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NEWS
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From the president's desk
A group of club members and guest engaged in a serious conversation at the club's holiday party, held Dec. 07 at the Napa Senior Activity Center. In the background, Nancy Hernandez photographs another table of party goers prior to a raffle and auction.
Hello NVPS members,
On the heels of a successful holiday party held Dec. 7 at the Napa Senior Activity Center it may seem odd but what follows is a recap of the NVPS 2023-2024 fiscal year, which you may not have realized, runs from July to June.
During those months we had an increase in membership, our publicity outreach increased, and we had an excellent
Christmas party in 2023. Many thanks go to Nancy Hernandez who took lead on getting last year's holiday party up and running.
Despite these successes, we still lack one thing -- volunteers.
Currently, the energies of about eight of us are keeping the club running. At the moment we have more positions to fill than volunteers to fill them and I'm sorry to say that some of us are getting burned out. I know, I know. I'm keep repeating myself. But as it stands, the fact is we have over 40 members but only eight of us are doing double duty to keep the ship afloat.
We need volunteers!
Our needs are as follows:
Hospitality Chair -- responsible for organizing club social events, specifically our May picnic and the December holiday party.
Exhibits Chair -- responsible for finding venues for us to show our work, in addition to working with the venue to organize the show, and working with the hanging crew to get it hung.
Master Communicator -- to work directly with the Board to get information out to club members in a timely fashion. The information would include any meetups or field trips, events of interest to the members, as well as General Meeting information, including presenter, theme, and photo submission reminders.
Projectionist/Tech Expert -- this doesn’t have to be a single individual. It can be a shared duty with three or four people working together, who would act as relief in the event one or
more cannot attend the meeting. The group would be responsible for showing the member photos at the meeting, work with the presenter to show his/her power point presentation, and assist in resolving any technical issues that might arise.
Field Trip/Meet-up Chair -- responsible for organizing field trips and meet ups throughout the year for members to attend. These field trips and meet ups will be
photography related, either as photo opportunities, or educational opportunities.
All of these positions, except for the Projectionist/Tech Expert, are Board positions, and those taking on any of these positions will be invited to attend the monthly Board Zoom meeting. (Since the meetings are Zoom meetings, you can enjoy your favorite beverage while participating.)
If you have any questions about any of these positions, such as depth of involvement, or specific duties, feel free to reach out to me or any other Board member.
So please consider volunteering a few hours each month for the betterment of the club.
Thank you!
Philip Venable
President, NVPS
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The 2024 holiday party
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Mustard: the herald of spring
'Misty Morning Mustard' -- Dean Busquaert photo
The images of three NVPS members were awarded ribbons during the Photo Finale 2024 exhibit at Jessup Cellars in Yountville, part of a month-long celebration of Napa's ubiquitous mustard.
Among the winners were Dean Busqueart, first place, Innovative; Elizabeth Bush, third place, Landscape; and MJ Schaer, honorable mention, Landscape.
Awards were given in three categories: Landscape, Innovative and Mustard animal\pets.
Other participating members included George Bartolome, Marissa Carlisle, Fred Goldman, Nancy Hernandez, Garret Murphy and Kevin Murphy.
Among the winners were Dean Busqueart, first place, Innovative; Elizabeth Bush, third place, Landscape; and MJ Schaer, honorable mention, Landscape.
Awards were given in three categories: Landscape, Innovative and Mustard animal\pets.
Other participating members included George Bartolome, Marissa Carlisle, Fred Goldman, Nancy Hernandez, Garret Murphy and Kevin Murphy.
'Mustard in the 'Hood" -- Elizabeth Bush photo
MJ Schaer photo
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Celebrating the holiday, 2023
Among the attendees at the club's annual holiday dinner and raffle in December were, front tables from left, Woods Stoelzing, Peter Smith Terry Smith and Gary Sampson.
The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Betty Malmgren by club president, Phil Venable.
The annual holiday party and dinner was held in the main meeting room of the Napa Senior Activity Center on Jefferson Street and once again, in addition to a lively raffle, included an array of delicious offerings including roast chicken contributed by the club as well as side dishes and desserts donated by club members and the much anticipated salmon provided by George Bartolome. In addition, the evening included a raffle and the awarding of the club's Outstanding Service Award to Betty Malmgren for her many contributions of time and energy.
Marissa Carlisle, left, and Carol Howell, investigate the raffle items and Mark Matioli and Friederika Heidger catch up.
Choosing from the array of food was a serious business for, counter clockwise from front, Marissa Carlisle, Elizabeth Bush, Carol Howell, Judd Howell, Jay Fellers and Hugh Carpenter.
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A big 'thank you' from a class of
future photographers
future photographers
Douglas MacArthur Elementary School fourth and fifth grade student council members (above) as well as their teacher advisor, Ruby Gaytan, sent heartfelt thank-you notes to Terry Smith for a donated Sony video camera, to Gary Sampson (whose grandson, Travis, attends the school) for paving the way for the donation, and to the Napa Valley Photographic Society for its generosity. The camera is already in use photographing school events and activities at the Lakewood school -- including this thank-you image. The donation is part of the club's stated purpose to promote 'the art and science of photography, providing education, image appreciation, inspiration and exchange of technologies.'
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2022 December holiday party at Senior Center
Nancy Hernandez and Ann Seronello work on holiday decorations -- Betty Malmgren photo
Despite the evening's on-again, off-again rain squalls NVPS members gathered Dec. 3 at the Napa Senior Activity Center to enjoy camaraderie and good food club volunteers provided (including George Bartolome's traditional and much anticipated baked salmon) as well as festive decorations by Nancy Hernandez and Ann Seronello. Below, in lieu of the usual critique images, are photographs by Betty Malmgren and Gary Sampson of partygoers, raffle donors and winners.
Betty Malmgren photos
Gary Sampson photos
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NVPS Board 2022-23
NVPS Board 2022-23 includes, front row from left, Terry Smith, George Bartolome, Past President Gary Sampson, Betty Malmgren, and President Phil Venable. Back row from left, Carolyn Younger, Zach Berkowitz, Irena Miles, and Chris Sauer. Not shown, Roland Dumas, Angie Johnson, Lanny Johnson, Joe Sinclair --Marissa Carlisle photo
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2021 Holiday party at Nickel & Nickel Winery's Red Barn
Photos by Marissa Carlisle
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Photos by Carolyn Younger
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2019 Holiday Party at the Napa Yacht Club
Party-goers at the NVPS holiday party enjoy conversation and an array of main dishes, salads and appetizers. Carolyn Younger
Thanks to everyone who attended the 2019 edition of the NVPS Holiday Party at the Napa Valley Yacht Club. Nancy Hernandez and I worked well together in preparing for the event after your board’s approval.
Thanks, too, to those who helped us decorate and set up: Lee Serenello, Judy Garcia, and my wife, Vicki.
Big thank you goes to all who brought food and wine, what a wonderful and tasty assortment. I know recipes are being exchanged. Thanks to Carl Johnson for preparing the ham, and George Bartolome the salmon, which are provided by NVPS. Other delicious donations, in addition to an assortment of salads and side dishes, came from May Infeld (marinated shrimp) and Linda Johnson (crispy vegetable rolls).
What stood out that night was observing the fellowship of the attendees.
Thank you to Carolyn Younger for being there and also for taking photos.
Thanks to all who donated and participated in the fund raising portion. We raised a little over $1,000.00 for the club that can be used in keeping the dues level, funding our rent and expenses, and future workshops and annual show expenses. Thank you so much!
And finally, thanks to the clean- up crew who stayed at party's end: Nancy, George Bartolome, Lee Seranello, Marilyn Ferrante, Chris Sauer, Vicki, and our Yacht Club sponsor, Judy Garcia.
The list of raffle prize and silent auction winners included:
George Bartolome's a 1.7 liter of Crown Royal whisky -- Lanny Johnson
Judd Howell's Vezer Family Vineyard magnum of barrel room select red wine -- Gary Sampson
Nancy Hernandez' Echo Dot -- Victoria Pierscinski i
Nancy Hernandez' $25 See’s Candy coupon -- Gary Sampson
Heather Gammel's LuLaRoe one size camera-themed leggings -- Judy Garcia
Vicki Sampson's handcrafted Christmas quilt -- Nancy Hernandez
Terry Smith's set of oven-to-table serving ware -- Marissa Carlisle
Ann Seronello's a garden themed package that includes a garden holiday ornament, a rain gauge, wooden plant markers and gardening gloves -- Carol Mills
Ann Seronello's handmade quilted pouch paired with a small tripod, and a coffee themed hand crafted table runner in a coffee pattern with a bag of Dunkin' Donuts coffee -- Nancy Hernandez
Ann Seronello's camera themed collection of fabric bag, lens ring, card wallet, lens cleaner, lens paper and mini tripod -- Nancy Hernandez
Judy Garcia's Longaberger holiday helper basket and napkins -- Linda Johnson
Judy Garcia's Longaberger woven memories basket -- Linda Johnson
Carolyn Younger's an 18-inch foldable Walkstool -- Ann Seronello
Yu Ding's Etude Pinot Noir -- Vicki Sampson
Marilyn Ferrante's O'Brien Estate Oak Knoll district Chardonnay; O'Brien Estate Oak Knoll district Merlot/Cab blend -- Judd Howell
Marilyn Ferrante's O'Brien Estate Oak Knoll district wine tasting certificate for four -- Vicki Sampson
Vicki Sampson's Diamond nail and spa gift certificate -- Terry Smith
Betty Malmgren's pasta themed basket of gifts -- Carolyn Younger
Betty Malmgren's cat-themed gift basket -- Lee Seronello
Gary Sampson's Bonai rechargeable external battery for smart phones -- Mick Imfeld
Gary Sampson's camera holiday ornament and camera shaped cookie cutters -- Lanny Johnson
Gary Sampson's 'Art with an iPhone' book and Lexar 16GB flash drive -- Carol Mills
Sandy Ogle's donation, 'The Art of Bird Photography' -- Judd Howell
Sandy Ogle's Photo book collection on printmaking -- Terry Smith
Sandy Ogle's photo book collection on creative photography -- Mick Imfeld
Sandy Ogle's photo book collection on the work and writings of noted photographer Freeman Patterson -- Mick Imfeld
Nancy Hernandez' Instant Pot Duo mini cooker -- Carolyn Younger
Judy Garcia's Collectors Club Longaberger gathering basket -- Victoria Pierscinski
Judy Garcia's Collectors Club Longaberger basket -- Marilyn Ferrante
Commercial enterprises donating to the raffle and silent auction include:
Terry Smith's Green's Cleaners dry cleaning certificate -- Mick Imfeld
Bob Barbarick's Balloons Above the Valley flight and brunch (courtesy of Terry Smith) -- Chris Sauer
Van Winden’s Garden Center's $50 Van Winden’s gift certificate -- Judy Garcia
Bay Photo Labs: a 16x24-inch metal print (value up to $86.50) -- Carol Mills
Bay Photo Labs 20x20-inch gallery wrap print (value up to $149.50) -- Nancy Hernandez
Bay Photo Labs' a 20x24-inch framed print (value up to $226.30) -- Angie Johnson
In addition, each attendee received a packet of promotional materials from KEH Camera and Bay Photo Labs.
Below: Slideshow photos courtesy of Gary Sampson, Nancy Hernandez and Carolyn Younger
Thanks, too, to those who helped us decorate and set up: Lee Serenello, Judy Garcia, and my wife, Vicki.
Big thank you goes to all who brought food and wine, what a wonderful and tasty assortment. I know recipes are being exchanged. Thanks to Carl Johnson for preparing the ham, and George Bartolome the salmon, which are provided by NVPS. Other delicious donations, in addition to an assortment of salads and side dishes, came from May Infeld (marinated shrimp) and Linda Johnson (crispy vegetable rolls).
What stood out that night was observing the fellowship of the attendees.
Thank you to Carolyn Younger for being there and also for taking photos.
Thanks to all who donated and participated in the fund raising portion. We raised a little over $1,000.00 for the club that can be used in keeping the dues level, funding our rent and expenses, and future workshops and annual show expenses. Thank you so much!
And finally, thanks to the clean- up crew who stayed at party's end: Nancy, George Bartolome, Lee Seranello, Marilyn Ferrante, Chris Sauer, Vicki, and our Yacht Club sponsor, Judy Garcia.
The list of raffle prize and silent auction winners included:
George Bartolome's a 1.7 liter of Crown Royal whisky -- Lanny Johnson
Judd Howell's Vezer Family Vineyard magnum of barrel room select red wine -- Gary Sampson
Nancy Hernandez' Echo Dot -- Victoria Pierscinski i
Nancy Hernandez' $25 See’s Candy coupon -- Gary Sampson
Heather Gammel's LuLaRoe one size camera-themed leggings -- Judy Garcia
Vicki Sampson's handcrafted Christmas quilt -- Nancy Hernandez
Terry Smith's set of oven-to-table serving ware -- Marissa Carlisle
Ann Seronello's a garden themed package that includes a garden holiday ornament, a rain gauge, wooden plant markers and gardening gloves -- Carol Mills
Ann Seronello's handmade quilted pouch paired with a small tripod, and a coffee themed hand crafted table runner in a coffee pattern with a bag of Dunkin' Donuts coffee -- Nancy Hernandez
Ann Seronello's camera themed collection of fabric bag, lens ring, card wallet, lens cleaner, lens paper and mini tripod -- Nancy Hernandez
Judy Garcia's Longaberger holiday helper basket and napkins -- Linda Johnson
Judy Garcia's Longaberger woven memories basket -- Linda Johnson
Carolyn Younger's an 18-inch foldable Walkstool -- Ann Seronello
Yu Ding's Etude Pinot Noir -- Vicki Sampson
Marilyn Ferrante's O'Brien Estate Oak Knoll district Chardonnay; O'Brien Estate Oak Knoll district Merlot/Cab blend -- Judd Howell
Marilyn Ferrante's O'Brien Estate Oak Knoll district wine tasting certificate for four -- Vicki Sampson
Vicki Sampson's Diamond nail and spa gift certificate -- Terry Smith
Betty Malmgren's pasta themed basket of gifts -- Carolyn Younger
Betty Malmgren's cat-themed gift basket -- Lee Seronello
Gary Sampson's Bonai rechargeable external battery for smart phones -- Mick Imfeld
Gary Sampson's camera holiday ornament and camera shaped cookie cutters -- Lanny Johnson
Gary Sampson's 'Art with an iPhone' book and Lexar 16GB flash drive -- Carol Mills
Sandy Ogle's donation, 'The Art of Bird Photography' -- Judd Howell
Sandy Ogle's Photo book collection on printmaking -- Terry Smith
Sandy Ogle's photo book collection on creative photography -- Mick Imfeld
Sandy Ogle's photo book collection on the work and writings of noted photographer Freeman Patterson -- Mick Imfeld
Nancy Hernandez' Instant Pot Duo mini cooker -- Carolyn Younger
Judy Garcia's Collectors Club Longaberger gathering basket -- Victoria Pierscinski
Judy Garcia's Collectors Club Longaberger basket -- Marilyn Ferrante
Commercial enterprises donating to the raffle and silent auction include:
Terry Smith's Green's Cleaners dry cleaning certificate -- Mick Imfeld
Bob Barbarick's Balloons Above the Valley flight and brunch (courtesy of Terry Smith) -- Chris Sauer
Van Winden’s Garden Center's $50 Van Winden’s gift certificate -- Judy Garcia
Bay Photo Labs: a 16x24-inch metal print (value up to $86.50) -- Carol Mills
Bay Photo Labs 20x20-inch gallery wrap print (value up to $149.50) -- Nancy Hernandez
Bay Photo Labs' a 20x24-inch framed print (value up to $226.30) -- Angie Johnson
In addition, each attendee received a packet of promotional materials from KEH Camera and Bay Photo Labs.
Below: Slideshow photos courtesy of Gary Sampson, Nancy Hernandez and Carolyn Younger
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Photo competitions and workshops
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HELP WANTED!
The club is looking for an exhibit committee and chair to develop a list of places that members might be able to show their work, as well as determine dates, deadlines, and contacts.
The club is also looking for those interested in a workshop committee and chair – Plan and carry out themed workshops that can be held at the Behrens Street site. The club has budgeted for two free workshops for members. Other workshops could be offered to members and opened to the public for a fee to help pay for the space rental. Additional volunteers for the workshops would be appreciated.
There are also openings for:
Field Trip committee – Plan and carry out field trips that members may be interested in attending as a group.
Publicity – We are looking for someone who enjoys writing to put together occasional feature articles about the organization to submit to local media outlets, especially for the upcoming show at CIA/Copia. Also looking for anyone with Graphic Arts background. It would be helpful to have a poster created for our show that can also be used as handout cards. See Elizabeth Bush and Gary Sampson.
Have Social Media savvy? We also need help getting the word out about NVPS on social media, including Facebook.
Thank you for your consideration,
Gary Sampson
NVPS President
The club is also looking for those interested in a workshop committee and chair – Plan and carry out themed workshops that can be held at the Behrens Street site. The club has budgeted for two free workshops for members. Other workshops could be offered to members and opened to the public for a fee to help pay for the space rental. Additional volunteers for the workshops would be appreciated.
There are also openings for:
Field Trip committee – Plan and carry out field trips that members may be interested in attending as a group.
Publicity – We are looking for someone who enjoys writing to put together occasional feature articles about the organization to submit to local media outlets, especially for the upcoming show at CIA/Copia. Also looking for anyone with Graphic Arts background. It would be helpful to have a poster created for our show that can also be used as handout cards. See Elizabeth Bush and Gary Sampson.
Have Social Media savvy? We also need help getting the word out about NVPS on social media, including Facebook.
Thank you for your consideration,
Gary Sampson
NVPS President
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UPCOMING SHOWS, EVENTS, CLASSES
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Napa-Solano Audubon Society birding walks begin
Join members of the Napa-Solano Audubon Society for birdwatching walks in the parks of Napa. Once a month the group will explore local parks with NSAS birding expert with birding expert Crystal DeMarco There will be opportunities for outdoor education about the local ecosystems and the birds that inhabit them. Dress in weather appropriate outdoor gear, bring some water, hiking footwear and binoculars.
For more detailed descriptions of each walk visit http://www.napasolanoaudubon.com/Event/Calendar
For more detailed descriptions of each walk visit http://www.napasolanoaudubon.com/Event/Calendar
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Hansen image chosen for ARC Gallery's
January SNAP! show
January SNAP! show
Inverness Shipwreck --Geoff Hansen
"Inverness Shipwreck," by NVPS member Geoff Hansen, was among those selected for inclusion in the Arc Gallery & Studios “SNAP!” Show, a Bay Area juried exhibition and off-the-wall sale, a quick turnaround show filled with artwork hung salon-style and ready to be snapped up by Bay Area art lovers.
ARC Gallery is dedicated to showcasing and promoting emerging and established artists from around the country whose work embodies both skill and risk-taking. Juried and curated group exhibitions are the primary means of showcasing and discovering artists and to promote high standards of art by continuously exploring new ideas through the visual media in a schedule of national exhibitions.To learn more about the gallery visit www.arcfinearts-sf.com
ARC Gallery is dedicated to showcasing and promoting emerging and established artists from around the country whose work embodies both skill and risk-taking. Juried and curated group exhibitions are the primary means of showcasing and discovering artists and to promote high standards of art by continuously exploring new ideas through the visual media in a schedule of national exhibitions.To learn more about the gallery visit www.arcfinearts-sf.com
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MEMBERS' NEWS
Burrowing owl -- Rick De Bernardi
Congratulations to NVPS members Rick De Bernardi, Chris Sauer, Ann Seronello and Carolyn Younger whose images of native birds appear in the 2019 Watershed Calendar recently published by the Watershed Information and Conservation Council of Napa County's Resource Conservation District. Calendars are available at the district office, 1303 Jefferson St., Suite 500B, Napa. Details at NapaRCD.org
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2018 December holiday raffle results
Great News! Including three pledges, we took in $965 from our First Holiday Party Silent Auction and Raffle! Thanks to all the donors and participants. Everyone seemed to enjoy the party.
Betty M. wrote “What a great party. Good food, good company, fun! Thanks to the crew that worked on it and glad the raffle and auction were successful!” Marilyn F. said “What a great way to start the Holiday Season” When told of this Karen N. replied “Maybe the word will get out that we are a fun group and more photographers will join!” Yes!!
I would like to thank Karen Noyes, our Hospitality Chair, and Rick De Bernardi our Vice-President, for helping out and setting up the spreadsheet and printing the thank-you tags for the silent auction and raffle.
Also, thank you to Nancy Hernandez and Ann Seronello for the beautiful table decorations. We had wonderful and plentiful eats and treats this year and good wine. Thanks to all who brought food and wine to share. NVPS provided the ham -- thank you to Carl and Angie Johnson for a delicious preparation. NVPS also provided the salmon and thanks to George Bartolome for his delicious preparation.
We had nine silent auction items, and 22 raffle items. Commercial donors included Bay Photo, Magna Chrome, The Image Flow, and Van Winden’s Garden Center. Individual members who contributed were Marissa Carlisle, William and Lorraine Wright, Gary Sampson, Yu Ding, Ann Seronello, Vicki Sampson, Angie Johnson, Carolyn Younger, Betty Malmgren, Rick De Bernardi, Karen Noyes and Joseph Sinclair. Thank you all.
The proceeds will give our organization some cushion when planning our budgetary needs.
-- Gary Sampson
Betty M. wrote “What a great party. Good food, good company, fun! Thanks to the crew that worked on it and glad the raffle and auction were successful!” Marilyn F. said “What a great way to start the Holiday Season” When told of this Karen N. replied “Maybe the word will get out that we are a fun group and more photographers will join!” Yes!!
I would like to thank Karen Noyes, our Hospitality Chair, and Rick De Bernardi our Vice-President, for helping out and setting up the spreadsheet and printing the thank-you tags for the silent auction and raffle.
Also, thank you to Nancy Hernandez and Ann Seronello for the beautiful table decorations. We had wonderful and plentiful eats and treats this year and good wine. Thanks to all who brought food and wine to share. NVPS provided the ham -- thank you to Carl and Angie Johnson for a delicious preparation. NVPS also provided the salmon and thanks to George Bartolome for his delicious preparation.
We had nine silent auction items, and 22 raffle items. Commercial donors included Bay Photo, Magna Chrome, The Image Flow, and Van Winden’s Garden Center. Individual members who contributed were Marissa Carlisle, William and Lorraine Wright, Gary Sampson, Yu Ding, Ann Seronello, Vicki Sampson, Angie Johnson, Carolyn Younger, Betty Malmgren, Rick De Bernardi, Karen Noyes and Joseph Sinclair. Thank you all.
The proceeds will give our organization some cushion when planning our budgetary needs.
-- Gary Sampson
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