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‘Mary Poppins’ involves Napa Valley School

Daily SF News — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 21:46:13 +0000

Take the world’s coolest nanny, add a string of memorable songs, throw in lots of British accents, and it should add up to an entertaining evening for theatergoers.

That’s the plan behind “Mary Poppins,” presented by Napa Valley College Theater Arts and Cafeteria Kids Theater, running Nov. 2-11 at the Napa Valley College Main Theater. The show is directed by Olivia Cowell and Aimée Guillot, adjunct faculty at Napa Valley College Theater Arts and also directors of Cafeteria Kids Theater.

“Mary Poppins” is a musical with multi-generational appeal, Guillot said. Adults remember the Julie Andrews version from their childhood, and the story instantly appeals to modern kids.

It also has personal significance for Guillot, who started her theatrical career at the age of 5 by singing “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” during a successful audition.

“I was 5 years old and I was obsessed with Mary Poppins,” she said. “It’s always been a dream of mind to do the show at some point.”

The production features young cast members from around the Napa Valley, including Josie Goldfarb as one of two actresses playing Mary. A few of the Upvalley players chatted about the show during a recent rehearsal.

Michael Banks, one of Mary’s two young charges, is played by Connor Cleland, a fifth grader. Like Mary, the role of Michael is double-cast, with Cleland performing with Cast B.

“It’s my first big role, and it’s really exciting,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure, but at the end it’s really going to pay off.”

Cleland has to remember a lot of lines, and he found that writing some of them down helped him memorize them. His favorite parts of the role are speaking in a British accent and flying around with the help of a wire harness.

Cleland is already a seasoned actor, having previously appeared in the Cafeteria Kids productions of “Shrek The Musical,” “Willie Wonka” and “Peter Pan.” He said he loves the theater and adds, “I’m going to keep doing it forever, hopefully.”

Eighth grader James Gott of St. Helena landed the crowd-pleasing role of Willoughby, a dog belonging to the elderly Miss Lark. The “dog” is a mechanical contraption covered in felt and cardboard, but the performance is all Gott’s.

“First I had to learn how to bark – a sad bark, a mean bark – and then I had to go into a room with a bunch of mirrors and practice with the dog for like a day straight,” Gott said. “How to walk and make him sit. I’m still working on it.”

Gabe DuBois, 14, of Angwin plays a few supporting roles and sings some songs. It took him two hours to learn about 30 seconds worth of complicated hand gestures during “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

“The hardest part was learning to spell it,” he said.

Dayton Ochoa, who graduated from St. Helena High School in 2016, plays the bank chairman and a chimney sweep.

“He’s very set in his ways, he’s ancient, and he’s the ruler of his kingdom,” Ochoa said of the bank chairman, who’s a good 80 years older than Ochoa himself.

Ochoa’s favorite part of the show is working with the younger kids, and the most challenging part has been mastering a snooty British accent while also speaking loudly and deeply enough for his voice to project to the audience.

Nora Hearn, a fifth grader at St. Helena Elementary School, plays a penguin, a chimney sweep and a bank customer. Obviously, the penguin is her favorite.

“During ‘Jolly Holiday,’ six or eight of us waddle out, sing our little penguin songs and do our little penguin dance,” Hearn said.

And with that, she splayed out her feet, put her arms to her sides with her palms down, and demonstrated a penguin waddle that could only be described as supercalifragi –

For tickets go to napavalleytheater.org.

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A information to staying caffeinated within the Napa Valley

Daily SF News — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 02:09:51 +0000

Naysayer, Ohm, Ritual, Barnhouse, brewed.

While these names could easily be confused for the specialty wine offerings available in the Napa Valley — or beer as is the case with the last entry on the list — these businesses represent just some of many coffee slingers in the region.

While some have been in business for years, others have opened shops more recently, taking on the challenge of caffeinating people in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, American Canyon and communities in between.

“We have noticed some really great coffee spots opening up recently,” Linsey Gallagher, CEO and president of Visit Napa Valley, said in an email. “As the Napa Valley is known for world-class wines, luxurious hotels and Michelin-Star restaurants, it makes sense that our coffee would also be top-tier.

“Like wine enthusiasts, coffee lovers are interested in origin, production methods and creative drink pairings. The artistry of wine and coffee can be similar.”

Artistry aside, Craig Smith, executive director of the Downtown Napa Association, noted that the aim of coffee is different from the aim of the valley’s alcoholic beverages.

Where is your favorite place to grab coffee in Napa Valley?

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“Coffee is in its own ‘this-is-how-the-day-is-started’ category,” Smith wrote in an email. “For many, of course, it’s the drink of choice throughout the day. I love our coffee shop scene; each place is unique and has its own vibe, don’t you think?”

Downtown Napa is home to a number of coffee establishments.

Barnhouse Napa Brews opened in 2021 on Clinton Street, with co-owners Adam Housley and Eric Barnes aiming for a comfortable, welcoming vibe. The space is modeled on an English pub, and serves beer as well.

“Napa has so many good bars, tasting rooms, and restaurants, but it needed someplace where everybody feels welcome to just hang out,” Housley told the Register previously.

Register reader Francesca Peralta includes Barnhouse in her list of favorite coffee shops in the area. She writes, “This one feels like a coffee shop from a book. It’s warm and cozy in there with very comfortable chairs. I work from home, and this is my favorite shop to work from. They have a coffee house dog named Leaf who is adorable.”

“This coffee shop also does a lot of local activities and events at their place, which I love,” Peralta continued. “I frequented their bingo nights and their paint-and-sip nights with Carlos, and it was so fun. I love that the staff in there takes the time to get to know you and will remember your name when you come in.”

Also on Peralta’s list is Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company, which earlier this year moved from one downtown Napa location to another.

The city’s oldest coffee house gave up its home in a landmark 19th-century building at First and Main streets for new digs in the Riverfront development where restaurants and fashion boutiques have dominated. The new address is 710 Main St.

“Their new location is very bright, modern, clean, roomy and right on the river front, so it’s the perfect spot to go for a walk and take in the views or window shop,” Peralta writes.

Desiree Rigdon-Baca agrees that Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company is a top choice downtown.

“Great coffee and the employees are super nice,” Rigdon-Baca commented on Facebook. “They even know our dog by name and give her treats when we come in.”

“They have great coffee,” Mike Lecours writes, calling Napa Valley Coffee Roasters his favorite coffee spot. “The crew is friendly. And their beans are the best in town.”

The Oxbow District has a few coffee options, including Ritual Coffee Roasters which sits in the Oxbow Public Market among an array of shops. Based in San Francisco, the Napa Ritual location has been open since 2008.

Nearby, at 943 Water St. the Hero Café is a coffee truck, but with a fixed location. Proceeds from the truck go back into Napa nonprofit The Hero Foundation, which brings volunteers together with community service projects.

Monica Patti, another commenter on Facebook, said they loved the Hero Café’s nonprofit “coffee roasting mission, tasty drinks, they source their beans from a woman-owned farm in Guatemala, and Michael and Rafael (Raphael) are just kind young men, pursuing their dreams!”

While the city of Napa boasts a number of food trucks serving a range of cuisine, there are also couple of coffee options on wheels as well.

Ohm Coffee Roasters operates a bright red truck, which is most often parked in front of Ohm’s brick and mortar roastery at 849 Jackson St. The truck made its first appearance in May 2016 at the Napa Farmers Market. The truck can still be found on Saturdays at the Napa Farmers Market and at other local events.

Derek Bromley, a former sommelier and wine industry executive, started Ohm in an attempt to inspire journeys of coffee discovery while not alienating customers who aren’t already coffee crazy, according to previous Register reporting.

“I learned early on as a young sommelier that it’s all about meeting your customer where they are,” Bromley said previously. “Some people just want their Morning Joe, and they want to move on, and they don’t really care too much about what goes into it. And some people want to geek out.”

More recently, another coffee truck — Café Gira Flohr — rolled onto the scene, setting up shop at 1490 Soscol Ave. Business owner and barista Sophia Flohr wants the Latin influence of her coffee flavors to shine in her menu. The business topped the list for many Facebook commenters, who were asked to name their favorite places to grab coffee in the Napa Valley.

Another coffee shop that has been resonating with locals is Naysayer Coffee Roasters, located at 1813 Old Sonoma Road in Napa.

“From a morning pop-up in the garden at St. Clair Brown Winery/Brewery, to a short stint at First and Franklin, to finally carving out their own permanent space at the Food City shopping center on Old Sonoma Road,” Napa resident Alex McCart writes, “the couple behind Naysayer Coffee Roasters have been through a lot the last couple years, but they continue to be great shepherds of our community in Napa. One of many great ambassadors of quality coffee in the city of Napa!”

Others have given one of the newest city of Napa coffee additions a try, with great fanfare. Journey Coffee Co. is located at 2770 Old Sonoma Road, formerly home to a Southside Napa café.

Of course, not everyone wants a local cup of Joe. Starbucks has seven different locations across the city of Napa, including one downtown located between Barnhouse and Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company. The newest one opened on Jefferson Street just south of Trancas.

Those who enjoy their caramel macchiatos from a “venti” cup with a mermaid on it were met with an interesting change in Napa. The city’s standalone locations (and six others in Petaluma) are testing a new idea, called “Borrow A Cup.” These reusable plastic cups are being distributed in place of the classic Starbucks paper or plastic cups. The “Borrow A Cup” cups are reusable and returnable and include incentives to win stars with the Starbucks Rewards program.

The Starbucks pilot is set to run until Oct. 22. Other chain coffee shops in the city of Napa include Peet’s Coffee in Bel Aire Plaza and Dutch Bros Coffee on Jefferson Street.

On the city’s coffee culture as a whole, Jeri Hansen, president and CEO of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, noted that coffee has an appeal both in terms of the beverage itself and because of the connection it can build between the people drinking it.

“We are a community that revolves around engagement and connection, and this extends to how we do business and solve problems together,” Hansen said in an email. “Rather than meeting one another in conference rooms or offices, we prefer to do our thinking together and our business in a more social and relaxed setting. A change of scenery (and some caffeine!) can get the creative juices flowing.”

“I have numerous business meetings per month that are over coffee first thing in the morning at one of our local coffee shops,” Hansen continued. “At the same time, my colleagues and I are talking about business, ideas, strategy, we are also supporting local establishments — business owners and employees. It happens often that I am at one meeting over coffee, see other friends and colleagues, and before I leave another meeting about another topic all together has been scheduled.”

Beyond Napa

Elsewhere in the Napa Valley, others are getting their caffeinated favorites from local businesses.

Alexandra Dale, a community and customer experience manager with the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, provided a list of eight coffee shops in the city: Farmstead Garden Café, Brasswood Bar + Bakery, Crisp Kitchen, No|Ma House Café & Collective, Model Bakery, The Station St. Helena, Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company and Caffe Della Valle.

Eric Reichert with the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce provided a similar list: Bella Bakery, Calistoga Depot, Calistoga Roastery, La Palmeraie, Mis Raices, Sam’s General Store and Soul Rebel Coffee.

Facebook commenter Brent Augustine writes “Calistoga Roastery. Clive is a Valley treasure. If you are Up Valley, it’s a must!”

“Calistoga has lots of great coffee spots,” writes Eden Umble on Facebook, Sam’s General Store topping their list. Umble describes the atmosphere as “historic, cool location, copy patio tables,” adding that Sam’s serves “ a superb latte. Can’t beat it!”

Soul Rebel Coffee is another Calistoga favorite.

“Best coffee I’ve ever had and the owners are the friendliest, most accommodating people you will ever meet,” writes Brianna Clawson on Facebook. On the same note, Kyla Terry Gutierrez wrote “Soul Rebel Coffee (is) my favorite place in the whole world for coffee and breakfast.”

Laticia Sahs, a membership and marketing manager with the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, notes that “in Yountville, since there is less open real estate, we have not seen quite the trend you are seeing in Napa. That being said, Yountville is definitely flush with coffee offerings.”

Among those offerings are Kollar Chocolates, Ottimo, Mini Model Bakery, Bouchon Bakery, Madeleine’s Macarons, Honor Market (formerly Kellys Market) and Velo Deli. Sahs added that Madeleine’s does a coffee and macaron tasting that is “pretty unique.”

Attempts to reach the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce by deadline were not successful. However, a search online for coffee shops in the city yields several results, including multiple Starbucks locations and a Dunkin’ Donuts.

“Our local coffee shops and morning spots give us both a beverage and time of day alternative to the late afternoon option of talking about business over a glass of wine (which is another regular occurrence here)!” Hansen, of the Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce, concludes.

What Napa Valley food or beverage should the Register explore next? Email sdowling@napanews.com to let us know.

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The 4 Seasons Drive Expertise Isn’t One other Cookie-Cutter Napa Valley Tour

Daily SF News — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:53:48 +0000

TRAVEL

The resort takes visitors into wine country’s most celebrated restaurants, vineyards, and agriculture —with a sports car and designated driver to get around in style.

BY JENNA ADRIAN-DIAZ

September 22, 2023

Since opening in 2021, The Four Seasons’ Napa Valley resort continues to make headlines. From its coveted perch on Calistoga Road, Napa’s Main Street of top-tier wineries, the property has accrued multiple accolades. It’s the region’s only resort located on a working vineyard, Thomas Rivers Brown’s Elusa Winery, the industry’s top maker of Cabernet Sauvignons. The 85 rooms on the 22-acre grounds offer sweeping vineyard views and visages of Mount Saint Helena on the horizon. This summer, the caliber of chef Rogelio Garcia’s seasonal tasting menus at onsite restaurant Auro were recognized with a Michelin star.

After a day of wining and dining on property, R&R awaits in the form of soaking tubs stocked with Le Labo amenities and in-room fireplaces to stave off the evening chill that settles after dark. First, hit Spa Talisa to work out post-flight stiffness and stress. We suggest booking the Terra Firma recovery massage, in which the spa’s expert therapists use deep-tissue techniques to obliterate knots, kinks, and underlying stiffness. Gently make your way back to reality with a cool glass of spa water infused with local oranges and mint, a turn in the eucalyptus steam room, and with laps in the 25-yard pool overlooking Mount Saint Helena.

Accommodations at the Four Seasons Napa Valley. Credit: Courtesy of the Four Seasons.
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Come fall, the hotel will serve as a base camp for a weeklong whirlwind tour of the region’s top food and wine destinations. The Four Seasons Napa Valley Drive experience gives discerning clientele entry to some of the most exclusive vineyards and culinary farms, many of which either book up months in advance or simply don’t open their doors to the public. Expect a crash course in sportscars and choose from a fleet of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, and Bentleys courtesy of Italian racing and touring company Canossa. In true California car-culture style, those on the tour get to experience the joys of driving through canyons and the bluffs of the historic Pacific Coast Highway, though experienced guides and designated drivers are also on hand.

Wine tours of Napa are nothing new, but what sets the Drive experience apart is the sheer caliber of each stop. Ordinarily, some featured wineries and farms maintain a cloistered approach: opening the property to visits from friends and business partners but politely declining the charter-bused, bride-tribe bachelorette crowd looking to get smashed on flights of pinot grigio.

SingleThread Farms. Credit: Emma Morris
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Each destination on the seven-day itinerary will be open only to Drive participants. Highlights include Opus One, an estate winery in Napa Valley founded by renowned Bordeaux wine grower Baron Philippe de Rothschild and vintner Robert Mondavi, who established the winery on the best of Old and New-World winemaking practices. As the brainchild of two of the 20th century’s most renowned winemakers, Opus One takes agriculture and winemaking seriously and offers limited opportunities for small groups to visit the property. Even the building, overseen by local firm Leong Architecture, was designed to shield much of the 200-acre property’s operations from public view.

Napa and its truly excellent wineries shine, but so does the region’s rich culinary tradition. Ever since Alice Waters entered the words “farm to table” into the lexicon of chefs and restaurant-goers with Chez Panisse, Northern California has played a pivotal role in the evolution of hyperlocal cuisine. One of the most prodigious torch-bearers, SingleThread, opened in 2016 with a five-acre culinary garden. Since then, the restaurant has accrued three Michelin stars and 24 acres of farmland in the Dry Creek Valley. Overseen by head farmer Katina Connaughton, who founded the business with her husband Kyle Connaughton, the farm is just four miles away from the restaurant and supplies it with produce, honey, olive oil, and flowers.

Hog Island’s oyster farm, located in Tomales Bay. Credit: Remi Hale.
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Usually, the farm opens by invitation to those who purchase produce from its CSA (community-supported agriculture) program, or ticketholders of its pre-scheduled workshops, but those partaking in the Drive itinerary will be treated to a private field walk and harvest tasting led by Katina and Adam Smith, the Director of Farm Programming. “The first course is a snapshot of what’s happening at the farm at that moment,” Katina said during Surface’s visit, and further explained that seasonality can change the restaurant’s courses in as little as a week. Guests can look forward to stretching their legs on a tour of the farm, and partaking in seasonal refreshments like strawberry-leaf tea and scones, and picking up a souvenir or two at the farm shop.

The valley’s farmland and vineyards are undoubtedly charming, but a farm experience of another sort takes Drivers west, to the cliffside vistas of the Jenner Headlands’ sea birds and crashing waves. The experience is best enjoyed from a top-down convertible Bentley GTC S, barreling down the Pacific Coast Highway with sport mode activated. This leg of the trip heads west to Hog Island, a legendary Bay Area oyster farm and outdoor cafe on a 185-acre expanse of Tomales Bay. Scoring a parking space—let alone a spot and a meal at the weathered picnic tables overlooking the bay—can be cutthroat. Their specialty oysters may have playful names, like the French Hog and Earthquake Bay, so-named for the San Andreas fault that lies directly below Tomales Bay, but the crew helmed by founding partners John Finger and Terry Sawyer take their work seriously. A private Hog Island farm tour grants exclusive access to a crash course in all things oyster: from farming and shucking to the mollusk’s evolutionary history and ability to singularly restore polluted waterways. Afterward, enjoy an outdoor lunch at the farm’s Boat Oyster Bar, where the BBQ oysters are dished up with chipotle bourbon butter and paired with wines from the local Sonoma, Napa, and Russian River valleys.

The bucolic grounds, wine library, and “ghost” tasting room at Adamvs Vineyard. Credit: Jenna Adrian-Diaz
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The Drive experience is packed with memorable stops, and perhaps most remarkable is the private vineyard, Adamvs. A mountain road particularly well-suited to the nimble maneuvers of a Ferrari Spider winds through a canopy of redwoods to the vineyard’s private grounds on Howell Mountain. The winery rarely offers tastings and tours, and even then approved requests from buyers—sometimes called allocators in direct-ship wine lingo. The property features a wine library painstakingly replicated in concrete from an abandoned wood structure that charmed vintner-owners Denise and Stephen Adams when they purchased the property in 2008. The couple and business partners tapped San Francisco architect Kurt Melander to replicate the structure and create a new tasting room to honor the site’s history as a former hunting lodge and farm. The result is a glass-enclosed tasting room inspired by a barn that once sat in its place. A glass-enclosed “ghost structure” is hidden behind the property’s own felled trees, which appear to be suspended in midair by magic. From there, enjoy the vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon and learn about the property’s tastings and lessons in beekeeping and olive farming.

Every day on the itinerary is filled with stops worth raving about, so spare yourself the charter buses full of whoo-girls and prepare to embark on a tour that goes beyond the tourist traps for an unforgettable experience. But get booking—the Drive experience heads to Napa from October 28 through November 4.

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Yolotli of napa makes handmade artwork and attire from material

Daily SF News — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:50:36 +0000

KATHLEEN REYNOLDS

High on the back wall of the newly relocated Bookmine Book Store is a textile design, the shape reminiscent of birds’ wings. The thick teal fabric is patterned in an intricate design. The piece was designed and fabricated by Napa business Yolotli.

“It’s 100% wool felt,” said textile designer Nicole Kelly, owner of Yolotli. “It’s made by tacking, smocking and folding the material. My designs, such as my embroidered samplers, had always been small, and I’d wanted to go large. Bookmine owner Naomi (Chamblin) had asked me about a 3-D design that would be sound dampening. I’d like to do more pieces like that.”

Perhaps known locally more for her minimalistic clothing line, Kelly said, “I can’t stop making things.”

The name Yolotli means “heart,” and comes from the Nahuatl, a native language of Mexico. Since her first visit to Mexico in 2003 she has felt a deep connection with the country itself and culture. Her work is even carried by the Carla Fernández Flagship Store in Mexico City, Mexico.

Kelly grew up in the Black Forest region of Germany, playing with Waldorf dolls, a simple cloth doll with minimal facial features, made with only natural fiber such as wool, cotton or linen, from their stuffing to their hair.

“A large part of the German curriculum is crafting,” said Kelly. “My mom also handmade a lot of things. I sewed, knitted, and crocheted. I was the only child in school who did knitting homework by myself. The others had their grandmothers or mothers help or do it for them. Mom had a closet full of linens. Textiles and traditional costumes, famous internationally, interested me.”

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“I like everything about hand embroidery. I also do hand pull, a technique that dates to Medieval times, which is deconstructing fabric by drawing out thread in a pattern Once the fabric is prepped and counted, I can just sit and embroider for hours.”

“In Germany, it’s more ridged in what you should do. My sister was artistic and became a master wood crafter. She now does huge restorations in (European) churches. It was made clear to me that she was the artist in the family. I studied business management. When I came to America, I saw there was room here to reinvent yourself.”

Nicole has lived and worked on and off in Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and the USA. She settled in Napa after meeting her husband, Mikey, when they both worked for the Gordon Huether Studio in Napa.

Her first crafts show was the Renegade Craft Show in 2014 at Fort Mason.

“I sold my pieces and got excited. I started with hand-knit merino wool hats; one of my bestsellers still today. Then, fascinated by the pattern, I started making Japanese denim aprons for children.”

She also worked with a factory in San Francisco.

“At the end of their denim production, they would have a lot of leftover pieces. These were high-end jeans and the factory had one to two years’ worth of fabric in their basement.”

I got a business license. People fell in love with my designs. My adult aprons were used in SHED, an upscale restaurant in Healdsburg. For these, I sourced Japanese denim.”

Japanese denim is considered the best in the world due to its construction and the expert craft needed in the denim fabrication. The dyeing process, along with tight weaving, makes Japanese denim a refined art.

She branched out into simple, classic women’s wear, blouses, tops, totes and dresses, along with unisex chore coats. All have clean lines, and most are monochromatic colors, black, natural and white. Like the Waldorf dolls she had as a child, the fabrics are linen, cotton and wool.

“I only use natural materials in my work. The cotton I use is locally made by Sally Fox. Sally is very well known. She developed Foxfibre cotton, a naturally colored organic heirloom cotton, and has a company called Vreseis Ltd. Her colors are timeless and minimal in natural-based tones.”

All was going well in the large studio she shared with her husband, artist Mikey Kelly, until 2019.

“That’s when I had my daughter and at about the same time, COVID hit. It all fell apart. Stores closed, the factory had to dial down production and couldn’t keep its workers. Because of my daughter, I didn’t have time to create.”

With the characteristic determination that propelled her to start fresh in America and become an artist, she and her husband left their spacious studio and built two small studios in their backyard.

“My studio is 12’ by 10’ with only enough room for my sewing machine and a little table. I focus on slow, small batch production. My work is carried by Carter & Co. and Station Helena, both in St. Helena and Good Gray in Penngrove, along with the Carla Fernández store in Mexico City. I do pop-ups at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market and do a few craft shows a year.”

“I believe in minimal pieces that last and can be repaired. That’s added value. I try to sew without zippers and buttons, so that everything can decompose if it must. (As a result) most of my designs have ties or are wraps. We should do everything possible not to use plastic. I don’t want to leave a trace.”

“Natural materials should be on our bodies. There is so much toxicity in landfills, it’s not good for our bodies. The minimal pieces I make last and can be fixed and passed down. It can become a heritage piece that’s loved.”

To that end, she will repair certain clothes.

“I offer a mending service for favorite jeans or shirts. The method I use is called Sashiko, a Japanese way of mending. It’s a nice layer of stitching.”

Sashiko is a form of sustainable embroidery to strengthen fabric that’s been around since the 1600’s. It is an example of “mottainai,” the Japanese philosophy of not wasting anything.

What is her advice to anyone starting out?

“Trust your gut. I’m 50 and I took a long time to find the way. Creativity is so important. My work is everything that led up to this point to put the pieces together. Don’t be shy. Visualize and appreciate the effort to try it yourself. It takes a lifetime of learning, experiencing and experimenting.”

The following Napa County students made the Scholastic Honor Roll for Spring 2023 at Oregon State University:

Napa: Daisy S. Farella, Senior, Environmental Sciences; Riess M. Gorin, Junior, History; Austin P. Gugenheim, Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering; Andrea Guzman, Freshman, Business Administration; Sarena E. Hiddleson, Senior, Psychology.

Nichole M. Hill, Senior, BioHealth Sciences; Carly S. Johnson, Junior, Sociology; John K. Peatman, Senior, Sociology; Zoe Reynolds, Senior, Fish, Wildlife & Conserv Science; Mario A. Schmutz, Senior, Computer Science, Christopher J. Trinchero, Senior, Agricultural Sciences.

Calistoga: Amelia R. Heitz, Senior, Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences.

Rachel Ann Hall of Napa graduated on May 20 from Pacific University in Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Jack Hunter of Napa and Maeve Roberts of Napa earned placement on the Gonzaga University Dean’s List for spring semester 2023.

Elsie Rogers and Holden Smith of St. Helena earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for spring semester 2023.

Catherine M. Sherburne of Napa received Dean’s List Honors for the Spring 2023 semester at Fairfield University in Connecticut.

Jon Cassin of St. Helena, graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cassin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Thomas Zelazny of St. Helena and Malia Epps of Calistoga have been named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s Academic Honor List at Baylor University. The list recognizes Baylor undergraduates for their outstanding academic work during each semester.

The Justin-Siena High School robotics team qualified for the California Region 2 VEX Robotics High School Championship taking place in Tracy, Calif. on March 12, said a news release.

This is the first year the “Cyber Squirrels” participated in a VEX tournament, qualifying with figurehead and team robot named Data.

“The students spent many hours on Data building and rebuilding it, showing grit when things don’t quite work as planned. They were able to innovate mid-competition for continuous improvement throughout the season,” said Sarah Melanephy, the team’s robotics coach.

The Squirrels spent over 100 hours building Data and learning to code, said the release. Writing code, testing it, and then rewriting code or rebuilding the robot, is the cyclical process used to prepare for competition. Throughout the season they learn about and improve the robot so that it performs better at each subsequent competition.

“As one of the team captains, I’m very proud of how far the Cyber Squirrels have come. Most of us started the year with limited experience in robotics. However, under the guidance of our mentors, Mrs. Melanephy and Mr. Morlet, we learned so much together,” said sophomore Michelle Wassef.

The team includes Mia Brown, Angelina Schmeder, Michelle Wassef, Sebastian Martin Del Campo, Eliot Lesti, McZeddrick Mendoza, Jack Jamison, Kal Ramirez, Chloe Tanaka, Rafael Gonzales and Leo Sfara.

Info: justin-siena.org

Daniel Theunissen, a senior at Napa High School, has been recognized as a National Merit Finalist. Only about 15,000 out of 1 million people who took the PSAT last year received this award, said a news release.

Theunissen has maintained a 4.7 GPA throughout high school and is also an AP scholar with distinction. Theunissen said he achieved this honor “by studying hard and staying focused on my goals.”

In addition to his academic achievements, Theunissen has been a member of the Napa High School performing band all four years, being the horn section leader and concertmaster for the past two. He’s also been a member of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony for the past six years and been the principal horn player for the past three. He is going into his fourth season of varsity tennis.

Theunissen said he plans on studying mechanical engineering where he will focus on “my longtime passion for creating better and more sustainable public transportation.”

Armand Shakeri, a senior at Vintage High School, has been recognized as a National Merit Finalist.

“Shakeri has excelled academically, maintaining a 4.8 GPA throughout high school,” said a news release.

In addition to his academic achievements, Shakeri is the co-founder of his high school’s backpacking club, where he has organized several overnight backpacking trips. Shakeri has also been playing the tombak, a traditional Persian percussion instrument, for five years. He is starting his fourth season of varsity tennis at Vintage.

Shakeri’s passion lies in design and architecture, which he plans on studying in college. He has studied art with Nick Cann and his interest in art and architecture since a young age led him to a summer internship with world-renowned architect Frank Gehry in Los Angeles. Armand plans to be an architect focusing on socially conscious buildings and environmentally responsible design.

Napans Rachel Hall and Jason Stoddard Ware were named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List at Pacific University in Oregon.

Preston Gullum of American Canyon was among those who earned dean’s list recognition at George Fox University for the fall 2022 semester.

Napans Lauren E. Dunlap and Catherine M. Sherburne of Fairfield University received Dean’s List Honors for the fall 2022 semester.

Benjamin Mickens, a politics major in the class of 2023 from Napa, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) has established the Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship Fund, which will make its first scholarship awards this year.

The scholarship is made possible by Bruce Scott, former CEO of Scott Laboratories, and memorializes his son, Robert Alexander Scott (Alex). The Petaluma-based Scott Laboratories is a supplier of goods and services to the North American wine industry.

“Alex worked at Scott Laboratories from 2005 until his death in 2021. During his career, Alex developed a concern that the industry should commit itself to the welfare of those who work in it. In particular, he wanted to help people to help themselves move up the ladder,” shared Bruce Scott.

The scholarship awards will support entry-level or non-supervisory vineyard and winery workers seeking to advance their careers, regardless of county residency. Scholarships support study toward a certificate or an associate degree in viticulture or enology at one of the following colleges: Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Allan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Walla Walla Community College or Umpqua Community College. Children and spouses/partners of eligible employees may also apply.

The deadline to apply for the Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship is March 6. Apply at https://bit.ly/ScottScholarship.

Linda Parks and Pen Parks celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 3, 2023. Linda Parks owns Lixit Corporation and Pen owns Southgate Mini Storage. Their wedding took place at the Sacramento Riding Club in 1973. Their children are Christopher Parks and Allison Parks, Allison owns The Painted Lady Tanning & Spa. The family will be celebrating with dinner at Don Giovanni.

Justin-Siena students receive top 10 win in regional robotics tournament

The Justin-Siena High School robotics team recently participated in its first regional tournament, beating out 50 other teams as a top 10 finisher, said a news release.

The Braves placed eighth out of 60 in their inaugural tournament after six qualifying matches. The team’s robot, affectionately referred to as “Data,” helped the team to its successful finish, said the release.

The Milpitas tournament brought together new or “rookie” robotics teams passionate about engineering and computer programming — many of whom had not competed in an official capacity before.

Students Mia Brown, Eliot Lesti, Zeddrick Mendoza, and Leo Sfara participated in the competition. Credit also goes to students, Michelle Wassef and Angelina Schmeder who helped build Data but could not attend the tournament.

Info: justin-siena.org

US Navy Lt. Maxwell Kampton

PHILIPPINE SEA — U.S. Navy Lt. Maxwell Kampton, from Napa, logs flight hours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Nimitz is in 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

News and updates from Napa County students

David Bown and Jack Hunter of Napa and Holden Smith of St. Helena earned placement on the Gonzaga University Dean’s List for fall semester 2022.

Maeve Roberts of Napa and Elsie Rogers of St. Helena earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for fall semester 2022.

Michael William Bown was named to the Iowa State University fall 2022 Dean’s List.

Queen launches health care scholarship fund

Queen of the Valley Foundation and Napa Valley Community Foundation announced they have launched a Healthcare Scholarship Fund to help financially support those that live in Napa Valley with their desire to enter into the field of health care. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 9 to March 6.

“As we continue to support all those who live and work in Napa Valley, we are proud to launch this program,” said Rachael Poer, chief philanthropy officer. “The Queen will be engaged with these approved applicants through a mentorship program at the hospital to guide them successfully into this next chapter of their lives.”

The program benefits residents enrolled in nursing and respiratory therapy programs at Napa Valley College or Pacific Union College. Previous recipients are eligible to reapply in subsequent years for additional funding while completing their studies. The award amount varies and has a maximum of $25,000 per individual and must be applied for annually.

“As the largest provider of scholarships in our community, Napa Valley Community Foundation is committed to providing a diversity of scholarship options, including support for two-year, four-year and vocational programs,” said Ellen Drayton, who oversees scholarships at the Foundation. “We are proud to add the Healthcare Scholarship Fund to a growing roster of scholarships that help bolster our local workforce.”

Donations are welcome.

Info: napavalleycf.org/im-a-student/healthcare-scholarship-fund/ and queensfoundation.org

Napans Ron and Linda Ruggiero celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

Ron Ruggiero and Linda Ruggiero are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on Jan. 19, 1973.

Ron has lived in Napa for 68 years. Linda joined Ron in Napa after his time in the military and has lived in Napa for 49 years.

Ron is a property manager at Crown Realty. They both enjoy spending time with their kids and grandkids, traveling and camping in their RV, cruising in their hot rod and attending car shows, as well as spending time with their dog Sammy.

Their family includes children Scott Ruggiero, Sarah Baldock (Matthew), Leah Bushby (Tanner), Ashley Ruggiero and Amanda Proctor (Ryan), 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Ron and Linda are celebrating this milestone with an intimate dinner party with their kids and grandkids.

Ron Ruggiero and Linda Ruggiero are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on Jan. 19, 1973.

Ron has lived in Napa for 68 years. Linda joined Ron in Napa after his time in the military and has lived in Napa for 49 years.

Their family includes children Scott Ruggiero, Sarah Baldock (Matthew), Leah Bushby (Tanner), Ashley Ruggiero and Amanda Proctor (Ryan), 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Ron and Linda are celebrating this milestone with an intimate dinner party with their kids and grandkids.

Donations are welcome.

Info: napavalleycf.org/im-a-student/healthcare-scholarship-fund/ and queensfoundation.org

The Justin-Siena High School robotics team recently participated in its first regional tournament, beating out 50 other teams as a top 10 finisher, said a news release.

The Milpitas tournament brought together new or “rookie” robotics teams passionate about engineering and computer programming — many of whom had not competed in an official capacity before.

Info: justin-siena.org

David Bown and Jack Hunter of Napa and Holden Smith of St. Helena earned placement on the Gonzaga University Dean’s List for fall semester 2022.

Maeve Roberts of Napa and Elsie Rogers of St. Helena earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for fall semester 2022.

Michael William Bown was named to the Iowa State University fall 2022 Dean’s List.

The Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) received an Award of Distinction from the California Public Information Officers Association.

The NCOE was recognized in the category of “Crisis Communications Response” for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NCOE, in partnership with Napa County Public Health (NCPH), coordinated critical crisis communications with the five school districts and approximately 20 private schools in Napa County during the pandemic lockdown and reopening.

The NCOE and NCPH’s communications response included producing 25 versions of COVID-19 guidance for schools between June 2020 and March 2021 in an effort to keep schools and families informed.

A faculty development day did not signal rest and relaxation for some Justin-Siena student-athletes and student ambassadors who spent their day off giving back to their community at its “Just-In” Service Day.

Two years of the pandemic stalled this biannual event so when students learned of its return, they moved readily to action. Their day included teaching pickleball at the Watermark Senior Living Community, repainting food bank bins for the Salvation Army and CAN-V, sorting and organizing donations at Abode Services, and clearing trails for Napa Parks and Recreation, and Napa County Regional Parks and Open Space District.

“It was amazing having our students show up at Justin-Siena on their day off to serve. They were all so eager to help. I love how service so easily brings people together. We are most impacted by the service that we do as there is truly nothing more powerful than coming together through service to others,” said Megan Dominici, director of outreach for Justin-Siena.

“By partnering with these important organizations, our students model leadership through service. This is at the heart of the Justin-Siena mission, and we are honored to live that mission in our home, the Napa Valley,” said Justin-Siena President Matthew D. Powell.

Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves grades 9–12.

Info: justin-siena.org

Three 11th graders from Napa were awarded $2,500 and the first runner-up prize in the national Lowell Milken Center (LMC) Discovery Awards competition.

The $2,500 First Runner-Up award has been given to 11th graders Dylan Arie, Gianpaolo Bautista and Isaiah Ochoa-Garcia, from New Tech High School in Napa.

Their documentary, “James Braidwood: A Spark of Smoke,” describes the Scottish firefighter’s pioneering work in the 1800s to help create the world’s first modern, municipal fire department. What Braidwood calls his most groundbreaking contribution to firefighting – “the aggressive interior attack” – is still used today. The students weave library archives and news sources to piece Braidwood’s life together.

A personal interview with a local retired fireman and historian fuses the eras then and now, shedding light on the science and art of firefighting. Their teacher is Nancy Hale.

Established in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) discovers, develops and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on history, yet are largely unrecognized by contemporary generations.

If Given Chance (IGAC) has established a “strategic alliance and partnership” with Students Rising Above (SRA) to better serve students, said a news release from the group.

With this partnership, IGAC students will have access to a host of new benefits and services, including meetings, access to mental health therapists, workshops, financial aid support and more, the release said.

“This will bring many positive additions to our program services area,” said Allison Haley, president of the board of IGAC and district attorney of Napa County.

IGAC is currently providing funds, training, guidance and emotional support to 17 high school students and 29 college students as they pursue their education.

Among the college students who are initially receiving this additional support is Koda Inman-Ahlstrom, who is majoring in music and psychology at the University of Missouri and will be pursuing a master’s degree.

“The IGAC organization has provided a community of selfless individuals who are always willing to help me overcome the obstacles I encounter throughout my academic journey,” he said.

If Given A Chance identifies Napa County high school juniors who have overcome extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education.

Info: 707-260-5656, info@ifgivenachance.org

Appellation St. Helena awarded a scholarship to Kaylee Moura, a St. Helena High School graduate planning to study viticulture/enology at college.

“We are committed to encouraging local young people to pursue careers in viticulture and enology,” said Katie Simpson, Appellation St. Helena’s President.

Kaylee was active in FFA during her four years at St. Helena High, including raising and selling turkeys. She was Senior Class President, was Vice President of the Interact Club, a member of the Health & Wellness Club, Clothing Sustainability Club and she participated in the MFE Leadership Conference in 2020.

This fall Kaylee is starting at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in Agricultural Business.

Info: appellationsthelena.com

Bank of America announced that Priya Sharma of American Canyon has been selected as one of its Student Leaders. She’s now part of an eight-week paid summer internship providing students with first-hand experience in serving their communities. These students are working with a local nonprofit, 10,000 Degrees, earning $17 per hour. They also receive a Chromebook and will have the option to voluntarily participate in in-person activities as part of the internship.

Sharma is an American Canyon High School graduate who has been taking college-level classes through Napa Valley College since she was a freshman, and she’ll continue with classes there in the fall. Her interest in the ACLU National Institute – and equality for all – led her to being political chair leader for the Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian Alliance. For four years, Priya was a representative for Peer Court, an alternative approach to the traditional juvenile justice system.

“Bank of America is steadfast in our commitment to supporting teens and young adults by connecting them to jobs, community engagement opportunities and leadership development,” said Jason Foster, president, Bank of America North Bay.

Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center

To Lisa and Michael Garcia of Napa, a son, Samuel James Garcia, born Aug. 8, 2021, weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz.

Queen of the Valley Medical Center

To Melissa Alley and Salvatore Incaviglia, a son, Preston Vincent Incaviglia, born June 20, 2021 weighing 8 lbs, 11 oz. 21 in.

Mary Luros has been selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for 2021, for the ninth year in a row.

Luros is an attorney at Hudson & Luros, LLP and helps clients address business and corporate legal issues. She also assists clients regarding estate planning and probate and intellectual property issues.

Rising Stars is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through an extensive evaluation. Luros was awarded this distinction for 2013 to 2021.

Luros graduated in 2007 from Golden Gate University School of Law.

Info: hudsonluros.com

Trevor J. Rose, a certified legal specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law and attorney at Rose Law Firm of Napa Valley, has been named a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers for Estate Planning & Probate for the second year in a row.

The Rising Star award is reserved only for attorneys 40 years or younger and granted to just 2.5% of lawyers in each state.

Rose Law Firm of Napa Valley is located at 1775 Lincoln Ave, Suite 101 in Napa.

Info: 707-681-5851

The Napa-Sonoma SBDC named Cathy Balach as its new director.

Outgoing Napa-Sonoma SBDC Director, Mary Cervantes, retired in June. Cervantes served as director since 2014.

Balach has over 10 years of experience consulting and mentoring small businesses for the SBDC. At the SBDC, she has been an expert in online marketing, worked with hundreds of start-up and growing businesses for the SBDC in varied industries, including retail, food businesses, and nonprofits.

Prior to her work for the SBDC, she has launched and managed three businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area, including retail, food manufacturing, and consulting.

Says Cathy, “I’m thrilled to be at the helm of the SBDC and to expand our support and partnerships in the North Bay community.”

Napa-Sonoma SBDC services include one-to-one expert business advising covering nearly all aspects of business — marketing, operations, human resources, accounting, and financial management.

Info: napasonomasbdc.org

Turner Moving & Storage, an agent of Wheaton World Wide Moving, recently earned the distinctive Spire Award, “which honors moving companies that consistently provide an excellent moving experience for their customers,” said a news release.

The Spire program is designed to recognize moving companies in the Wheaton World Wide Moving network that offer quality experiences to those using their services.

Turner Moving & Storage also earned Wheaton World Wide Moving’s Bronze Hauling Award for 2020.

Wheaton’s hauling award program recognizes agencies within the network who transport the goods of customers moving into or out of California over the course of the year.

This is the first Bronze Hauling Award for Turner Moving & Storage.

Turner Moving & Storage is located at 1570 Airport Blvd. Napa, CA 94558

Info: 707-255-8600, turnermoving.com

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Pearl Porter will be celebrating her 102nd birthday on Nov. 30.

Pearl lives alone and keeps busy baking, fixing, and pricing jewelry for Community Projects During this pandemic it’s been hard for Pearl but her neighbors and Community Projects family keep in contact. Pearl is a volunteer with Community Projects, Inc., a member of Soroptimist International, and enjoys China painting, Pearl and husband Wayne Porter owned and operated the Saddle Shop in Napa. Happy 102nd Birthday Birthday, you are loved.

Caroline Johnson and Alex Ackerman of Napa are pleased to announce their engagement to be married.

Caroline is the daughter of Scot and Michele Johnson of Napa. Alex is the son of Lauren Ackerman of Napa and Robert Ackerman Jr. of Jackson, Wyoming.

Alex and Caroline are both graduates of Justin-Siena High School where they first met and started dating. They then attended the University of California Santa Barbara together; Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics and Caroline graduated with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology.

Caroline is currently completing her Master of Business Administration at Pepperdine University and Alex just completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at University of California Santa Barbara.

The couple became engaged in Kona, Hawaii and plan to be married in the fall of 2023.