Worth Mentioning – October 9, 2025
Worth Mentioning
Old Mill Days at Bale Grist Mill
Old Mill Days will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. The events bring a bygone era to life with hands-on demos, music and family fun at the historic site.
Step into 1846 and experience Napa Valley before vineyards, when wheat ruled the fields and the Bale Grist Mill thundered with harvest activity.
Stroll the grounds and participate in traditional chores like woodworking, wheat winnowing, corn husking and shelling, butter making, apple pressing, hand sewing and rope making. Millers will run short demos inside the still operational, water-powered grist mill, and artisans will showcase fiber arts. Kids can make corn husk dolls, sift flour and play classic games.
Admission is $5 per person and kids under age 2 enter for free. Day-use parking is available.
For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/mu8r2va8/. Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is at 3369 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena.
Vida OLE raises $3.3 million
The OLE Health Foundation’s Vida OLE fundraiser last month raised $3.3 million for the construction of a new Communicare+OLE primary care center in Calistoga.
Plans for the 11,000 square-foot facility include increasing healthcare access for the upvalley community to offer comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services to everyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Expectations are that the new facility will serve as many as 10,000 patients a year.
At the fundraising auction, co-chairs Naoko Dalla Valle and Pete Richmond announced the new facility will be named after Calistogan Rick Jones, who is a longtime board member and donor.
For more information about OLE Health Foundation and the new facility, and to donate, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2m383y6r/.
UpStage Napa Valley PlayFest
UpStage Napa Valley’s fifth Annual PlayFest will be held on weekends from Oct. 10 through Oct. 26 in Newton Hall at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena.
PlayFest features nine short plays written by local and national playwrights. A different series of plays will be held each weekend. This year’s theme is “You never know a good thing until it’s gone.” Plays will be directed by UpStage Napa Valley Artistic Director Sharie Renault and guest director and UpStage alum, Lauren Haugan.
Friday and Saturday night plays are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $30 each or $75 for three nights. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information about the nine plays and to purchase tickets, visit www.upstagenapavalley.org/.
UpStage Napa Valley is a nonprofit community theater company that thrives on local talent and support for the arts in Napa Valley.
Grace Episcopal Church is at 1314 Spring St., St. Helena
Napa County Historical Society exhibition
Napa County Historical Society has announced a new exhibition, “The Valley Beautiful: Art,” which will run from Oct. 10 through March 28, 2026, at the Goodman Library in Napa.
“The Valley Beautiful: Art” is the final installation of the three-part exhibition series (following “The Valley Beautiful: Music” and “The Valley Beautiful: Architecture”), which tells the story of Napa Valley’s beauty and how cultural pride and a sense of community have employed architecture, music and art from the earliest historic times to present day.
The mission of the Napa County Historical Society is to discover, preserve and present the history of Napa County through exhibits, lectures and events, as well as research, publications and educational activities. The series is sponsored in part by Napa County Arts & Culture Committee Grant, Provident Credit Union and Community Projects.
For more information, visit napahistory.org/. The Goodman Library is at 1219 First St., Napa.
Free Local History Talk in Yountville: Napa Valley Ghost Wineries and Breweries
Learn about Napa Valley Ghost Wineries and Breweries and enjoy a “History Happy Hour” on Oct. 14 from 3 – 4 p.m. with Rebecca A. Yerger at the Yountville Community Center.
While enjoying a glass of complimentary wine (must be 21 years or older), attendees will discover relics from Napa Valley’s first wine and beer-making era of the late 1800s to the early 1900s. This introductory exploration into these vestiges from Napa County’s past will reveal the human and architectural histories of a sampling of the local ghost wineries and breweries. Discover why they are called “ghosts” as well as their renaissance into present-day wine estates.
Connected Horse at Sunrise Horse Rescue
Sunrise Horse Rescue in Calistoga is partnering with Connected Horse and Providence Healthcare to provide free workshops this fall to people living with memory loss and their care partners. Remaining workshop dates are Wednesday, Oct. 15 and 22.
Connected Horse coordinates horse-guided workshops for people living with dementia and their care partners. Programs provide innovative equine-assisted sessions that inspire connection and engagement and improve the lives of those impacted by dementia and their care partners.
At the workshops, participants can experience the connection, calm and communication that being with horses can bring. Sunrise Horse Rescue is a nonprofit horse sanctuary that rescues abused and neglected horses. The organization is dedicated to saving horses and providing them with forever homes.
For more information about the workshops, or to register, email Melissa Gerard at [email protected] or call 707-815-6258. Sunrise Horse Rescue is at 1400 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga.
NVCF Common Ground Learning Series
Join the Napa Valley Community Foundation for a discussion, CEQA, the Sequel: What California’s Revised Law Means for Housing in Napa Valley, on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hatt Hall in Napa. Doors open at 5 p.m.
The event is open to the public and free to attend.
For more than 50 years, California’s Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has shaped how, and how quickly, housing is built. This summer, new reforms took effect to make building easier. But what’s changed and what might it mean for Napa?
Sarah Karlinsky of UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation will break down the history, the latest reforms and what they could mean for the region’s housing future.
The discussion is part of the Community Foundation’s Common Ground: Civic Learning Series, which creates space for thoughtful, nonpartisan conversations about issues that shape the Napa Valley.
For more information and to RSVP, visit https://tinyurl.com/muhcbjv3/.
Hatt Hall at Napa River Inn is at 500 Main St., Napa.
Mentis Youth Mental Health Festival
Mentis, Napa County’s leading nonprofit mental health organization, has rescheduled its Youth Mental Health Festival for Saturday, Oct. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Mentis Wellness Campus in Napa.
The free community gathering is for youth ages 12 to 19 and serves as reminder of the importance of connection.
In collaboration with more than 20 local organizations, the event will offer teens a lively, hands-on afternoon designed to nurture emotional wellness, encourage self-expression and celebrate the season of growth and renewal.
From interactive wellness activities and creative workshops to comfort animals and mindfulness exercises, the festival will provide a welcoming space for young people to recharge and learn tools to care for mind and body.
Featured activities are grounded in mental health and include bracelet making, button making, art stations, aromatherapy, comfort dogs, movement activities and nature journaling.
For more information or to register to attend, visit: https://tinyurl.com/43yf9v2u/.
The Mentis Wellness Campus is at 1272 Hayes St., Napa.
Okee Dokee Brothers in Yountville
E&M Presents is hosting a performance from the Okee Dokee Brothers on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. at the Yountville Community Center.
The Grammy award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers (Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander) grew up exploring the great outdoors of Colorado and have channeled that adventurous nature into their popular albums –– Can You Canoe?, Through the Woods, Saddle Up, Songs for Singin’ and Winterland.
The duo can be seen in their new PBS Kids’ animated feature, “Brambletown,” about a community of critters interconnecting through the healing power of nature. The message to families with kids is to go outside, get creative and sing in harmony along the way.
The cost is $15 for ages 12 and under and $25 for adults. Tickets are available online at: http://eandmpresents.org/. The Yountville Community Center is at 6516 Washington St., Yountville.
Yountville Wellness Fair and Napa County flu vaccine clinic
Health and wellness information, health screenings, community information and the local flu vaccine clinic will be available at the Yountville Wellness Fair at the Yountville Community Center on Oct. 21. No registration is required.
Napa County’s Health and Human Services Agency is offering seasonal flu vaccination clinics across Napa County, as supply allows. Napa County strongly recommend everyone ages 6 months and older stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Flu vaccinations are available to all ages 6 months and older. Also available is a limited supply of flu mist (ages 2-49) and high-dose flu vaccines (ages 65 and up).
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccinations are available to ages 11 and up.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available to children ages 12-18 who are uninsured, have Medi-Cal or are American Indian or Alaskan Native under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. For additional information on COVID-19 vaccine availability contact HHSA at 707-253-4279.
Parents must be present for all minors receiving vaccines. To register, visit myturn.ca.gov/.
For the full list of upcoming Flu, Tdap and COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Angwin, Napa, American Canyon, Yountville and St. Helena, visit: https://www.countyofnapa.org/calendar.aspx
Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., Yountville.
Secured property tax bills available
Secured property tax bills for 2025-26 are now available online to view and pay.
To access their bill(s), property owners can enter their assessment parcel number (APN) or property address on the Napa County Property Assessment and Fee Parcel Search web page at https://common2.mptsweb.com/mbc/napa/tax/search/.
Property taxes can be paid online, by mail, in person or by phone. For information and steps to pay using the available methods, visit the Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector web page at www.countyofnapa.org/1260/How-to-Pay-Your-Property-Taxes/.
The first installment of taxes is due on Nov. 1 and will become delinquent if not paid by Dec. 10. Delinquent payments will incur a 10% penalty. The second installment is due on Feb. 1 and will become delinquent if not paid by April 10. Delinquent payments will incur a 10% penalty plus a $10 fee.
For questions, call the Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at 707-253-4327 or email [email protected]. The Napa County Tax Collector’s office is at 1195 Third St., Suite 108, Napa, CA 94559.
Lighted Tractor Parade submissions
Rain or moonlight, Calistoga’s annual Lighted Tractor Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. This year’s route will follow Lincoln Avenue from Stevenson Street to Cedar Street.
The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce is accepting submission for entries, which will be accepted through Nov. 13 on a first-come, first-served basis. The parade is limited to the first 50 complete entries. The fee is $45 for a tractor or vehicle. Entries will receive staging and parade line up information by Nov. 27. Staging will begin at 3:30 p.m. on parade day.
For a list of guidelines and to submit an application, visit https://tinyurl.com/p8wv9kzk/.
Those interested in sponsoring the event can email [email protected]. The Chamber is also seeking volunteers for the holiday parade. All volunteers will receive a boxed dinner. Students will earn community service hours, and volunteers ages 21 and up will receive a Winter in the Wineries Passport, which is good for complimentary tastings at 19 wineries along with special lodging, spa, retail and restaurant deals. Sign up to volunteer by Nov. 18 at https://tinyurl.com/4vhkxv9h/.
Volunteer classroom tutors needed upvalley
UpValley Family Centers is recruiting volunteer tutors to help in classrooms at Calistoga and St. Helena schools.
Volunteers will work one-on-one with students in group settings or classrooms to provide general assistance based on student and teacher needs. Tutoring will take place on campus during school hours at participating schools.
Subject matter includes reading, writing, math and social skills. There is also a need in Calistoga for volunteers willing to lead sports and arts activities during recess and lunch time. Volunteers are asked to commit at least one hour a week throughout the school year.
The nonprofit is also seeking volunteers interested in helping with the following: craft closet organization, event invite and reminder phone calls or yard maintenance.
Those interested in UpValley Family Center volunteer opportunities can fill out a volunteer interest form online at: https://upvalleyfamilycenters.org/volunteer/. For additional questions, email Michael Bozman at: [email protected]/.
Vine Transit expands Route 29-BART service
The Vine Transit has expanded its Route 29 Napa-BART Connector to include Saturday service, offering nine round trips between the Redwood Park & Ride in Napa and the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station.
It is made possible through a partnership between the NVTA, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the county of Napa. It will operate as a pilot program from August 2025 through June 2026. Both Vine and BART use Clipper Cards.
For more information, call 707-251-2800 or visit https://vinetransit.com/vine-transit-expands-route-29-bart-connection-with-saturday-service/.
Napa Humane expands dog training
Napa Humane has expanded its training programs to create additional opportunities for local dog owners to build lasting bonds with their pets.
New programming includes a manners class for children ages 8 and older to take the lead in dog training, with parents assisting. These include:
- a hybrid class for anxious or fearful dogs, beginning virtually at home before transitioning to in-person sessions;
- a progressive three-class series teaching dogs to come when called, even around distractions;
- a three-class series focusing on polite walking, passing distractions and calm neighborhood manners.
The new classes are in addition to Napa Humane’s other popular classes, which include Puppy Preschool, Basic Manners and Canine Charm School.
By using positive reinforcement methods and keeping class sizes small, the program helps dogs develop practical skills and good manners while giving owners the tools to communicate effectively with their companions.
Registration is open at www.napahumane.org/. Space is limited, and classes fill quickly.
The new training location is at 3285 Old California Way in Napa, next to Napa Humane’s spay/neuter clinic.
New Grand Jury complaint process
Nineteen Napa County residents have been empaneled to the Napa County Civil Grand Jury, and an additional five residents were selected as alternates for a term that runs through June 2026.
The grand jury is responsible for investigating and reporting on the operations, accounts, and records of local government officers and agencies. Grand jurors also have the power to investigate citizen complaints about local government.
The grand jury recently made the citizen complaint process easier to use. Previously, complaints were filled out on a printed form and mailed or emailed to the grand jury. The new online form streamlines that process by eliminating the redundancy of printing and sending via the new digital format. The complaint forms are available in English and Spanish. For grand jury reports and more information, visit: www.napa.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury/.
For additional questions, contact the Napa County Superior Court executive office by phone at 707-299-1110 or by email at [email protected].
