Read With A Ranger
Officials of the Carolyn Parr Nature Center are grateful to Local Happenings Magazine and its readers for the recognition.
The Read with a Ranger program was created by the Napa Parks and Recreation Services department. The Napa Valley Naturalists organization was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens with environmental concerns. In 1980, one of those members, Carolyn Parr, passed away, leaving her modest estate to establish a nature center, which was named after her. The Center and its affiliated museum are dedicated to helping people of all ages learn more about their local, natural environment.
The nonprofit education group Napa Valley Naturalists (NVN) sponsors the Center, with the fundamental belief that education is the key to the preservation, protection, and conservation of our precious natural habitats. Its goal is to operate and maintain a natural science museum where individuals of all ages may acquire a greater understanding of, and have opportunities for a closer relationship with their natural environment.
Through dioramas, seasonal, topical, and hands-on displays, and adult and children’s libraries, the Center introduces visitors to the area’s natural wonders and ecology.
The Center is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. All its programs are free to Nature Center members, $5 for non-members. Group tours and school classes can be scheduled during the week by calling the Nature Center.
The Center is an all-volunteer organization, staffed on Wednesday and weekend afternoons by docents who host tour groups. Interest and enthusiasm are the only requirements for volunteers, and all necessary training is provided.
C/O Carolyn Parr Nature Center 3107 Browns Valley Rd., Napa, CA, 94558
(707) 255-6465
cpnaturecenter.com
On the Fringe Youth Theatre
On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts is a non-profit organization based in Solano County, completely run by volunteers. Its mission: “To bring culturally diverse, female-driven theatre and arts education to children and adults in Solano County.”
They invite and embrace participants and players of all diversities and backgrounds, including LGBTQ communities. They provide visual art and drama classes, camps and workshops, produce engaging and thought-provoking theatrical performances, and much more.
“We are the county’s only all-inclusive, 100% free youth theatre program focused on arts education,” said Co-Founder Bryan Payne. “Thank you so much for this recognition.”
As of this writing, On The Fringe was planning its return to the Junior Theater Festival in February. “Last year we brought home an award for best ensemble and we are excited to compete again,” Bryan said. “We will also be holding our annual costume drive and fall musical.” So, stay tuned for upcoming events like those, and inquire see how they did at this year’s festival!
Past youth productions have included Seussical Jr., Alicia en Wonderlandia, and Wind in the Willows, to name just a few. To keep up with what they have planned for 2020, visit onthefringevapa.org.
“We are so excited to start our 5th season creating theater and serving Solano County kids!” Bryan exclaimed. “We look forward to continuing to serve the youth of our community.”
Vallejo, CA
artteacherstats@gmail.com
facebook.com/onthefringevapa
Cottage Jewel
Another repeat winner of the Local’s Choice Award, Cottage Jewel is definitely a “jewel” of a store. If you are looking for a treasure trove of antique, vintage and artisan embellishments with great customer service, look no further! “I love helping my customers find unique talisman and a connection with the history behind each heirloom,” said owner Marcia Harmon. There is literally something for any gift or occasion that you are shopping for and tons of things you didn’t even know you needed or wanted. Cottage Jewel hosts Danville’s Relics on Railroad Antiques Fair and the D.A.M.E. Makers Market; they also host monthly artisan trunk shows. Follow them on Instagram @CottageJewelAntiques and make sure to get on their email list at info@CottageJewel.com for special invites, new finds, and insider events. “Thank you once again for all of your votes and trust for your special purchases,” Marcia added. “I value your patronage.”
100 Prospect Ave., Danville, CA, 94526
(925) 837-2664
cottagejewel.com/cms
Celadon
Located in the Historic Napa Mill in downtown Napa, Celadon has been a fixture for more than 20 years with award-winning service, which is why they are repeat winners of the Local’s Choice Award. Loyal patrons love its intimate dining room and courtyard just as much as they look forward to its lunch and dinner entrées. With a full bar to rival any mixologist’s concoction, Celadon has a regular following at its bar stools nightly.
Its team of expert chefs is led by Chef de Cuisine Federico Guillen, Sous Chef Rafael Aranda Martine, and is rounded out by their exceptional staff.
Owners and managers Joel and Tana Tavizon have kept up the exceptional reputation that Celadon has always been known for and Napa residents and tourists alike obviously agree since they are a Local’s Choice!
500 Main St., Ste G, Napa, CA, 94559
(707) 254-9690
celadonnapa.com
Edward Jones
Everyone needs a little advice from time to time, and that is what Ken Casper CFP® Financial Advisor specializes in. Since 2001, Ken has been working diligently to help individuals and businesses navigate their finances. Ken, his Branch Office Administrator Carla Williams, and Senior Branch Office Administrator Chris Simonson, provide their clients with great customer service.
Edward Jones has also been recognized nationally by J.D. Power and Associates in March 2019 as “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full-Service Brokerage Firms,” and won the prestigious President’s Award in 2016 for its commitment to excellence in customer service. In J.D. Power’s 40-year history, only 11 companies have received the award. In July 2018, Edward Jones ranked No. 5 on the “50 Companies that Care” by People Magazine. The honor recognizes outstanding companies that have succeeded in business while also demonstrating respect, compassion, and concern for their communities, their employees, and their environment. In the February 2019 Fortune Magazine issue, for the 20th year, Edward Jones was also named as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the magazine’s annual listing.
Sit down with Ken and learn why they have developed such a loyal group of clients.
555 First St., Benicia, CA, 94510
(707) 745-8133
edwardjones.com/ken-casper
