Out and About in the Neighborhood
Molly’s Angels of Napa Valley, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors since 1999,” is seeking volunteer drivers and compassionate callers to support older adults in maintaining independence, safety and dignity. Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they choose, with a flexible system that allows them to select rides to appointments or weekly care calls at their convenience. By providing transportation and social connection, volunteers play a vital role in helping seniors stay engaged, healthy and connected to their community. For more information, visit www.mollysangels.com or call 707-224-8971.
To quote Molly, “Volunteer Opportunities are available to call a new friend once a week to chat or drive older adults who no longer drive to much-needed appointments! Whether you have only 30 minutes or many hours available each week, YOU can make a difference!”
Last week I attended the memorial mass for Rosemarie Walters at St. Joan of Arc where she had been nearly a daily attendant. Sharon Stensaas, Carol Shirmang, Mayor Margie Mohler, Tim Bringman, Dolly Gruppalo and Carol Fink were among the locals paying respect.
I first met Rosemarie in the mid-‘70s when we lived elsewhere in the valley and our girls were in a carpool for grammar school. Over the years there were dinners, parties and tennis matches, but my fondest memory was of her 40th birthday luncheon cooked by her then husband Bernard Lafon, first restaurant manager of Domaine Chandon’s Etoile, even before the restaurant officially opened.
It took a few years, but I repaid the invitation by hosting her at the same locale to honor her 70th. Her late husband, Skip Walters, and she eventually moved and worked in Yountville, so our paths continued to cross once I also resided here. Sharon, Carol and I wanted to raise a toast to Rosemarie, and what better place than Pancha’s, where, on a Tuesday afternoon at 3:30, we were the only customers. Our drinks were ably served by one of the Solis family’s great-grandchildren, Rory Solis, and following Dolly’s suggestion, I checked out the photo on the bar’s west wall of her dancers celebrating in that storied location. The framed picture includes a clipping from the column of the original writer of “Out & About,” Lois Riker.
My neighbor, Pam Williams, enjoyed pizza and card games with her daughter, winemaker Jennifer Williams and Jen’s daughters last week. But it was after their departure for their St. Helena home that Pam heard the music from what turned out the be one of the Country Club events at The Estate Yountville in the venue that was previously Ottimo across from Bottega restaurant. With curiosity drawing her near, Pam reports music, line-dancing and laughter emanated from within and without, enjoyed primarily by hotel guests, including one man dressed in “smart-casual wine country fashion” perhaps a bath (pool?) robe. If one calls Villagio, the date of the next Country Club might be obtained.
Local historian Rebecca Yerger held the attention of dozens of Golden Ticket attendees with her talk on some of the more interesting 19th and early 20th century women in the Napa Valley. Close to home was her description of Yountville’s own Martha Van de Leur whose rose bush can still be seen in the park bearing her name. When I mentioned having heard of her to Julie Worthington, Julie shared that Martha was still the principal at Salvador Elementary School during Julie’s first year of teaching. More recently, Julie commented that she wanted to take Betty Jake, long-time Yountville resident now calling The Meadows her home, out to lunch and suggested the Boon Fly Café. Betty eagerly agreed since her son Jeff Jake is the executive chef at the Carneros Resort and Spa, which includes the Boon Fly Café. In fact, Jeff was able to join them briefly even though he was in the midst of planning a dinner for local women winemakers.
Myrna David shared the notice of the Twilight Happy Hour at the Coop, with $10 wines by the glass, $10 Frosé, $15 wine flights and small plates, plus live music on Fridays featuring Vincent Costanza. All of this is happening on Thursdays and Fridays from 3-6 p.m. The Coop is at 6554 Yount St. (actually on Finnell behind Town Hall.) Myrna encourages everyone to attend!
My usual Friday night dinner with “the girls” was a no-go last week, so we met on Saturday and with the sound of croaking frogs in the background, we serenaded Liz Moffitt with the always tuneful “Happy Birthday.” I think the frogs were jealous.
Finally, a shout-out to Councilor Hillery Trippe, hoping that she is experiencing a successful recovery from leg surgery.
Here’s to Spring!
Susan
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