Reflecting on 2024: Initiative Accomplishments

As we welcome the new year, the Town of Yountville is proud to reflect on an eventful and productive 2024. Guided by the Town Council’s strategic priorities established in January, we have made significant strides across several key initiatives, enhancing our community’s quality of life and future resilience.

Key Highlights of 2024:

• Acquisition of 6554 Yount Street:
  In April, the Town successfully acquired the former Yountville Elementary School property at 6554 Yount Street, now known as Yountville Commons. Since then, the Town has implemented interim uses while actively engaging the community in developing a long-term vision for this vital space.

• Energy Resiliency Partnership:
  The Town executed an agreement with Schneider Electric to explore innovative energy resiliency solutions, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and reliable energy future.

• "Canine Commons" Dog Park:
  In August, the Town opened the interim dog park, “Canine Commons,” which has quickly become a favorite gathering place for dog owners and their furry friends. This project reflects the Town’s commitment to recreational enhancements and community well-being.

• Emergency Preparedness Initiatives:
  Throughout the year, the Town hosted a variety of emergency preparedness events, including the popular First Wednesday Community Cookouts with Fire Station 12 and the inaugural Yountville Night Out. These events aimed to foster readiness and connection among our residents.

• Pavement Quality Achievements:
  Infrastructure improvement remained a top priority in 2024. At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, the Town proudly announced an improved Pavement Condition Index (PCI) score of 80, a testament to ongoing investments in maintaining our beautiful streets.

Looking back, 2024 has been a year of meaningful progress and collaboration. The Town of Yountville remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and connected community.

Looking Ahead to 2025
As we embark on the new year, we are excited to continue building on these achievements. In 2025, we will focus on advancing the long-term vision for Yountville Commons, launching new sustainability initiatives, and expanding programs that enhance community engagement and well-being. Together, we will work to make Yountville an even better place to live, work, and play.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and here’s to a bright and prosperous year ahead!

Stay Active and Centered Indoors This Winter

When the weather outside turns cold and wet, staying active can feel like a challenge. But just because you can’t venture outdoors doesn’t mean your fitness routine has to take a backseat! Bringing your movement indoors is a fantastic way to maintain your physical and mental health, no matter the season.

Activities like yoga and tai chi are excellent choices for staying active during the winter months. These gentle yet effective practices are great for improving flexibility, balance, and strength while also helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Whether you’re looking to start your day with energy or wind down after a long one, just 15–30 minutes of stretching or guided movement can make a big difference in how you feel.

Not sure where to start? The Yountville Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of classes to suit every fitness level and interest. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to tai chi, our classes provide the perfect environment to learn, grow, and stay connected with your community. Plus, exercising in a group setting can help you stay motivated and make the experience more enjoyable.

Indoor workouts are not just about fitness—they’re also a simple yet powerful way to care for your overall well-being. Regular movement helps keep your body strong and your mind clear, especially during the colder months when many of us spend more time indoors.

Do you have a favorite way to stay active inside? Perhaps it’s a new yoga pose you’ve mastered, a tai chi class you’ve been attending, or another Parks and Rec offering you’d like to recommend. We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite indoor workouts or classes with us and inspire others to keep moving this winter.

Remember, staying active is a gift you give to yourself. So roll out your yoga mat, join a class, or take a moment to stretch—you deserve it!

Why You Should Always Keep Your Mobile Devices Updated
By Jason Bernard, Information Systems Administrator

In a world where mobile devices are integral to daily life, keeping them up to date is more important than ever. From protecting sensitive information to enhancing performance, the updates issued by manufacturers and app developers are designed to keep users safe, efficient, and ahead of the curve. Yet, many people delay or ignore these updates, unaware of the risks they’re taking.

Here’s why keeping your device current is a vital practice for anyone using a smartphone or tablet.

Security: Your First Line of Defense

Mobile devices are prime targets for cybercriminals. Hackers constantly exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to steal data, install malware, and cause widespread damage.

When manufacturers identify these weaknesses, they release updates to patch them. Delaying these updates leaves your device—and the personal information stored on it—exposed. Bank account details, passwords, and even photos can fall into the wrong hands, with devastating consequences.

Updating your device promptly ensures you’re protected against the latest threats, helping you stay one step ahead of cyberattacks.

Performance Enhancements You Can Feel

Have you noticed your phone slowing down, freezing, or draining its battery faster than usual? Software updates are often the solution.

Updates frequently include performance improvements that fix bugs, increase efficiency, and optimize features. They can even extend battery life, ensuring your device works as intended. Skipping these updates may lead to frustration and unnecessary trips to a repair shop when the real fix is just a download away.

New Features at Your Fingertips

Mobile updates don’t just patch issues—they also bring exciting new features. Whether it’s a redesigned interface, an upgraded camera function, or improved accessibility tools, updates can dramatically enhance your device’s capabilities.

For instance, recent updates have introduced tools like enhanced photo editing, augmented reality integration, and advanced privacy controls. Staying up to date ensures you’re not missing out on these innovations, keeping your device fresh and modern.

Avoiding App Compatibility Issues

Outdated devices often struggle to keep up with new versions of apps. Developers design their apps to work with the latest operating systems, and if your device isn’t updated, you may experience crashes, glitches, or even the inability to use certain apps entirely.

This can be particularly problematic for critical apps like mobile banking, fitness trackers, or navigation tools. By keeping your device updated, you ensure compatibility with the services you rely on every day.

Privacy Matters

Updates often include enhancements to privacy settings, giving you more control over your data. With regulations evolving worldwide, manufacturers are continually improving how devices handle user permissions, sensitive information, and tracking protections.

Ignoring updates could leave you with outdated privacy controls, potentially exposing you to unwanted data collection or sharing. Keeping your device current ensures your personal information stays personal.

Longer Device Lifespan

Contrary to popular belief, regularly updating your device can extend its lifespan. Updates keep your phone or tablet functioning optimally, delaying the need for costly upgrades.

Instead of spending money on a new device every couple of years, regular updates allow you to get the most out of your investment, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.

How to Stay Updated

Keeping your device current doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips:

• Enable Automatic Updates: This ensures your device updates in the background without you needing to remember.
• Check for Updates Regularly: If you prefer manual control, make it a habit to check for updates at least once a month.
• Back Up Your Data: Always back up important files before installing major updates.
• Free Up Storage Space: Updates often require space, so clear out unnecessary files or apps to make room.

The Bottom Line

Updating your mobile devices isn’t just a good habit—it’s a necessity. From improving security and performance to unlocking new features, regular updates ensure your device remains safe, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

The next time you see a software update notification, don’t dismiss it. Take a moment to install it and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your device is ready to meet the demands of today—and tomorrow.

Planning and Building Update

Humboldt Mixed-Use Project: The Zoning & Design Review Board (ZDRB) will review the proposed mixed-use project at the corner of Jefferson St. and Humboldt St. and provide a recommendation to the Town Council on January 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

Parks and Recreation Update

Lebanese Mezze Cooking & Culture Class
Join our vibrant Lebanese Mezze cooking class and explore the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine! 

In this class you will work with experienced Chef Rhiana Moussa Fortelny to craft authentic dishes like tabbouleh and baba ghanoush. Enjoy hands on experiences, sharing laughter and your delicious creations in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Click here to register!

My Battery Loves Gin
Come to our World Film Premiere of "My Battery Loves Gin" on Thursday, January 23rd at the Yountville Community Center.

Watercolor Workshop Series
Join instructor Erin Gennow in one or both of her Watercolor Workshop Series at the Yountville Community Center. 

Community Updates

The Town of Yountville's Common Roots Pop-Up Museum
You’re invited to step back in history with us at The Town of Yountville’s Common Roots Pop-Up Museum.

As part of the Town’s upcoming 60th Anniversary of Incorporation, the Common Roots Pop-Up Museum highlights Yountville’s rich and vibrant history. Visitors are invited to contribute to the celebration by sharing their own “Yountville History” through a short, voluntary interview from January 31 to February 4.

All are welcome to visit this free temporary installation hosted in Schmitt Hall at Yountville Commons, located at 6554 Yount Street, January 17 - 19, 24 - 26, 31 and February 1 - 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We'll see you there!

The Common Roots Pop-Up Museum is located in Schmitt Hall at Yountville Commons, 6554 Yount Street. 

Yountville Fit is Open
Yountville Fit is officially here, and we couldn't be more excited to open our doors to you!

Located in the Heart of the Napa Valley, we're bringing fitness, wellness, and a sense of community to this beautiful region. Offering a variety of fitness classes like yoga, pilates, boot camp, and TRX, Yountville Fit has something for everyone. Our award-winning personal trainers and state-of-the-art equipment make it easy to reach your fitness goals. 

Come join us and experience all that Yountville Fit has to offer. We can't wait to welcome you into our community and be part of your journey to a healthier, happier you! Whether you're looking to crush your workout goals, connect with like-minded individuals, or simply find a space to focus on your well-being, we've got you covered. 

Yountville Fit is located at Yountville Commons, 6554 Yount Street. Stop by in person or click here to learn more. 

Molly's Angels Continues the Yountville Crab Feed Tradition 
Molly's Angels is thrilled to host the Annual Yountville Crab Feed, a beloved community tradition featuring delicious fresh crab and lively camaraderie. This festive event not only brings people together but also raises vital funds to support Molly's Angels' mission of providing transportation and resources to Napa Valley seniors. All proceeds from the evening directly benefit the organization's efforts to enhance the quality of life for local seniors in need.

Napa Valley Restaurant Month
Napa Valley Restaurant Month is one of the best times to enjoy all the culinary delights in Napa Valley! For 28 full days, Napa Valley’s world-class restaurants offer exclusive deals on inventive epicurean meals and experiences. 

Celebrate the gastronomy of Napa Valley with this showcase of premium and farm-fresh ingredients curated and presented by talented chefs. Napa Valley Restaurant Month is the perfect time to explore all five towns in America’s premier wine country destination. January 6th kicked off the tastiest time of year.

Yountville's dedicated restaurant week is January 13 - 19, browse menu specials from participating restaurants by clicking here, and don’t forget to make reservations – tables fill up fast for these culinary experiences in Napa Valley!

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