Today, a group of Auberge Associates and Managers planted twelve, 100-foot long rows of Indian corn and popcorn.   We also unrolled irrigation hoses along the planted rows.  This was a terrific opportunity for Auberge to get out in the community (and out into the beautiful weather)!

The White Barn
http://thewhitebarn.org/

2727 Sulphur Springs Ave.
St. Helena, CA 94574

Known as a unique gem of St. Helena, The White Barn is an 1872 Carriage House that was once part of U.S. Civil War General Erasmus Keyes’ home and winery estate. Located at the end of Sulphur Springs Avenue in a bucolic vineyard setting, The White Barn was transformed into an intimate 75-seat performing arts venue without loss of its historic charm. 

Bale Grist Mill

http://napaoutdoors.org/ 

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is a California state park located in Napa County between St. Helena and Calistoga. The park is the site of a water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846. It was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour.  The mill and its 36-foot water wheel are protected as a state historic landmark and have been partially restored. A trail connects the historic park to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.

The Auberge crew manned the drink station and served up soda, bottled water, lemonade and punch.   Thank you to our managers and associates who volunteered their time at the carnival.  

This was such a fun event, but simply cannot happen without community support.   Auberge du Soleil urges you to get involved and active in your communities.  Donating an hour of your time here or there can really make an impact and make a difference. 

The team was able to start at the energizer station in the Redwood Plaza in Napa which provided coffee, bagels and even a free Bike to Work Day tote bag.   They headed up Solano Avenue, through the town of Yountville and up Silverado Trail to Rutherford.  If any of you have ever had the chance to visit Auberge du Soleil, you know the most difficult part of their journey was getting up the hill on Rutherford Hill!  But, alas they made it.  Congrats and a huge thank you for all of them for their green efforts.

Tomorrow, May 10, 2012, is the Bay Area’s 18th Annual Bike to Work Day. Riding a bike has many advantages like healthier living, reducing one’s carbon footprint, and an affordable transportation alternative. Biking to work is a great way to fulfill the requirement of 30+ minutes of physical activity per day needed to stay healthy.

Biking is for everyone. You don’t need special clothing, you don’t need special equipment, and you don’t need to already be in shape to take up biking.  All you need to do is find your motivation and jump on.  It could be anything from reducing stress, losing weight, helping diminish global warming, or having bragging rights at the water cooler on the most distance traveled on a bike. Bike riders come in all different shapes and sizes, and no one should feel limited by their size, attire, equipment or speed.  Bike riding is an equalizer and all are accepted.
Bike to Work events will take place throughout the month of May including a Team Bike Challenge and Bike Commuter of the Year Awards. Energizer stations will be set up throughout Napa counties on Bike to Work Day.  For more information, click below:

Sign up for Bike to Work and be eligible to win Great Prizes!

There is a group meeting at 8am in Napa at Redwood Plaza to bike to Auberge.  Please see Annette or Jonathan if you would like to participate in the event.   We will post pictures of the Auberge Team members who participated in the blog tomorrow to commend them for their efforts.

Information from:  http://www.commuterinfo.net/

We are looking forward to a long relationship with Northwood Elementary.

Here are a few photos of our Managers and the Northwood teachers and staff:

May 4 – 6– 2012 Women for WineSense Grand Event
Wine Education: Women For WineSense invites you to the beautiful Napa Valley, for the 2012 Grand Event. Attend a private reception at Robert Mondavi Winery, enjoy exclusive tours at Napa Valley Wineries, and attend a day of educational seminars, awards luncheon, and silent auction at the CIA.
Fee: from $45 to $310 Time: 5 PM on 5/4 through 4:00 PM on 5/6 Phone Number: 510-206-3283

May 4– Cheers St Helena
Celebration: Come join us as we launch another season of Cheers! St Helena! This season celebrate St Helena’s top restaurants and chefs in our Local’s lounge with live demonstrations and more. Taste wines from over 40 of Napa Valley’s top wineries and enjoy some of the best food and music in the valley!
Fee: $35General/$15(Ages65-74)/FREE(Ages 75+) Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm Phone Number: 707-967-0900

May 4– An evening with David Sedaris @ Uptown Theatre
Performing Arts: With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. 1350 Main St., Napa
Fee: $49/$59 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123

May 5– Sense Yountville
Celebration, Food & Wine Education: Featuring highly allocated pre-release wines at en primeur pricing, rare large format bottles, and culinary pairings by an all-star lineup, Sense Yountville is — by design — a signature event for Yountville, which is widely recognized as the heart of the Napa Valley culinary scene.
Fee: $150 Time: 11 a.m. Phone Number: 707-944-5625

May 5– VOENA: Voices of Life @ Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: VOENA, a Bay Area multicultural children’s choir, with angelic voices ranging in age from 6-18, proudly returns to the Napa Valley Opera House in Voices of Life. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $25/$35 Time: 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 5-6– Rutherford Spring Passport Weekend
Wine Education, Benefit: The Rutherford Appellation Winery association will be providing food pairing along with tastings of amazing Rutherford Appellation wines. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience some of the best wines in the valley during the amazing spring time in Rutherford.
Fee: $75 Weekend/$60 Sunday Only Time: 11a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: 707-332-5585

May 6– Napa Valley Tour de Cure
Recreation, Benefit: Ride in the largest single-day charity cycling event in California. The event begins and ends at the Veteran’s Home in Yountville. Four different routes meander through the Napa and Alexander Valley’s during the height of spring. Following the ride, enjoy lunch, live music and wine tasting. Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.
Fee: Registration fee plus fundraising minimum Time: 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Phone Number: 888-DIABETES

May 9– The Four Bitchin’ Babes @ Napa Valley Opera House
Performing Arts: Start with four richly gifted singer-songwriters, add 3/4 cup married life, four kids, four part harmony vocals, one piano, four guitars, one Rockin’ Purple Bass, a dollop of sharp social commentary, a pinch of pms, and you’ve got an Estrogen fueled show that celebrates the best of Babes, Boys, and Botox. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $20 / $25 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 11– Hills to Hollers @ Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: Bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis, Black Cultural Heritage and soul icon Linda Tillery and Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and mutli-instrumentalist, Barbara Higbie have created a new vocal trio that is an instant sensation. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $18 / $22 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 11– Lavay Smith & her Red Hot Skillet Lickers @ Uptown Theatre
Live Music: Lavay Smith & her Red Hot Skillet Lickers plus Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums. Sultry chanteuse Lavay Smith evokes a sensuous era of glamorous Jazz divas and sexy pinups adding a modern, feminist twist. Lavay and her all-star 8-piece band bake up an instant recipe for good times. 1350 Third St., Napa
Fee: $25 Time: Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123

May 12– Customs & Classics Car Show
Fair: The Customs & Classics Car Show is a free downtown street fair with over 100 gorgeous pre-1972 customs, hot rods & classic cars. In addition to checking out the vehicles you can participate in the Poker Walk to win donated gift baskets, purchase local wine and beer, and listen to oldies classics. Lincoln Ave., Calistoga
Fee: Free to the Public Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Phone Number: 707-942-6333

May 12– Terry Bradford: Luminosity @ Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music, Benefit: Terry Bradford, best known as Celine Dion’s duet partner on tour for five years and 1990 Star Search Male Vocalist Champion, shares his spotlight with the talented youth of Napa Valley in an explosive, high-energy concert, LUMINOSITY. Part of the proceeds will help keep music in the NVUSD elementary schools. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $31- $34 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 13– Mother’s Day Safari at Safari West
Family Fun: Enjoy a special Mothers Day tour aboard The African Queen along with some other surprises! What could be more extraordinary than spending Mother’s Day amongst some of the word’s most elegant creatures? Our chef is preparing a glorious champagne brunch featuring delectable selections especially for you. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa
Fee: $68 for adults; $35 for children (ages 4-12) Time: Morning & Afternoon packages available Phone Number: (707) 579.2551

May 15– Johnny Winter @ Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: Constantly shifting between simple country blues in the vein of Robert Johnson, to all-out electric slide guitar blues-rock, – Johnny has always been one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock and the clear link between British blues-rock and American Southern rock (a la the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.) 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $30 / $35 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 17– Brad Mehldau @ Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau has recorded and performed extensively since the early 1990s. Mehldau’s most consistent output over the years has taken place in the trio format. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $25 / $30 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 19– Alice in Wonderland @ Napa Valley Opera House
Family Fun, Performing Arts: Napa Regional Dance Company presents Alice in Wonderland. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $23 Time: 2 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 19– TREASURES @ Napa Valley Opera House
Family Fun, Performing Arts: Napa Regional Dance Company presents Napa Regional Spring Show case: TREASURES. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $18 Time: 7 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 20– Beaulieu Birthday Party
Celebration: You’re invited to celebrate 112 years of Beaulieu Vineyard with a grand Birthday Party hosted at our famous Rutherford House Estate. Enjoy live music, local food trucks, The BV Wine Lounge & a special Birthday cake! 1960 St. Helena Hwy S., Rutherford
Fee: Call for information Time: Call for information Phone Number: (800) 373-5896

May 20– Jeff Campitelli, Peppino D’Agostino, VOENA & Friends @ Uptown Theatre
Benefit, Performing Arts: This is a fundraiser for VOENA to raise enough funds to allow all children to participate in this amazing Olympic Performance opportunity. Meet VOENA, children ages six to eighteen representing 35 cultures growing up in America as they come together in expression and exploration!
Fee: $35/$45 Time: Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123

May 23– James Farm at Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: James Farm is an acoustic jazz quartet consisting of saxophonist Joshua Redman, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Matt Penman, and drummer Eric Harland. These four free-thinking musicians all individually hold a stake in the future of jazz, and together form a group with a new take on song-based improvisation. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $30 / $35 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 25– Tommy Castro @ Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: Ever since he first picked up a guitar, Tommy Castro believed. He believed he would not only be able to make a living playing music, but could develop his own signature sound, fusing blues with R&B and roots rock ‘n’ roll. And he has done just that. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $18 / $22 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 26– Renegade a Tribute to Styx @ Silo’s
Live Music: Renegade returns to Silo’s with new music, the best line-up ever, and a new show. Renegade will perform your favorite Rock Classics, including the hits of Styx along with covers from Journey, Kansas, Edgar Winter, REO Speedwagon, Boston, Night Ranger, Doobie Brothers, The Beatles, and much more. 530 Main St., Napa
Fee: $20 Advance $25 at the Door $14 members Time: 8:00pm – 11:00pm Phone Number: 707.251.5833

May 26 – 27– Passport to Napa Valley Weekend
Celebration: Enjoy the weekend at four historic and award-winning Napa Valley wineries. the two day passport includes food and wine pairings exclusive to each property and unique experiences paired with live music. Wineries include Beringer Vineyards, St. Clement Vineyards, Etude Wines, and Stags’ Leap Winery.
Fee: Call for information Time: Call for information Phone Number: 866-708-9463

May 27– Joan Osborne at Napa Valley Opera House
Live Music: “I knew when the time was right and my voice was ready, I wanted to make a recording like this one,” says Joan Osborne. That recording is Bring It on Home, a collection of vintage blues, R&B and soul songs that make up the seventh album from the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist. 1030 Main St., Napa
Fee: $40/$45 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

May 29– An evening of music with Hugh Laurie @ Uptown Theatre
Spiritually inspired by similar genre albums like Ry Cooder’s ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ and T-Bone Burnett’s ‘O’ Brother Where Art Thou’ soundtrack, Hugh’s ‘Let Them Talk’ recordings bring together an extraordinary selection of heritage tracks, renowned musicians and vocal legends to champion this much neglected body of work.
Fee: $50 Time: Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123

May 31 – June 3– Auction Napa Valley
Auction, Benefit: Four glorious days of incredible wine and food. Insider’s access to the cool cellars and warm hospitality of renowned Napa Valley vintners. Your choice of dozens of parties, each hosted by the people behind some of the world’s most recognized wines. More than 250 auction lots. Proceeds from this weekend support health, youth and affordable housing non-profit programs.
Fee: $350 – $2,500 Time: Varies Phone Number: 707-963-3388

Calendar of Events provided by: www.napavalley.com

It was great to represent Auberge du Soleil and show our team spirit by wearing our ADS T-shirts.  The race began at the Napa Valley College, went alongside the Napa River and ended in downtown Napa. 

We would like to continue to stress the benefits of an active lifestyle and encourage our associates to participate in events like this. 

The Napa River Cleanup was coordinated by the Napa Resource Conservation District.

http://www.naparcd.org/

Maison d’Arbre will accommodate 32 guests.  It is the perfect space for celebrating anniversaries and special occasions such as rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions, as well as for groups seeking a comfortable space for meetings or casual dining.

Please contact (707) 963-1211 or events@aubergedusoleil.com to book Maison d’Arbre for your next event. 

TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

From Auberge Resorts

1. Turn off water while brushing. Turning off the water between rinses can save at least two gallons in one brushing session.  (The average U.S. citizen uses 2,000 gallons of water a day)
2. Pay bills online. It’s usually free, and you’ll never miss another payment. If all U.S. households viewed and paid bills electronically, we’d save 18.5 million trees and 15.8 billion gallons of water per year. Plus, save up to $148 per year on stamps.
3. Don’t trash your meds. When we flush meds down drains or send them to landfills, they make their way into rivers and even drinking water. Take unused meds to your next pharmacy visit.
4. Zap phantom loads. 40% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while they’re turned off. Plug devices into power strips and switch off each night.
5. Buy local. It’s fresher: Produce shipped from outside the country travels up to two weeks before it arrives in grocery stores. Plus it takes 4-17 times less oil to produce local food compared to nonlocal.
6. Exercise outside. Gyms overload on A/C, and most of those training machines use electricity too.
7. Stop junk mail. It consumes more energy than 2.8 million cars every year and uses100 million trees 28 billion gallons of water used annually. Americans waste about 8 hours per year dealing with junk mail. You can stop 75% of unsolicited mail by registering on the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association Website (for a fee of $1). Within 90 days, most unsolicited mail will stop.
8. Check your tire pressure. Increase your gas mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated — which also keeps 383 lbs of CO2 out of the air each year.
9. Use cloth napkins. Americans use an average of 2,200 paper napkins per person per year. It’s actually cheaper to throw cloth napkins in the wash than to buy paper ones.
10. Drive efficiently. At 45mph and above, save gas by rolling your windows up and cranking the AC.
11. Fix drips.  One dripping faucet wastes more water in a day than one person can drink in a week.
12. Buy products with refills.  This will dramatically reduce the amount of packaging that goes to waste
13. Give away used household items. Charities or second hand shops will give these items a second life.
14. Use Safe Bottles. Many baby and adult water bottles are made from plastic that contains the toxin bisphenol A (BPA). Opt for BPA-free bottles to avoid toxins in the body and in the environment.
15. Buy bath products free of toxins: Your body deserves to be nourished and you should try to use products that contain natural or organic ingredients.

WEBSITES

LIFESTYLES OF HEALTH AND SUSTAINABIILITY www.lohas.com LOHAS is an acronym for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, a market segment focused on health and fitness, the environment, personal development, sustainable living, and social justice.

THE DAILY GREEN: www.thedailygreen.com The consumer’s guide to the green revolution – includes recipes, products, travel and more.

EARTH 911: www.earth911.com Earth911 is an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products’ end-of-life for both businesses and consumers

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: www.nationalgeographic.com The well known global institution has a great resource called the “green guide” that provides interesting facts and resources.

NATURE.ORG: www.nature.org You can calculate your carbon footprint

MOBILE APPS

The GoodGuide iPhone app is the app you need when navigating store aisles. Once downloaded, you can use your iPhone or iPod Touch’s camera to scan the barcodes of more than 65,000 products

The EarthObserver app puts a worldwide interactive atlas at your fingertips and lets you explore the Earth like never before. Created at Columbia University and supported by the U.S. Science Foundation

The Get Green app sends a helpful season-based daily tip to your iPhone, ranging from green workplaces, to throwing a green Halloween party and even greening your wedding

BUSINESS REFERENCES

Green to Gold, by Daniel C. Esty; Andrew S. Winston

Forces for Good, the six practices of high-impact nonprofits by Leslie R Crutchfield; Heather McLeod Grant

Management Reset, by Edward E Lawler; Christopher G Worley; David Creelman

http://bx.businessweek.com/sustainable-business-practices/

 http://getsustainable.net/library.html

 http://www.iisd.org/business/tools/principles_sbp.aspx

 FILMS

An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

Planet Earth (2006)

King Corn (2007)

March of the Penguins (2005)