Out and About in the Neighborhood
OMG! It’s the third month of 2026 already, and I haven’t figured out what my resolutions will be, not that I would have kept them.
February was my “dry month.” It’s the shortest month, but it’s nice to be among the civilized once more.
I hope you had as much fun watching the Yountville Mardi Gras parade as I did. I found an elevated perch and captured photos of several of my friends walking, riding and generally having a good time. Pam Williams joined other volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce/Yountville Welcome Center, while Toni Wilson and her fur-baby, Baker, strolled (and I mean that literally) with many of the Hospitality Hounds. My position on Washington Street prevented my seeing the group “sit” by the hounds. I’m sorry I missed it.
Elegantly attired were Liz Moffitt and her quarter-horse Maya, strutting along in traditional gold, green and purple. I can’t decide who should have won best outfit, Liz or Maya. The street party at the end of the parade was another great town fete, following the awesome Halloween bash last year. Samantha Holland’s Parks and Recreation department crew and everyone responsible for the event sure know how to bring locals and visitors alike for a good time. I ended the festivities with Nina and Bob Klotz sitting in a Washington Street front yard chatting with them and longtime friend, Dawné Dickenson, and newer friends, Andrea and Joe Holko.
Despite the name of this column, I was unaware of restaurant closures during lunch time except on weekends, so I’ve had to reschedule the birthday lunch for my friend, Clara Tinsley, only to remember that I’d be out of town this week. Then a peek at my calendar showed an appointment the following week. Clara’s going to think I’m trying to back out of celebrating her milestone, but NO. It will happen, I promise.
If you’re not aware of the intensified interest in the Yountville Commons project, you should be. No matter what your opinion is, it’s important that we, as citizens, read the literature, talk to our elected officials and encourage the best development possible for our town and its future residents.
I’m always reading about something happening on Napa County’s social scene in Paul Franson’s column, but it turned out to be a special treat to learn from Paul about the musical event at Napa’s Welcome Grange last week. I had never heard of John Reischman and The Jaybirds before, but Julie Worthington and I are both fans of bluegrass music, so attend we did, not to be disappointed.
The Welcome Grange is a cozy venue offering snacks and libations beforehand, and good acoustics; after all, it was an acoustic performance. What a coincidence to record a few seconds of their talent, and share it with my musician son-in-law, Jason, only to have him recognize, and text back, “John Reischman, the greatest. We saw them last week.” My daughter, Erica, calls it “good taste running deep.” It was probably mostly a down valley audience, but I was happy to see Yountville locals Chip Bouril and Penny Proteau, and former Yountvillian and retired winemaker Michael Weis in the hall.
Speaking (or writing) of winemakers, reminded me of one of the most enjoyable and informative Wine Time classes, and there have been many. Paul Wagner from the Napa Valley College department of viticulture (grape growing) and enology (wine making) was the guest host last week, and his style, humor and information, while sharing a trio of college made wines, immediately caused Golden Ticket students such as Susan Andrews and Holly Hansen to call for his return next semester. Invitation extended and accepted!
Susan Townsley Schwartz and I have been most fortunate to procure popular and knowledgeable hosts, and next week’s host will be no exception, I am sure, in Alan Tenscher. I first became familiar with Alan’s name when he was the winemaker at Schramsberg. Today many of you know him wearing his Yountville volunteer hats, including Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Friends of the Library, etc. Alan’s wife, Ashely Tenscher, is a retired winemaker from several brands you might have heard of, including Robert Mondavi and Opus One. I’ve been around so long that I remember when Ashely was introduced to the vineyard department at Robert Mondavi Winery shortly after she finished grad school at UC Davis and started her career in Oakville.
Well, it wasn’t on a Tuesday, but the main course at Julie’s home last Friday was TACOS. You might have read that “the girls” get together most Fridays for bring your own dinner or potluck with various forms of libations included. The tacos and fixings were tasty, but since I had one more day of alcohol avoidance, I chose to decline what Sharon Stensaas brought to accompany dinner: Negro Modelo, my favorite cerveza. Sharon, it’s March… any leftovers? I’m available after I return from Washington on Saturday. BTW, we finally celebrated Julie’s birthday with cake and candles. Congratulations on more than a few trips around the sun!
Until next time, cheers.
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