Out and About in the neighborhood
Welcome back, Yountville Sun! I was delighted to hear from publisher Marc Hand that the Sun would be shining again as an online publication for subscribers. I assume everyone reading this column is a subscriber but please spread the word that the Sun is up and running – and encourage everyone to subscribe! This also gives me an opportunity to get back to my column, a labor of love, sharing community happenings with you.
Just for fun, I looked back at the first column I wrote for the Sun in April 2023, which highlighted the development where I live, called The Vintage. The name was chosen back in the ‘80s when the homes were built, but no one really uses it now. I’m sure anyone who walks or rides their bike up Oak Circle to Vineyard Park would recognize it. I like to say our development is the prettiest in town because of our green belt, a beautifully landscaped area that would have been built-out with homes in more recent times.
Some of my special Vintage neighbors
We have a new resident in town, or two if you count his dog. Paul Blystone just moved into our neighborhood with his adorable pup, Finnegan. Fun fact: he lives in the same home our editor Lisa Adams Walter lived in for many years. Paul is a retired engineer, although open to consulting assignments. He moved from San Anselmo and is giving Yountville a whirl. He has gotten into the spirit, having joined Yountville Fit, found a veterinarian, a dog walker, and he seems to be on many guest lists.
Karen and Steve Zanetell live a few doors down and both are exercise gurus. As many of you know, Steve formerly owned a gym in town and now helps out at Yountville Fit. He also practices physical therapy and I’m always grateful for his advice. Karen is generously giving water aerobics classes at our development pool. I’ve been several times with residents Linda Rowland, Susan Wiechers and Mindy Hall. Karen is such an enthusiastic instructor. I love her positive energy!
Bob Gates has been president of the Vintage Owners Association for more years than I can remember. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. He and wife Nancy just came back from a wonderful trip to France. Happy belated birthday to Bob!
Yountville Pride
Everyone seemed to be having a grand old time at Pride in the Park, a fun happening at Veterans Park organized by our Parks & Recreation Department. Town staff, including Samantha Holland, Caren Cole, Taylor Solis and Hilary Gaede, were at several of the booths giving out information and goodies. I saw former Town Manager Steve Rogers and current Town Manager Brad Raulston in a lively conversation. Iren Jenny and Judi Hadfield were at the Hope’s Chest table selling baubles and beads for a cause: LGBTQ Connection. This was the second sale Iren Jenny arranged as a benefit for Pride month. Her first took place at Jessup Cellars where those of us who bought a bauble were treated to a frosé cocktail. Hope’s Chest pop-ups happen a few times a year, and Iren generously donates some of the proceeds to different charities of choice. The Hope’s Chest Fashion Show, always a fun event, will take place in early October. For an invitation, contact Iren at [email protected]
Another extraordinary exhibit at our Town Gallery
I didn’t know what to expect when I saw the title of the current exhibit at the Steve Rogers Gallery: “Midnight Snack Trays… A Feast for the Eyes.” Brought to us by the foundation that curates the work of artist and sculptor, Seward Johnson, a colorful array of painted trays bring life to the gallery walls. Seward Johnson created the iconic “Sidewalk Judge,” which is now owned by the town (and is on permanent display on a bench in front of the Yountville Community Center). The foundation agreed to loan the town another lifelike sculpture, “Sidewalk Concert,” currently on display in the gallery.
The exhibit was the result of a yearlong partnership between the Seward Foundation and Yountville Arts Commission Chair Ronda Schaer. The whimsical trays portray scenes from the artist’s life as well as re-creations of familiar impressionist works. Hanging the pieces required an attention to detail rarely needed for most exhibitions. Kudos to Michael Schaer who regularly hangs work in the gallery and to Arts Commissioner Geoffrey Leigh and Parks & Rec staffer Katelyn Huss for their participation. “Midnight Snack Trays” will be on display through Sept. 12. The gallery is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ongoing support for the Yountville Library
Friends of the Yountville Library (FOYL) recently had its annual meeting and voted on the election of officers for the coming year: Alan Tenscher, president; James Young, vice president and Pam Zeidell, secretary/treasurer. Dian Dooley became a new board member-at-large joining Liz Moffitt and Angelika Wieling. The organization is dedicated to supporting our branch with funds for programming and supplies. The budget comes from independent donations, the sale of gently used books and very affordable ($10 per year) membership dues. If you use our library to check out materials or attend library programs, please consider becoming a member. Contact [email protected] for more information.
‘Rock the Ride’ rocks for gun violence prevention
This was the first year I entered “Rock the Ride,” a fundraiser for gun violence prevention programs organized by Congressman Mike Thompson. I chose the 15-mile bike route along with friends Jim Embury, Steve and Kim Cook and many other cycling enthusiasts. It was an exhilarating ride and I was glad to hear all the speakers who are committed to stopping gun violence in our country. I gave my donation to “Alaina’s Voice,” the non-profit founded by Arik and Hannah Housley in memory of their daughter. Cycling for such an important cause, I hope to join the ride again next year.
Save the date: July 30 – Yountville Night Out
Find out if your neighborhood is sponsoring a block party. If not, you can join a group at the Yountville Community Center on July 30 from 5 – 8 p.m. for the second annual Yountville Night Out. This event is organized by the town to provide emergency preparedness information and give neighbors an opportunity to get acquainted. Communications Director Hilary Gaede is helping a team of neighborhood volunteers get everything ready for their parties.
I’m so glad to be back at my column. Feel free to send your good news to [email protected]. Happy 4th of July and happy summer!
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