit a request to inquire about meetings. (Note: Parents must stay with their child during their first meeting).
REAL ESTATE PRO TOUR
The Real Pro Tour is a high profile group of 18 of Napa’s most experienced real estate agents, from 9 different local firms, touring their listings each month via private motor coach. Each agent has been elected to join based on their extensive business experience, ability to share their expertise and knowledge of the market. They enjoy working together to provide listing price evaluations, suggestions for making a property as desirable as possible before coming on the open market and discussing marketing strategies to benefit each property. If you have been fortunate enough to work with one of these top agents you have likely experienced the unusual effort of cooperation and insight gathered specifically to advise on the successful sale of your home.
SUSIE ASHLOCK
707-246-2278
Napa Valley Homes
Ca/DRE# 01093535 LAURIE BUURMA
LANI COOKE
707-479-0489
Golden Gate Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Ca/DRE# 00865946
SUZI HERSOM
707-287-1102
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 00978469
GISELLE LAMPE
707-266-8086
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 01885132
707-337-4329
COMPASS
Ca/DRE# 01271127
707-322-2688 COMPASS
ELLEN POLITZ
707-363-2133
Corcoran
Icon Properties
STEVE HEUN
707-479-5800
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 00985896
JULIE LARSEN
707-260-4663
COMPASS
Ca/DRE# 01194150
JIM VANOLI
707-337-5946
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 01876677
CHRIS WUNDERLICH
707-529-0987
Corcoran
Icon Properties
KAREN CHERNISS
707-738-8261
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
Ca/DRE# 00915808
Ca/DRE# 01335078 BRIAN GROSS
707-337-3689
Golden Gate Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Ca/DRE# 01908361
BILL KELLER JR.
707-337-6693
Coldwell Banker Brokers ofa the Valley
Ca/DRE# 01420013
WENDY LYNCH
707-226-9935
Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale Properties
Ca/DRE# 01243667
BILL WAGNER
707-637-7834
RE/MAX
Gold Napa
Ca/DRE# 01511580
Ca/DRE# 01199379
Ca/DRE# 01886220 3/4/2019
KATIE YEARNSHAW
707-226-3863
eXp Realty
CA
EMBRACING INNOVATION IN WOMEN’S HEALTH: ROBOTIC SURGERY AND BEYOND AT QUEEN OF THE VALLEY
I
In the heart of Napa Valley, the Providence Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology team practicing at Queen of the Valley Medical Center stands out as a unique and comprehensive medical practice. Here, innovative technology meets the comfort of local care, providing patients with state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments close to home.
Whether it’s welcoming a new baby or taking care of women’s health, the services here cover all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, tailored to every stage of a woman’s life. What’s more, this practice is woven into the fabric of the community, as the majority of physicians both live and work in Napa Valley. This deep-rooted local presence means they’re not just health care providers; they are neighbors who are invested in taking care of their community.
High
Tech is High Touch
For over 20 years, Queen of the Valley has been at the forefront of bringing innovative health care to Napa Valley, particularly in the field of gynecological care. The Queen is the only medical facility in the area where doctors use a robotic system, known as da Vinci, to perform surgeries such as hysterectomies, and to address other issues including endometriosis and fibroids.
Da Vinci functions as an extension of the surgeon’s hands, allowing them
to operate with extreme precision through tiny incisions. Robotic surgery offers many advantages for patients. As opposed to traditional “open surgery,” robotic procedures are much less invasive, which means patients recover faster.
For example, the da Vinci system is so precise that it significantly reduces the amount of blood lost during surgeries.
“To put it in perspective, traditional surgeries might result in half a liter of blood loss, but with robotic surgery, it’s more like a tablespoon. That’s a big deal, especially for patients who might have severe anemia,” says Dr. Gonzalez.
“Recovery time after open surgery can be over six weeks,” says Dr. Booker. “Patients can’t just take a few weeks off and then expect to return to work. The physical stress on their bodies during
that long recovery period is significant and the risk of infection is much higher.”
Dr. Gonzalez notes that using the da Vinci system, procedures like hysterectomies and pelvic reconstruction are now so efficient that patients can actually go home the same day. Before this technology, such surgeries would have required a multi-day hospital stay and heavy pain management. Now, thanks to these robotic-assisted surgeries, recovery is quicker, pain is lesser, and some patients manage after surgery with just over-the-counter pain relievers.
“It’s the level of experience in robotic surgery available at Queen of the Valley that really sets us apart,” says Dr. Scarborough. “After 20 years of using robotics, our surgeons are some of the most seasoned experts in the region. This depth of experience ensures that patients are getting superior care. It’s modern medicine at its best, all available locally.”
We Deliver Babies Too!
Every day the Queen’s skilled physicians help to bring precious newborns into the world in a secure and supportive environment. From labor and delivery to postpartum care, patients and their families are assisted by their childbirth team.
“As the only hospital in Napa County with a labor and delivery unit, the
Drs. Amanda Holthouse, Daniel Hersh and Susana Gonzalez
Dr. Shelby Booker Dr. R. Bruce Scarborough
Queen continuously evolves to offer patients ways to make their birth and postpartum experience affirming and special,” says Dr. Booker.
The labor and delivery team are committed to helping patients have natural (vaginal) deliveries whenever possible and offers movement techniques for expectant moms to help them position their babies in preparation for vaginal births. Alternative options for pain relief such as nitrous oxide, are available as well. Wellcare features such as mood lighting, private afterbirth suites and a basket of items including massagers, affirmation messages and candles, help to create a calm and healing space. For patients experiencing difficulties breastfeeding, the Queen’s human donor breastmilk program provides needed nutrients to newborns. “These programs and amenities typically offered in large hospitals are all available right here close to home,” adds Dr. Booker.
Care for a Lifetime
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS.
TEENS
• Painful periods and/or heavy bleeding
AGES 20 TO 40
• Painful periods and/or heavy bleeding
• Skipping periods
AGES 40 TO 50 (MENOPAUSE TRANSITION)
• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Unusual bleeding
• Brain fog
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal dryness and/or painful intercourse
• Weight gain
AGES 50 AND BEYOND (POST MENOPAUSE)
• Bleeding
Building a lasting relationship with a gynecologist can make a world of difference through every phase of life. Starting from a teen’s first visit to the private concerns of adult patients, the Napa team is always ready to lend an ear, offer support and walk patients through their care options.
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal dryness and/or painful intercourse
• Weight gain
“Patients under 21 and over 65 are often most unsure if they should be scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist,” says Dr. Holthouse. “Teenagers may still be seeing a pediatrician or a family practice physician for their care. However, even though annual pap smears don’t start until age 21, building a trusted relationship with a gynecologist is beneficial for a teen as it can help get them comfortable asking questions about their bodies and to learn about the types of screenings they will need to do in a few years.”
Patients over 65 should still be getting their annual well woman exams. Regular check-ups ensure symptoms, and health concerns, are addressed and that potential issues, like uterine cancer, are caught early.
For women ages 20 to 50, regular visits are key to managing everything from pregnancy to preventative screenings like pap smears and breast exams, and even early discussions about perimenopause.
As women approach age 50 and beyond, transitioning into menopause doesn’t have to be a struggle. The
Napa team helps patients manage menopausal symptoms, and continues important screenings for osteoporosis, breast and cervical cancers.
“My approach to providing care is to see each patient as though they were a member of my family,” says Dr. Booker. “I advocate for them in the way that I would for my sister, my mother or my cousin. I meet them where they are which means we collaborate to create a care plan that feels right for them.”
Dr. Holthouse, an osteopath, champions a holistic method, integrating it into her practice. She often surprises patients by delving into various aspects of their health, such as eyesight, appetite and sleep. Her perspective considers how interconnected symptoms, like stress impacting menopausal symptoms, can play a significant role in overall health.
“Part of my role is to remind women that self-care is never selfish and by putting themselves first they can be there for the ones they love,” says Dr. Holthouse. “Remember, wellness is not just making sure you don’t have a heart attack or a stroke, it’s also about having a good quality of life.”
At every stage, a trusted gynecologist is not just a doctor, but a partner in maintaining your health and wellbeing. The Napa team makes getting highquality, personalized and confidential care close to home, easy.
PROVIDENCE MEDICAL GROUP OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Dr. Shelby Booker
Dr. Susana Gonzalez
Dr. Daniel Hersh
Dr. Amanda Holthouse
Dr. R. Bruce Scarborough
Learn more about Providence Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology by visiting www.providence.org or call 707-251-1850.
First day back St. Johns Luthern School.
The Pickett family enjoying the day at Whetstone Wine Cellars.
First day back at 3rd Graders at St. John's Luthern School.
Lynn Carriker, Mary Beth Herman and Brenda Speth volunteering at The Napa Table.
