Out and About in the Neighborhood

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Spring has sprung

I can hardly believe what beautiful weather we’re having in March! As my biking friend, Dan May recently put it, “that’s why we live here!” It means more time for biking with Dan and friends Karen Zanetell and Sue Ingalls. It means more walking in town and running into pickleball buddies like Carol Carsillo and her pup, Ruby. It means enjoying the surrounding vineyards and cow pastures on Yount Mill Road. When I think of having grown up in Chicago, as much as I love my family and friends, I thank my lucky stars I’m not living there in the winter!

Myrna at Lewis Cellars with the Baumanns. Jim McDonald photo — Myrna at Lewis Cellars with the Baumanns. *Jim McDonald photo*

Lewis Cellars vineyard view. Galen Hayes photo — Myrna at Lewis Cellars with the Baumanns. *Jim McDonald photo*

Yountville Fit celebrates birthday of a special voach

Even with all the opportunities to be outdoors, I still make time for Yountville Fit. Coach Fred Espinoza recently had a birthday and as a testament to his popularity, more than 20 “gymrats” showed up at 9 a.m. on a Friday to celebrate. Dana Dellascio organized the surprise for the coach professionally known as the “Ironbear.” He was presented with a Costco gift card and Portuguese cheesecake, one of Fred’s favorite confections. Yountville artist Linda Rowland created a birthday banner including one of Fred’s classic expressions, “that’s the flavor,” a compliment for doing an exercise just right. Yountville Fit has become an integral part of our community. The camaraderie of the members and supportive staff seem to fit right into the culture of our town.

Yountville Chamber hosts mixer at Lewis Cellars

Those of us who are members of the Yountville Chamber of Commerce can always look forward to monthly mixers at various wineries. One of the recent mixers was held at Lewis Cellars. We had been there years ago when it was Sinskey Vineyards and it has undergone an amazing make-over. The spacious tasting room is adorned with art and unique fixtures. But the highlight is the spectacular view! It would almost take a panoramic video to capture it in full glory, but Galen Hayes got a lovely photo from the spot where we were sitting. We hobnobbed with neighbors Allison and Bob Baumann, getaway homeowners who make sure to be in town for most of the mixers. With Chamber CEO and President Natalie Leighton recovering from a broken ankle, Andrea Scarpa May is holding down the fort. Andrea has been an incredible program and events manager, especially spearheading good times for associate members. Next up: a mixer for all members at Nickel & Nickel.

Fred’s birthday celebration at Yountville Fit. Photo courtesy Dana Dellascio — Fred’s birthday celebration at Yountville Fit. *Dana Dellascio photo*

Poetry Out Loud

Yountville Arts and Handwritten Wines hosted the fifth “Handwritten Out Loud,” a chance for poets to read selected poems that are also published in a commemorative chapbook. Yountville Arts Commissioner Geoffrey Leigh organized the recent event with Mary Kate Kirkpatrick from Handwritten, both of whom read their poetry. Former Poet Laureate, Marianne Lyon joined Geoff as emcee. Fifteen poets are featured in the chapbook and more than half attended to read their poems out loud. Besides Marianne and Geoff, Yountville poets included Jim McDonald and Patricia Reis. Yountville Arts Chair, Ronda Schaer and husband Michael Schaer were in the audience and had a glowing report about the program.

Veterans Home lunch volunteers. Photo courtesy Iren Jenny — Veterans Home lunch volunteers. *Photo courtesy Iren Jenny*

Lunch with a Vet continues its long run

For several years, the pleasure of holding luncheons among Yountville townsfolk and veterans at the California Veterans Home has continued to thrive. Heading the charge, Iren Jenny chooses the dates and recruits the volunteers. Town Council member Pam Reeves and Stephanie Burdette from the Veterans Home have been working on the program since its inception. The latest lunch was sponsored by Molly’s Angels and served by more than a dozen volunteers including Leah Doyle, assistant to County Supervisor Anne Cottrell. This program is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our veteran neighbors and chat about their service and their lives. Contact Iren at [email protected] to learn more.

Matt Mills and Mayor Margie Mohler at The Yount Room ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy Matt Mills

Ted Jenny at R&D Fish Pond. Iren Jenny photo — Matt Mills and Mayor Margie Mohler at The Yount Room ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy Matt Mills

Worth mentioning

Many thanks to Matt Mills, managing director of the Yount Room, for hosting members of the community and Chamber of Commerce to multiple gatherings at their newly remodeled tasting room on Washington Street. The wines are excellent and you’ll love the Yountville swag!

Kudos to Jason Bernard, information systems administrator for the town of Yountville. Jason took time out of his lunch hour to set up the TV monitor in the Locals Lounge so we could watch the US women’s hockey team win Olympic Gold.

My book recommendation this month is “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans.

If you or anyone you know has chronicled their life in letters, this novel will be both relatable and poignant. If it isn’t on the shelves at the Yountville Library,ask the staff to put in on hold.

Did you know you could feed the koi fish outside of R&D Kitchen? Iren and Ted Jenny and their grandkids have been feeding the fish for years. Fish food is at the hostess desk.

There’s still time to vote for your favorite photographs in the Steve Rogers Gallery until March 25. Show your appreciation for the outstanding photographers who submitted their work for the Mustard Celebration Photo Finale.

Jim and I will be sharing a slide show of our trip to Poland as part of the “Remarkable Journeys” program series presented by the Yountville Library. Come by the Yountville Community Center on Friday, April 10, at noon to see photos from a trip where culture and family heritage converged.

In the meantime, feel free to send me your good news at [email protected]. Enjoy the sunshine!